<p>Hi! I am a junior at a high school in Ohio and I have wanted to go to Duke since I first stepped on campus when I was in sixth grade. I was wondering what my changes are based on the following stats:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I have taken the ACT twice but I am still waiting on my second score. The first one I took (in December) I scored a 29 with 11 on writing, 31 on math, and 30 on reading being my highest sections. I am hoping to bring up my score and take it at least one more time.</p></li>
<li><p>As of now, my UW GPA is a 4.0, and my weighted GPA is a 4.3. I am 12th in a class of around 350 students. Our school is nationally recognized. I took AP US History my sophomore year and scored a 5 on the AP test, I am in all honors and AP classes this year, and next year I will be taking at least 5 AP classes. </p></li>
<li><p>I have participated in cross country and track all of high school, and I plan on continuing my career into college. I have been captain for both sports. I would be able to run at Duke, but I am not good enough to be heavily recruited. </p></li>
<li><p>I am a part of Principal's Advisory Committee, I will be in NHS, and I have volunteered for many different events. I have also held summer jobs and will continue to do that. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Any advice, opinions, etc. are welcome. I do my research, I understand that a 29 is not in the middle range, but I want to get opinions from other people who might know more, so please do insult me. Thanks! </p>
<p>To be frankly honest, you have a slim chance of getting accepted, however, you are still a junior so there is time. My suggestion is that you either try the SAT or do the ACT again. “Our school is nationally recognized” does not mean anything because a lot of people here on CC go to schools that are nationally recognized as well. Your EC’s are okay but do more volunteering and other EC’s. Good luck. </p>
<p>Prepare your emotions. Dreams schools are a dream for a reason. Unless you are URM, legacy, or recruit, don’t expect much. Your test scores are on the low side and your ECs aren’t solid for a very competitive school. Write compelling essays and get outstanding recommendations from teachers.</p>
<p>Your ECs aren’t competitive. Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about test scores. They are starting to matter less and less! It’s a reach for you, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.</p>
<p>hawkace i was not trying to sound snobby about our school being nationally recognized i was trying to explain that it isn’t easy to get a 4.0 compared to some schools. and all thank you for the advice but any advice on other ecs? i mean i only have so much time on my hands when i have practice year long and a summer job…</p>