<p>Currently a sophomore i high school. I finished first quarter with a 3.94 and am in line to get around a 4.0+ in the second quarter. My high school (salesianum) has been consistently ranked in the top 50 catholic high schools in the united states, and I currently have a 25% scholarship(not sure if that is looked at by schools). I participate in cross country(state championship team, again not sure if this is important), SADD/YELL (students against destructive decisions), the stock club, and Blue-Gold club and possibly spring track or rowing as a spring sport and I will be trying to join the Jefferson awards team (somewhat of a service group) in a february time frame. I am very good at standardized testing so my sat and act should be pretty good, I have yet to get my PSAT scores back.</p>
<p>I go to a nearby private school. I can assure you that the top 50 ranking means nothing. Sallies pays a whole lot of money to be included on that list. It’s not really comparable to say a newsweek ranking. No schools in Delaware other than perhaps Tower Hill and maybeeee Archmere have connections with very elite schools. Thus far, you do seem to be on track for getting into Duke. Here are my recommendations:
- Hone in on one or two activities that you are REALLY passionate about and excel at them. Truly become outstanding.
- If you are debating between track or rowing, definitely row
- If you want to be a decent candidate for Duke, you want to shoot for about 720 a section on your SATs (I’d say minimum 2150 for admission)
- Take the most rigorous courses including APs
- Take additional courses through CTY online, University of Delaware high school program, etc
- Begin taking SAT subject tests early. For example, if you are taking Chemistry now then you should study to take the chemistry subject test by June. I would recommend taking one this year and at least two next year. </p>
<p>That’s all I have for now. Let me know if you have any questions.</p>