Duke University

“You need a "hook"Jul 15 2011Physics
You need a "hook". Most students are exceptional at academics AND music, athletic, volunteerism, etc. Write a good essay that shows the admissions committee something about yourself. Don't be afraid to go outside of the box--they like that.
Female

“Write a great essay and do something unique -Jun 07 2011Public Policy
Write a great essay and do something unique - also have good grades and scores.
ACT: 33 SAT: 1440 Male

“Study, write a great essay and work hard on SATsJun 06 2011English
Study, write a great essay and work hard on SATs. Duke seems to really care about SAT scores and AP classes. I thought I did well on the SATs, but it seems like everyone else must have too. I did an alumni interview. I don't know if it helped or not. This place is just flat out one of the hardest schools to get into.
ACT: 34 SAT: 1520 Female

“Just like getting into any Ivy or StanfordJun 06 2011Psychology
just like getting into any Ivy or Stanford. I had friends who got into good Ivy League schools and were rejected at Duke. Challenge yourself in high school. All my friends took many AP classes. I came from an excellent public school and was at the top of my class with good scores. I also saw people get into Duke that were rejected at Harvard, etc.. I think it is a crap shoot at this level. It is very competitive to get in. Once you are year, you understand that you belong here. Once you are here, you will also get all the support you need and will find people like you no matter who you are.
ACT: 33 SAT: 1480 Male