<p>I have been wondering whether an applicant’s age is a factor in admission. What do you think? All else being the same, is the 16-year-old applicant preferred over the 20-year-old one?</p>
<p>Generally, I believe youth does not provide a competitive preference. However, comparatively older age may well indicate important experiences, sometimes maturity and knowledge that is particularly sought by Duke. For example, the fastest growing URM student population at Duke is military veterans, some of whom are clearly no longer “kids,” both chronologically and practically. I would not be surprised if such applicants were appropriately advantaged.</p>
<p>Mmm. I see</p>