Chance my Son for Duke and Cornell

Applying to College
1

<p>These are two of my son's reach schools academically and financially. I could use your help and your opinions. Thanks in advance</p>

<p>White male</p>

<p>GPA - 3.88 unweighted, 4.76 weighted</p>

<p>Class Rank - 2nd out of 243 (class rank is on weighted)</p>

<p>AP Classes - Will have completed 6 by the time he graduates. However, his school only offers one to underclassmen and then almost every AP class lasts the entire year. Most he could have taken was 9 but he took Concert band all 4 years.</p>

<p>AP Scores received to date - World History - 3 US History - 5 English Language and Comp - 5</p>

<p>ACT Scores - Composite 34, Reading 36, English 35, Math 34, Science 31</p>

<p>Decent Extra Curriculars but not outstanding (i.e. VP of Beta Club, Varsity Baseball, Senior Class Representative Student council, Volunteer Tutor for 403C corporation that helps disadvantaged children, Started own Tutoring business for 4-6th grade and has helped several go from failing to passing on EOC's; Appointed Senior Mentor of 38 member church youth group) has a few others as well similar in nature</p>

<p>Will have very good recommendation letters as he has taken the time to get to know his GC and a couple of teachers and all said they would be honored to do his letters. His 34 composite score is easily the best at his school. Shared with his GC the link to MIT site and what makes a good letter.</p>

<p>Waiting on scores for two subject tests that he took earlier in the month.</p>

<p>Thanks for any input in advance</p>

2

<p>Assuming your son receives 700+ on each of his subject tests, he is in range of both schools. That said, Duke can be somewhat unpredictable. Be sure he researches the “Why Duke?” essay well. Cornell has tons of essays, so be sure he takes his time on each one.</p>

3

<p>Thank you. We live in NC and that gives us a slight advantage for Duke</p>

4

<p>Duke also likes demonstrated interest. Has he done the official tour, info session, and met Dean of Admissions Christoph Gutentag? Are there any relatives who are legacies?</p>

5

<p>Yes, he has done the official tour, the info session and met with the Dean of Admissions. Unfortunately, no legacies. However, I think he will do well on the “Why Duke?” essay. He has loved the school since he was eight. There are several Saturday mornings where we have gotten up and just decided to drive the 130 miles to Duke to walk around the campus and catch a football game. He also has toured it as part of his elementary school. He loves the campus and liberal arts education.</p>

6

<p>Fauve, I appreciate your input and taking the time to respond.</p>

<p>Does anyone else have any comments, suggestions?</p>

<p>Thank you</p>

7

<p>Not looking for a yes he will get in or no he will not. Just want some confirmation that my thinking I correct and that his stats are at least in line with these two schools and he is not wasting time on applications. </p>

<p>Thanks</p>