what are my chances??? Duke and UCs

Chance Me / Match Me
1

Hi I am interested in applying to Duke and UCs. I am currently studying the Alevel (which is the British curriculum). My school does not have a lot of people applying to American Universities therefore it will be great if you could give some advice to me. I am planning to apply for Computer science/Computer Engineering.

Nationality: Hong Kong
Race: Asian
Family Background: both parent went to graduate schools

Public Exams
IGCSE: 7A*, 1A, 2B (Chinese, English, History, Math, Additional Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Global Perspective, Music)
AS level (predicted): 5A (Math, Further Math, Physics, Chemistry, Chinese)
SAT: 1480
ACT: 29 (first time)
(gonna take the ACT again in September)

ECAs:

  • School Orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz band
  • Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Hong Kong
  • Chinese debate club, Charity working party
  • Robotics club/ Math Society/ Physics, Engineering and Technology Society
  • Silver in Senior Math Challenge
  • Commendation Award in British Physics Olympiad for Experimental Project
  • Summer Internship at the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Hong Kong
  • Talent Identification Program at Duke University (Number theory and Cryptology)
  • Cambridge Summer School (Introduction to Algorithms)
  • Internship at a drone company (gonna do it next month)
  • UCLA summer session ( Statistics 10 and Life Science 1)
  • World Scholars Cup (Silver in Writing and debating)

Thank you so much for your advice and suggestions!

2

I think you have a good chance at Duke and the UC’s, especially UC Davis and UC Riverside. Your extra curricular activities are pretty strong and your A levels should be pretty good based on your IGCSE and predictions. SAT is definitely strong, stronger than the vast majority of American students, so in that regard, you’re fine. I would say apply to the schools you want, and you may just have the opportunity of a lifetime.

Chance me back? Thanks!

3

Thank you so much:))

4

Good to see a fellow TIPster on College Confidential! I took “Words That Matter: Rhetoric and Persuasion” on Duke’s East Campus in 2014. Regarding your transcript, your numbers look very good! Your test scores are on the lower end of Duke’s bracket (Duke’s averages for accepted students at my school for the SAT and ACT are 1530 and 32, respectively), but your great grades and glowing extracurriculars look fantastic! If I were to give you any advice, it would be to take some SAT Subject Tests (Duke “strongly recommends” taking two SAT IIs) and to aim for the low to mid 30s on the ACT. I have no doubt you’ll do great! I’m in the midst of my college search as well, so I understand how stressful it can be. Best of luck with your college search!

5

Very good ecs and good SAT score too! I think you definately have a chance for all these schools! Good luck with your ACT exams! Maybe chance me back? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/20773772#Comment_20773772