What do I need to do to get into Duke Pre-Med?

Colleges & Universities Duke University
1

I’m a freshman in high school, and I know it’s early, but I really want to go to Duke as a pre-med (I know it’s not a major, and I want to do a biology major). I’m enrolled in two sports (tennis and lacrosse), all honors classes (Alg 2, Integrated science, honors humanities, and Spanish 2), and have maintained a 4.0 GPA through middle school (and doing well so far this year).

I’m in the RedCross club, Academic Decathlon, Speech and Debate (my school’s speech and debate team is amazing, they win pretty much everything), and the medical club at my school. I’m also doing choral music, and my school is very well known for their music program. My high school is EXTREMELY competitive, so getting into the top percentage will be a difficult.

I also participated in a research program and am currently volunteering at a senior center.

I want to get into Duke University for pre med, and I was wondering what I have to do during the next few years and summers to get into Duke (or another university of equal or greater caliber)?

Thank you so much!

2

While it’s cliche, only do what interests you. Yes, you will need to keep your grades up as well. However, you should focus on finding something at your school or community that you are passionate about. Quite frankly, a student that has only done things throughout high-school to get into x or y college is not an attractive candidate (not to mention the inevitable burn-out you’ll likely experience). A student who has a strong idea of what they’re passionate about, who has exemplified that passion through their actions and who has a strong academic background, is extremely attractive. You’ll also end up with a much more rewarding 4 years. It sounds like you have great opportunities ahead of you at your high-school. Identify which opportunities you are most excited about and take advantage of them to the fullest. That will make you an extremely competitive applicant to Duke or any other university. Good luck and have fun!