<p>I posted this on the What are my chances board? but only got two replies. Duke really is my dream school and I was wondering on my chances. I know Duke takes high school difficulty into account and I go to a college prep private school thats well known...now the stats:</p>
<p>GPA: 3.7
Classes: I am a junior.
Honours precalculus this year and AP/BC Calcus next year.
Honours Physics/AP Chem this year and AP Bio and Organic Chemistry next year.
AP English.
Regular History.
French (will finish French V).
Orchestra.</p>
<p>EC: Varsity Soccer 3 years and State Championship
School Symphony Orchestra for 4 years
Karate Black Belt
Tennis
Model United Nations
Newspaper
Science Research Club</p>
<p>Honours/Awards: Soccer State Championship
Orchestra Award
Black belt
Model UN Award
Optimist Volunteer Award
National Honor Roll</p>
<p>Tests: Since I'm a junior i haven't taken them yet but, PSAT was 211 and SAT score should be higher (did worst on my best section, math!!) and let's just assume my ACT is 30-31 which I think it will be</p>
<p>I have a lot of volunteer also, not sure how much but its in the hundreds. I also attended an educational summer program at U of M.
Internships: Oncology, Eye Doctor, Gastroenterologist</p>
<p>GPA is not weighted for advantages to honors courses at my high school and I go to a good private school and that might help so just keep that in my mind maybe...Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>You GPA is lower IMO but you defiantly make up for it in your extra currics which are very impressive.</p>
<p>I'd say if you want to really impress them if you have already taken an AP course in a field that your interested in majoring in, and if thats the case enrolling in a college course (but seriously dont kill yourself over it its not going to make or break you).</p>
<p>ACT score is fine i think.</p>
<p>Im guessing your going science and if thats the case having research would be good.</p>
<p>However in the meantime i would HIGHLY recommend applying for one of the University summer programs around (some are free if money is an issue). That would defiantly help.</p>
<p>Getting to know your teachers will be good as will your guidance counselor. Say hi when you have a question and just try to be present in his mind.</p>
<p>Always keep in mind tho that at this level colleges can pick and choose freely, so nothing can really make you a "sure in" except if you won a nobel prize or something really crazy....btw dont do that either :P.</p>
<p>Where do you live/what school? You should read the book (i forgot what it's called) by Rachel Toor (she was an admissions officer at duke) and it could be really helpful. As far as your stats are considered, they look fine, but seem a little BWRK (from what I've gotten from the book)... maybe you should try to diversify/emphasize national awards...I've heard they are looking for that... :)</p>
<p>what do you mean by BWRK?...im guessing bookwork, if that is what it means don't the karate, soccer, orchestra, volunteer take care of that? im not sure though, im just trying to understand what you mean.
thanks again</p>
<p>and second question im looking for a summer program now actually and i went to one at U of M, would going to one at Duke help my chances at all?</p>
<p>BWRK in Rachel Toor's book actually means "Bright Well-Rounded Kid", though it probably and usually does translate to "Boring White Rich Kid". I'd say you should find an edge of some sort. Stay away from expensive and useless summer programs. Don't join Spanish Club, etc. Pursue a passion. Take up something that challenges you in a new way. Like if you've always pursued science and medicine, take a summer painting or poetry course if you're interested and send in slides or samples Or do some sort of medical research with a doctor if you can. Be creative. Send in a music tape with your application. Don't let your application be flat.</p>
<p>And if it makes you feel any better, I scored 17 points higher on the actual SAT (if you take off the 0s) than on the PSAT. I would also suggest studying a lot for the Writing section, it's the one section that learning the rules and tricks of the trade will actually help you (really just on the MC section, which counts for more, the essay is stupid and you're kind of on your own. Did i mention the essay is stupid?).</p>
<p>haha. I'm not british but yea I expect to do better on SAT than I did on PSAT. And I really want to participate in a research oppurtunity of some sort because I am interested in medicine. I'm just not sure how exactly to get involved?
I'm working on a Science Research project with a friend and it should win an award, but if it doesn't how would I integrate that into my application?..or would it just be best not to lol</p>
<p>Well if it does win an award you can of course put that down under "awards"</p>
<p>Also, Duke has a special optional essay where you can describe research activity that you've done and I'm sure you could send in part of your research if you wanted to.</p>
<p>yea the research is basically everything my app has goin. i mean im competitive as much as the next guy but the research i did could really help and it seems duke is concerned about it. i said i would row on the crew team too, maybe that will help</p>
<p>Hey - You say you want to get into the research world and you say you're working on a project? Then make sure to enter an Intel ISEF affiliated science fair. <a href="http://www.sciserv.org%5B/url%5D">www.sciserv.org</a> <- go there, then click on the international sci and engineering fair link. From there you can get rules, find your local fair, etc. Another good one is junior science and humanities symposium (you can use the exact same project you use for sci fair, competition format is different) <a href="http://www.jshs.org%5B/url%5D">www.jshs.org</a> Now for JSHS, it really depends on how your state operates, it's not as nationally uniform as science fair. But it's worth looking into for sure. Many chances for awards, plus competing will help your interview skills, etc. Always a good thing!</p>
<p>Now as far as summer research programs go - there seem to be quite a few out there. Just go googling. There is RSI, but it's crazy hard to get into (who knows what they're looking for?). There are a lot of programs out in Texas. They tend to pay your way, and they're a great experience. There's one at Baylor University, one at Texas Tech University (Clark Scholars), and there are more all over the country. Just get on the internet and seek them out. Then apply. And who knows? Maybe your guidance office has info on summer programs. They are definately worth it. I went to one and it was lovely. Also, it'll help you focus career goals, etc. Okay enough said. Needless to say, I love research. :D</p>