<p>I looked at the collegeboard website and it said that Duke considers scores "very important" while it only considers class rank. If I have a 2400 and a class rank of 86/369, and I'm applying ED, do I have a decent shot or will I have to write one hell of an essay? (Very, very good EC's and all the other stuff). I realize that Duke is a very tough school for anyone to get into, but will my class rank rule me out automatically? (I took the hardest courseload in my class, 10+ AP's, 8 5's, 2 4's)</p>
<p>2400 with ED = great chance, but that rank is pretty bad. Im assuming you go to a very competitive school based on your AP scores and SAT. I find it amazing that your rank is that low because your obviously smart. In short, i dont think your rank will completely eliminate you, but the rest of your app needs to be strong. Your score alone wont do it.</p>
<p>Yeah it’s competitive but not exeter or anything. It’s just that there’s massive grade inflation, like the average grade is an 88, and I didn’t really see the value in working my ass off to get a 96-97 when with very little work I can pull off a 93. In short, doing homework isn’t really my thing, at least in easy classes, but my grades are generally much higher in AP/college courses because I feel challenged. Also, I’m taking a year off and volunteering in Uganda and launching my Internet startup, so I’m hoping that will help. Thanks for the input though.</p>
<p>Duke cares more about how much you pushed yourself by taking the hardest available courseload than they do about class rank. Obviously, receiving good grades are important, but pushing yourself to the limit is the single most important aspect of the application, I’ve been told. Also, admissions officers know the schools pretty cold by now, so they’ll know your school is competitive/has grade inflatio and take that into consideration.</p>
<p>Don’t have a craptacular GPA, don’t make your recommendation make you sound like a slacker. ED and you are pretty much in.</p>
<p>2400 + ED = in probably. Otherwise, Duke might waitlist you, but given ED? No problem.</p>
<p>I think Duke looks at SAT scores a lot.
Hell, that’s the only way I could have gotten in.. and I didn’t even have a 2400. (1560 on the Old SAT).. and I got in RD!</p>