Hey, y'all! Dream school is Duke for sure, but the standardized tests hassles are bumming me out. Anyone know what their average SAT score is? How high should I aim to increase my chances?
Duke University is quite selective when it comes to SAT scores. According to the most recent data available, admitted applicants to Duke generally have SAT scores in the range of 1490-1570. This represents the middle 50% of admitted students, meaning 25% of admitted students scored below 1490, and 25% scored above 1570.
So, if Duke is your dream school, you might aim for a score in this range. Higher scores can help to increase your chances, but remember that Duke is a selective institution that uses a holistic review process. So while standardized test scores are one significant factor in admission decisions, they are not the only thing considered. GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars, essays, and more all play important roles in the decision too.
For example, writing a compelling essay about how you will add to the Duke community or showing your passion for a specific subject through your extracurriculars can all be pluses on your application.
As you're preparing for the SAT, be sure to target your weak areas, but also keep investing time into areas you're already strong at. This will help you round out your score and, hopefully, reach the high numbers you're aiming for. Taking practice tests and working on test-taking strategies can be really helpful too.
Good luck with your preparations, and remember, even if your score doesn't reach the 'average', don't be discouraged. Duke's holistic process means every part of your application is taken into consideration.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.