Chances at Duke ED?

dd1993
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:56:38 +0000

You would have a very good chance, but that rank kills you, especially at an “uncompetitive” HS like you stated. The vast majority (90%+) of admitted students to schools like Duke are in the top 10%, and most likely in the top 10-20. The rest are typically URMs and recruited athletes, or have some other type of extraordinary accomplishment (and I mean VERY extraordinary).

Your extracurriculars are excellent, and you’ve shown a lot of initiative and dedication. Your test scores are great, too. But your rank (the most important aspect) serious drags you down. Unless you can give some sort of rationalization or sell yourself through your ECs and essays, I’d say your chances aren’t too good.