Hello, I am a senior who wants to apply to Duke this year, I took the SAT and got a 1560 and have done well on two subject tests. However, as I became interested in Duke very recently, I never took the SAT with the essay since my schools don’t require it. I feel like I am severely disadvantaged in the application since Duke is so competitive, and, even though the essay is just recommended, I feel like it is implied by their website that the only reason you shouldn’t be taking it is if you can’t afford it, which I can. Is it still worth applying without the essay? Has anyone here gotten in without submitting it?
The wording on the website is that the essay is optional…I see no statement that it’s recommended, so would expect no disadvantage for applicants who do not submit an essay score.
Good luck.
@Mwfan1921, if you follow the link you provided and then expand the ACT section, it states, “Duke will consider the highest scores on each section, regardless of test date, and will create a new composite score by averaging those scores. We recommend, but do not require, the optional essay.” In addition, if you expand the SAT section, it states, “For the SAT, we recommend, but do not require, both subject tests and the optional essay section. Duke will consider the highest scores on each section of the SAT, regardless of test date. For students who submit both ACT and SAT scores, Duke will consider your best score. We strongly recommend that students who submit only the SAT also submit two subject test scores of their choice (with math recommended for Pratt).”
Based on the above, it does appear that Duke “recommends” the “optional” essay for the ACT/SAT, but they “strongly” recommend the SAT subject tests if ACT scores are not submitted.
It is just one person’s reading, but I interpret this to mean that Duke would like to see your optional essay score if you have one (similar to your AP scores) to help them assess your application (and it could help you), but you will not be penalized if you don’t do the essay as I believe Duke when they say it is “optional.” By contrast, if you don’t plan to submit ACT scores, then I do think it would be important to submit SAT subject tests given that they are never labeled as “optional” and in fact are “strongly” recommended.
@StudyFoxx, if you/your parents are able and willing to pay the app fee of $85 knowing that all applicants to Duke, even the strongest ones (other than recruited athletes and possibly others with major hooks), are a long shot (< 10% RD), then my feeling is that you should do so even without the optional essay. Just make sure to submit your subject tests scores if you’re not submitting any ACT scores. Good luck!