Duke chances

<p>Duke is one of my major reach colleges. </p>

<p>2250 on SAT
planning to take Bio, Math Ic, Lit. SAT II's in Oct.
National Merit Semifinalist</p>

<p>4.0ish GPA, probably a bit higher but not sure about unweighted
most rigorous courseload
top 7 or 8% in a class with about 1300 people</p>

<p>APs - 5 in W Hist, 4's on AP Geog, Bio, English</p>

<p>Current Sched
English 4 AP
Calculus AB AP
Physics B AP
Econ AP
Govt AP
Academic Decathlon</p>

<p>I will get pretty good recs I think</p>

<p>ECs ----> they worry me
200+ hrs hospital volunteering
Academic Decathlon team snr year- invit. only
Debated from 9th-11th grade - did Lincoln-Douglas, extemp, Student Congress debating
FBLA - 4th in Texas for Int'l Business comp
member of HOSA
participated in Student Congress
played soccer a ton but never on school team</p>

<p>I can write essays pretty well, so I'm not too worried about that</p>

<p>Can someone gauge my chances of getting in please. Thanks in advance</p>

<p>I think the EC's are the main weak point in your application. I would agree that Duke is a reach, but I can't be more specific.</p>

<p>As a side note, you should definitely take the Math II SAT II instead of Math I. It looks more impressive, has a better curve, and is not that hard (especially for someone who tests well like you).</p>

<p>I already changed to Math II. And for the app I think I will put most emphasis on AcDec.</p>

<p>What exactly is that? I see it listed on CC a fair amount, but I'm unfamiliar with it.</p>

<p>I believe your ECs aren't the best, but aren't the worst. I would definately focus your application on an activity that you have pursued over a great deal of your high school career. I know making the Decathalon team seems like a big deal, but if you aren't passionate about it (and you can't be passionate about something you've done for only a few months at the most), then it isn't worth emphasizing on your application. Still mention it though. Try to score above 700 (750+ preferable) on your SAT IIs and you have an average chance.</p>

<p>I see. In that case I'll prolly emphasize on debate or volunteering then. I think I should do well on my SATs tho.</p>

<p>Debated from 9th-11th grade - did Lincoln-Douglas, extemp, Student Congress debating
participated in Student Congress</p>

<p>I think you listed that twice ^_~. What state and any awards from any of these competitions?</p>