<p>I took a look at your stats- very solid but in terms of Duke, the decision could have gone either way because of the large amount of well qualified candidates.</p>
<p>I mean based on what you had done, what do you think got the attention of adcoms? Was it the essays, a research paper, an additional document of some sort? I guess what I am really interested is your method or specific detail that you implemented in your college application that really said "I want that kid".</p>
<p>Personally, I am applying ED and I would be gladly to send you my profile.</p>
<p>Well, I was ranked 9 in my high school class (out of 1109 i think it was..so top 1%). I took the challenging course load my school offered throughout the years, taking 6 APs senior year (Biology, both gov/pol's, both eco's, Calc BC, Physics B and C, both english's, us history....got high 90's in most of these classes). 700+ SAT II grades too in some sciences and math. For the past 3 summers I worked at a local university at the lab doing my research project, which I supplemented my research report to Duke admissions. Besides that, I felt as if I had a great interview (the interviewer told me he was submitting a score of '5' for me...the highest possible). And also, I had EXCELLENT teacher recs. which I felt made a big difference. I'd find 3 personable and great teachers that know you well that can write a personalized letter about you....I'd suspect admissions gets tired of a 'general form' alot of teachers use for their students.</p>
<p>And also, Duke asks you to submit a 'why you want to go to Duke essay.' So I did a bit of research about the programs, Ec's and other stuff about Duke and supplemented that into my essay...showing my interest in the school and desire to attend. In addition, I think they ask for another essay about yourself. Some may say admissions doesn't read it...but in my 'boardline stats' case I believe my essay made a difference. So make sure that's really intriguing...maybe write about something personal that doesn't necessiarly pop out on your application (mine was my passion for music and composition).</p>
<p>Sooo basically what I'm trying to get at here is that SAT scores aren't the only thing admissions looks at. Oh and by the way, I applied regular decision.</p>
<p>Ya scores aren't everything. My other friend (great student, not URM or legacy, ranked top in his class) got a 1000 (not a good test taker, but a brilliant guy nonetheless) and was accepted to Cornell. He turned it down for Penn State (full ride, loves the city, great people/teachers, theater major).</p>
<p>I wasn't talking about Penn now was I? :) Whether or not you believe me is irrelevant. Ignore the anecdote and focus on my contention: one does not need extremely high scores in order to get into a "great" school if there are other mitigating components of his/her application. The original OP has great scores, so I am flummoxed by how we are even divulging on this issue. In short, Penn is more unpredictable while Duke looks more into raw academic prowess. Shall we agree?</p>
<p>Anecdotal comment: S had 1550 SAT, ranked 4th of 750, was accepted (and attended - and graduated) Penn, wait-listed Duke. Duke was his only non-acceptance. We have no idea why. He liked the school, visited, interviewed, etc. Could guess forever, but there's really no telling sometimes.</p>
<p>At Penn's info meeting, the adcom talked about essays in depth. One thing she mentioned was to make sure you edit carefully if you're submitting the same essay to more than one school. She said they get frequent essays that say things like, "The main reason I want to attend DUKE...." My impression was that Duke and Penn attract a lot of the same applicants.</p>
<p>um...suze...a URM from my school got into Duke with a 88 1220, rejected from NW, Cornell, Chicago, JHU, Columibia, Penn. However, a spanish URM, wealthy btw, applied ED, deferred, then rejected with better stats and a 1350.</p>