Hello all,
I am a junior in high school right now at a prep/boarding school in New England. I am in the process of looking at many colleges and trying to decide on a few for my future. I’ve toured many universities and after seeing all of them, I really only want to be at Duke University. I love everything about it. My dad went there (undergrad) along with my grandfather and uncle (also both undergrad). I would apply ED considering the fact that it is by far my #1 school, but, as much as I hate to admit it, I am not at the same level as other Duke applicants. I’m not weak, but I’m certainly not strong. I’ve also been suspended which I know can be a big minus. The circumstances were unique and I might be able to leave it off when applying, but worst case scenario, my application could say that I have been suspended. Let me know what you guys think my chances might be. Some stats and extras listed below. I understand if there isn’t enough info. Anything helps.
GPA: 3.9 (weighted)
SAT: Unknown, above 90th percentile for sure.
Classes: 2 APs currently, 3-4 senior year.
Rank: school doesn’t rank
Teacher Recs: very good
Location: Louisiana
Ethnicity: White
School: Private college prep school
Gender: Male
Income: very high
Extras: Worked at Bigelow Tea Company, attended Duke Summer College, 60+ hours community service, in-school exchange program with South Africa/went to school there for 3 months, varsity bowling team (yes that exists at my school), rocketry club, student council, key club, math team, on my schools strategic planning committee, JV ice hockey.
That is my current GPA. I don’t know my overall GPA. The overall GPA is lower.
Legacy and the NE prep school could tip the scales for an applicant with below-average stats, but it’ll be a question of degree. With a 3.7 UW (or whatever it takes to be near the top 10% at your school), and a 1500 SAT/34 ACT, you’d have a fighting chance. With a GPA that would put you in the top 30% at your school, and 90th-percentile test scores (1900-2000 on the old SAT, maybe 1300-1400 on the new one), your chances are slim.
It’ll be hard to chance you until you have test scores and know the GPA you’ll have when you apply. You need to maximize your grades and scores, and come back at the end of junior year.
Ok I will work on my scores. Do you think the Duke Summer College helps me much?
As a spring Junior at a prep school how do you not have any test scores? If they are 90th% that puts you in the bottom 25% of admitted students. The average UW GPA at Duke is a 3.79- is yours a little lower or a LOT lower?
Duke does love it’s legacies, and if your Dad and Grandfather have stayed involved that can help- but it’s a lot to bank on. You have a quarter left- can you show a strong upward trend in grades + good course rigor?
90th percentile SAT is approx a 2000 (on the old on) so like a 1320 on the new one. That, along with your gpa and ecs and suspension is going to really hurt you. That being said, I’m assuming you’re at like PEA or Andover or something which will absolutely help you, along with legacy. As fa as chances, probably pretty low unless you can pull off like a 1500 on the new SAT and don’t have to mention that suspension. Also, if you are at PEA or any other really prestigious prep school, your gpa will hurt you less.
@screennameguy , how great that you have come to realize Duke is your first choice! It is an awesome school to be sure. A couple of suggestions for you. 1) Spend your summer and vacations and basically as much time as you can prepping for the SAT and (and the SAT subject tests–if you have not taken them). You want to end up with test scores that are higher than the average admitted student at Duke. That will definitely help your application. Studying for the test is something that you can control, and will make a difference in strengthening your application at Duke (or wherever else you apply). You can study for free on Khan Academy. It sounds like your parents are wealthy, and if that is the case perhaps they will pay for private tutoring. Aim for a 730 Reading and 750 Math. Please be very clear and precise on what you need to accomplish. There are several online resources that will indicate Duke’s test ranges.
2) Have someone reach out and find out if your suspension will be a factor. Perhaps a college counselor or guidance counselor can ask anonymously. If it is a deal breaker, you want to know. You are welcome to reach out to me privately, but don’t put the details out here on CC–it is a public forum. Not all infractions are considered deal breakers.
3) Ask your Dad (and/or Uncle and/or GrandPa) if they can help with recommendations for you. Maybe you have a close family friend that is a fellow alumnus that can put in a good word–aka a letter of recommendation.
4) If you get your scores up and confirm that the suspension will not be a deal breaker, do apply ED–as you suggested. The chances for admission as an ED candidate at Duke are almost three times higher. Also, typically legacies are given preference in the ED cycle.
5) Be thinking WHY you want to go to Duke and work on the essays. Go for a formal interview (if they have one). Basically do everything you can think of to show your interest and commitment to the school.
6) Be thinking of some great safety schools. Duke came out with its regular admissions stats yesterday and they were crazy low.
Hope that helps.
Best of luck! :-h
PS Condolences for Coach K’s Blue Devil’s getting knocked out of March Madness.
Duke alum here. Legacy really only helps a lot if your parents were meaningfully involved with Duke after graduation. Money, time, volunteering, etc. Ask your father or grandfather if they are part of the James B Duke Society or better yet Braxton Craven.
If they have never heard of these terms it means they probably haven’t donated a lot.
Was the suspension due to discipline, grades or some other reason? How long were you suspended?
Find what you are passionate about and good things will come your way. In my opinion of life, its what you do in this world that truly matters. Im positive that is what any great college wants.
Hello
I am a high school junior and Duke is my first choice too. I have been doing researches on the university and I believe you are in a good place so far. Also, in such big universities, your essays and personal statements play a major role. Many of the top universities reject many students with perfect GPA and SAT scores. That is because their applications are just like the other thousand applications they have read. Use your essays to stand out from other applicants and show you are different.
Best of luck!