Duke's Early Decision

Applying to College
1

<p>Here’s the thing. First off, thank you for taking the time to read this!
I was recently accepted into Duke University through its Early Decision program. Because of that, I am required to attend Duke (which is completely fine since it is my top school! (: )
But today, I was just accepted into UChicago which is my second choice. And I am already accepted into my safe school which is The University of New Mexico. </p>

<p>I just responded to Duke’s email so I am officially a Duke student apparently. But in the conditions of the email, it says, “I confirm my intention to enroll at Duke and certify that I have not made a deposit and/or enrollment commitment to another college or university and will not do so, that I will withdraw any other applications for admission I have already submitted, and that I will not apply for admission to any other college or university. I understand that if I violate this agreement, my admission status at Duke and any other college or university will be subject to review and possible revocation, and that Duke may share the identity of enrolling students with other colleges and universities.”</p>

<p>For some odd reason, I found their conditions really intimidating because it also said I must maintain my academic achievements (I assume keep my straight A’s?) and to not get into any major trouble. Though I’ve never broken any of these rules, the formality of the email has me worrying.</p>

<p>If I do not respond to Chicago’s offer, is that enough? Or do I have to formally withdraw my application even though I am already accepted into UChicago and UNM? (There are currently no pending applications anywhere else.)</p>

<p>I am not expecting this to happen at all, but I didn’t want to withdraw my applications yet since they are technically not pending anymore because of my acceptance. And for the very slim possibility (again, this is all in my mind because I am not expecting myself to get in trouble or fail for any reason) that Duke may revoke my admission. Should I withdraw, or do I not have to?</p>

2

<p>“the formality of the email has me worrying”</p>

<p>You’re overthinking this. They have given you one of very few precious spots. They WANT you.</p>

<p>1) maintaining academic standards does not mean all As. Just dont’ fall off the cliff</p>

<p>2) it’s rude not to respond to UChgo and UNM and all the others. Let them know you’ve accepted an ED offer elsewhere, thank them and sign off. </p>

<p>This is what everyone does and what is expected of all Duke ED admitted students. What’s unclear? There are students right now contacting Duke to decline because Chicago accepted them. What’s the diff? There is none. You’re worried about the formality but then you are considering not following through with your part of the agreement (withdrawing all other active applications). You’re inconsistent here.</p>

<p>3) Duke rescinding you? You’re paranoid. are you planning on violating the ED agreement (by not withdrawing other active apps), failing out of your last semester or engaging in felonies? You’re about to go to one of the topmost colleges in the country. Plz gain proper perspective. Congrats and enjoy NC</p>

3

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<p>Here’s the thing: if you screw up enough to have Duke revoke your admission (get suspended, get a C or below), then you can expect that UChicago would revoke admissions and UNM would revoke your scholarship. This language of conditional admission is pretty common at all schools.</p>

<p>(And welcome to Duke. I’ll see you on campus in the fall.)</p>

4

<p>You will be violating the terms of your ED commitment if you do not withdraw your applications to your other schools. If Duke finds out and chooses to make an example of you, that could be a problem. The chances are slim, yes, but I’ve seen similar things happen, usually in conjuntion with other issues. You have been accepted to a great school, congratulations, don’t start out by breaking the terms of the contract you signed when you applied ED and when you committed to the acceptance.</p>