<p>Brief description of myself: I am a senior at a semi-comptetitive public school, am a first generation college student, and will be needing no aid. Duke is my dream and has been as of about a year ago when a friend first told me about it. Ever since I have been doing ANYTHING whether it's reading books or studying for standardized test's to not only increase my meager chances for duke ED, but also to give me confidence and pleasure. I went from D's and an F frosh year to straight A+'s with a full IB schedule senior year. Pretty crazy upward trend that I will write about in my essay. Please give me in-depth, realistic chances of ways to improve my chance of getting in and whether or not you think they'll accept me.</p>
<p>Standardized Test's:</p>
<p>SAT 1: 2320 Total, 1600 Composite (May take again in Oct. for better writing)</p>
<p>Math: 800</p>
<p>Critical Reading: 800</p>
<p>Writing: 720</p>
<p>SAT II's</p>
<p>Math 1C: 780</p>
<p>Biology-760</p>
<p>Literature-720</p>
<p>High school GPA- 2.9 UW Probably 3.6-3.7 W HORRIBLE frosh and soph year (Laziness kills!) , 7 IB's Total. 5's on most exams. IB Diploma Scholar.</p>
<p>EC's:
1)Mathletes
2)Habitat for Humanity in Costa Rica building homes
3)Volunteer tutoring at my local Boys/Girls club (approximately 200 hours)
4)Track and Tennis mostly throughout high school. Lacrosse one year.
5)Tutored math to several sophmores for the PSAT in my home.
6)Ran/Designed my own website for two years. Very experienced with web design.
7)Took Physics and Calculus 1 at a local CC during the summer.
8)Went to UCLA for an extensive SAT program. (Ehh)</p>
<p>If you believe my chances are slim to none, do you think I would be as competitive as possible if I were to go to a CC for a year or two with a 3.8-4.0 and transfer?</p>
<p>Hmm... I don't like commenting on chances threads, because I know that my opinion counts for squat in the admissions process. Also because I was told that I had a slim chance and ended up getting in after being deferred ED.</p>
<p>Having said that, I do think I have some questions and comments that could prove helpful to you (and anyone else who is applying and happens to read this).</p>
<p>I'm insanely intrigued by your test scores and academic history. You said you were going to explain that in your essay? While I agree that you DEFINITELY want to include something about that, I don't think that your essay is the best medium. You want to use the essay to show your expressive and creative side. For example, you could talk about your proudest achievement (volunteering, designing your own website, etc.). I seem to remember there being a section in the application where the student has extra space to write about anything they needed to. But it's been a while since I filled out a college app.</p>
<p>HOWEVER, if there were extenuating circumstances for your bad freshman/sophomore grades (which I don't think is the case from looking at your own commentary), such as surgery or a string of bad luck in life, that could be used to write a great essay.</p>
<p>My basic point here is that, given your GPA, you're going to want to write a sensational essay and get amazing letters of recommendation. I can't say that doing so would get you in to Duke, but it would better your chances (which I'd say aren't great, but aren't terrible either). Transferring is just as tough as getting in initially... if not tougher. If you don't get in to Duke, I would say go for a safety school (not a CC), do well there, and try transferring. </p>
<p>I hope this helps.</p>
<p>I agree. With those scores, you can get into a good school and then try to transfer into Duke if you don't get in next year. Your test scores will get you into a solid state school at the least.</p>
<p>I don't think Duke considers writing, so you may want to find out for sure, and if so, don't bother retaking.</p>
<p>Xeneise's post reminds me of a pertinent question... what would you want to major in? Or if you don't know that, which school are you going to apply to?</p>
<p>in my opinoin, you're a very interesting candidate with clear intelligence.</p>
<p>speaking realistically, though, at a school as competitive as duke, a 2.9 gpa is liable to keep you out, ridiculous upward trend or not. as well, your extracurriculars, though strong, lack leadership. </p>
<p>that said, i think if you really show your passion for the school and knock your essays and interview out of the park, there is a chance. also, do your best to try and explain your low grades early on in your career. good luck.</p>
<p>From what I understand, one of the most important things Duke looks at is your grades and whether you took the most challenging course available to you ( and how you did in those courses.) Definitely you will have to explain your GPA, and I see no reason why it can't be done in the essay if it is approached in an interesting manner (i.e. don't just lament your past "laziness" as you called it in a trite, boring essay, but you might work it into the essay and approach it in a more creative way). Sounds like you have something in mind for your essay. Just be creative in whatever you write about like seahorse05 said. However, I know for a fact that Duke is not keen on essays on "your volunteer experience working with underprivileged children in Africa" or things like that--I hear they get tons of that sort and love to read essays that are more unique.
As for writing, I sense that Duke does consider the writing scores since they have always required a writing score of some sort. (Before the new SAT's that include writing came about, they required either the SAT Writing or else the ACT with writing). That said, I don't think 720 is a bad score, so don't fret it unless you think you can improve greatly next time around. As for EC's--don't list your SAT prep course but do try to find some sort of leadership opportunities or let your passions stand out somehow. My guess is that your situation might even be intriguing to the admissions department in how you've turned yourself around so well--you never know.
You are obviously very bright, and no matter where you end up, congratulations on coming to your senses. There are a lot of good schools out there, so if it's not Duke, it will be some other equally wonderful place. Don't be discouraged or give up. You are definitely on the right track. Good luck.</p>
<p>Wow, thanks a lot everyone for your info. I will definitely keep in mind all of the tips you guys have offered. </p>
<p>The last thing on my mind are other schools that would put a large emphasis on my situation. Do you guys have suggestions of which schools to apply to from high school or as a transfer student?</p>