Chance me Please :)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>Hi all. It's that time of year..so it would be greatly appreciated if you could chance me. I am a long time reader of CC, even though I just recently joined.</p>

<p>Gender/Ethnicity: Male/South Korean citizen (Even though I have lived in the states for...13 years now).
GPA (this is the part that worries me):
unweighted = 3.71/4 (3.35 freshman year, 3.57 sophomore year, 3.71 junior year).
weighted = 5.01/6 (4.45 freshman year, 4.64 sophomore year, 5.01 junior year).</p>

<p>I am in the top ten % of my class. A 5.3 in my school is considered exceptionally good. However a 5.01 would probably be “just good”. If it helps at all, my GPA has a SOARING upward trend. I started with a 3.35 unweighted, 4.45 weighted freshman year, and a class rank of 203/669. Finishing junior year, I have brought it up to a 48/660. </p>

<p>Test Scores (this is the part that might save me):
SAT I: 2350/2400. 800 M, 780 W, 770 CR.
Math level 2 SAT Subject Test: 800.
Chemistry SAT Subject Test: 790.
Biology M SAT Subject Test: 790.</p>

<p>AP Biology/Chemistry/English Language/World History/Statistics/Calculus AB/Macroeconomics: 5
AP US History/Computer Science: 4</p>

<p>Extracurriculars, Awards, etc. (* = of significant importance)
JV Tennis team for freshman/sophomore year.
Symphony Orchestra (top at my school, the #1 ranked full orchestra in the state of Texas). *
Section leader of Second violin section junior year.
Member of All-Region Orchestra freshman/sophomore/junior year. Top 5 chair junior year.
Member of All-State Orchestra junior year.
Received “1”/”Outstanding” Award (top award) for regional Solo/Ensemble contest freshman/junior year.
Received “1”/”Outstanding” Award (top award) for state Solo/Ensemble contest junior year.
Volunteered at a local community center freshman/sophomore year where I helped counselors take care of kids attending a summer day camp. *
Actually worked/became a counselor for the community center junior year. *
Had a leadership role in a non-profit organization. *
Award at our school for having a weighted GPA higher than a 4 (lol), not sure what the name of the award was.
National Merit Finalist*
National AP Scholar*
Volunteered at a library freshman year summer.
Volunteered at a large hospital sophomore year summer.
Attended camp CAMP, where I was a counselor and helped take care of mentally challenged kids for a week. *
Member of Outreach/DECA/Science club at school.
~300 community service hours.</p>

<p>I am sure I have solid recommendations and a decent essay. </p>

<p>My high school is very competitive...which is why my grades are not nearly as high as my standardized test scores.</p>

2

<p>i think you have a great shot. your test scores are very good. my suggestion would be to really push yourself in your ECs. you have some great awards, but nothing that will truly stand out. a lot of applicants will be part of all-state music groups or have extensive volunteer experience. maybe seek out an internship or start your own project - something that will show that you have initiative and passion. good luck</p>

3

<p>Have you considered applying ED? Surely an application like this would have better chances in the juicy 40%-accept ED pile. As for your resume…</p>

<p>Grades: I think you should consider writing an essay that explains (subtly) the reason Duke should accept you despite your mediocre first half of high school. For example, write an essay that showcases your developing maturity throughout high school–sounds cliche, but when approached correctly these type of essays can be golden. I think it would be wise not to ignore your shaky grades, i.e., the obviously vulnerable spot in your application.</p>

<p>Testing: Not much to say here–congratulations, these scores are certainly assuring to any admissions officer. </p>

<p>ECs: Not to degrade any of your achievements, but your listed ECs simply will not give you an edge over many other competitive RD applicants. Your list appears to me as a list of everything a college-bound HS student should do–and not much more. Congratulations on your amazing accolades in orchestra, but frankly/unfairly, EVERY smart Asian male plays violin. Take the opportunity to be quirky, funny, and sincere in expressing your commitment to these activities and what they mean to you. The achievements alone do not speak for themselves enough to warrant you an accept letter. They are, however, respectable enough to present you with a chance to be accepted to Duke.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>