I have a superscored 31 and about a 3.9 GPA. I really really want to go to Duke and will be applying early decision. my parents went there (my mom for grad school too) and my grandpa is a former professor there. I know several other people at my competitive high school will also be applying early decision, so I’m assuming that makes it even more difficult. how likely do you think it is that I will get in? I don’t want to overestimate my chances and end up being disappointed. I also don’t really have that great extracurriculars… so I am very below average at Duke.
duke is quite difficult, so it will definitely be a reach. if you do have your heart set, then still apply–the legacy will help you a little bit, as will ed. don’t fully give up hope, but please keep your options open
Legacy certainly helps. But only if your scores and grades are within the range.
Duke doesn’t superscore the ACT. It sounds like your highest composite score is <30. If this is the case keep in mind that your score will be below the 15-20th percentile. This is fairly low.
http://admissions.duke.edu/images/uploads/process/DukeClass2021Profile.pdf
These types of scores are usually reserved for recruited athletes, URMs, and legacy cases. You will need to present a convincing case. Being a former professor doesn’t really help much, but your parents legacy may help a bit.