<p>Hey everyone, I just recently received my SAT score from the October exam. I got a 1950, which is still an improvement from my first score which was an 1870, but it's not what I had hoped for. The problem that I am facing is that I want to apply early to Duke because it is my top choice, but now I'm contemplating whether I should apply RD instead after I get the results in December when I take the SAT for the 3rd time. I also still have to take the subject tests in November. Aside from the standardized test scores, I have good stats: 4.46 weighted GPA/4.0 unweighted, 5/532 in my class, recommendations are good, essays are good, and ECs are good.</p>
<p>I don't know if I should benefit from applying ED because of the 30% acceptance rate vs ~10% of regular decision. </p>
<p>What do you all think I should do? Apply ED or RD?</p>
<p>I could be wrong, but I believe Duke says that October should be the latest testing date to submit SAT’s, and Duke requires SAT 2’s if you submit the SAT so your application would be incomplete and you would most likely be almost automatically rejected for not submitting them on time. However I think they may accept November–check on that first</p>
<p>ED is for students whose academic records are complete, right, that is they’ve shown their best in the objective areas (grades, test scores) and the other areas of the application. Then there’s the financial part of binding yourself to whatever FA decision is made.</p>
<p>It seems clear to me that you feel that your SAT score is not complete. Thus RD could be for you as you seek to raise your score. Keep in mind that the ED students, except for the varsity athletes probably, are comparable to the RD students. But most people do think that ED at Duke is a little less selective than RD, all things taken into consideration.</p>
<p>The other factor to consider is that you are just not a good standardized test taker, because your SAT score seems out of phase with your grades. Perhaps you will not improve significantly and it might be better for you to construct an application which causes the admissions committee to downplay your SAT score.</p>
<p>You could apply ED and explain away the SAT scores and hope that if you do not get an outright accept you get rolled forward where the latest scores put you over the top.</p>
<p>Tough decision. Good luck. You’re a highly accomplished student, obviously, no matter what happens at Duke.</p>