<p>Your ACT is fine, but I think with your grades you are going to have to show something a little special in your application. You said that you are submitting an art portfolio, so my suggestion is go all out on that to stand out. While I do not know how the admissions will take into account the art portfolio, I do know there has been a strategic emphasis on the arts at Duke in the last 5 years (as a complement to the sports culture) and if you are a good artist, it would be a nice way to shine. </p>
<p>Also, I would suggest getting involved with something that is beyond a high school organization. Is there a local city or county issue (ie environment, legislative, etc) that you can get involved with? I say look beyond a high school activity, not because those are not worthwhile, but because they can be a little cookie-cutter (essentially every applicant was a president/leader of at least one club). If you can bring a new idea or activity to an adult-level organization (ie working with a lawyer or activist on some project that most high-school students are uninvolved with (or even aware of!) can show some maturity and initiative that can help set you apart). That said if it is your senior year, it might be a little late to make a meaningful impact, so I would focus on your art. BUT if you had more time 1 year +, I would try follow up with something like that.</p>
<p>You said you have tutored disabled kids. There may be a theme in there with your application: Perhaps read about issues that are going on across the country. See the Office of Civil Rights for instance, [Protecting</a> Students With Disabilities](<a href=“http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html]Protecting”>Protecting Students With Disabilities), and look to see if any group in your area is trying to raise awareness or address an issue about disabled access, bullying, etc. </p>
<p>TL;DR Try to expand your activities beyond a typical high-school cookie cutter activity or really work on your art portfolio…</p>