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How do i get into Duke University?

I am in high school and i am an all honors student and i would like to know how to get into Duke University. I know it is very difficult i know several people who make outstanding grades and were involved in many extra curricular activities and so forth. However, when they applied they didnt get in.

I am only a freshman but I would like to start planning ahead.

7 Answers

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  • Lalala
    Lv 4
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Well I was accepted, and I'll just give you a few things that I think helped me in my application.

    1) I had a 4.0 unweighted GPA all four years of high school. I had a 4.78 cumulative weighted GPA.

    2) Try to get an SAT score above 2100. I know it's difficult, but try and aim for a 2200. It helps separate you from the pack.

    3) Become involved in the community. Join clubs at school that are focused on participating in community service. I was part of the Key Club, NHS, and French national honor society, which all revolve around volunteer work and tutoring.

    4) it would be nice if you could play a sport or two, if you have the time.

    5) In your junior year, become very close with your English, math, and science teachers. Become there friends, so by the end of the school year you can confidently ask them to write you winning recommendation letters.

    6) Try and grab leadership positions in two or three clubs/organizations.

    7) Have a hobby outside of school, like writing or playing an instrument.

    8) Take as many AP classes as comfortably possible. Colleges like to see that you are challenge yourself.

    9) Lastly, don't try too hard to seem perfect. I think one of the reasons I was accepted over people who had perfect SAT scores and those who were president of every club was that I was thoroughly excited about everything that I did in high school. I didn't join Key Club because I knew it would look good to college admissions officers. I joined because I love helping people. I volunteered every weekend because I loved to do so. Do what you enjoy doing, and once the beginning on your senior year rolls around it'll be easy to write about your life. Each of your essays will have a meaningful voice so long as you write about what you truly love to do.

    Don't stress yourself. You're only a freshman. Just focus on doing what makes you happy,and you'll have no problem getting accepted to the college that is the right fit for you.

    Source(s): I was accepted to Duke, Columbia, Brown, NYU, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Georgetown, and 6 others.
  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    How To Get Into Duke

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    This Site Might Help You.

    RE:

    How do i get into Duke University?

    I am in high school and i am an all honors student and i would like to know how to get into Duke University. I know it is very difficult i know several people who make outstanding grades and were involved in many extra curricular activities and so forth. However, when they applied they didnt get...

  • 9 years ago

    Idk about Duke specifically but for any college of that standard...

    basically stay at the TOP of your class (Aim for top 10%! GRADES ARE IMPORTANT, get straight A's!),

    take all honors and APs,

    get amazing test scores on your SAT or ACT (I would aim for 30+ on the ACT or 2100 on the SAT!)

    do a lot of extracurriculars (but make sure you have some kind of leadership position in one or more, like President or Treasurer or something. Don't just do a lot of activities just so you can put it on your application! Get involved!)

    get into your school's honor societies (like National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta. But really one is enough),

    do a lot of volunteering (And make sure you record them in a binder or something so you can rack up the hours by the time you apply!)

    Aaand just be the best student you can be! Don't just do things because it'll look good on your college apps. Be yourself and do things you're interested in, and do them well! Study for the knowledge first and then the grades will come to you :)

    Good luck!

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  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/avSFg

    I know it wasn't in your control and you do have evidence that you can do the work expected of you from a four-year college, but the fact remains that you're going to be competing against applicants who are hoping to transfer from schools whose academic reputation is comparable to or better than Duke's. Doesn't mean you shouldn't try, but know you're going to have to find some way to stand out beyond just getting a 4.0 in general curriculum courses, and pick some backup schools.

  • Anonymous
    9 years ago

    I wouldn't waste your time with Duke University, look into Harvard.

  • Doofy
    Lv 5
    9 years ago

    Yeah, I've known people with 4.4 GPAs who didn't get into some of those east coast schools. Even UCLA and Berkeley will reject some really qualified applicants. If you're a freshman in high school, you are looking too far forward. Do your best and worry about applications later.

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