<p>Hey guys. Stressing about getting into a great university and was just wondering if I could get some opinions on my chances. If you can think of different colleges for me to apply to, be my guest.</p>
<p>I'm a junior at a medium-sized high school in South Florida. </p>
<p>White/Male</p>
<p>Unweighted GPA: 4.0
Weighted: 4.75
Class Rank: 1/600</p>
<p>SAT I: 2020 (re:690 m:680 wr:650) (Definitely retaking, these are from sophomore year haha)
ACT: 32 ( en:34 re:31 m:31 sc:32 wr:31)
SATII: Taking math I, chem, and U.S. history in June. (Expecting 700+ on all three)</p>
<p>Current classes:
AP Calc AB
AP Stats
AP English comp.
AP Chem
AP U.S. history</p>
<p>Senior classes:
AP Bio
AP Gov
AP Econ
AP Physics B
AP Calc BC</p>
<p>ECs:
Volunteer soccer referee 1000+ hrs
Volunteer at local hospital 100+ hrs
Member National Honor Society
President Math Honor Society
President Science National Honor Society
Vice-president Future Business Leaders of America
National Merit honorable mention</p>
<p>I've been on a few volunteer trips to Nicaragua to help with schools and to donate soccer supplies to the children.</p>
<p>Received a competitive summer internship at a large bio-medical research company in Florida (Scripps Research).</p>
<p>Mom graduated with associates degree from a small community college. Dad never went to college. Pretty much in the lower-middle class. Could NEVER afford Duke without financial aid.</p>
<p>I'm sure there are a host of other things that I can't quite think of at the moment. Anyways, thanks for any help you can give.</p>
<p>Well I’ve heard Duke is fairly generous with aid, but I would definitely retake the SAT for Duke. Your class rank and GPA are great, but the low (for Duke standards) SAT may raise a red flag. If your SAT scores don’t improve by as much as you want, I would look into ED for Duke which would give you the best shot IMO. </p>
<p>From the website: “There is a measurable advantage in the admissions process to applying Early Decision. In 2010-2011, we admitted 29% of students who applied Early Decision and 12% of students who applied Regular Decision.”</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply.</p>
<p>I’m hoping to bring the SAT scores enough to match the ACT scores (2200)</p>
<p>About the ED, I’m kind of scared to make such a commitment without being sure what the financial aid is like.</p>
<p>Generally the ED contract is breakable only for that reason, if it is financially imposable for you to attend with the given package. However, Duke is a school that pledges to match 100% of demonstrated need, so there’s not really any reason to not do it.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t apply early duke. If you get your SAT scores up to a solid 2200 or retake and get a 34+ ACT that couples with your rank gives you a solid shot at some highly selective schools. Duke matches financial aid offers from some other schools but you wouldn’t have the opportunity to compare offers if you apply and get in ED. Exactly how much do your parents make? If they make low enough you may qualify for a full, or close to, cost of attendance scholarship. Chances wise, I would say you have a very good chance getting in early decision and a good shot regular decision. What other schools are you looking at?</p>
<p>Combined? Around $45,000? Maybe lower.
My family qualifies for free/reduced lunch if that means anything.</p>
<p>I’m also looking at Northwestern, U of Florida, U of Miami, and a few smaller schools in Florida.</p>
<p>I’m on the same boat haha; retake both tests if you think that you’ll do better, and if you are really sure, then ED. personally, i think you’re within the range for northwestern.</p>
<p>chance back?
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1334048-chances-northwestern-please.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1334048-chances-northwestern-please.html</a></p>