Duke's GPA Requirement?

I've been dreaming about Duke forever and I'm a bit stressed about my GPA. Currently sitting at a 3.6, is this competitive for Duke? What do they typically look at in terms of GPA during the admissions process?

Duke University is highly selective, and applicants are generally expected to have strong GPAs. According to their profile of the most recent admitted class, a large majority of admitted students were within the top 10% of their high school class. Therefore, a GPA of 3.6 can be somewhat on the lower end for Duke, especially if your school calculates GPAs on a 4.0 scale. The average ranges from 3.8 to 4.0.

However, admissions officers at Duke don't just look at the numeric value of your GPA. They also consider the rigor of your course load. If the lower GPA is accompanied by advanced courses (like APs or IBs) where you've challenged yourself, it can assuage some of the concerns that might come up with a lower GPA. Plus, schools like Duke really value upward trends, so if your grades have consistently improved over the course of your high school career, that's another positive signal.

It's also important to note that Duke practices a holistic review of applications, meaning they're taking into consideration many aspects of your application beyond just your GPA—like your standardized test scores (if you choose to submit them), extracurricular involvements, essay responses, and letters of recommendation. So while GPA is a significant factor in the admission process, it's not the only factor.

One more thing to keep in mind is that it’s always crucial to have match and safety schools in addition to reach schools like Duke on your college list. This is to ensure that you have a balanced list and enhance your chances of getting accepted into a good-fit college.