<p>Sorry, I know these get old but thanks to everyone who offers an opinion. I will be applying EARLY DECISION.</p>
<p>Caucasian Male
GPA: 3.96/4.71 (1 B that was a 92 in an honors course)
Rank: 3 of about 550 (Competitive Suburban Public School)
6 total APs 4/5 scores, As in all so far
2 courses/credits from community college
All honors courses other than few electives that correspond with intended pathway of economics.
SAT: 640 CR/650 Math/760 Writing =2050 :[<br>
NC Resident about 30 minutes from Durham
2 Yr. HOSA
2 Yr. Interact
2 Yr. FFA Member
1 Yr. Basketball Manager/Statistician
FBLA Treasurer (Jr.) and President (Sr.) With assistance from adviser reconfigured the club to make much more active
2 Yr. NHS
2 Yr. Natl Society of High School Scholars
Baseball- JV 2 Years
JV Player of Year Award as Soph
Baseball- Starting Varsity 2 Years
Varsity Baseball Conference Sportsman of Year Award
Jr. American Legion Baseball (Summer League)- 3 years
Active in summer camps with above clubs
Volunteer many hours at local food bank, clothing store, thrift shop, etc. for summer and on occasion during school year
Completed successful project to raise awareness of dangers of antibiotic overuse
Many Awards from School recognizing excellence in particular areas of study if that helps at all</p>
<p>Essays should be good. Its the only thing I was satisfied with on my SAT score lol. </p>
<p>I admittedly struggle with the reading section but have scored around 750 Math both times when taking the PSAT and knew I blew the section as soon as I took the SAT. Took it without a refresher course and while not enrolled in a math class. Knew I could do the problems just couldnt remember how! Will take again before applying.</p>
<ol>
<li> You get no advantage being a resident of NC (like you would at UNC);</li>
<li> You should apply ED only if you need no financial aid;</li>
<li> Your essays and teacher recs must be stellar;</li>
<li> Amplify the FFA angle as it may distinguish you;</li>
<li> Get your superscore up to 2200 or higher.</li>
<li> Read "Admissions Confidential" (Rachel Toor, former Duke Ad Officer);</li>
<li> Take a really good test prep course to increase your SATs by at least 150 points.</li>
</ol>
<p>Duke is a great school continuing to strive to be one of the premier elites. It is succeeding in spite of the Lacrosse scandal because it accepts lots of great students, many with your credentials or significantly better. Good luck!</p>
<p>Actually, being in-state does help some (Duke admits a certain number of NC students each year). I agree with BarristerDad in that you do need to raise that SAT (preferably up to 2200) for a good shot at Duke. Duke likes to admit high test scorers ED, so I would really work on that. Also, was that one B a semester grade or a final grade?</p>
<p>thanks barrister and cosine for your advice. And yes, i have talked it over with both my counselor and parents and determined that ED would be the best path. As cosine said, i thought being a NC resident did give you a SLIGHT advantage, but could be wrong.</p>
<p>The 92 was a final grade. My school does not base GPA on term grades (Although that course is the only in which i have received a B for the term) and will not publish term grades on my official transcript.</p>
<p>I know Duke is an elite school and there are rarely sure things, I definitely being far from it, but posted looking to know if I had a reasonable shot if applying ED. Don't want the adm. officers to look me over, laugh, and toss in the rejection pile without spending time considering my app. </p>
<p>Obviously, my SAT looks to be my biggest drawback, but am confident that it will raise by a reasonable margin (maybe not 150 points, but close) Do my EC's appear to be Duke material or am i weak in that area as well?</p>
<p>Thanks again to those that provide any opinion!</p>
<p>That 1290 is going to be the problem.
I'd retake- try for a 1450+, then you should be able to get in ED.
Even around 1370-1450, and if you show enough passion for Duke (given your grades and EC's) you should be able to get in.
Write a good Why Duke? essay.
ED, I guess, shows a lot of passion to begin with.
Best of luck!</p>
<p>"Passion About Duke" shouldnt be a problem. Its been my dream school since i was in the elementary grades. Just have to work the "passion" into a well-written, focused account on paper. Its clear the SAT is my nemisis. Im thinking of taking the ACT, as it could only help i assume. </p>
<p>If i do bad, i can just choose to not have it sent to Duke and concentrate on re-taking the SAT several weeks later. If i take the ACT plus writing, I will not have to submit SAT Sub Tests either I believe. If there is any downside to taking the ACT please let me know! Thanks again to those voicing their opinions.</p>
<p>There is absolutely no downside to trying out the ACT. I applied ED last year, and I think the ACT really helped out my application (1370//2090 v.s. 33). And you're right--if you do well enough on the ACT, you don't have to submit any SAT Subject Tests.</p>
<p>Overall, I think you have a good shot of getting in ED. Your NC residence is definitely a boost. If you get those scores up a little, and convey how much passion you have for Duke on the essays, you should be in good shape. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Thanks, i'll definitely sign up for the ACT w/ writing in September. I'll also take sat subject tests in October and the Reasoning Test again on November 1, which will most likely arrive in time to Duke for ED. Hopefully, i will score well enough on the ACT to ignore all SAT subject and reasoning scores and not send them in.</p>
<p>Also, are there any advantages to choosing the Universal App vs. the Common Application. (Other than being allowed at other colleges you are interested in.) That really isnt a factor, as other schools im interested in use either both or an independent application. Thanks!</p>