<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 University 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>What do you all think I should do? Apply ED or RD?</p>
<p>Depending on how your subscores look, I think there is enough of a boost to applying ED at Duke and a low enough statistical chance of materially improving your scores on a 3rd try that you should give ED a shot. A good chunk of Duke’s entering class has SAT subscores in the 600s.</p>
<p>If you are absolutely set on Duke then apply ED but without a big hook applicants with a 1280 rarely receive admission. You might be wiser to use your ED at a school where a 1280 is more realistic such as Emory.</p>
<p>Is Duke your clear, undisputed, no questions asked top choice? If yes, than apply there early with what you have right now. Your stats other than your scores sound outstanding. If you get in early, great. If you get deferred, you can submit better SAT scores later (assuming your scores will improve) for the RD applicant pool. The big gamble is that you get outright rejected at Duke, and in that case better scores later will obviously do nothing for you at Duke.</p>
<p>It does not make sense to pick a school that is not your top choice for ED no matter how “realistic” it is. Not only you can only pick one school for ED, you are committed to it. If your score is below admission average, then I suggest to improve your score and apply RD unless that school would defer most of the ED applicants with a low rejection rate.</p>
<p>Maybe billcsho but ED is most applicants best chance to get into the best possible school based on stats. With a 1280 an unhooked applicant will likely be rejected RD from all the top 15-20 schools but likely would get admitted to a few ED. But of course don’t apply ED unless you truly like the school no matter the ranking. The applicant has already taken the SAT twice so a really big improvement might not be possible besides the 50% for SAT at Duke is about 1500.</p>