sxm2872

DD will be applying RD to Trinity. Any thoughts on what her chances might be for merit scholarships such as AB Duke?

Her stats:
SAT1 - CR-800, Math-750, W-800 (1550/2350)
SAT2 - Math2-800, WH-710, Biology-670 (retaking in December)
Class rank - 5 / 662
GPA - 3.98 (w), 5.45/6 (w)
AP Exams - CalcAB-5, Physics-4, USH-5, English Lang-5, WH-5, Hum Geo-4, Comp Sci-3 (Bio, Stat and AP English Lit to be taken in June)

Honors:
- Siemens semi-finalist
- National Merit semi-finalist
- AP Scholar with Distinction

Notable ECs:
- Indian classical dance since age 6, solo dance debut in July 2010 (2-3 hr performance with live orchestra)
- Hospital volunteering for past 3 summers
- Eczema related research, public awareness website and community outreach

Faline2

She has a wonderful record but it is not unusual at Duke to have great test scores and grades. Merit is offered to a very small number of students. My advice is to focus mightily in getting her public spiritedness or her artistic self on paper for the admissions office to see. Many Duke students have close to 800 in categories of tests, but the merit scholarships seemed to go to those who push hard in areas of the arts or public service or research as well.
Keep in mind that financial aid is very good at Duke on need. Also, keep in mind that the Indian community is very strong at Duke with Indian food served with some regularity and with festivals the students look forward to that celebrate Indian culture where her talent would be wonderful to share with others. Duke has a strong well regarded dance program as well..perhaps she should make contact there during her applicant season where teachers would understand her ability and might communicate to admissions about her well. Make sure she requests an alum interview.
best wishes as she explores Duke..she will have many open doors.

sxm2872

Faline2, thanks for the suggestions. DD does intend to bring out her passion for eczema-related activities and Indian classical dance in her essays - and highlight her eczema-related research that was recognized as a Siemens competition semi-finalist. I believe she has a unique story to tell - being a life-long sufferer of eczema. We'll see.

Would you recommend sending an arts supplement, even though Duke does not have a program in Indian dance?

Faline2

I can't judge if her talent would justify an arts supplement. Sounds like it would to me! As the mother of two kids who are very good string players...one of whom played in the Duke Symphony...I can attest to the fact that our son's talent did not merit an audio submission. He is competent rather than notably talented. CDs are sent to department faculty for judging in these instances. Nevertheless, he enjoyed lessons at Duke and the benefits of mentorship under uber talented Ciompi Quartet members. My son was one to take advantage of Duke's very generous and broad performance series annually as well...Duke has great sports and very good arts options.
I would start by having her write someone in the dance department faculty to inquire about Duke's opportunities for performance in her field and to simply state her current status as a performer. I assume she would like to continue in her training, so this is a legitimate inquiry re could they let you know if there are teachers on grounds in her field. I do know that there is Indian dance performed on campus that is very well received by all but can't think of the name of the big festival..current students can call that up for you. There may even be youtube video to watch on the festivals already annual at Duke. Obviously they need new talent every year to keep things fresh. Do not be shy about simply asking an admissions officer and/or a member of the dance faculty re the method by which they prefer to see dance performers..for all I know an audition process is in place which could be positive for her. Someone in the dance dept also might be willing to have a current student who also is into Indian dance contact her for email exchange. This could help her understand Duke better before she submits her essays. best wishes