Duke: A Possibility?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>Hi, all. </p>

<p>I recently toured Duke and I loved, loved, loved it! Would like to know if I am on-track for admissions and/or what I can do to get on-track. </p>

<p>I was a B student freshman year (3.15 UW GPA including a C), due in part to a death in the family, but mainly due to immaturity and a complete lack of study skills. My weighted GPA placed me barely in the top 20% of my class (126 of 650), but I have worked hard to reach just inside of the top 10% now in my junior year. Hoping to be comfortably within the top 10% (realistically top 7% or so) by application time. Here are some of my stats:</p>

<p>Location: South Florida
Gender: F
Race: Hispanic (though not a fluent Spanish-speaker and with a non-Hispanic last name if that matters for anything)
Income: High-ish / comfortable / not going to give me a leg up in admissions</p>

<p>Freshman year: 3.15 UW GPA (4.1 weighted). All honors classes plus 1 AP (human Geo) GPA includes 4 HS courses taken in MS (two maths and two language)
Sophomore Year: (NOTE, this isn't cumulative) 3.75 UW GPA. 2 AP classes (Psych and World History)
Junior Year: First quarter: 3.86 UW. 4 AP classes (Stats, US History, English, Chemistry)</p>

<p>Test scores: Will probably retake, but 740 math, 690 verbal, 750 writing (2180). AP scores: A 2 in Human Geo, 5 in Psych, 4 in world.</p>

<p>Extracurricular: I am working towards earning a childcare certificate through my school's Early Childhood program. We actually work in a preschool, observe and assess the preschoolers, and learn about development and early childhood pedagogy. Next year, I will be interning at the local elementary school. In addition to this, I also:
* Assist in research during the summers at an early childhood Psych lab at the university
* I'm a youth student leader at my church (help with fundraising, mentor middle schoolers, teach Sunday School/nursery)
* Active member of Future Educators of America at my school, and another separate club where I tutor a struggling Elementary student each week. Kind of passive member of Chemistry Club, but may run for an office next year.
* Run track.
* Go on a missions trip each summer to Mexico or Haiti to work in an orphanage (through Church)
* Run the slideshow / sound during church services every Sunday
* Raised funds and installed a family visiting area at my grandfather's nursing home (solo project)
* Babysit about once a week
* Am an amateur photographer and shoot children's parties and senior portraits, have "second shot" a few weddings etc...
* Have an Instagram fashion/photography page with a couple thousand followers.</p>

<p>I am interested in neuroscience or biological basis of behavior. Basically, any program where I can continue to pursue my interest in psychology (and esp. developmental psych) but earn med school prerequisites. </p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

2

<p>Anything is possible but your chances of getting into Duke are probably pretty slim with a 3.15 GPA.</p>

3

<p>The 3.15 GPA was just freshman year. I’m at around 3.5 now and will be at 3.65 or 3.7 by graduation if my trend continues. I thought class rank was a more important indicator – within the top 10% and climbing even with that very average first year GPA. </p>

<p>But thanks for your input. :-)</p>

4

<p>@sherlockhouse‌: I am no expert on acceptance probabilities, even at Duke. However, I am very happy you loved Duke – I do, too, after 40+ years of extremely close association – and I’ll offer a few considered opinions for your contemplation: </p>

<ol>
<li><p>By this time in 2105, you’ll likely have a solid chance of admission; unfortunately, so too will 25,000+ other truly distinguished peers. Candidly, there is no question that over 75 percent of each year’s candidates have outstanding secondary school credentials and future potential, would thrive at Duke (and not just academically), fully deserve admission, and would be virtually indistinguishable from the approximately 3,300 who will be admitted.</p></li>
<li><p>Therefore, what can you do to become part of the 10 percent who will be accepted? I recommend:</p></li>
</ol>

<ul>
<li><p>Take the most rigorous courses your high school offers and excel at them.</p></li>
<li><p>Your SAT results are very respectable; however, were you to “hit a real home run” the second time you take them (or the ACTs), it would be a big help (some individuals find preparation courses are catalysts to enhanced scores).</p></li>
<li><p>LEAD and INNOVATE – don’t just participate – in ECs and especially in service activities.</p></li>
<li><p>Finally, understand that recommendations, essays, and (to a lesser degree) your admissions interview have the potential to separate you from the “superb applicant pack.” Please make sure your recommendations document your fine high school progress and substantiate your potential to shine at Duke (in and beyond the classroom) and in life. In addition, start considering – really thinking – about answers to the following question:</p></li>
</ul>

<p>a) WHAT will I bring to my classmates, the faculty, and the University (while an undergraduate and as an alum) that differentiates me from so many other bright, talented, and extremely hard working youngsters?</p>

<p>b) Further, HOW does my record demonstrate this?</p>

<ol>
<li> I know this isn’t simple or easy, but you have a year to consider this deeply AND you really want the Admissions Reader and the Admissions Officer to advocate your acceptance strongly . . . extraordinary essays have the decided potential to make them WANT YOU to matriculate at Duke.</li>
</ol>

<p>I sincerely wish you the best of luck.</p>

5

<p>Your ECs and background look great. The GPA might be an issue, however you should explain accordingly in the application somewhere. Overall I think you have a decent shot. Good luck</p>

6

<p>Thanks everyone! Such a challenge to do what I love and to thrive. :-)</p>

7

<p>I meant to write: thanks for challenging me to do what I love and to thrive, which I realize now is even a vague statement. Basically, thanks for encouraging me to continue working hard and pursuing my passions. Even if I don’t get into a school like Duke, I’ll have no regrets! :smiley: </p>