Do I even stand a chance?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>I'm hoping to transfer to Duke from UNC. I love UNC's campus and that area of NC, but I hate how large it is--not just class wise, but in general. I've already filled out my application, I just want to know what y'all think.</p>

<p>I'm Caucasian, low-income, and from a small, rural town in NC. Most of our students don't even go to college.</p>

<p>My first-semester GPA at UNC was a 3.462. My grades were: A, A, A-, B, and a C+. This semester will be about the same, but I'm in some of UNC's most rigorous courses.</p>

<p>My high school GPA was: UW- 3.8, W- 4.7. I took a total of 4 APs, which was all that my school offered at that time. I was ranked around 7th in my class due to a terrible start my freshman year. In a matter of a year, I went from 19th place in my class, to 7th. I had, by far, one of the most rigorous schedules in my class.</p>

<p>ACT: 27C (Oct. 2010)
SAT: 1770 (Oct. 2010)
Math Level II: 670 (Dec. 2010)</p>

<p>Awards:
-NC Scholar
-President's Scholar
-AP Scholar
-Mu Alpha Theta Medalist
-Academic Excellence in a variety of courses
-"A" Team
-many other awards.</p>

<p>Involvement:
-Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta
-Beta
-Various other service clubs
-I've participated in a variety of fundraisers and what-not
-Volunteer at a local nursing home
-Year-round job. I work when I am home for the weekend.</p>

<p>I've also participated in some research. In my particular county of NC, we had to complete a Graduation Project. I chose to do mine on Biotechnology, and I had one of the more demanding projects from my class. I couldn't really find a way to integrate this into my application, though. I thought about sending them a copy of my portfolio, but we'll see.</p>

<p>Assuming my essays were strong, and my recommendations end up being strong, do I even stand a chance?</p>

<p>Thanks for your input!</p>

2

<p>I think the most impressive thing you can show them is your ability to handle rigorous courses and perform well in them. You’re grades aren’t pristine but trend pretty well. Hopefully they take into account whatever class you got the c in and realize even good students have bumps. If you were able to do some significant projects or club participation during your freshman year I think that will also lean strongly in your favor.
I hope that helps. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>This should give you a general idea of how it works: [Duke</a> University Admissions: Transfer Students](<a href=“http://admissions.duke.edu/jump/applying/apply_transfer.html]Duke”>http://admissions.duke.edu/jump/applying/apply_transfer.html)</p>

<p>Considering how much the acceptance rate fluctuates from year to year, the chances of anyone being accepted is invariably low. I’d also advise taking the SAT/ACT again, they look much weaker than the rest of your application.</p>