Chance me Duke '25 ED

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

Currently a junior
White female from Tennessee
Extremely competitive large public high school
Wanting to major in biological sciences/genetics/evolutionary studies, and probably minor in music theory?? Idk if that matters to my application
Legacy status (my mom)

GPA weighted: 4.625 (so far)
GPA unweighted: 3.9
My school does not rank

Classes:
Fresh-
English I Honors
Algebra II Honors
AP Human Geography
Spanish II Honors
Lifetime Wellness (req by school)
Biology I Honors

Soph-
AP Physics
Precalculus Honors
Chemistry I Honors
English II Honors
AP European History
Spanish III Honors

Junior-
AP AB Calc
AP Biology
AP Music Theory
AP English Language
AP Spanish
APUSH

(Intended) Senior-
AP Statistics
AP Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
AP Psychology
AP English Literature
AP Gov/econ

Scores:
ACT- I took it with zero test prep just to see where I stand and got a 30. I still have 3-4 tries left… it should go up?? I would hope
SAT- have not taken

Extracurriculars:
Work as a sales associate at Honey Baked Ham
Varsity Cheer 3 years, JV freshman (but invited to compete with varsity:)
Vanderbilt Blair School of Music (piano) (I receive actual grades for this… should I include?)
Model UN
Youth in Government

I’m definitely leaving so much information out of this… lmk if more info is needed, just want to see where I’m at :slight_smile:

2

You are on the right track! Make sure to prep well the next time you take the ACT and hopefully get in the 34+ range.

Apply ED especially since you have a legacy parent. You are taking a ton of APs which is not required for admissions but if you can maintain your top grades I guess it’s fine.

An EC around your intended areas of study (biology, chemistry, etc) might be helpful and interesting to you. I’m a big believer in hiring a knowledgeable private college counselor and “package” you to the college.

Lastly, make sure to enjoy high school, you are making a lot of sacrifices when heavily focusing on academics and grades to get in to top colleges.

Good luck to you!

4

@socaldad2002 Yes I forgot to mention I’m in biology olympiad! I’d also like to start a club of some sort in that area but I’m not sure where to start. Thank you and @deneuralyzer for your feedback, it is much appreciated!