Duke+Low GPA=Automatic rejection?

[hellokitty_lt_3]

<p>Does Duke put heavy weight on GPA?</p>

<p>I read on collegeboard (which apparently isn't the most accurate of sources) that while a person's academic GPA is important or considered, the rigor of the classes is one of the most important factors. And class rank is only considered. </p>

<p>Also, does anyone know the lowest GPA Duke makes its cut off at (not for sports players)? And for anyone who's planning to go to Duke or goes there, do extracurriculars count for a lot in the admissions process? And if so, do high SATs and awesome extracurriculars help when someone's GPA isn't too great?</p>

<p>Thanks guys! </p>

<p>Another question: Is the 3.9 GPA that's listed on a lot of sites weighted?</p>

[warblersrule]

<p>

@Duke Admisisons

It is difficult to give advice on specific classes you should take. We evaluate and rate applicants in six areas: standardized testing, curriculum choice, achievement, recommendations, essays, and extracurricular activity. You should challenge yourself and take some difficult classes. In general, your secondary school record should include the best and most challenging courses available: four years of English and at least three years of mathematics, natural science, foreign language, and social studies. If offered by your school, you should take Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses in addition to Honors courses. </p>

<p>Of course, you should strive to make excellent grades. You don't need to make straight A's, but you should definitely exceed average work. You should also complement academics with outside activities. When we evaluate extracurricular activities, it is not the number of activities that is important, it is the quality of involvement and the level of commitment to an activity that becomes meaningful.

</p>

<p>No, that 3.9 is probably unweighted.</p>

[atrabilious]

<p>A good GPA may compensate for less than spectacular SAT scores but high SAT scores will not necessarily compensate for a less than spectacular GPA. Your GPA calculated over four years while the SAT is a single-day test. I think that if you show improvement over the four years, it will speak louder than your overall unweighted/weighted average. SATs, GPA, and extracurriculars are not everything--you need to 'speak' in your application.</p>

[bluedevilmike]

<p>The rigor of your classes is a very big deal to us.</p>

[leejwwc]

<p>The process they use to evaluate applications rests on six factors: scores, grades, coursework rigor, extracurriculars, essays, and recs. Each area is weighted differently and you get a score from 1-5 for each area. Some areas are double weighted (x2) - I forgot which ones, but I know test scores are NOT double weighted. I do believe grades tho, are one of the areas which are more heavily scrutinized, but its scrutinized relative to the rigor of the courses in which those grades were recieved. A really good showing in the other areas however (essays, recs, extracurrics) and an awesome interview can make up for a lower showing in another area. Good luck!</p>

[bluedevilmike]

<p>lee, I was told that grades and rigor were combined into one double-weighted section. Is that right?</p>

[leejwwc]

<p>u may be right, my recollection of the exact distribution is kinda hazy, I do know for sure that test scores are not weighted as heavily</p>