Duke vs IVY LEAGUE ADMISSIONS

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>Hey, I am contemplating between which admissions office really reads everything, takes everything and really gives he guy with perhaps not the best grades or sat score or EC's but truly the most passion and thus they accept him. I had this friend whose junior year grade averagae was an 84, senior year- 93, however, despite that one grade that faltered, he got into Duke after compiling an accapella cd for Duke and getting additional reccs. I was surprised when other kids with perhaps a higher GPA and score didnt get in. Plus I hear more instances of the friendlyness of the DUke atmosphere.</p>

<p>I personally need advice on what and how to do these additional touches and work on applications that really gets the Duke admissions officer to say "Wow" or "I understand". They usually feel more compassionate and sympathetic to candidates' plights and understand where their applicants come from. I was hoping from any acceptees what additional thing they might have done that helped them get in?</p>

2

<p>I think I'm a pretty good candidate to share my story, although I don't really know much about ivy admissions. I had a 32 ACT, at the time of applying my GPA was around a 4.8...all A's except for 1 B in AP English. I had a pretty hard courseload with generally 3 or 4 APs a semester. My EC's were definitely weak. I've been dancing for 14 years, but I had 1 leadership position and all. I remember someone telling me I never really went outside what was offered to me.</p>

<p>I applied Early Decision and was deferred, with a letter saying around 700 students were deferred and they probably would only accept 10% of us. BUT I decided I would stay on it. I actually called my Admissions Counselor right away, Gina Hubbard, and she was incredibly nice and helpful. I also sent an employer rec (I work at a learning center), a peer rec, and an additional teacher rec, as well as a personal letter. My guidance counselor also contacted Ms. Hubbard about me, and she said she would call him about me, but she never did. He followed up and she never responded, so he assumed my fate was already sealed.</p>

<p>I basically thought the entire thing was a crapshoot, but come April I was accepted. I guess my situation is a little different after the deferral thing, but even so, I wouldn't have gotten in with all the strong RD candidates Duke had this year unless they personally read all that stuff and saw my desire to come there. So now I'm pretty much a full believer that if you're passionate about their school (and still a strong student who will succeed), you're perfectly capable of getting in without being a 1600 SAT genius who saved the world. I definitely think that stuff matters:) </p>

<p>I'll shut up now.</p>

3

<p>loveduke22, do you think I have a great shot ED:??</p>

<p>-Profile:-</p>

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

<p>Stats:
SAT I- 1480/ Math IC - 760, Math IIC - 800, Bio- 790, Physics- 790, Latin- 750, Writing- 640/</p>

<p>8 APs: Biology, AB Calc, BC Calc, Latin: Vergil, Chemistry, Physics B, English Language, Statistics
-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 90-93 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>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, 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.</p>

<p>As I mentioned, I graduated from Deerfield. This past year, I didnt apply ED which could have been a mistake. 7 out of 7 who applied ED to Penn got accepted though most are crew recruits. I, however, have no connections. Cornell - 4 out 4 ED (3 ED) and Duke (2 out of 2), however, no one applied to JHU. I really want to attend either Duke, Cornell, or JHU but my inclination is towards Duke. I feel like I can put up a great chance ED to Cornell or JHU but I wonder if it is risky in the competetive nature of applying to Penn or Duke ED? Also, Cornells ED rate is about 42%. 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 4 additional Ap courses are new and after the deadline that I am adding for my re-applying process this year so I dont want you guys to consider that the same results would proceed again this year.
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.</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.
-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.
-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: 7 reccs (too much probably, but I know the will read it as they will provide different perspectives on myself)
-2 history, 1 Latin, 2 Science Reccs from (India), 1 Advisor, 1 Dance Teacher</p>

<p>-Also I will send a dance tape and resume as well as a reserach report of work I do from India. Also I may send in my US history term paper.
-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 Duke understands this number as I will be sure to write a letter.</p>

<p>There is just one thing that boggles my mind and that is the mere fact of acceptance rates. I know Cornell has a 43% ED rate, JHU has a 50% ED rate, and well Duke - 32 or 31% ED rate. So, I know I shouldnt focus on these numbers and talk rather on my passion. However, for me, I personally would be the happiest at Duke and also really happy at the other two.</p>

4

<p>Well I'm definitely not one for evaluating stats, but they're definitely better than mine. If Duke is your passion, go for it, because it looks like you have a great shot. Your research will show very strong. There's even that short answer on the app asking about outside research so that's big. The dance tape is definitely a good thing as well...from what I hear they like to see commitment to the arts, which you have with piano and dance. </p>

<p>I wouldn't worry too much about grades. If kids are getting into HYP with a 90, 88 is very respectable, especially if the situation with your grandmother is explained. Obviously the counselor rec will probably detail the difficulty of your school.</p>

<p>If you're passionate about Duke go for it...you have a great shot and I wish you the best of luck! Maybe I'll see you there!</p>

5

<p>thanks so much, I mean great education comes anywhere this time but to be in such an environment as Duke is only a dream. I can see myself succeeding anywehre academically. But non-academically when it comes to what to do on my spare time and the people I will meet, Duke is definetely like no other place.</p>

<p>Thanks. ED is my best bet.</p>

6

<p>Im happy u decided on Duke ED Med-TMuds :) I wish u the best on ur year off and with the app process. If u have any questions, feel free to IM me or ask on CC as always. Good luck with everything :)</p>

<p>Hope to see u at Duke!</p>

<p>-Will</p>

7

<p>thanks a lot will, I appreciate your help a lot. I really want to straighten things out with where I really want to go. And I will be sure to keep in touch with you.</p>

<p>thanks.</p>