<p>Hi, I'm new to this site and wondering if anyone can tell me whether or not it'd be worth it to try for Duke.
Right now, I have a 3.2 GPA, which I realize isn't that impressive, but that is unweighted. I go to a selective high school in which all the classes are considered honors. So once that is considered, I think my GPA will be higher. I'm taking higher level math courses, but not the highest available at my school. My best SAT score is currently a 1990, but I am taking it again with prep this time, so it will be higher most likely. 620 in writing, 620 in math, and 750 in critical reading. Extracurriculars are soccer, key club, volunteering at an animal shelter, singing, and guitar. Also, I'm not sure how it important it is, but I'm half Jewish and half Asian, so maybe that will make me stand out a little more.
I still have to take the SAT subject tests, so I'm trying to figure out if I should go through the trouble. Also, if you could tell me other schools that would be a good reach for me, that'd be great! I want to major in environmental engineering.</p>
<p>I don’t think you can get into Duke.</p>
<p>However, with that good CR score, how about applying to some of the top LACs.</p>
<p>I’m going to be frank here and say that your chances are not good at all. You have a low GPA, especially for Ivy-caliber schools like Duke, relatively weak SAT scores, and no ECs that stand out. Georgia Tech, Michigan, Illinois, and UT-Austin are all schools with great environmental engineering programs that are probably easier to get into than Duke also. Anyways, if you really really love Duke, still apply. You could get in, but you would need to improve your GPA, test scores, and ECs.</p>
<p>Your chances are pretty low, but you should still take your subject tests anyway. You’ll probably need them if you want to apply to any other top colleges. Also, make sure to take the proper subject tests for the schools that you plan on applying to (you’ll most likely need one of the maths if you’re going into engineering).</p>
<p>In order to improve your chances, you need to raise your unweighted GPA to at least 3.5, get your SAT up a bit, and show impact in your EC’s (leadership, as well as actually doing something beneficial to your community).</p>