Chances at Duke

dlouis95
Mon, 06 May 2013 22:40:09 +0000

Hello all.

Grade: Junior

GPA: 4.0 Unweighted

SAT: 2040 superscored and 2030 not.
First try: Reading 630 - Math 710 - Writing 630
Second try: Reading 660 - Math 700 - Writing 670

I haven’t taken the ACT or SAT subject tests yet.

I have taken 3 AP classes: Chemistry, English, and U.S. History
I have taken the most accelerated classes that are available to me.

I go to a public school in Connecticut and I am caucasian. My family is financially sound and I do not need any financial aid.

For extracurriculars, I am in the National Honor Society, FBLA, Robotics Club, World Cultures Club, Hope Club, Chess Club, Academic Decathlon, Swim team (1 year), and Rect. Swim Team (3 years). I have taken art classes for almost 8 years now, and I am apart of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). Under YCC, I have accumulated 50 hours of community service and am now a paid intern (Town employee, means work experience). I am apart of a evangelical church youth group, and I have 50 something hours of community service through that and the Hope Club (Volunteering club).

Honors and Awards: 6th in S class States swimming. Gold in Science and Gold in Accounting in Academic Decathlon.

Extra: Next year, I am studying abroad from August till January in Argentina. I don’t know if this will help me on my application, I hope it will.

So I want to get into Duke. I want to use Early Decision, but I don’t want to waste that on a school that is a far reach for me. What do you think my chances are? Objectively, should I apply with early decision or should I try for a different, less competitive school? Im also considering Boston College, but I like Duke more. Of coarse, there are a few more on the list, just these are my top two.

Thanks for your input, and any input is welcome.