jct30

definitely apply early decision

jct30

i got in ED with less than a 2100, although i had some outstanding ECs to "balance it out" (btw, at this level there is no such thing as "balancing it out," hence the quotations. I actually just got lucky.)

RoryDuhMan

thanks everyone. It has always been a DREAM of mine, and hopefully it works out. When does the application come out (and the common app resets for next applications for the class of 2013).

jct30-thanks for the good advice about early decision.

So if I did apply ED, is there a reasonable chance that I could be accepted? Reasonable enough to apply?

Thanks everyone!

RoryDuhMan

please give your opinion, I really appreciate it!

incollege88

if i were an admissions officer here i'd let you in.

RoryDuhMan

thank you incollege88 and everyone else for your opinions? any others?

Mondo

In terms of ED & RD, I think it works more so like this...

Applicant A: A guy who is ranked in the top 10% but not the top 5% in his class with a 2000.
Applicant B: A guy who is valedictorian with a 2390.

Applicant A will have an equally tough time with ED & RD.
Applicant B will be a sure-admit ED but could get waitlisted or rejected RD just due to the higher number of applications.

In your case, I'd say your chances are good and that you should definitely apply. If you show a strong interest in Duke.. your chances won't be bad.

RoryDuhMan

I just wanted to update you on some of my scores

I just took the ACT and I got a 31.

I am taking it again in June and am aiming for a 34/35.

But with my scores of a 31 and 1400, if I apply early decision (I am from Washington State, so not many people apply to Duke compared to Mid-East, South, and East), do I have a decent shot (my extra-curriculars have stayed the same except:

1. National Qualifier of Chem Olympiad (one out of 1,000 students nationwide-with 10,000 students who first entered Chem Olympiad).

2. President of my Advisory Board (that the mayor appoints)

Thanks for all your comments; I really appreciate it!

mafool

Please do not worry about the legacy business. It really is not important, as I think it is fair to say that most Duke students are not legacies.

RoryDuhMan

I am not worried so much about legacy, its more of if I can get in. I have heard that Duke is not as big on legacies as other universities. I just really want to go and I want to hear your guys' opinions on my chances.

Madboy121

A 31 Composite on the ACT won't be the reason you're deferred or rejected ED, but a 32+ puts you in the 99th percentile of ACT takers. See how it goes in June.

Scores are only one aspect of your application, and I think CC puts way too much emphasis on standardized testing just b/c it is the easiest way to compare applicants over the internet.

RoryDuhMan

thanks madboy! anyone else?