Duke University has a tradition of admitting the most qualified students.Only a small percentage of applying students are admitted.The admission process includes official applications, recommendations, an essay and submission of standardized test scores.Basic requirements for admission and some tips for making yourself stand out are things you should learn if you want to give yourself the best chance of success.
Step 1: You need to complete your high school education.
It's necessary to complete your high school education with excellent academic standing to apply to Duke, an elite university that is highly competitive.It's important to specialize in broad curriculum, high-level classes, as well as supplement your application with diverse extra-curricular activities and above-average grades while you attend school.Natural science, mathematics, a foreign language, 4 years of English and social studies are included in high school courses.If you include electives that show your willingness to be challenged and expand your knowledge base, you will be an expert.If you want to apply to the school of engineering at Duke, you should take courses in physics and math in high school.It's very difficult to get into Duke if you don't have a good high school record.If you want to get into Duke, you need to finish high school and graduation with outstanding grades.
Step 2: There is a possibility that this is not the case.
If possible Duke University will look for students who have taken accelerated classes, and these courses may be counted for credit at Duke.You should find out what it takes to enroll in AP courses at your high school.AP courses are offered during 11th and 12th grade, are more advanced, and will end with a standardized AP test.If you want to get into elite universities like Duke, you need to take the AP test.You need to arrange for the AP courses and tests to be sent to the universities you hope to apply to.If you want to go to Duke, you need to arrange for your AP scores to be sent.
Step 3: Get involved in extra-curricular activities.
To get into Duke, you need to show that you've been involved in a variety of extracurricular activities at your school.To make your application stand out, get involved in a school sport, band, club, or other organization.Students are warned by the Duke Office of Admissions not to involve themselves with too many activities.Duke officials stress that the quality of participation is more important than the number of activities.Pick one or two that you really care about and don't join the Xbox club just to have something to put on your app.
Step 4: Keep your grade point average high.
Your grade point average is a good indicator of your ability to achieve at all levels in high school.If you want to stand out among your peers and demonstrate that you're a serious student, try to maintain a high grade point average.As well, pay attention to your class rank.When applying to Duke, it's important to keep in mind that you're near the top 25 or even top 10 of your class.If you can let them know you were one of the best students at your school, it will look nice and tidy.AP courses that are offered on a 5 point scale are a good reason to take them.An A in an AP course is more likely to be an A than a C in a regular course, so you can get a higher grade point average as a bonus.
Step 5: Take the tests.
Duke University requires that students submit test scores from either the American College Test or the SAT, so it's a good idea to sign up for one or both as soon as possible.Duke does not have a minimum score requirement for admission, but accepted students fall into the upper 50th percentile.Students who score above 29 on the ACT as a potential Arts & Sciences student are more likely to be accepted into an engineering school.Students who score at least 660 on the writing section of the SAT tend to do well in the verbal section.The average scores for students accepted into Duke were slightly higher than the minimum requirement, between 700 and 800 on both sections of the SAT.Duke accepts students in the top 50th percentile.
Step 6: Send your high school transcript to Duke.
Talk to your school's guidance counselor about sending official grade reports and a high school transcript to Duke University as soon as possible after graduation.
Step 7: You can get two recommendations from teachers.
It's important to cultivate good relationships with at least two teachers who will be willing to write glowing recommendations while you're still in high school.Duke University requires teachers to give recommendations within the last two years.Do you know if any of your teachers have attended Duke?Alumni letters stand out more than other teachers' recommendations.If you want a good letter, ask for it early in the fall semester.You want to be early in the line so you don't get swamped by requests.
Step 8: The common application needs to be completed.
Duke University uses the Common Application, a standardized college and university application.The application requires you to provide information regarding your contact information, schools attended and other questions.All materials need to be submitted by November 1st for Early Decision and January 15th for regular decision.In exchange for an earlier notification of your acceptance, Early Decision requires a first-quarter grade report and commits students to enroll if they are accepted for admission.
Step 9: You need to fill out the Duke Student Supplement form.
This form is part of the basic Duke application package, and it involves questions related to Duke University, such as whether you have relatives who graduated from the school or are employed there.Questions about why Duke University is a good fit for you are included in the form.Good answers to this section will involve familiarity with the program to which you're applying, your ability to name specific instructors, and the way Duke will help you achieve what you hope to achieve during college.
Step 10: You can submit your test scores to Duke University.
If you want the scores to be sent to the school's admissions office by the application due date, you need to take the SAT.The SAT code at Duke University is 5156, while the ACT code is 3088.When you apply to Duke, you must send your entire test history to the admissions office.Even if you take the test again and get a better score, you still have to report your initial score.
Step 11: Write, revise, and submit your essays.
Each application will require that you respond to one of five long essay prompts, which will need to be about 750 words long, as well as a shorter essay of about 150 words, in which you address why Duke is right for you.One of the best ways to stand out on your application is to complete the essays and make them as polished, unique, and articulate as possible.Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it.Please share your story if this sounds like you.When you experienced failure, count the incident or time.What lessons did you learn from it?Do you remember a time when you challenged a belief or idea?What made you act?Would you make the same decision again?Tell me about a place where you are content.What do you do there, and why?Discuss an event or accomplishment that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood.
Step 12: You may want to submit additional artistic material with your application.
If you apply as a liberal arts student, you should include samples of your work.Students who are gifted in the arts should have a portfolio of samples in any of the categories.
Step 13: The Duke Youth Program in the arts is a good place to start.
Summer academic enrichment for academically gifted students is provided by the Duke Youth Programs.If you want to go to Duke eventually, participating in this type of program during a summer off from school will make your application stand out, and it can be a fun experience.Any time between 4th and 12th grade, you can participate in a Duke Youth Program.The Duke Creative Writers' Workshop is for college students.
Step 14: You can participate in the Duke talent identification program.
There is a summer-time program for 5th-12th graders who are interested in hard sciences, local history, and architecture.The program is designed to challenge gifted students by exposing them to rich and engaging hands-on studies that respect their intelligence and ability.The Duke TIP website is where you can apply and enroll in the programs of your choice.Mathematics Neuroscience Criminal Trial Advocacy is one of the programs that can be found.
Step 15: It's a good idea to research the program you want to apply to.
If you know more about the department you want to end up in, your application will stand out.Try to get to know the faculty, their specialties, and the reputation of the program you're applying to.It's a good way to show your seriousness as a candidate, and that you're serious about Duke being the correct place for your education.
Step 16: Your application essays should be unique.
The essays are the most important part of the application.As a potential Duke student, you want to show your personality, character, and memorability.If you write an essay that sticks out from the crowd, you'll be more likely to be accepted.It's a good idea to avoid clichéd essay topics.Thousands of admissions essays have been written about the time your sports team lost, practiced hard, then won again, and the mission trip that made you aware of how poor some parts of the world are.These topics should be avoided.You can find a unique thing about yourself and connect it to your strengths.Are you obsessed with butterflies?Do you have the state's biggest collection of geodes?It's a good idea to tell people about yourself.The essay is not meant to highlight things on your transcript.You don't have to include your achievements in the text.
Step 17: If possible, visit a campus.
While campus visits aren't tracked or considered along with your application, getting some face-time admissions officials and seeing the campus for yourself is an excellent way to learn more about the school before you apply.You never know if the person you meet will remember your name and friendly face when applying.
Step 18: Talk to your friends.
If you know someone who has gone to Duke, they can be a great source of information on the application process.Alumni might be in contact with former professors who will be able to give you guidance and put in a good word for you at the admissions office.You never know.