<p>Can I ask- what made you fall in love with Duke? Was it the setting? community? academic prestige? Just curious.</p>
<p>I have a list of ~8 other schools, most of which I would be happy to go as well. Let me add that money is a factor in choosing where I go to school, but my parents will be more willing to help me out at a college like Duke or Cornell than somewhere like U Michigan, just because schools like that have an amazing reputation (not that U Mich doesn’t, it’s just that Duke and Cornell have better ones).</p>
<p>Also, I’m not ranked second nationally in chess. I won 2nd place at All Girls Nationals. Not all girls showed up to Nationals. According to my rating, I am in the top 50 in the nation, not in the top 10. So technically its not really that awesome :/</p>
<p>The campus is beautiful, it has great academics as well as athletics and just seems like an open, friendly place. It seems like a place where I could be surrounded by people who care about learning like I do, but who are also interested in other parts of life. Right now, I feel like I’m surrounded by people who are completely focused on college, college, college and who do not have time to relax at all. I kind of regret not doing the “fun things” in high school more; every time a social event rolls around, we tend to have a reason not to go to it (upcoming test/exam/project/paper). I don’t want to repeat this same mistake in college and Duke seems like a place where I can find people that are like me in this regard as well. :]</p>
<p>What is that in terms of ELO if you don’t mind telling?</p>
<p>Quickly, regarding your essay, don’t be afraid to emphasize your love of chess. It’s better for them to know that you are deeply passionate about something instead of being scattered. It shows you have focus and have some idea what you want to do with your life.</p>
<p>Again, your ECs won’t completely excuse your lower GPA and class rank, but if you focus on aspects other academics on your application, you definitely have a chance. Good luck. :)</p>
<p>ELO rating ~1700. </p>
<p>Thanks, Shiloh, eatsalot and Chie!</p>
<p>ELO 1700 is pretty decent, but is quite “cakey” if it can achive top 50 junior female in the US lol.</p>
<p>I thought you were more along the lines of 1900-2100.</p>
<p>I’ve peaked at about 1800 and when I said top 50 girls in US, I was referring to my ranking then. But you’re right, it isn’t all that impressive - it just sounds cool :].</p>