Duke Admissions - What SAT score should I aim for?

I'm keen on Duke and doing my best to boost my chances of getting in. For those who've been admitted to Duke, can you share your SAT scores? How high should I be aiming if Duke is my dream school?

Duke University is undoubtedly one of the top-tier schools in the US, hence it tends to attract a lot of high-achieving students. This makes the academic profile of admitted students quite competitive. When it comes to SAT scores, the middle 50% range for students accepted to Duke in the recent past was roughly around 1510 to 1570.

While these numbers serve as benchmarks, remember that scores alone don't guarantee admission. Duke University went test-optional for the 2022-2023 application cycle in response to COVID-19 disruptions. However, as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, Duke has resumed requiring the SAT or ACT.

If you're aiming for as high a chance as possible, you'd ideally want a score above 1500, or even better, above 1550. The reality is that a high score does not guarantee admission, as the application review process takes into account various components such as your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters among others.

While it is important to aim for a high SAT score, just as crucial is focusing on maintaining strong grades and demonstrating deep engagement and leadership in a few extracurricular activities. Overall, presenting a well-rounded application can be as pivotal as your SAT score in your journey to Duke. Remember, your story and potential to contribute to Duke's community also count!