<p>My son also got one of these "top 350" letters today (Southern California). I went on Duke's scholarship web page and they talk about on campus interviews the weekend of April 2-5th. Does anyone know if these interviews are mandatory? The problem, and I realize it's a really good one to have, is that he is also a Coca-Cola finalist and he will be in Atlanta that same weekend. Coke requires finalists to attend, if you don't go, you don't get the scholarship.</p>
<p>Does anyone know a current student who didn't go to the Duke scholarship weekend yet was still awarded a scholarship. </p>
<p>Additionally, for what it's worth, the letter is very odd. On one hand they say congratulations your one of the top 350 applicants yet they won't say you are admitted. Also, if you're not one of the 60, does that mean you get nothing? </p>
<p>As a final thought, what are they waiting for? April 2nd is only three weeks away!</p>
<p>likely letters are just that "likely." you're NOT IN "officially," but you're IN. so, don't worry. most top scholarships require that you attend, especially at Duke. but their AB Duke and Robertson process will let you (and already have) specifically.</p>
<p>Would have contacted Duke but got the letter in the mail Friday afternoon on the West Coast. Will have to wait until Monday.</p>
<p>Itsme, I think the difference between this letter and a traditional "likely letter" is that this one says you are one of the "top 350" applicants. I would think if that is truly the case a sentence like "Congrats, you're in!" at this stage of the game would be appropriate. I mean it's March 13th already. Many of the likely letters you're referring to came out months ago. I just think Duke is a bit behind the curve here and not really getting kids excited about the school.</p>
<p>I will contrast this with my son's Early Acceptance to Stanford. They hand write notes, they contact him regularly with emails, they have dinners in LA for the kids, etc...</p>
<p>Now here is Duke, who doesn't even give the April scholarship dates in the letter but says you'll be contacted soon. The only way I got the dates was by going on-line. So, with just two weeks notice at a very busy time of year for "top 350" type applicants this comes along.</p>
<p>Again, I'm not complaining, just pointing out that other schools, Vandy included for my son (Chancellor's scholarship), have gone out of there way to be inviting and endear themselves to students.</p>
<p>I think there is a difference between a top 350 letter and scholarship weekend. Don't you have to be invited specifically for Duke AB, Robertson, University Scholar, etc. to go for those interviews and not just a likely letter?</p>
<p>Also I was reading another post, about an international student from India that could not make the scholarship interview because Indian National exams were held from March 25-April 3, which meant he couldn't get a flight out to Durham. He talked about how Duke arranged a video interview. I would call/email the scholarship committee and ask them if there is anyway to rearrange the scheduling.</p>
<p>I think that all of the people who were invited to scholarship weekend have been invited and did receive letters and information "exciting" the students about their school. I believe the letter probably said that barring any major issues- which is also the case if you are accepted. (poor year end grades and poor judgement are reasons to have your acceptence rescinded).</p>
<p>We have read on CC that Duke has let schools know that they had a very strong applicant pool in ED and that acceptences this year in the RD pool would be at a much higher premium. So I would consider it an honor that they let your son know prior to the date that the other 24,000 or so applicants have to find out.</p>
<p>I know my kids would love to have a note from the schools they are waiting on letting them know that they are "likely" to be offered admission. What a relief from the pressure of the waiting game.</p>