<p>I have heard many admitted people say "I was probably the type of student Duke wanted." Can you share your opinion on what qualities Duke wants to see in applicants?
Thank you.</p>
<p>I believe the following summary, probably written by our Dean of Undergarduate Admissions, is both concise and entirely accurate:</p>
<p>Every year, thousands of the world’s best students apply to Duke. They come from public, private and parochial schools, and from all points on the economic, political, and geographic spectrum. Most have graduated in the top 10 percent of their secondary school class. These top students are attracted to Duke for its academic challenge, stimulating campus environment, and reputation for educating men and women of influence and achievement. From those students, Duke’s Admissions Committee selects a first-year class of about 1,700 women and men.</p>
<p>First, please understand that we do not have a minimum required score for either the SAT or ACT, nor do we have a minimum required GPA or class rank.</p>
<p>We do not report average SAT or ACT scores, but you can view the middle 50 percent range for standardized test scores of last year’s admitted students here. Likewise, we do not quote an average grade point average. We ask for a student’s GPA and class rank, when available, but we also realize that many schools consider GPA on different scales and some schools do not consider GPA or class rank at all. We consider this information in the context of what guidance counselors tell us about their schools.</p>
<p>Your secondary school record should include the most challenging courses your school offers. We recommend four years of English and at least three years of mathematics, natural science, foreign language and social studies. We also encourage you to enroll in advanced-level work in as many of these areas as possible. We generally expect students to enroll in five academic courses per year, and if a student does not take four years in a particular subject area, it should be replaced with an academic course of equal rigor. If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering, calculus is required before you enroll. We also strongly recommend, but do not require, that you have taken physics.</p>
<p>Successful Duke applicants typically have significant extracurricular commitments, all of which we value. Most students admitted to Duke have demonstrated, in a word, impact. In some venue they have made a difference. It might be in the classroom, in the community, or on the athletic field. It could be doing one thing brilliantly, or several things exceedingly well.</p>
<p>We do not track the number of contacts or visits to campus an applicant has made. Although we are always glad when students visit campus, demonstrated interest is not an advantage in the admissions process. We prefer to focus on a student’s strengths and accomplishments. </p>
<p>I will add two point:
- Duke wants undergraduates who love to learn, who will love to be an active part of the overall Duke community, and who want to employ their prodigious blessings to make a real difference – now and forever.
- Duke values achievement, both in and beyond the classroom; for admissions, in general:
GPA > curricular rigor > standardized test results > recommendation > ECs > essays > interview. However, these is no number-crunching “cookie cutter” formula to determine acceptance; Duke will truly endeavor to uncover the “real you” from within the large pile of numbers and paper – and that is what is assessed in the evaluation process</p>
<p>@ljibinW you’ve asked a good question and the foregoing is only a minuscule beginning of the answer.</p>
<p>I saw Dean Guttentag interviewed recently I believe it was on CNN…besides all the basic qualifications we all know. He boiled it down to three words that in my opinion go to the heart of what Duke looks for “Engagement, Authenticity. Impact”. Take away what you will from those three words…;o)</p>