Duke University or UPENN dilemma for Early decision

<p>what is easier to get into… Duke or Penn ED…</p>

<p>I know the % rate is almost equal but I am wondering as to academic, ec, reccs and other qualfications that these two schools consider to make one easier than the other.</p>

<p>For example, personally, I am not an athlete and I am not sure if that can hurt me when it comes to the Division I, top athletics, Duke. I was wondering if one school has a lower range of SAT, gpas, etc… than the other school when it comes to EARLY DECISION.</p>

<p>thanks…</p>

<p>Here are my stats by the way:</p>

<p>-Profile:-</p>

<p>-Asian Indian from New Jersey</p>

<p>Stats:
SAT I- 1480/ Math IC - 760, Math IIC - 800, Bio- 780, Physics- 770, Latin- 720, Writing- 640</p>

<p>8 APs:</p>

<p>Senior Year: AB Calc, Statistics, Latin: Vergil,</p>

<p>Year Off (see below): Physics B, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, BC Calculus
-Mostly 5’s and 4’s</p>

<p>Grades:
Freshman year, I had attended a prep school in which I received a 98.5 average with the highest GPA of a 4.2/4.2 with the most difficult courses and perhaps ranked in the top three students academically.</p>

<p>(Sophmore-Senior)
I attend an elite boarding school, Deerfield Academy, where about 33% of the seniors attend the Ivy Leagues. At this difficult place, I, personally, have an 88 average. The school, however, does not rank. The kids who get accepted to Harvard, Princeton, or Yale get around a 91-93 average. Thus, this school is very competetive and a feeder to the top universities. I am on target for perhaps the lower end of the Ivies and other great institutions.</p>

<p>NOTE: I actually just graduated and I enrolled at Vandy but I am taking a year off. I did not get into Cornell RD and got waitlisted at JHU. My current plans are to attend a biomedical science college in India as a part-time student, do research, do many community service in the neighboring areas and in hospitals, and come back with a solid foundation entering pre-med in college. I hope this is a good idea to benefit myself as an individual and also for colleges to look upon both upon my academic and personal character. It will be a great oppotunity to go home to my native land after more than 10 years and will truly be a revitalizing and cultural experience.</p>

<p>Also, another question, as I take a year off, will colleges consider and lean towards primarily on my senior year grades and what I do the year off?</p>

<p>P.S.- Those sat IIs and additional Ap courses were new and after the deadline. I am adding them for my re-applying process this year so I dont want you guys to consider that the same results would proceed again this year.</p>

<p>Also, I realize the 640 SAT II writing is bad, but I heard that they may not consider writing so my 1480 is pretty legit as one component, but I may retake just to better my writing score.</p>

<p>I have a great list of extra-curriculars which I have not compiled yet but will do so. But I have had many leadership obligations and awards with a well-rounded base that ranges from amazing,

  • excellent community service from all kinds with many hours and extends to an international scope. (Seeds of Peace Fundraiser, Round Square, over 300 hours volunteering in hospital (both India and US), awarded a grant to start my own project for two months to teach senior citizens at a retirement center basic computer skills, started camp in India for underpriveleged kids, teaching both academics and fitness classes, many other projects at school etcc… will perhaps make a portfolio)
    -Dance for 5 years and choreographer and leader of various genres. We have an excellent program.
    -Vbaseball 2 years - went to new england championship. Varsity Soccer and swimming for 1 year.
    -Debate with a few awards. Math team with many awards and great scores & percentiles nationally. (AMC, AIME…)
    -President of several significant clubs that have made impact on the community and to myself. -Dance, Yoga, Black student Association, Vocal percussion-
    -Piano for 7 years- taking lessons, performing in recitals and bands. Some accapella (vocal percussionist).
    -Big Brother/Math Tutor/Buddy system/Head Tour Guide/Technology Proctor/Website Editor/Hospital Volunteering</p>

<h2>I have additional great activites plus awards whcih I have not listed. But most ly, I hope what I have done in such an environment and caliber of my school is what will be impressive to colleges.</h2>

<p>Reccs: 6 reccs
-2 history, 1 Latin, 2 Science Reccs from (India), 1 from a boss, 1 Dance Teacher
(colleges will like to see reccs from both environments and schools)
-I will make a community service portfolio with my excellent activities that ranges from international experiences to my local community.
-(Also I will send a dance tape and resume) - UGrad colleges

  • And as well as a reserach report(s) of the science work I do from India.
    -Also, my grandmother passed away during exam week during a term where I received an average of 83. This was sophmore year and I hope
    these colleges understand this number as I will be sure to write a letter.</p>

<p>Other notes to clarify:
-I will still be considered a high school student from Deerfield. (thus not international)
-I will still be consdered as applying as an incoming freshman. (thus not a transfer)</p>

<p>So please, can you rate my chances:</p>

<p>Thanks I appreciate your help a lot.</p>

<p>any ideas for help</p>

<p>I think they'll care about the year off as in you better not just lay around. Um, they usually recommend a year off but after you've been admitted.</p>

<p>You have as decent a shot as anyone.</p>

<p>thanks, I hope I have a great shot though. thanks again</p>

<p>It's hard to say in these threads. Essays account for so much. You also never know how your ECs match up against the class.</p>

<p>Good luck though man!</p>

<p>You must make sure that Vandy will allow you to apply to other schools. Most universities that allow you to take a year off mandate that you do not apply/enroll at another college.</p>

<p>yea they allow me.. thanks</p>

<p>other tips guys?</p>

<p>Early Decision is meant for students where that school is their clear-cut top choice.</p>

<p>If you have to debate which school you want to apply to ED, I say you shouldn't apply ED at all.</p>

<p>Wait it out and apply to both regular decision. Glancing over your stuff, it seems like you'll have a good shot at both regular.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>well id be satisfied at both, just wanna get in ED to either school and not deal with the college process RD thats all.</p>

<p>omg....you are that kid from that Dearfield private school who has been asking about all of these pre-med placessssss like non-stop. You are enrolled at Vandy as of now right?</p>

<p>any other ideas guys?</p>