Chance Me ED?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

I’ll be applying this fall ED, and I’d be grateful if you all could shed some insight on my potential admissions status. I know there is more to their view of me–essays, letters of rec.–but based on these concrete things, how would you chance me? Thank you!!

I’m from North Carolina, a white male.
GPA: UW 4.07 / 4.7 W
Rank: N/A
SAT: 1480, but planning on taking again
Subject Tests: Taking in August
Rigor: Pretty tough, 3 APs sophomore, 4 junior, and taking 5 my senior year. Skipped a year of English and Spanish… This year I’m taking AP Gov., AP Econ., AP Chem., AP Spanish, AP Calc. AB, and a senior English seminar.
Extracurriculars (This is probably my strongest area):

  • Founder and President of Political Discussion Club wherein we’ve hosted Members of Congress, writers, activists, etc.
  • Elected to the Honor Council for 3 years
  • Interned at a pro bono legal aid firm
  • Work with an area Christian youth group
  • Page in NC State House twice
  • Election Data Reporter for a national news site.
  • Varsity Quiz Bowl and XC
    Awards:
  • AP Scholar with Distinction
  • (Assumed based on score) National Merit
  • 2x Presidential Service Award for over 600 hours of community service
  • 3x Citizenship Award at school for contribution to school
2

About where are you in your class rank wise. I know you indicate that your school doesn’t rank but you have some idea? Top 3 in class? Too 10%? Where do the top kids in your school tend to go to college?

What are your AP test scores?

Right now, your chances are low for Duke unless you’ve left something out. Of course, most ever’s chances are low at Duke but you aren’t really in the running.

Duke is very straightforward as to how they evaluate applicants. Your grades/rank , rigor of your curriculum, ECs, Recs, Essay and SAT1 Score with a heavy emphasis on that score. Duke also highly recommends taking two SAT2 tests which means those will be scrutinized too. Because Duke is heavily test score oriented unless you have a hook, those will be a very strong determine factor in the admissions process