How Big of A Reach?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>I'm a junior right now in Philadelphia, PA, and Duke is somewhat of a "dream" school for me (and not just because my favorite NBA player went there; I want to study economics. I know being admitted will be a reach, but I'm not sure how big of a reach, per se.</p>

<p>Gender: Male
Ethnicity: White
High School: magnet, best public HS in Philly, 99% go on to college
Hooks: none come to mind
Intended Major: Economics
Extra Info: I would apply ED/EA</p>

<p>GPA: 4.05 (weighted, cumulative 9th-11th grades) - My strictly junior GPA would be about 4.1
Rank: 40/540 (~7%)
SAT Reasoning: Math = 760, Critical Reading = 700, Writing = 760, Total = 1460 or 2220
SAT Subjects: Math I = 760, Math II = 750, Physics = 700
ACT: will be taken on April 4th, most likely a score of 33 to 34
Course Load: several honors, only 2 AP's (not the most rigorous available by far, but not terrible)
Senior Year: dual enrollment at LaSalle University (most likely)
Summer: trying to get into a business-oriented program at a good college</p>

<p>School E.C.'s / Awards: none worth mentioning beyond the Peer Mentor program (tutoring), and the National Honor Society</p>

<p>Sports: none so far, EXTREMELY competitive sports HS. Did not make the baseball team last year, but I will try for varsity basketball as a senior (probably will get cut, but there is a chance)</p>

<p>Community Service: 50-60 hours per school year helping in an after-school program for younger kids (over 150 hours by the end of this year, ~200 by HS graduation)</p>

<p>Work Experience: Acme employee since June '08 (12-16 hours per week during school, much more in the summer)</p>

<p>Recommendations: none yet, but I am sure they will be great; I am well-liked by teachers</p>

<p>Essays: excellent writing skills, and considering the importance, I think I can do enough here to maybe make up for any lack of subjectivity. (I am, indeed, much more well-rounded an individual than my transcript may suggest).</p>

<p>Please let me know if you would classify Duke as a low, mid, or high reach. Thanks in advanced...</p>

2

<p>Your academic stats are pretty good, but what do you do outside of school (other than the work, which is great, but don't think that alone is enough..)? That will definitely hold you back. Duke would be a target for you if you had something outside of school. GET on the sports team. It will make your app process a lot easier.</p>

3

<p>Yea, I completely understand what you mean. And I regret not being more involved, but I doubt being on the basketball team during senior year will really have an impact on my chances. Thank you, though, for responding.</p>

4

<p>bump... anyone else?</p>