Do you have to have mostly or straight A's to get in?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
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<p>I know it is widely argued that you don't have to have a 4.0, or close to it, to get into a school like Duke, that you have to have a good balance of everything. Realistically however, if you don't have the grades will you not make the cut? I am applying ED to Duke and I believe that every other piece of my application besides my GPA is very strong. I take the most rigorous classes possible, I have a 32 ACT score-(superscored) 31-(single sitting), legacy status both undergrad and graduate, outstanding extracurriculars (sga president among other things), and i strongly believe i will have very strong recommendations. also i have a passion--piano-- and will be sending an arts supplement with a recording and I think having a passion is important. But yes, my GPA is not good. </p>

<p>I have a 3.54 weighted GPA, 3.4 unweighted.
I have always gotten half A's, half B's. (I am taking the most rigorous classes possible)</p>

<p>With all the other pieces to my application, once Duke sees my GPA will they throw my app out? I know just how selective a school like Duke is, and I am worried that to even be considered you have to have the grades first. Do I have a fighting chance?</p>

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<p>GPA is just part of the app. Legacy helps, and ECs, passions, recs, and essays help too. Duke does not superscore the ACT, so your ACT is a 31, which is probably a bit low (well a bit below average), but I guess once you hit a certain threshold it doesn’t matter too much. Grades do matter, as do trends, but I think they can understand a few Bs in classes that are rigorous or maybe freshman year with adjustments and all.</p>

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<p>Ok thanks that makes me feel a little better haha. And I am retaking the ACT in October so if I can possibly get it to a 32/33 (Single sitting) that should help a little. But I agree with you that once I hit a certain threshold with my GPA the ACT won’t make a significant difference. I just hope my other qualities will hold a lot of importance in my admission decision.</p>