<p>Got my ACT back and needless to say I am a little disappointed. I do have an 11 writing, but I can't say that matters very much.
I have some solid ECs -
*volunteering at a ronald mcdonald house making free meals for the residents-4 years
*volunteer elementary basketball coach in a nonprofit organization 3 years
*Basketball 2 years (my school is new and we have only had sports that long)
*Founding member and current leader of my school's robotics team 2 years
*NHS
*Student council 2 years
several other smaller things</p>
<p>I have a 3.95 uw and 4.21 w. class rank 1/75</p>
<p>With above average essays and recommendations is it even possible to get in as a middle class white male with a 29 act?</p>
<p>Time will tell but I thought I'd get some other input. I'm trying to believe that I have some chance still after ACT... was expecting at least 31-32</p>
<p>Do you have a chance? Yes. Is it very much of a small, slim chance? Yes. The 25th percentile at Duke in the last class was a 31. Typically, students who are admitted below the 25th percentile are not just good students, but are exceptional– in ability or in circumstance.</p>
<p>Don’t lose hope! I am in the same situation that you are, except worse. I only have a 28, but I have a pretty good extracurricular that I am hoping will make up for it. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Sure, you have a chance, but as someone else said, a lot of people who get into a top college like Duke with scores below the 25th percentile have something else really special to make them stand out.</p>
<p>You never know for sure until decision day, but please be sure to include some absolutely definite safeties where you’d be happy to attend. My daughter had ACT of 34 and did get into Duke, but was waitlisted by schools she considered safeties…</p>
<p>Your chances are low iwth those ACT scores. I don’t think that’s any surprise to you. Duke looks at test scores which they consider very important, difficulty of classes, class rank, quality fo ECs, recs and essays. Your test scores are going to be below average in this matrix. To get accepted you have to be a lot better than others applying in all of the other categories unless you have some feature that Duke badly wants. I’ve known legacies turned down with higher test scores and up there in other attributes.</p>
<p>I know that this thread was created months ago, but if anyone of the above could please update me as to whether or not they got in, I would really appreciate it. I’ve been told my application is extremely strong except my 29 ACT score. The waiting is driving me crazy.</p>