<p>I live in Colorado. I go to a very large public high school which is prestigious out here, but maybe not on the east coast. I'm a rising junior.</p>
<p>My parents both went to Duke. They are active and conduct alumni interviews. </p>
<p>At school, I have a 4.6 GPA. My class rank is in the top 3% of 1000 kids. I will be taking 5 APs this year. </p>
<p>I am an executive board member for NHS and hope to become the president of my chapter. I am a varsity debate member and hope to become Team Captain. I do work with Spanish Honor Society as well. </p>
<p>I also play chess. I am a 3-time state champion for my age and a 3-time national champion. I teach private lessons (along with a job at a local market) and I volunteer teaching to little kids. I would be a good/decent addition to the Duke chess team. They usually make the final four every year. </p>
<p>I also play tennis and lacrosse and my school. I am not great at either but I am consistent in participating and will probably make varsity senior year. </p>
<p>I know plenty of kids that are way more outstanding than me that don't get in. How do you think my odds are of getting into Duke? What about Ivy League schools? My parents say it'll be a reach, but I'm not trusting that. They just try to get me to bust my a-ss.</p>
<p>The bad news is that I'm white. I'm Joe Smith from mid-upper class suburbia. I haven't had any life-changing experiences, I haven't volunteered in Ethiopia, and my family hasn't immigrated from Vietnam. Shoot me now.</p>
<p>The chess makes you stand out greatly. I would say that if you are able to receive that SAT Score, then you would be golden and have a great chance of getting in. I also am looking at Duke, and I know that its scary how selective they are getting, but you are also a legacy. You have a GREAT shot.</p>
<p>you have legacy man! that's amazing
but unfortunately Duke is a big legacy school, i know plenty of people who were good and had legacy and got rejected
you scores are good and so are your ECs, you have good working experience and volunteer hours
what about SATs? (if you haven't taken them yet, aim ABOVE 2200, preferable above 2300 and for SATII try to get above 700 for each)</p>
<p>If you're sure you want to go to Duke (and can afford it without comparing FA packages), be sure and apply ED. As I understand it, Duke gives the most preference to legacies who apply early. At least that's what we were told by someone at Duke when our kids- who are legacies- were thinking about applying.</p>
<p>And, btw, although nothing's a sure bet at top schools these days, you have a great chance of getting in!</p>
<p>Just saw Peachsnapple's post. He/she's right. The higher you can score on your SAT's the better. I know...that sounds obvious, but it could be the element that tips you over.</p>
<p>Honestly if you achieve that SAT score, you have a real good shot of getting in. Your legacy is going to help you out a lot. Good luck! chance me in return?</p>