Honest opinion

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

Hi so I have a dilemma. I know Duke claims to have holistic admissions but my situation is unique. I applied for Fall 2017 term.

My extracurriculars are very accomplished and definitely on par with many applicants accepted to Duke (international awards in piano, nonprofit service and basketball) but my academics are not. I took 12 AP classes urrently have a 3.75 weighted GPA and a 3.35 unweighted GPA.
I have a high ACT score of 32 and SAT of 1430, but I am still discouraged by my place academically. Due to my high school class of 700 (I’m ranked 302) being extremely competitive I’m dug even more deeper.

I know it seems like a long shot but how likely is it that they will overlook my academics/testing in light of my impressive extracurricular achievements and essays?

2

hate to break it to you but no ec is impressive enough to outweigh stats. If you were close then maybe, but you are just not. Unless you are being recruited for basketball I would say no chance

3

It’s a “no”. They are not holistic in their minimums. 3.35 and 45 percentile in class is just too low. Sorry.

4

You are close enough that it will depend on how differentiated your ECs really are. You’ll know very shortly. Best wishes!

5

@am61517 thanks for the positivity - when I say my ecs are impressive, they really are. If they really are that impressive do I have a shot?

6

Historically top universities looked for “well-rounded” students. Increasingly they are looking for what are called “lopsided” students. Those who are good overall, but are truly exceptional in a specific area. So, yes, depending on the strength of your ECs, you do have a decent shot.

7

@am61517 thank you, so my grades and test scores are not a deal breaker?