<p>I know that Duke's Admissions Director has stated that demonstrated interest is not considered in prospective students and that they simply want to admit the best students possible. This statement is reinforced on their web site and in published material. However, are there ways that allow this statement to be literally true, while still allowing some wiggle room for considering interest?</p>
<p>The higher admit rate for ED vs. RD is an obvious indicator that demonstrated interest might be considered using a back door method. Similarly, including a "Why Duke?" essay in the application allows the Adcom to consider how serious an applicant is about attending if accepted.</p>
<p>I would think that an admissions officer who has had positive interactions with an applicant prior to the application cycle and thus is able to put a face with the paper, would be somewhat more likely to grade the application better. Also, an interview where the applicant makes clear that Duke is a top choice would simply flow better.</p>
<p>Is demonstrated interest an implicit consideration?</p>
<p>Demonstrated interest, as you said, is not considered. That said, they give you extra opportunities to show why you fit (Why Duke Essay, Interview, erc). Meeting your Adcom can definitely help if your a likable person as it puts a face and personality to that application. That said, calling and emailing the admissions office won’t help you get in. </p>
<p>As far as ED and all goes, it’s a little different because it’s a binding commitment, I guess one could call it interest but it’s more than that.</p>
<p>Objectively speaking, Duke ranks applicants on something like a 5 point scale in about 6 categories. Thus, in the literal sense, there is no quantitative measure within those 6 categories which scores “interest”.</p>
<p>However, you can probably imagine that a fair number of people will have similar or identical scores given that the resolution of this digital score system is very low. Thus, during committee discussions, a fair amount of subjectivity will naturally crop up. This will be where “interest” will be considered but framed in terms of “fit”. Thus, Duke adcoms can claim with plausible deniability that “interest” is not considered.</p>
<p>SBR, thanks for the input. I have suspected that “fit” is a politically correct code word for “demonstrated interest”. You provide some great detail in your post. I assume the six areas that you refer to are the standard criteria of:</p>
<p>Your post implies that all six areas are weighted equally in the initial evaluations. I find it a bit disturbing that four years of good grades can be offset by two teacher recommendations. Of course, I suppose that the goal is simply to get past the first cut and have strong qualities that shine during the committee discussions.</p>
<p>If it is not too personal a question, I am curious about how you gained your “inside information” on the 30-point evaluation process. Is this process specific to Duke, or is it assumed to hold for many selective schools?</p>
<p>“Using a five-point scale, he or she rates you in each of six areas: rigor of high-school academic program, academic performance, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities and personal qualities, personal statement and essay, and standardized testing. The standards for receiving a five in each category are high. For instance, reaching the cut-off for a five in testing usually requires SAT scores in the mid-1500s; to receive a five in recommendations, a student must be recognized by teachers as one of the best they’ve ever had.”</p>
<p>Also, on a related note…here’s a more current view on admissions at Duke in general from earlier this year…</p>
<p>[Admission:</a> Impossible? by Robert J. Bliwise - March/April 2012](<a href=“Duke Mag”>Duke Mag)</p>