<ul>
<li>I attend an Early College program, where I have dual enrollment in my local community college and high school, where my community college classes count towards my high school credits. We are supposed to graduate with an Associate's Degree after an extended five years of high school, though I am completing it in four.</li>
<li>I am an in-state applicant</li>
<li>I have no relation to any alumni</li>
<li>I take the highest level courses offered at the college, that being the Calculus sequence and calculus-based General Physics</li>
<li>I have a 4.0 GPA (unweighted)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Quiz Bowl Team all four years of High School
for those who don't know, this is like a team-version of Jeopardy where you don't know the categories</li>
<li><p>Student Government sophomore year (unfortunately I lost freshman and junior year, hopefully I'll win this upcoming year!)</p></li>
<li><p>Outside of school, I have been a competitive piano player since age 8</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Also, my teacher/counselor recommendations are likely to be very good, as my counselor and many of my teachers consider to be one of if not the most intelligent and hardworking student they've ever had. In addition, I am a good writer and put a lot of thought into my writing, so my student essay will likely (hopefully?) display that.</p>
<p>Not sure if this stuff matters, but I plan on being a Biophysics major and pre-Health student.</p>
<p>Duke has also sent me a letter saying "Students like you are what comprise the talented, engaged, and active student body here at Duke" and requesting that I respond to their e-mail/letter, which I did.</p>
<p>For anyone who goes to Duke or a similarly competitive school (or even if you don't), what do you think my chances are based off of this information? Anything that I could include in my application to help raise my chances and make me really stand out? Any answer will be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Your numbers look fine and are competitive. I know that Duke wants “students who are well-rounded, some with sharp edges.” They also “want you to make real discoveries, serious contributions-even change the world.” Civic engagement and contribution and leadership to the community is a huge plus, especially for Duke. Their DukeEngage program is their highlight and emphasizes just this. Develop a passion for biophysics and pre-health by doing courses or summer programs in such things. I also recommend simply community service, as almost every Duke applicant does this. In my opinion, the ones who stick out are those who were leaders in their community and MADE A CHANGE. So, join a youth organization that tackles issues involving education equity, environment, or health in your community. I think this is how I personally got in; it was my “bump” or strong point. So, not just community service but also community leadership. (Again, I think your numbers are fine)</p>
<p>From their website: “Most students admitted to Duke have demonstrated, in a word, impact. In some venue they have made a difference. It might be in the classroom, in the community, or on the athletic field. It could be doing one thing brilliantly, or several things exceedingly well.”</p>
<p>I think you definitely have a good chance as your stats are amazing, just remember if you don’t end up getting in, schools like duke really do reject so many qualified and really amazing applicants. But in all honesty I think you would be one of the top applicants with the accelerated program you’re in. As the previous poster said, you may want to get some more community service, it’s only going to help your chances</p>