<p>I am planning to apply to Duke and was wondering what my chance of admission is. I have a 3.97 GPA, I'm about 9th out of 240, I have a 33 on the ACT and I'm taking it twice more, a 2220 on the SAT, and I'm planning on taking the subject tests soon. I've played in the band all four years, I've made two honor bands all four years, and I'm the drum major this year. I'm on the trap shooting team, and have been to nationals twice. I've done soccer all four years, and we went to state last year and came in fourth. I'm the service chairman of the national honor society chapter. I run the peer tutoring program and the special olympics for the county. I went to boy's state and governor's school last summer. I toured Europe with a concert band the summer before that. Im the vice president of the volunteer club, and I run the community recycling initivative. I'm an Eagle Scout with a silver palm. I've been to philmont and seabase, and I'm inthe order of the arrow. Im the co-captain of the mock trial team, and we've won districts the last two years and went to state twice. I've been on newspaper staff for three years and won a state award last year. I'm in Mu Alpha Theta, Geography Club, FCA, and Spanish Club. I was a finalist for the senate youth program. I've had sports articles published in the local newspaper and a regional magazine.
I realize that there a lot of these posts, but I would really feel better if someone would tell me honestly about my chances. I'm going to apply early decision with an interview. I go to a small rural school in TN, and we only have 4 AP classes, but I got a 5 on all the tests. I know it's a lot, but I'd appreciate any input. Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>If you are sure about Duke being your 1st choice and financial aid is not an issue then all I can saw is that ED application would help. My understanding of the admit process at Duke is that your scores will be lumped together with others in your range. Scores 2340 and above are in a group where they will give you a definite plus in admissions. Below those levels they group scores in similar ranges, like [on the old 1600 scale- all scores from 1430-1490 in one group- which is only an example] and at that point they look at the other factors- like fit, recomendations etc. Don't hold me to the score groups because I don't know them, but I do know they are not saying- so and so got a 1470 and the other kid got a 1430 for examle so then take the kid with the higher score. As long as you have taken as rigerous schedule as is possible to show your academic prowess and comintment and absolute intellectual curiosity, then I think you do did everything you could. From there it is anyones guess. Admission may depend on things outside your control- like the strenght of other applicants and desire to balance the class. I hope this gives you some insight. I can only offer what I have heard, so if you are not the valedictorian or salutatorian in your class this won't rule you out. Good luck</p>
<p>Majority of applicants will have your stats. Your activities show leadership and focus...which only means you are of course very hard working and deserving..but so are many applicants..., so my advice as a mother of a surprised successful applicant...tell Duke exactly where you will contribute to the Duke community and where you will fit in the missions that make up Duke's educational concentrations and outreach programs. Paint a picture of your life at Duke..how you need Duke to grow and how you will contribute now and later. Get a peer reference to talk about your character, and show you have passion (cliche!) but do it..you only have a few minutes. Make sure your essay is honest and focused. Best of luck if you want to be a Blue Devil...make that alum appointment. If Duke is your first choice, be clear about why.</p>
<p>Bumpity Bump</p>