<p>I know all the top universities stress “quality over quantity”. They want to see you dedicated in one specific extracurricular and describe your experiences pertaining to that, rather than listing that you are an officer in 10 different clubs. However, I keep on noticing that on these forums, so many high school students have a huge list of clubs and the people that respond think that he/she should go to the ivy leagues. </p>
<p>For example, what if you don’t have a huge list, but are dedicated in two or three areas that really illustrate your perspective on society and show your genuine contribution to the community? Will Duke accept students like that?</p>
<p>Do you think colleges like Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering are impressed by people who have that huge list? And also, is it true that if you have a 3.9 UW GPA or higher and a 2300 SAT or higher, you have around the average numbers for people that get accepted Duke University?</p>
<p>Honestly, I think generic high school clubs are overrated. Most of the clubs at my school meet about once per month and don’t really do anything. If you’re able to do something at a high level outside of school, great. If you’re able to make a club something more than a few haphazard meetings, also great. At the same time, hopefully you have the self awareness to determine if what you are doing in just one or two or three areas is actually great.</p>
<p>Based on what I’ve heard, making a large impact and holding leadership roles in one, two, or three activities is FAR more impressive to Duke’s adcoms than somebody who has simply participated in 20 activities. They want to see that you’ve made a difference, been successful, and devoted a significant amount of time to a passion - not merely that you’ve dabbled in a lot of areas. Certainly, being active in a diverse array of domains isn’t a bad thing, but, yes, Duke certainly DOES accept students who have contributed significantly to only two or three areas. In fact, I’d say they prefer those types of students over those who have shown breadth in their extracurriculars, but little depth.</p>
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<li><p>Re ECs: I entirely agree with the previous comments: quantity is not critical (in fact, it may be a detriment, if not accompanied by leadership and real contribution). A few ECs in which one has assumed ever increasing responsibilities – with those ECs achieving some extraordinary results – would be MUCH better than a “laundry list” of “I belonged” ECs.</p></li>
<li><p>Re 3.9 UW GPA or higher and a 2300 SAT or higher: You should research this at Undergraduate Admission’s website (readiness to attend a university of Duke’s stature means doing your own homework and independently applying your intellect). The following page provides: (a) a succinct summary of what Duke seeks and (b) the Class of '17 profile, which includes standardized tests scores and GPAs. Your questions – and a good deal more of value – will be answered here: <a href=“Apply - Duke Undergraduate Admissions”>http://admissions.duke.edu/application/overview</a></p></li>
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<p>but also i think that you want to find an nice medium. You want to find one subject that you really love. And find several ECs that you dedicate a solid amount of time too . Its not one EC but more like one subject or type of EC.</p>
<p>Does any know if participating and winning awards in both Regional AND State science fair is a strong point on an application? At least for EC’s. Considering Duke is a very strong research university. </p>
<p>@emmcar: it certainly cannot hurt, however, you can make it even more compelling by – in your essays and, hopefully, with substantiation in your recommendations – explaining the learning and sacrifices involved, how these experiences altered your approach to scholarship (and, perhaps, to life), and especially how this will make you a more valuable part of the Duke community – particularly, to classmates and faculty. Good luck. </p>