Do I have a shot for ED?

lookingforward
Sun, 21 Jul 2019 12:58:23 +0000

OP, the question isn’t whether we have direct or insider experience. (I do.) That comes across as a bit defiant. YOU are the one who will apply and you need to be better informed. You should be trying to learn what Duke looks for. And making amends with your GC.

Fact is, junior year is one benchmark. Courses get tougher (whether or not a hs offers AP) and top college adcoms want to see continued strength. There’s no question of “how holistic” a tippy top is or whether lower grades get a bye if scores are strong. Oh, and based on some backstory about a family problem that caused those lower grades. (You still had time for those ECs.)

The ECs are no doubt impressive in your hs. That’s not what gets one into a TT college.

And never forget that TT adcoms see tens of thousands of apps each year. Not only can they see through a lot of hs brags, but they know what they’re looking for. It’s not a job app.

Make nice with your GC pronto. Not for an excuse, but for guidance and true support.
Your choice