Duke application requirements?

Hi! I'm a high school junior looking to apply to Duke next year. Can someone help clarify what the application requirements are? Like, are there any specific tests I need to take or essay prompts I should be prepared for? Any advice would be super helpful. Thanks!

Hi there! Duke University is an excellent choice, and it's great that you're gathering information on its application requirements ahead of time. To apply to Duke, you'll need to submit an application through either the Common Application or QuestBridge Application. Duke does not give preference to one platform over another, so choose the one you're most comfortable with.

As for the application components, here's an overview of what you'll need:

1. Personal Information: Basic details such as contact info, family background, educational history, and so on.

2. High School Transcript: Your official high school transcript showing your progress through school, including your courses, grades, and any advanced or honors coursework.

3. Letters of Recommendation: Duke typically requires two teacher recommendations from teachers in different core subjects (math, science, social studies, foreign language, or English) and one from your high school counselor.

4. Application Essays: Duke requires a personal statement, usually 250-650 words long, that you'll submit with your Common App or Coalition App. You'll also need to complete additional Duke-specific short essay prompts, which change annually but generally focus on your interests, experiences, or perspectives. CollegeVine's blog contains comprehensive guidance on how to tackle both the personal statement and Duke's school-specific supplemental prompts:

- Personal Statement: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/

- Supplements: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-duke-university-essays/

5. Extracurriculars and Honors: A list of your extracurricular activities and any significant awards or achievements.

6. Standardized Tests (Optional): Duke currently has a test-optional policy in place, so submitting SAT or ACT scores is up to you. However, at such a selective school, you generally want to showcase your strengths in as many ways as possible, so putting time and effort into aiming for a high SAT or ACT score would likely be worth your while. For more detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/

Lastly, Duke also offers Early Decision and Regular Decision application options. Early Decision is a binding application, meaning that if you're admitted, you must commit to attending Duke and withdraw applications from other schools. Regular Decision, on the other hand, is non-binding and gives you more flexibility in considering multiple acceptances before making a decision.

Now is the perfect time to research Duke's academic programs and culture so you can ensure your application showcases your genuine interest in the university. Good luck with your application, and I hope this helps!