Chances for admission?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>Here's some condensed info that'll go on my application, but it's certainly not exhaustive : )</p>

<p>GPA: 4.0 (unweighted...my private school doesn't weight advanced classes, nor are they dubbed "AP." I'm hoping my counselor explains in my School Report how difficult the classes are, and that I've taken all the toughest available every year).</p>

<p>Class Rank: Valedictorian (but only out of 40 haha)</p>

<p>SAT 1: 1st try: 750 CR, 650 Math <- yikes, 720 Writing: 2120
2nd try: 750 CR, 710 Math <-meh, still low, 760 Writing: 2220</p>

<p>Sat IIs: I took Math IIC and Lit in June, scores come in this Saturday...</p>

<p>APS: here's the <em>ouch</em> part..since my school doesn't really support APs, I only took the Lit test this spring (scores come in soon). I expect a 5. Even though I plan on taking many AP tests independently NEXT spring, I obviously have to apply way before that : (</p>

<p>Honors: plenty of school-wide awards, but it's only worth mentioning the national ones, I suppose: Furman Scholar, Sewanee Book Award for Promising Writers, and National Merit (either CS or SF, we'll see.....).</p>

<p>ECs: -Forensics!! (aka Speech and Debate). Team Captain. I've placed regionally in literally every event (on the speech side, no LD or anything). I recently placed 18th nationally in Original Oratory.
-Varsity Basketball, starting point guard for two years
-Mock Trial, hoping for an Attorney award at State this year...
-Theatre, Leading roles in three productions</p>

<p>Community Service: not sure about the precise number of hours, but for the past 3 summers, I've volunteered as a counselor at a summer camp for underprivileged kids. My Freshman and Sophomore years, I volunteered as a tutor for underprivileged kids (same organization) once-a-week.</p>

<p>I write poetry and prose all the time, so I plan on developing some kick-butt essays, and perhaps sending in some supplemental work.</p>

<p>So, with all that in mind, what are my chances at Duke?</p>

2

<p>I don't think AP scores matter all that much. You've got great ECs and rank. Your SAT score is fine, but if you think you can raise it, go ahead and try this fall. As long as you write a good essay, I don't see why you wouldn't have a great shot.</p>

3

<p>Ohh thank you, that makes me happy lol</p>

<p>Are you a Duke student/alumnus?</p>

4

<p>Great chances</p>

5

<p>yay! any more takers?</p>

6

<p>If your school doesn't offer APs, not taking them will definitely not hurt you; in fact, taking them independently might be considered showing initiative, at least in my mind. Just make sure you counselor writes that somewhere so the adcom knows that.</p>

<p>Either way your chances look good. Good luck.</p>

<p>In case you're wondering, I'm a Duke student.</p>

7

<p>Awesome! I always figured that I couldn't possibly get "penalized" for having an odd school course selection, b/c I took all the accelerated ones available.</p>

<p>Well, the consensus from everyone I've talked to seems to be anywhere in the range from match to reach. Hoping for the best!</p>

8

<p>hookem168:</p>

<p>Duke - High Match</p>

<p>AP scores will NOT affect your admission in any way. They are just used for placement. Make sure you do all the supplemental stuff (helps a lot) and try to get an interview with an alumnus in your area if you haven't already. You should apply ED...I bet you'd get in. Good Luck.</p>

9

<p>What d'ya mean by "all the supplemental stuff?"
As in..what specifically in the app are you referring to??</p>

<p>Oh, I can't wait for all my interviews. I love public speaking, and am very confident, so I look forward to showcase/present myself lol</p>

10

<p>I mean supplemental essays if Duke has them. I know other colleges have supplemental essays that are not "required" but it helps if you do them.</p>

11

<p>Ah, I'm not sure if Duke does or not, but I certainly will be filling out any and all "optional" materials for all my apps : )</p>