This is the official thread for those applying ED to Duke University.
List your unweighted GPA, any SAT /ACT scores, and ECs. What majors are you going into?
Ask your questions, the CC community is here to help!
Looking to start on Duke ED for fall 2026, any advice on those who went through this last year. Kid has done everything they can and I think it will be numbers game but any advice on what Duke wants. Stats: 1540, all 5 on 9 APs, all As for GPA, not an athlete, has leadership, community, national competition
winnings, started own business, volunteering and has a job. Struggling with “hook” cause just a great kid who likes to have fun, studies hard, gets good grades and has a job. Not sure what a “hook” is!!!
I’m not an expert but had a kid apply two years ago. She didn’t have a main “hook” either. I think you can also think of it as a “theme.” Look thru activities/school work/life experiences, and try to find a common thread that can relate to their intended major or hopes for the future. It’s all in how you frame it. With some creativity, seemingly random things can fit together. Good luck!
Thank you! Any other advice? Kiddo meets criteria from a CDS perspective (academics, test scores, class rigor) but wild card in term of how ECs will be viewed and essay. Going ED and feels like hunger games 
in our experience (S24 at Duke) Duke admissions likes kids who are authentic. I would have them focus on their passions and why Duke.
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My son is planning to apply Early Decision to Duke for their Dual Major in Biomedical + CS at Pratts Engineering. How would you evaluate the rigor of Duke’s engineering program and its career placement opportunities? He’s particularly interested in working for biotech companies with a focus on AI/ML or informatics. In this field, is a master’s or PhD typically required beyond a BME degree?
how to judge changes of admission based on CDS? If you fall within 75% for most, what does that translate to? Or is it hard to tell?
Has anyone submitted their application yet? D26 submitted a few weeks ago and still does not have access to her portal. Emailed admissions who said “by end of Sept” but here we are 9/29 and still no access. Just curious if anyone does have access before I have her call.
I was coming on here to ask the same thing. My son’s app was downloaded 8/29. His “other” recommender has not yet submitted a recommendation letter so I wonder if they wait until they have all your materials 
I didn’t know if my son should reach out to ask or just keep waiting. This is our first time having a student apply to Duke. He submitted his application early but is applying regular decision. Any insight from former students that applied last cycle?
I called admissions yesterday afternoon. They said it takes “7-14 business days” but sounds like it’s long past that for you as well. If no access by the end of the week, I will follow up again Monday. I can keep you posted!
Sounds good, thank you. I will update the thread as well if he gets a portal invite.
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Portal finally showed up Friday. Exactly one month after she submitted. Hopefully, your Son’s did as well.
Oh wow! Is that normal? So if we submit this week, does that mean portal wont be available for a month? which is outside the due date and won’t know if anything is missing?
I really don’t know how long it would take. Just reporting our experience.
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Thank you!! Ugh - This makes me nervous!! 
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It took about 3.5 weeks for my student’s portal to be available. I’m sure as the deadline gets closer, they’ll process more quickly so applicants can ensure info is complete before the deadline. Don’t worry!
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Thank you!!!
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My son emailed admissions and they were quick to get back to him. He missed an email that came on 10/3 with his portal info, accidentally deleted it and found it in the trash. For reference, he applied regular decision, submitted 8/29, received portal 10/3. I am assuming early decision portals come a bit quicker as the timeline is different. I appreciate the follow up. Good luck to your kiddo!
What is portal access? Sorry, my daughter hasn’t started applying, and I don’t know what a portal is.