Chance me for ED please :)

schoolsearching
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:51:42 +0000

Sorry you havent gotten any replies. As a fellow NC resident/Trinty ED applicant, i’ll chance you and hopefully bump the thread so you can get other opinions. You should chance me in return since we are both applying, it will be fun: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/duke-university/571384-ed-chances-final-chance-thread-before-submitting.html

So you obviously have one major negative, the SAT score. Do you have the 3-part breakdown?..i would prefer to see your math, critical reading, and writing scores to make an accurate estimate but regardless 1920 is not that great (by Duke standards). Have you taken the SAT again (how did you do?) Also, have you considered the ACT? I chose to take the ACT, scored well, and will most likely not submit SAT scores to Duke. I know its late, but just a thought!

You have nice extra-curriculars. A leadership position as well as several awards to indicate passion – not to mention the service you have done. This is a positive. Your GPA/course selection also appears to be strong and the rank is ok. Plus your SAT 2 Tests are good and could offset the SAT1 a bit. A lot of this stuff is “adequate to strong” but im afraid it might not make up for your low SAT.

You do have the fact that your a NC resident on your side. (What HS do you attend as I go to school outside of Raleigh as well. I realize its personal so you can either PM a response or just not respond at all since its online, no problem) I read your “Why Duke” and you had some really good ideas so your essays have potential – they must be stellar.

Also, a B or 2 will not hurt as long as they are still like 88-92 range and you dont have a huge drop in your studies. The first quarter grade report is only looking at half of a semester and I believe is intended to filter those with severe senioritis. Just avoid a slump and you should be ok and judged on your past 3 years for ED. (Not sure about this, just my opinion from what I have read on these boards – can someone verify?)

Overall, I would have to classify it as a bit of a reach, but you definitely have a shot. Perhaps your essays, recs, ECs, and NC residence will put you over the top. If I had to guess I would say your chances are 40%, somewhere around that of the average applicant to Duke ED. Congrats though, thats some pretty successful kids and you should be proud of your accomplishments.