Hi! I applied to Duke ED and I’m wondering what my chances are like.
My unweighted GPA is around a 3.75, I got a 33 on my ACT, and a 760 on the Math 2 Subject Test. I did not send any of my AP scores in.
For awards/honors, I received the Gold Award for the President’s Volunteer Service Award and am a member of Science Honors Society and Mu Alpha Theta.
For extra-curriculars, I created a non-profit (I was featured on ABC News, Pix 11, and many other channels), I interned for an Assembly Woman, I drafted/passed a bill in the state of NJ, I did research at Yale’s policy lab, I interned for the NYC Mayor, I worked on a governor campaign with a woman running for office, and I worked at my parents business for many years.
Apart from these activities, I did the usual community service, sports, and music.
I think my essays were really good and I managed to tie my intended area of study into my mission for my non-profit.
Lastly, I am an Indian girl who comes from a pretty well-off family.
Stats: UW is below average, ACT is slightly below average, no AP scores will be a REALLY BIG red flag to Duke, basically it decreases the significance of any AP classes you have taken because then they will think that all the good grades you got were because the class was easy and did not prepare you well enough for the AP tests
Honors: gold award is pretty common, same with SHS and Mu Alpha Theta
ECs: anyone can make a non-profit, just be sure to explain what it does and it’s impact. interning for an assembly member is common, especially where I live. by drafting a bill, do you mean that you helped with drafting it or was this a single person effort, because bills can take several years to pass and I honestly don’t think you’ve had that amount of time to do it by yourself, anyone can intern at Yale or any other top school. Helping with a campaign is average unless they ended winning and wrote you a rec.
Overall chance: low, I mean like it’s Duke, so it can end up being random
Your UW gpa is definitely not good enough along with your lack of any AP scores, but again, I think the EC’s are going to be what makes it or breaks it for you. The essays for you are going to be critical to explain and highlight that your EC’s are unique. Also, if you had or didn’t have an interview, the interview is going to be a critical aspect since your interviewer can relay some info about your EC’s that you talked about with your interviewer. Though your stats are somewhat subpar, you definitely have a shot. Good luck with your ED decision!
Did you self-report your AP scores on the application. This comes directly from the Duke Admissions website regarding AP score submittals:
“We value those scores when available as demonstrations of subject mastery to complement your academic transcripts. You should self-report these scores in your application. We will require an official score report from students who matriculate at Duke who wish to use those scores for credit or placement.”
I cannot assess your chances for admission to Duke for a variety of reasons including that I have no knowledge of what is in your teacher recommendations & essays. But I encourage you to apply if you have solid reasons for wanting to attend this particular university.
Which other colleges & universities are you considering & why ?
P.S. I like your profile & think that you should receive serious consideration for admission to Duke. Public policy analysis is a popular major at Duke.
I also think you have a strong profile. Duke wants intelligent, passionate and interesting students. As far as I can see, that includes someone with your stats.
Good luck to you! (Please post back if you are accepted - I’d be very happy for you.)
I would say your stats are definitely on the lower side, and considering that you’re asian Duke may expect higher grades and test scores. I can relate. Your ECs are decent, but if you compare them to other applicants they may seem generic unless you thoroughly explained them to make them stand out. Honestly your essays and rec letters will make it or break it for you, as Duke is one of those schools that doesn’t focus all their attention on stats.
I also applied ED to Duke and hopefully we both get admitted! BTW I also didn’t send any AP scores, or even list them on my Common App (which I should’ve), but I wouldn’t worry too much. According to my counselors, they don’t carry that much weight in admissions.