From: ASK DUKE
To: sdujari@juno.com
Subject: attn undergrad admissions
Reply Date: Tue, 08 Jul 1997 14:39:18 -0500
I write in reply to your recent email requesting information on admissions to Duke University. Given the competitive nature of our applicant pool, it's very difficult to comment on an individual's chances of admissions, but I can tell you what we evaluate in applications and try to give you a sense of the profile of the typical admitted student.
Our office evaluates 6 areas in reviewing applications: course selection; grades/performance; teacher recommendations; personal qualities/extracurricular activities; essays; and standardized test scores. Most admitted students are strong in all areas, typically ranking in the top 5-10% of their graduating class, taking strong courses, having impact in their schools or communities, and so on. We don't report an average SAT, but to provide a range, we report the middle 50% of our admitted students. This past year, the middle 50% of Duke's admitted students scored between 1320 and 1520 on the recentered SAT. That is to say, that if you eliminate the bottom 25% and the top 25% of the admit group, the middle 50% fell in that range. We will also take your alumni tie into consideration as we review your file.
The problem with admissions at "most selective" institutions is that there are more qualified applicants each year than there are places in the first year class. That means it is difficult to tell students precisely what their chances of admissions are. Asking schools for their profiles of admitted students is probably the best way to gauge one's chances, though. We would be glad to send ours to you if you'd like. Just send us your name and address. Also, if you are not already on our mailing list and would like to receive more information, please send us your name, address, high school, and year of graduation.
Again, thank you for taking the time to find out more about Duke. You may learn more by accessing the Duke HomePage at
We look forward to hearing from you again. If you have any more questions, just let us know.
Sincerely,
Undergraduate Admissions
Duke University
2138 Campus Drive
Durham, NC 27708
919/684-3214