Applying to College
Admissions Requirements for Duke University
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the necessary academic qualifications, test scores, extracurricular accomplishments, and personal character traits sought by Duke University in its prospective students.
Aug 4, 2023
Introduction
Duke University, situated in Durham, North Carolina, was established in 1838 and boasts a rich history intertwined with academic excellence and innovation. Known worldwide for its stellar programs in medicine, business, and law, Duke consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the United States. Its reputation for academic rigor, engagement in public service, and a vibrant campus life draws students and faculty from around the globe. With a combination of tradition and ambition, Duke University continues to inspire the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
Quick Numbers
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Test Optional/Blind: Yes
Average SAT Score: 1510
Average ACT Score: 34
GPA: 3.9-4.0
Number of Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Two teacher recommendations, one counselor recommendations
Common Application Essay/Coalition/Questbridge: Any of the three
Number of Supplemental Essays: One required, two optional
Interview: Yes, and if offered one, it is in the applicant’s best interest.
Early Decision/Early Action: Duke offers a binding Early Decision(ED Program)
Application Deadline: ED - Nov 1st, RD - Jan 3rd
Financial Aid Deadline: ED - Nov 1st, RD - Feb 1st
Tests
In terms of standardized test scores, Duke University admits students with strong performance on the SAT and ACT exams. Typically, the 25th percentile SAT and ACT scores are 1480 and 33, respectively. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below these figures. On the other hand, the 75th percentile scores (meaning that 75% of admitted students scored below these figures) are usually around 1570 for the SAT and 35 for the ACT. These scores provide a range within which the bulk of admitted students' scores tend to fall and offer you a benchmark to aim for in your test preparation.
Essays
Common App Essay
In terms of the Common App essay, Duke University, like many other schools, asks applicants to respond to one of the seven essay prompts provided by the Common Application, allowing students to showcase their unique perspectives and experiences in a personal and meaningful way.
Below is the full set of Common App essay prompts for 2023-24.
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.(This is a very dangerous prompt, and it is recommended to discuss it with your high school counselor before undertaking it.)
In addition, students have the option to tell colleges any additional information that they might want to know. For example, extenuating circumstances that may explain a drop in grades for a certain semester.
Supplementals
Required:
What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit)
Optional:
Four optional questions are available – a maximum of 2 can be selected.
Please select 0 – 2 optional essay topics. (Respond in 250 words or fewer.)
1) We seek a diverse student body that embodies the wide range of human experience. In that context, we are interested in what you’d like to share about your lived experiences and how they’ve influenced how you think of yourself.
2) We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?
3) What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?
4) Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If you’d like to share with us more about your identity in this context, feel free to do so here.
Conclusion
Navigating the admissions process for Duke might seem daunting, but with the right tools at your disposal, it can be a manageable and successful endeavor. Delilah AI, with its advanced capabilities, is designed to guide you through one of the most challenging parts: writing your essays. It provides personalized suggestions and feedback, helping you craft compelling narratives that truly encapsulate your unique experiences, aspirations, and potential.
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