Just another chance thread.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

<p>Junior in high school right now. Applying to Duke ED - it is my dream. In a moment you'll see why applying will be a nightmare. :D</p>

<p>White male in North Carolina
Extremely Competitive Public School</p>

<p>GPA: 3.91 UW, not sure about W
Rank: 17/341
APs: Computer Science AB (Jr, expected 4), English (Jr, expected 4), United States History (Jr, expected 5), Physics C (Sr), BC Calculus (Sr), Economics (Sr), English (Sr), German (Sr), Government and Politics (Sr), Psychology (Sr)</p>

<p>SAT (and now the bottom falls out): CR: 650 M: 640 W: 730
SATII: MathII and United States History (expecting 700 and 770+ respectively)</p>

<p>EC:
Chess Club (President)
Debate Club (Founder and President)
Civitan Service Club
Young Democrats (President)
NHS
Academic Team (Captain)</p>

<p>Income less than $40K a year</p>

<p>Attending the North Carolina Governor's School for Natural Science this summer...</p>

<p>I need to address a few things before you guys all rip me to shreds.</p>

<p>The ECs are lacking because I am the son of a single mom. Ergo, I put 20+ hours a week on the board at work consistently to, for lack of a better term, get by. We emigrated to the United States from Georgia in 1996 and because starting something from nothing isn't always easy, we've been living meagerly for these eleven years. I'm also fluent in three languages and proficient in two more...if that means anything.</p>

<p>Regarding the SAT scores: I wish I could in some way, shape, or form articulate an effective argument that would prove that I'm not a complete airhead to the admissions officers. Unfortunately, I worry they'll think just that as they see my abysmal scores. I cannot explain why I can't succeed on the SAT...it perplexes me on a day-to-day basis. The SAT is the first academically-related matter that I haven't been able to break through; it's torture. Comparatively, it seems as though people with my scores are auto-rejects at top schools like Duke and the Ivies. It's a shame how everything is about the numbers...</p>

<p>If the application permits, I plan on writing an essay about assimilation in this country after living in a culture so drastically different - nothing special.</p>

<p>Have at me.</p>

2

<p>Great location (NC), great ECs. Your GPA, APs are looking good too. Definitely mention the immigration and working so many hours - that will give you a BIG plus on your app. </p>

<p>You are right about the SATs - a bit on the low side. I would suggest if you don't have time focus bringing up ONE of your areas - either math or verbal. (Maybe math if you moved from a different country, they might excuse the lower reading score.) I know an Asian who moved here a couple of years ago who got in ED to Duke with a 650 V, though he had a 800 M. You have a really great shot, focus on raising the SAT!! Good luck!</p>

3

<p>The funny thing is I'm reasonably solid at math. I think my downfall was having not seen geometry in three or so years. :(</p>

<p>Theoretically, it should be easier to get an 800M as I've heard that one is more likely to study for an 800 in M rather than CR.</p>

<p>Thanks for the support, though. :)</p>

4

<p>Definitely. Grab the blue "Official SAT Study Guide" and review the math section thoroughly. You'll definitely do better next time. Lots and lots of practice to familiarize yourself with the test format is always the way to go! :)</p>

5

<p>Have you tried the ACT? You might do better.</p>

6

<p>I was stupid enough to let Duke see my SAT scores already...</p>

<p>I registered before I found CC. :(</p>

7

<p>They don't care - they see all your scores regardless - you can't choose which scores to send and which not. They all get sent on one score sheet (all your SATs and SAT IIs). Duke will look at your highest scores from all your testings, so you can mix and match. For example, if you get 800M 500V next time, they will count your SAT as 800M and 650V. Either way, they will see it as improvement which is always good.</p>

8

<p>Albedo -</p>

<p>I'm aware of this; however, I originally meant that if I hadn't sent my SAT and took the ACT as well, I would be able to choose the better of the two and Duke would only see one of them (SAT or ACT).</p>

<p>That's how it works, eh?</p>

9

<p>Keep working hard. Like everyone else said, maybe raise your math score to 700+ and you are set. You have a great story though. Good luck with everything!</p>