Duke Early Decision Class of 2030 Official Thread

nervousmom8
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:50:13 +0000

Oh gosh! That is just heartbreaking . Also interesting because my D26 who did get in had a regular letter. It did start with Congratulations and there were streamers on the page. It must have been an error .

As for stats, applied Mechanical Engineering

4.0 UW / 4.5 W, IB diploma candidate with over 15 AP/IB courses

Rank 8/550

ACT 35 super score

4 year varsity captain in a sport she’s done 14 years at the national / international level, and has several leadership roles in smaller groups. I do think Duke looks for “impact” kids who will contribute to the community. Her essay focused on what she likes about Pratt but also how Duke is a blend of engineering and liberal arts and all the things she will experience in and outside the classroom.

In full transparency, she is a double legacy (me and S24). However, she is the only legacy we know of who was admitted. The rest were deferred - about 5 or 6 kids xx rom different geographic regions and backgrounds. S24 was also deferred ED. he applied TO. Submitted scores after defer and was admitted. So I do think legacy can help but it does not substitute for weaker academics.

To everyone deferred if Duke truly is your #1 let them know. Write a strong LOCI and submit anything you have done this semester. Reiterate why Duke. Historically about 10% of deferred students do get in RD. So it’s not over .