Can I get into Duke university by applying early decision?

Chance Me / Match Me
1

I am planning on majoring in computer science or computer engineering.
I want to apply to Duke early decision.
Unweighted GPA:4.0
Weighted GPA:4.21(3 AP classes:AP Physics 1, AP Chemistry,AP Government,and Honors English)
ACT score:32 (I am planning on retaking this).
English:34
Math:32 I know it is low.
Reading:28
Science:33
EC:
Freshman year (I was overseas)
Science club
Speech and Debate club
Sophomore year (First year in US)
Summer job
Junior year
Science national society
volunteering at the library
teaching science to elementary kids
part of a science program at an elementary school
NHS
summer job
Created a website for a local restaurant.
Hook:
I moved to the US from Iran after freshman year.
Senior year I am taking 5 AP classes including AP computer science.

2

ED always will help. That said, your ACT score is low for Duke (esp. Engineering). So, bring that up (as you suggest) For your hook, remember your essay needs to show how your experiences shaped you and how that makes you “unique/special” etc vs. just listing things that happened. Any leadership in the clubs you have will help and show passion depth in an activity vs. breath. Lastly, remember that high AP scores and classes are the norm for Duke… just like National Merit qualification – so, what I am saying is you need to find something in your background that stands out beyond the stellar academics – because stellar academics is a given for Duke.

3

@Mom1966 is spot-on. Your “numbers” are good – not outstanding – but so too are 67+ percent of Duke’s applicants. You need to improve your ACT composite result (34 is roughly average for Pratt). A hook is an attribute the university especially desires, and Iranian immigration simply isn’t one (although, your essays provide an opportunity to explain what you learned, how this experience shaped you, and – most important – how that will potentially benefit your classmates and the faculty). To be honest, I see nothing in your resume that would compel an Admissions Reader or Officer to say, “we really want this student in the Class of 2020,” although ED will provide a marginal acceptance advantage.