@EverLovinOwl your scores and stats are amazing dont just chalk it up to legacy. You EARNED your admission!!!
Accepted Trinity
ACT: 35
GPA (Unweighted): 4.0 GPA (Weighted): 4.33
Rank:1/43
AP: Chem 5, Human Geo 4, English 4
Senior Class Load: All advanced classes
ECs: Basketball Captain, Baseball Captain, Founded a faith club at school, intern at 3D printing lab, cast member of musical, elementary basketball coach,
Worked at State farm
Interview Requested but did not get one
Minnesota
School Type: Public
Major: Undecided
Race: White Male
Legacy: Yes
REJECTED
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): N/A
ACT: 35 Composite
SAT II: Chemistry (790), US History (770), Math Level 2 (750), World History (750), Biology M (740)
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): N/A
AP (place score in parenthesis): World History (5), US History (5), Physics 1 (5), English Lang Comp (5), Chemistry (5)
IB (place score in parenthesis): N/A
Senior Year Course Load: AP Biology, AP Comparative Gov, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C, AP Literature, Honors Spanish IV
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): AP Scholar with Distinction, National Honor Society, National Merit Commended Scholar
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Captain of Cross Country, Captain of Indoor Track, Captain of Outdoor Track, Leader of Engineering Club, lots of other random clubs.
Job/Work Experience: I ran my own “business” (a bit of a stretch) filming local football games for the coaches.
Volunteer/Community service: I did around 10-12 hours a year.
Summer Activities: Harvard Summer Program, Work.
Essays: I thought probably 9 or 10/10
Teacher Recommendation: Have never seen them
Counselor Rec: Have never seen
Additional Rec: From Harvard Professor, was pretty generic but good.
Interview: Went very well.
Other
State (if domestic applicant): CT
Country (if international applicant):
Intended major(s): Biology, Chemistry, Physics
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: White
Gender: Male
Income Bracket:
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): N/A
Reflection
Strengths:
I thought just about every area…
Weaknesses:
Honestly have no idea. Maybe not enough community service?
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected:
I’d like to think my application can be a lesson for any prospective students viewing this in the future; this process is super random and to be honest just doesn’t make all that much sense. There was not much more I could have done realistically. Congrats to everyone who got in.
Trinity College or Arts and Sciences
ACCEPTED!!
ACT, Highest composite, 32 Highest components : 31 33 33 34
SAT 2 : 760 chemistry, 780 Biology M
Unweighted GPA ( out of 4) : 3.96
Rank : our school does not.
Alevels predicted grades: A* A* A* A*
Major Awards : Gold medalist National Linguistics Olympiad, Gold Medalist National Geography Olympiad.
subjective.
Ecs : Mostly community service activities, established my own Ngo that helped women initiating business. unique volunteering work. Made my organization " Women of Pakistan" that shared stories of inspiring women. made another platform " Wehelp" that helps students in free in studies college applications and extras. Community Service head so school. Athlete : gold medalist in national basketball series of high school students.
Science projects like Research assistance in very advanced stem cell lab of Pakistan. head of Research club " Incubator", writing a research paper currently on stem cell influence on spine treatment.
Common App essay : most people would say " one of the best they have ever read" lol. it was about how caste marriages in Pakistan is promoting genetic defects, it was about my sister who is down syndrome- a merger of biology, social norms, personal relations. 10/10 ( I think it got me in!)
Why Duke Essay : 10/10 wrote how dedicated school is to utilize 9000 acres of land on research e.t.c basically related botany zoology genetic ( biology areas) to the practical setting duke provides.
optional essay : 9/10 related to my volunteering activities.
reccomendations : Superb, my biology sir wrote how I apply biology in my practical life. literature professor loves me too, 10/10
C.R: she wrote a good one too. 9/10
interview : wasn’t asked to do
additional recc. : none
Country : PAKISTANI
Intended Majors : double major Biology and Chemistry.
ASIAN.
income bracket : LOW
Reflection:
strengths : My passion, there were people who tried to demoralize me but I kept working hard. I put my soul in my essays so that they stand out. It was my parent’s dream so just worked hard to fulfill it.
Weaknesses : ACT score. but that does not mean you lose hope!! work on other things
General comments:
LOVE DUKE!! looking forward to meet my batch mates!!
@hellen123 congrats! that’s super impressive. are you on the groupie and FB group yet?
@FuzzyLogic308 im sorry but i am SHOCKED you didnt get in. Your stats are amazing. Dont despair youll find the right fit!!!
Accepted
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
SAT I: 1450
Reading Writing: 710
Math: 740
ACT I: 34
Rank: 24 (5th percentile)
AP Scores:
Psychology: 5
United States History: 4
Physics: 3
English Language and Comp.: 3
Chemistry: 2
Senior Courses:
AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
AP Computer Science Principles
AP English Lit.
AP Calculus AB
French I
German I
Major Awards:
Junior Marshall
Extracurriculars:
Science Academic Team, Captain
Latin JCL
Work Experience: None
Volunteer Experience: Went on several missions trips with church youth group and participated in community service clubs
State: North Carolina
Intended Major: Biology
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: White
Gender: Female
I think my essay and interview are what did it for me.
Decision: Accepted
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
ACT: 35
SAT II: Math 1: 790
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Rank: 6/971
AP: AP Chem (4) APUSH (5) AP Lang (4)
Senior Year Course Load: AP Poli Sci, AP Physics 1, AP BC Calc, AP Lit
Major Position: Concertmaster of NY All-State Wind Ensemble
Extracurriculars: Founder and president of a student tutoring network, Mandarin Chinese teaching assistant, 3-year concertmaster in school’s band, urban environmental intern, children’s Sunday School teacher, SING student musical production pianist, youth group leader, art teaching assistant, Seekers Christian Fellowship leader
Volunteer/Community service: church’s sound system manager, rehab center volunteer
Summer Activities: chamber music, traveled to China, studied for tests lololol
Essays: Common app 8/10, Why Duke 9.5/10
Teacher Recommendations: 8/10
Counselor Rec: 8/10
Additional Rec: Both 10/10
Interview: Went really well; did my research on potential questions (you can find them on College Confidential)
State: NY
Intended major: maybe public policy, bio, or environmental
School Type: Public (4000 students)
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: Female
Strengths: All-State Concertmaster, ACT, wide variety of activities and leadership, and EXCELLENT EXCELLENT peer recommendation from my closest friend.
Weaknesses: Common App essay was a love-it-or-hate-it. (It was a risky topic based on prompt 3)
Why you think you were accepted: I chose my extracurriculars because of my genuine interest in each one; being honest from the get-go enabled me to piece together my application with a surprisingly natural confidence.
I put a lot of thought and creativity into the Why Duke section. (I basically made it a screenplay, where Duke and I were characters. Bizarre, right? There were even stage directions…gasp)
Because I fell in love with Duke, I put so much more effort into making my personality shine through in whatever way I could.
Decision: Rejected
Pick one:
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown):
ACT: 27
SAT II:
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.7
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): N/A
AP (place score in parenthesis): APUSH (4) AP Lang (3)
IB (place score in parenthesis): N/A
Senior Year Course Load: AP Environmental Science, AP Lit, AP Gov, Economics, Independent Study
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): N/A
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Environmental Club (President) Girls Varsity Tennis Team (captain, 1st singles, won championship as captain) Newspaper (Copy Editor) Website Development [created a website/podcast based on interest in journalism, refraining from using name for privacy]
Job/Work Experience: Blogger (on a Study Abroad Tour)
Volunteer/Community service: Worked with underprivileged kids in Santa Barbara (40 hrs), Helped Rebuild houses in NOLA (2 days), Volunteered at food pantry (200+hours)
Summer Activities: Community Service in Santa Barbara, Study Abroad Trip in Europe
Essays: Common App essay was a bit unconventional, Why Duke focused on Nicholas School of the Environment, Diversity essay talked about my experience as a native New Yorker
Teacher Recommendation: I’d say 8/10 for both
Counselor Rec: 7/10
Additional Rec: N/A
Interview: My interviewer was basically a carbon copy of me… we showed up wearing almost exactly the same thing, had very similar experiences, interests. Lasted around an hour, assuming 9/10.
Other
State (if domestic applicant): NY
Country (if international applicant):
Intended major(s): Public Policy, Environmental Science
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: White
Gender: F
Income Bracket: >100K
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): (N/A)
Reflection
Strengths: My essays were pretty unique, website and tennis accomplishments.
Weaknesses: Stats
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: My stats could not be overlooked. While I did have personal circumstances as to why certain stats were lower than others, numbers do matter to Duke. To those applying in the future, know that while they say they take a holistic look at applications, if your numbers are too low, you don’t really have much of a chance.
General Comments: I really loved Duke. I visited twice, went to info sessions, and while my stats were lower, I hoped for at least a deferral. I disclosed a personal circumstance for why some grades and test scores were lower than others. The grades in the areas I excelled in, however, were pretty much perfect. NY was the state Duke accepted the most applications from this year, making it more competitive as NY resident. Further, having the second highest ED pool, along with the first year of Quest Bridge, did not make it any easier. To those accepted, congratulations. Duke is an amazing school and I hope you all take advantage of the incredible resources they provide. Good luck to future applicants.
Decision: Accepted
Pratt School of Engineering
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 1520
reading: 780
math: 740
ACT: 35 (Reading: 36, Math: 33, English: 36, Science: 36)
SAT II: M biology: 800, Math II: 740
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 7/585
AP (place score in parenthesis): AP English Language and comp. (5), AP Physics 1 (5), APUSH (5), AP world history (5), AP Biology (4), AP Psychology (5)
IB (place score in parenthesis): none
Senior Year Course Load: AP English 4, AP Calculus AB/BC, Band, AP Physics C, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 2
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): National Merit Commended
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Band (Lots of leadership roles in this one), I participated in most volunteer organizations in school, UIL academic team, Research assistant at local community college (I am a published Author)
Job/Work Experience: None
Volunteer/Community service: 50 or so hours at our towns VA facility and some scattered hours for NHS and the likes
Summer Activities: I went out of country to China and had a lot of really good experiences
Essays: 10/10
Teacher Recommendation: I got 3 recs from my English, Physics, and Biology teachers
Counselor Rec: 10/10
Additional Rec: none
Interview: 8/10 It lasted for about half an hour and it really wasn’t anything special
Other
State (if domestic applicant): Texas
Country (if international applicant): USA
Intended major(s): Biomedical Engineering
School Type: Public High School
Ethnicity: Chinese
Gender: Male
Income Bracket:
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): none
Reflection
Strengths: I had a lot of research experience alongside lots of leadership experience. I was very dedicated to one extracurricular (Band)
Weaknesses: My test scores weren’t necessarily perfect and I didn’t have any really prestigious awards.
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: (see strengths above)
Decision: Rejected
Pick one:
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): N/A
ACT: 35 composite 35 Eng/34 Reading/33 Math/ 36 Science
SAT II: 700 US History; 700 Physics
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.71
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): N/A
AP (place score in parenthesis): Eng Lit (5), Chinese (5), Spanish (4)
IB (place score in parenthesis): Math SL (5), Anthropology SL (6)
Senior Year Course Load: IB Biology SL, IB English HL, IB Spanish HL, AP BC Calculus, IB Physics HL
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Autism Awareness Club (Vice President), Youth Orchestra (Principal), Pit Orchestra (Chief)
Job/Work Experience: Cashier at local small business, paid intern at National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Volunteer/Community service: Volunteer teacher at local Chinese food, Volunteer teacher at international school in China (summer 2016), Volunteer dog walker for local dog shelter
Summer Activities: Intern at National Institutes of Health (NIH), Teacher at international school in China
Essays: Pretty good in my opinion, but I guess not good enough
Teacher Recommendation: Pretty good.
Counselor Rec: Fantastic, my counselor and I had long discussions on Autism Awareness and future plans, post college.
Additional Rec: N/A
Interview: Great in my opinion, we discussed my interests in science but also my long running interest in Duke (I had a legacy and I wanted to go since I was 7 years old)
Other
State (if domestic applicant): MD
Country (if international applicant): USA
Intended major(s): Global Public Health
School Type: Arts & Sciences, Global Health Institute
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: Girl
Income Bracket: 200k+
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): Legacy
Reflection
Strengths: Legacy, good essays, test scores
Weaknesses: GPA for sure, lack of “physical” ECs?
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected:
In the end my numbers just didn’t cut it I guess, I knew I had a low GPA and not so spectacular test scores, but I thought my legacy and essays would at least give me a chance.
General Comments:
Pretty disappointed in the result, but mostly because I’ve wanted to go for so long. Now that I think about it, my chances were pretty slim. I guess it was worth the shot.
Decision: Accepted
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 1490 (780 math, 710 verbal, 21 essay)
ACT: 33 (35 english, 34 math, 32 reading, 31 science, 26 essay)
SAT II: 750 Math II
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): Unweighted 1/~700, Weighted ~8/~700
AP (place score in parenthesis): 5 on Human Geography and 5 on US Government and Politics
IB (place score in parenthesis): 6 on SL math and 6 on SL business; haven’t taken the rest
Senior Year Course Load: IB 20th Century History HL, IB Chemistry HL2, IB English HL2, IB Spanish 5, AP Statistics, Photography 1, IB Theory of Knowledge
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): 7th place at FBLA Nationals in Management Information Systems, National Merit Commended Scholar
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): 4-year varsity tennis player (Captain), FBLA, DECA, Chess Club (Co-Founder), Model UN, Ping Pong Club
Job/Work Experience: None
Volunteer/Community service: Volunteered at a summer retreat for people with developmental issues, managed girls’ tennis team
Summer Activities: Played Junior Team Tennis
Essays: I liked them 
(9/10) For common app, wrote about how I reversed a district policy regarding the amount of athletic credit given for tennis, and for the “Why Duke” essay I wrote about how it had a culture outside the classroom and was in a setting that I would be comfortable with
Teacher Recommendation: Probably pretty generic, didn’t have a close relationship with either teacher
Counselor Rec: Probably VERY generic, didn’t even know the dude
Additional Rec: None
Interview: Probably like 7 or 8 out of 10, certainly didn’t hurt
Other
State (if domestic applicant): Colorado
Country (if international applicant):
Intended major(s): Undecided
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: White
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: >$150,000
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): None
Reflection
Strengths: Essays, interview, grades
Weaknesses: Test scores weren’t amazing, lack of leadership, no hooks
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: I think I was accepted based on my essay and interview; I think that grades and test scores are more of a check mark and that the essays/interviews separate applicants. There were people much more qualified than me who didn’t make it.
General Comments: If you’re going to apply to Duke, I think it’s a good idea to respond to the interviewer (if you have the opportunity) as soon as possible. The alumnus in my area sounded pleasantly surprised when I returned his call right away. Also, in the essays and interview I was 100% honest. I had never visited the campus thinking that I wasn’t going to get in, but I hope this shows to other people that it’s worth a shot!
Decision: Accepted
Pick one:
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 1530 (superscore) (770 math, 760 verbal)
ACT: 34
SAT II: 790 SAT Biology, 740 SAT Chemistry
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 1/350 or so students
AP (place score in parenthesis): AP Human Geo (5) AP Bio (5) AP World History (5) AP Chemistry (5) AP Psych (5) AP Calc AB (5) AP Lang (4) AP US History (4), AP Capstone Seminar (4)
Senior Year Course Load: AP US Gov, AP Capstone Research, AP Stat, AP Physics 1, AP Calc BC, AP Lit, AP Microecon, AP Art History
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): Science Fair achievements, attended International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) my sophomore and junior year.
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Science NHS (president), Math NHS (president), Student Council (Executive Treasurer), NHS (seargant at arms), Varsity soccer all 4 years of high school, club soccer since I was about 7 – club team is ranked top 10 in state
Job/Work Experience: N/A
Volunteer/Community service: 100+ hrs at local hospital, also volunteered with Be The Match (bone marrow transplant matches) organization
Summer Activities: Usually soccer camps or travelling
Essays: 8/10 for my common app ones. Pretty good because I told it like a story that showed my character, but it was hard for me to find unique topics.
Teacher Recommendation: AP Bio and AP Seminar/Lit teachers. Both knew me very well, as I had them in more than one class. 10/10
Counselor Rec: Did not know me too well being a new counselor to the school 5/10
Additional Rec: My old counselor from freshman-junior year. Good relationship with him. 9/10
Interview: None
Other
State (if domestic applicant): FL
Intended major(s): Biology, on pre-med track
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: M
Income Bracket: N/A
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): None really
Reflection
Strengths: I think the science fair achievements were huge because Intel ISEF is such a prestigious event and I did quality projects without having access to the best resources (did it all in my AP Bio teacher’s classroom). Also my recommendations for sure, especially the AP Bio teacher because he knew me so well as he was my science fair mentor.
Weaknesses: Asian I guess, no hooks, maybe test scores being average compared to the very exceptional scores of the other applicants
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: See Strengths
General Comments: Very excited and honored to be accepted. Duke’s my dream school and I’m happy all my hard work has paid off. Can’t wait to meet fellow Blue Devils!!!
Decision: ACCEPTED!!!
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): N/A
ACT: SS:33 C:32 (E: 33, M: 33, R: 32, S:33) (I know… ouch) 11 Essay
SAT II:
Biology M: 760
Math II: 710 (lol)
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.95 UW 5.15 W
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): Top 10%
AP (place score in parenthesis): Biology (4), Calc AB (4), English Lang (5), Environmental Science (5), World History (3 didn’t report)
IB (place score in parenthesis): N/A
Senior Year Course Load: Honors American History II, Honors Biomedical Innovations, AP Chemistry, Honors Medical Interventions, AP Statistics, AP English Literature
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): NONE
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Red Cross Club (President), Health Occupational Students of American (Co-President), Helping Hearts which worked with Ronald McDonald House (President), National Honor Society, National Technical Honors Society
Job/Work Experience: 7 week long surgical research internship at Duke, private tutor for 2 years, worked at McDonalds for a few summers
Volunteer/Community service: LOTS of service hours with Ronald McDonald House (>200-300 hours), worked with Special Olympics for the past 2 years, other events such as Kids Triathlons, etc.
Summer Activities: National Student Leadership Conference at UC Berkeley for Medicine and Health Care (2 weeks and was absolutely incredible), Summer Student at Brown University (10 week course on Anatomy and Physiology), Duke Surgical Research internships, lots of traveling and sleeping
Essays:
Common app (9/10): My absolute favorite essay I have ever written. I went extremely personal and really opened myself up to Duke about me, who I am, and my personal life. I made it fun and light hearten just to make them smile a bit. My English teacher absolutely adored it.
Why Duke (10/10): I really went all out and poured my heart out. I talked all about the research opportunities and the expansive area of cardiology in Duke medicine. I felt like it was very well worded and represented my love for the school very well.
Optional Essay (7-8/10): This essay was meh not bad but not excellent. I talked about my love for English and rhetoric and how that has shaped a very different aspect of my intellectual growth and how that different perspective sets me apart from other pre-med applicants.
Teacher Recommendation:
Teacher #1 (10/10): My AP Biology teacher and was stunning. Actually made me tear me up. It was so genuine and kind hearted that it was almost too good to be true. He really captured my eagerness to become a doctor and pursue cardiology.
Teach #2 (9/10): Didn’t read it but it was from my AP lang teacher who I loved so much. She was so much fun and really captivated my interest for rhetorical studies and english. By far one of my favorite classes and teachers.
Counselor Rec: (6/10): Didn’t read and probably generic. We had a better than most relationship but thats not saying much given that almost no one really clicks with their counselor.
Additional Rec:
1 (8/10): One of the orthopedic surgeons I shadowed over the summer. Really nice guy, duke undergrad and medical school graduate. Never read it but I am sure it was pretty good.
2 (10/10): Awesome recommendation from a distinguished Duke Alumni. He has been a close family friend and it was super great recommendation.
Interview: (9/10): It went very well! It was very fluid. I didn’t prepare because I wanted to be pretty candid and who I truly am not a polished, pseudo version of myself. He was a recent Duke medical school graduate so the conversation came naturally.
Other
State (if domestic applicant): NC
Country (if international applicant): USA
Intended major(s): Biology/ English
School Type: VERY competitive public
Ethnicity: White
Gender: Male
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): Not a single thing
Reflection
Strengths: My essays really showed exactly who I was and my passions. I had a strong GPA and a rather competitive course load.
Weaknesses: ACT ACT ACT! SAT II’s could have been better but I was happy with them
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: Definitely my essays, recommendations, and general work ethic. My ACT was really my dead weight.
General Comments:
OKAY most important part.
I have been all over college confidential for the past 3 years, reading everyone’s comments about competitive schools and every time feeling so horrible about myself. It seriously made me feel like I was working so hard and really showing my passions for no reasons because almost everyone on here seemed to only care about standardized test scores. Well here I am saying TEST SCORES ARE NOT EVERYTHING! SERIOUSLY! I took the ACT 4 TIMES. I was so unhappy because I felt like colleges only see me as a number and nothing more, and college confidential only seemed to confirm that. I am now proof that test scores aren’t everything and that your voice and your personality will shine through to the admissions officers if you just be yourself! To all the people just like me who are worrying so much about their 30+ ACT, STOP! BE YOU! In the end, you WILL find your peace and you will be much happier doing the things you love rather than spending everyday studying for one test that you will take one day of your life. All of that being said, just study your butt off and do your personal best on the exam a couple of time but DO NOT OBSESS over it. Your time is better spent finding your voice. Be you because if you’re reading this thread, you’re probably already so amazing.
So excited to be a blue devil! Duke class of 2021 :)) :))
Well, here for RD applicants or any juniors out there, high school class of 2018, who are interested in applying to Duke next year
REJECTED
Pick one:
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 2190
ACT: None
SAT II: Math II (800), US History (760)
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.88
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): My school does not rank, but i know i am top 9 percent at my school because i quality for ELC, which is a university of California program that awards the top nine percent of every high school with a guarantee offer to a UC.
AP (place score in parenthesis): Chem (4), US History (5), Bio (5), Calc ab (5)
IB (place score in parenthesis):
Senior Year Course Load: ap calc bc, ap comp lit, ap music theory, ap microecon, ap gov, physics honors.
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): None
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Agape Christian Club (co-founder and vice president), Youth Group (student leader), Sunday school teacher, basketball team, Worship Band (lead guitarist and singer)
Job/Work Experience: Babysitter for Church and Camp counselor for Auxano Academy.
Volunteer/Community service: Hope and A Future tutoring services (founder), Davis Community Meals.
Summer Activities: Life University volunteer in Cambodia, Mexico mission trip,
Essays: 9/10 for common ap essay. I got it reviewed by a friend who works at a consulting company just for college apps. Why duke essay was phenomenal, talked about how i wanted to take advantage of SOL program and do research with alma blount and get immersed in bass connections. 10/10
Teacher Recommendation: 9/10 from my math teacher, and 8/10 from english. Solid letters but nothing exceptional or outstanding.
Counselor Rec: We did not talk much, but i go to a very big public school and she said she knew me very well so 8/10.
Additional Rec: Youth group leader and my tutor wrote me letter of rec. they were both pretty good probably not exceptional. 8/10 for both.
Interview: NONE
Other
State (if domestic applicant): CA
Country (if international applicant):
Intended major(s): Religious Studies, ICS, and minor in Music.
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: Korean American
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: lower middle class, we are not very rich
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):
Reflection
Strengths: My biggest strength was my Why Duke essay. Again i talked about the professor i wanted and how i wanted to take advantage of Duke’s programs like SOL and Bass and Data plus.
Weaknesses: I dont have any huge obvious weaknesses, but for me it would definitely be extracurriculars. I do not do a lot outside of church, and that probably showed. everything else in my application was just mediocre for Duke: SAT, GPA, recommendations, essays, etc.
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected:
To be honest, there is nothing exceptional about my app: grades, test score, extracurriculars, etc. Im just a typical korean church boy. I am just average among applicants to Duke. Also thought I came off way too religious, and maybe that why duke did not (at least) defer me.
Good luck to all RD and future applicants! Hope this helps.
Decision: Accepted
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown):
ACT: 36 (36E, 36R, 36M, 35S)
SAT II: Math II 800; Literature 770
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.3/4.5
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): School ranks in quintile, 20%
AP (place score in parenthesis): Microeconomics 5; Macroeconomics 5
IB (place score in parenthesis): HL Engl A, HL Mandarin B, HL Economics, HL Physics, SL Computer Science, SL Math, TOK
Senior Year Course Load: ^
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.):
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): listed in the same order as commonapp.
School student-run magazine (Editor-in-chief); school Wind Ensemble (first flute, president); MUN (Under-Secretary-General); Flute lessons since 9, member of paid flute quartet; Feminist Society (founder);
Job/Work Experience: 2 week summer Editorial Intern at expat newspaper (G12); 3 week summer legal intern (G11); paid performances with flute quartet.
Volunteer/Community service: service performances with school Wind Ensemble. Overall weak
Summer Activities: aforementioned internships; Notre Dame Leadership Seminar, Global Issues (selective, two-week, full scholarship program)
Essays: Commonapp 6/10 not my best work 1) Why Duke 10/10. Simple essay, just cut to the chase. Mentioned Duke’s sense of community with examples of past interactions with alums; unique opportunity for my specific academic intersection with class names & professor names; 3 extracurriculars that interest me. 2) Optional essay 9/10. About family, simple but humanizing, although final message can be refined
Teacher Recommendation:
- IB English teacher: taught me for one year, saw my improvement and depth of thought. Excellent writer. 8/10
- IB CompSci teacher: taught me for one year. saw my progress and commitment, “one of my favorite students” 8/10
Counselor Rec:
Also my IB Economics teacher, has a lot to say in terms of my extracurriculars 8/10
Additional Rec:
Newspaper internship mentor. 3-page single spaced, emphasized optimistic/energetic personality and gritty work ethic. 9/10
Interview:
10/10 Later told me he gave me “highest recommendation”
***REMEMBER to send a thank you + follow-up email preferably on the night of your interview.
Other
State (if domestic applicant): /
Country (if international applicant): Shanghai, China (This year China’s ED acceptance rate is 10.4%)
Intended major(s): Public Policy, CompSci, PoliSci
School Type: /
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: F
Income Bracket: did not apply for financial aid
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):
Reflection
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: Interview, Rec, EAC. I was in touch through college fairs and email correspondents with my regional AO, so that probably left an impression. Advice for essays: it’s the overall impression that counts. So instead of fixating on one essay, look at the big picture that your entire application conveys.
General Comments:
Hmu for essay samples and editing advice! Good luck to everyone applying!!
I guess it’s time I give back to the site that helped me so much.
Decision: Accepted
Pick one:
Pratt engineering
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): n/a
ACT: 36 C (36 E, 36 M, 36 R, 36 S)
SAT II: 790 Math 2; 770 Biology (M)
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0 UW; 4.85 W
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 2 (but applied thinking I was rank 5, lol)
AP (place score in parenthesis): 18 weighted classes, 11 of which were AP (the rest were “magnet” academy classes), got 5’s and 4’s
IB (place score in parenthesis): n/a
Senior Year Course Load: magnet multivariable calc, magnet differential equations, magnet organic chemistry, magnet biochemistry, magnet human anatomy, ap psych, ap gov, ap comp sci, ap environmental sci, ap literature
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): won some state business competition, don’t know if that counts
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): pilots license, tennis team (captain), travel soccer (captain), physics club (treasurer), Model UN, NHS, a bunch more meaningless clubs
Job/Work Experience: work at a marina and I pretty much handle finances
Volunteer/Community service: Camp Gonnawannagoagin for autism, Camp Invention for young kids (counselor for both)
Summer Activities: research on brain-computer interfaces at the ASPEN Lab at Old Dominion University
Essays: common app (9/10) talked about flying and having to get a job to pay for it; why duke + engineering (8/10) talked about my research with grad students; community essay (8/10) moved a lot around the world as a kid, saw some stuff, insert something generic; I may or may not have written all 3 essays between 7pm and 11:58pm on November 1, so they were never double checked or edited, even by me, and therefore may have sucked a whole lot.
Teacher Recommendation: English teacher from last year, told me it was really good; calc bc teacher from last year, said the same.
Counselor Rec: no clue
Additional Rec: n/a
Interview: (7/10) lasted about an hour, I didn’t really prepare for a lot of the questions, but I think toward the end we were just having a real conversation and that may have placed me in a more positive light
Other
State (if domestic applicant): VA
Country (if international applicant):
Intended major(s): ECE and Econ (wanna be a fighter pilot for the badassery and enjoyment, then a billionaire HF manager for the money and the babes, obviously)
School Type: Math and Science Academy
Ethnicity: white
Gender: male
Income Bracket: mid
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.): nuthin
Reflection
Strengths: GPA and ACT, my EC’s were substantial, professional research, business comp
Weaknesses: possibly the essays, interview could have been better
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: I’d guess the academic stats and the science-y research were a good foundation, and I think training to be a pilot is something that’s pretty interesting to people
General Comments: now I just have to figure out how to pay for it!
Go Blue Devils!
Decision: Accepted
Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): CR730, M780, W710
ACT:
SAT II: Chem800, Maths level2 800
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 3.95
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): doesn’t rank
AP (place score in parenthesis):
IB (place score in parenthesis):
Senior Year Course Load: I take A-Level CIE program. so: Literature, Global Perspectives, Economics, Business, Chemistry. (my classmates take 3-4, some even 2, i take 5)
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): Dongrun-Yau chemistry award gold prize. (this is the Chinese version of Intel)
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): club founding president+ researcher/ coordinator in many projects
Job/Work Experience: marketing manager
Volunteer/Community service: UNHCR, Amnesty International, global translator community, my mom’s university to edit thesis for PhDs. And most important, volunteered 4 years at a hospice
Summer Activities: research at a biological science institute for 2-3 months. live there and finish my individual project
Essays: 9
Teacher Recommendation: 9-10. i choose Business and Chem teachers to write for me. And i am always the top score/full mark on their classes. we are like friends
Counselor Rec: don’t know, maybe just soso
Additional Rec: good?
Interview: no interview
Other
State (if domestic applicant):
Country (if international applicant): China, Beijing
Intended major(s): Cultural Anthropology+Chemistry
School Type: Public school
Ethnicity:Asian
Gender:Female
Income Bracket: not high but doesn’t apply for FA
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):nope
Reflection
Strengths:a diverse applicant+deep love for duke? hahahahah i honestly don’t know
Weaknesses: too much applicants from our school, international students, grammar mistakes in essay…
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected:
General Comments:
[noparse]
Pick one:
Decision: Accepted
Pick one:
Pratt School of Engineering
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): 2270 (800 math, 770 writing, 700 critical reading)
ACT:36 (35 reading, 35 english, 36 math, 36 science)
SAT II: 770 math II, 800 chemistry, 790 physics
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable):
AP (place score in parenthesis): 5 AP Calc AB, 5 AP biology, 4 AP chemistry, 4 AP US History, 4 Physics I
IB (place score in parenthesis):
Senior Year Course Load: AP American Government, AP Comp Sci, AP Physics C, Multivariable Calculus, Language Arts Honors, International Buissness and Cultures
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): Couple of Model United Nations awards, AP scholar with distinction (does this even count), and NMSQT commendation (does this even count too)
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Relay for Life (On committee for school), Model United Nations (Head Chair of school conference), Waksman Club
Job/Work Experience: Worked at SRI International during my summers as a student assistant, did trivial work mainly
Volunteer/Community service: Started a soccer program to teach kids on the autism spectrum soccer ~ 100 hours, volunteered at SONJ ~30 hours
Summer Activities: As I said before, worked at SRI international and also interned at Rutgers Cancer Institute where I wrote an analytical program to help doctors come up with better treatment plans for cancer patients
Essays:
Why Pratt/Duke ~ Alright, related it to something personal however my language wasn’t anything special (6/10)
Community thing ~ I feel like the story behind it was very good however again my writing isn’t the best (7/10)
Teacher Recommendation:
Physics honors teacher: She liked me a lot however I goofed around in class a lot
AP Chemistry teacher: Was alright probably worse than my physics teachers reccomendation
Counselor Rec: Amazing, she told me herself it was a glowing reccomendation
Additional Rec: I got two external reccomendations one from the women I started the soccer program with which was easily a 10/10 (I saw it myself hahaha) and the other from the guy I interned under at Rutgers who also really liked me so I assume 10/10
Interview: Went great we really hit it off and talked for a good amount. Almost missed it though that would’ve been bad.
Other
State (if domestic applicant): NJ
Country (if international applicant):
Intended major(s): Biomedical Engineering
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: Indian
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: >250,000
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):
None hahaha
Reflection
Strengths: Academics obviously (ACT score/GPA), the story I conveyed through my essays (super personal, my common application essay was definetely a 10), my external reccomendations, my interview
Weaknesses: No major awards, not much extra curriculars, Course Load (in non stem department never took AP Language Arts and never took any honors or above world language courses)
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected: I think I was accepted based on my external reccomendations and out of school activities too be honest. Like obviously academics were there but a lot of other applicants had this, and I think my soccer program and internship at Rutgers cancer institute were the thing that seperated me from these other applicants.
Decision:
ACCEPTED
Pick one: Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown):1530 (790 Math; 740 CR); 8,8,7 essay
ACT: 34 (superscore); 33 (35E, 33R, 35M, 30S); 33 (33E, 36R, 33M, 31S); 10 essay
SAT II: Math II 800; Chemistry: 740
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.0/4.0; Weighted: 4.75
Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): 1/510
AP (place score in parenthesis): Calculus BC (5; AB subscore - 5); English Language &Composition (5); Environmental Science (5); Psychology (5); Statistics (5); U.S History (5); Human Geography (5); Physics 1 (4); Physics C (4); World History (4); Chemistry (3)
IB (place score in parenthesis):
Senior Year Course Load: Advanced Research and Internship; AP Gov; AP Econ; Multivariable Calculus; Advanced Math Topics; AP literature; Health (lol)
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): Governors Honors Program Mathematics Finalist; Harvard Book Award; GCTM State Mathematics Tournament champ; Class of 2017 Georgia Certificate of Merit; National AP Scholar; National Merit Commended Scholar
Subjective:
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): National Honors Society (Vice-president); Varsity Track (Captain); Varsity Swimming (Captain); Varisty Cross country; Internship at local hospital; Mu Alpha Theta; Student Government; Math Team
Job/Work Experience: Mathnasium Tutor during school year and summer
Volunteer/Community service: About 200 hrs over 4 years
Summer Activities: Governor’s Honors Program Math Major; Summer Earth Studies; Internship at local hospital; National Youth leadership forum
Essays: Commonapp 9/10 pretty good, wrote it as a letter to my younger self 1) Why Duke 8/10 pretty basic. 2) Optional essay 8/10 talked about experiences of living in 3 different countries
Teacher Recommendation: Math teacher 9/10, she wrote me other recs before and all of them were amazing; Chemistry teacher 7/10, don’t know as well but super nice and we bonded over summer earth studies
Counselor Rec: Probably generic
Additional Rec: Solid rec from my internship mentor though lacking in specific details as to what made me stand out.
Interview:
Other
State (if domestic applicant): GA
Country (if international applicant):
Intended major(s): Economics
School Type: Large Public ~2100 students
Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: M
Income Bracket: <100k
Hooks (URM, first generation college, etc.):
Reflection
Strengths: Grades, rigor of courses
Weaknesses: ACT test scores, lack of leadership positions, lack of a wow factor
Why you think you were accepted/deferred/rejected:
General Comments: GO DUUUKEE!!!