Every year, thousands of the world's best students apply to Duke. They come from public, private and parochial schools, and from all points on the economic, political, and geographic spectrum. Most have graduated in the top 10 percent of their secondary school class. These top students are attracted to Duke for its academic challenge, stimulating campus environment, and reputation for educating men and women of influence and achievement. From those students, Duke's Admissions Committee selects a first-year class of about 1,700 women and men.

First, please understand that we do not have a minimum required score for either the SAT or ACT, nor do we have a minimum required GPA or class rank.

We do not report average SAT or ACT scores, but you can view the middle 50 percent range for standardized test scores of last year's admitted students here. Likewise, we do not quote an average grade point average. We ask for a student’s GPA and class rank, when available, but we also realize that many schools consider GPA on different scales and some schools do not consider GPA or class rank at all. We consider this information in the context of what guidance counselors tell us about their schools.

Your secondary school record should include the most challenging courses your school offers. We recommend four years of English and at least three years of mathematics, natural science, foreign language and social studies. We also encourage you to enroll in advanced-level work in as many of these areas as possible. We generally expect students to enroll in five academic courses per year, and if a student does not take four years in a particular subject area, it should be replaced with an academic course of equal rigor. If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering, calculus is required before you enroll. We also strongly recommend, but do not require, that you have taken physics.

Successful Duke applicants typically have significant extracurricular commitments, all of which we value. Most students admitted to Duke have demonstrated, in a word, impact. In some venue they have made a difference. It might be in the classroom, in the community, or on the athletic field. It could be doing one thing brilliantly, or several things exceedingly well.

We do not track the number of contacts or visits to campus an applicant has made. Although we are always glad when students visit campus, demonstrated interest is not an advantage in the admissions process. We prefer to focus on a student's strengths and accomplishments.

You may use either the Common Application or Universal College Application plus the required Duke Student Supplement. Applicants may submit the forms either online or on paper. For complete information on how to apply to Duke, please refer to the official website.

Application Supplement
To open an application file, you must submit the Common Application or Universal College Application.
The application will ask you to provide biographical and academic information, to detail your extracurricular activities, and to write a personal essay. It also includes forms for school officials to complete on your behalf.

Essays
Both the Common Application and the Universal College Application include a 500-word personal essay. In addition, both include short essay questions that are specific to Duke and that offer you the opportunity to tell us about your personal and intellectual interests. You can submit your two short essays with or after the other student portions of the application, no later than the application deadline.

· All applicants must respond to the prompt:
Please discuss one of your extracurricular activities that has required a particularly significant time commitment or that has played a meaningful role in your personal development. (Please limit your response to no more than 150 words)

· All applicants to the Pratt School of Engineering must respond to the prompt:
Please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke. (Please limit your response to no more than 150 words)

· First-year applicants to the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences may respond to the prompt:
Please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something in particular at Duke that attracts you? (Please limit your response to no more than 150 words)

Facts About Duke
Full-time Student Enrollment Fall 2013

[An extract from Duke University's official website.]