I’m a junior in highschool, My Gpa is about a 3.8 on a 4.0, my sat is 2170 and act is a 33, national merit scholar, recipient of the presidents community service award for 3 years totaling up to around 300 hours so far, i rowed crew freshmen year and played golf sophomore and junior years and plan on playing it senior year as well. I founded a student managed investment fund this year which I am the president of (we invest actually money in the stock market and are funded by our school) I have been a member of youth and government and world affairs since freshmen year, I took 1 AP and 2 honor classes last year and am currently taking 3 AP’s(Chem, physics and us history) this year and plan on taking even more next year. Also I’m interested in majoring in economics or something else that would allow me to find a job on wallstreet. I know this isn’t the best resumé but can anyone tell me what my chances might be getting into Duke? Thanks!
I usually try to shy from chancing juniors because a lot can change in a year. However I would suggest getting perfect grades this year to really boost your chances. You might wanna retake the SAT to put you in an almost guaranteed spot although there are no guarantees at any of these schools but your SAT is already spot on. Your EC’s are very interesting. I have no doubt that Duke will be a low reach in your worst case scenario and a match in your best. Shoot for the stars
@Homeless2Harvard thanks alot!
What homeless said plus try to really push one or two of your EC’s to show real “engagement” and the willingness to really challenge yourself and take full advantage of opportunities. Then apply ED if you are okay with the financial risk. Best of luck to you.
You have solid Duke credentials, given your junior year status. However, when you apply next year, it’s extremely likely 25,000+ other candidates will be at least equally distinguished (and only about 10 percent, in aggregate, will be admitted). Therefore, in addition the the earlier recommendations, I suggest:
- Your essays and recommendations will probably be critical . . . start thinking now about how you can make your essays truly compelling to Duke Undergraduate Admissions (there are lots of good ideas in CC’s archives, but it is essential the themes come from your “heart”).
- Emphasize ECs that involve outreach, service and engagement.
- ED (presuming the financials are viable) provides a small – but often crucial – competitive advantage (to illustrate, 48 percent of '19 has already be selected from this year’s ED “pool”).
- Your GPA and standardized test scores can be improved; you should diligently focus on both AND study hard in preparations for Duke’s mandatory SAT II examinations.
Good luck!
BUMP
BUMP
Early Decision would put you in a good position. You’d be pretty competitive and still have time to raise your scores and shine on your essays. Regular Decision would be a crap shoot. Honestly, I think you’d have a really good chance if you applied early and a so so chance if you applied regular.
Thanks!