Wondering about getting into Duke

TopTier
Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:28:52 +0000

bluedog is absolutely right. However, I want to add a few more thoughts for your consideration:

First, it’s great that you’re asking these questions – and thinking this way – NOW; that contemplation and the assessments that follow could really provide a major advantage when you apply in a few years.

Second, too many candidates believe acceptance by schools of Duke’s selectivity is principally the accrual of a near-flawless catalog of top grades, AP and IB courses, standardized examination scores, ECs, recommendations, and so forth. Without any doubt, they comprise the mandatory foundation, but that is only the beginning, not the conclusion, of a highly competitive application. Less than two weeks ago, Duke denied 91 percent of 2018’s RD applicants, most of whom absolutely excelled in these “paper” qualifications (that’s the harsh reality, and it will not to change except to become even more competitive). In my opinion, most of those who were denied had not found – or not articulated – their “passion” and, therefore, could neither reasonably explain why Duke would be their optimal undergraduate school or how they – and their passion – would enhance their potential classmates and the aggregate Duke community. I do not suggest this is an easy task for any mid-teen, but I know it can become a real catalyst for acceptance.

Finally, Duke values fierce commitment and enthusiasm toward Duke, in its most extensive sense. This is why ED applicants have a marginal admissions advantage when compared to RD candidates. However, this concept goes much further; the “Why Duke” essay isn’t about basketball, top ten stature, or the Gothic Wonderland . . . although all of those attributes are entirely valid. Rather, it’s truly about Duke’s uniqueness (even among its few peers), how that uniqueness will alter your life and your future, and how you will contribute and improve (as an undergraduate and forever thereafter) Duke and it’s diverse constituencies. This is CRUCIAL. Your explanations can’t be disingenuous, because Undergraduate Admissions assess over thirty thousand such rationales annually – essentially all written by very bright, very driven individuals (your competitors) – and they can instantaneously detect a meaningless or a phony explanation.

Use the next year to think about these very demanding, but vital, issues in depth. I know this is tough work, but it is also essential.