In 2025, more than 1,900 U.S. colleges in the US maintained some form of test-optional policies. That said, not all “test-optional” policies are created equal! And when it comes to competitive campuses like Duke University, every detail of your application matters. With overall acceptance rates in the low single digits, the line between an acceptance or rejection letter at these highly selective institutions really can come down to the subtlest difference.
To complicate matters further, the world of college admissions has undergone a massive transformation over the last few years, especially when it comes to standardized testing. Once seen as the primary pillar of academic potential, the SAT and ACT are no longer required by many colleges, leaving students wondering: Do I still need to submit my test scores to competitive schools like Duke? And perhaps more importantly: When colleges say “test-optional,” do they really mean optional?
While Empowerly has been keeping up the test-optional wave ever since it started in earnest several years ago, the broader college admissions landscape hasn’t yet unified on these central questions. In fact, things may have become more opaque; some schools have reversed their original announcements, while others have increasingly nuanced policies.
When it comes to high school students and families, though, these debates rarely translate into actionable advice. So let’s get practical: we’ll decode what you need to know about Duke’s test-optional policy in 2025, and give you tips on how to strategically approach testing in today’s admissions landscape.
About Duke University
Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the United States. For good reason, too. Known for its strong academic programs in engineering, public policy, business, and biomedical sciences, Duke offers its student community a unique blend of intellectual rigor, Southern charm, and Division I athletic spirit behind their famous Blue Devils.
But with prestige comes pressure: Duke’s admissions process is highly competitive, and not very many make the cut. For the Class of 2029, Duke reported an acceptance rate of just 4.8%, making it one of the most selective private institutions in the country.
Here’s a quick peek at the campus:
If you’re curious how most prospective Duke students tend to score, we can tell you. For those who do submit scores, accepted students typically fall within these middle 50% ranges:
- SAT: 1510–1570
- ACT: 34–35
In short? Students applying to Duke need a thoughtful, strategic approach, in addition to outstanding academic excellence.
Standardized tests are changing — fast
We hardly need to tell you: today’s students aren’t preparing for the same SAT and ACT their older siblings took. Since 2024, the SAT has gone fully digital, introducing:
- A shorter test format (just over 2 hours)
- Adaptive questioning (difficulty adjusts based on performance)
- An on-screen calculator for the math section
The ACT is also rolling out digital versions in certain testing centers, though many states still use the paper version. Meanwhile, Advanced Placement (AP) exams remain digital in some districts but have stirred debate over equity and accessibility.
These changes mean students must adapt their study strategies and timelines to the new format in order to be most successful.
Test prep support
Not sure where to start preparing for the new tests? Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. Empowerly’s test prep program can help students navigate the new digital testing landscape and prepare with confidence. Our expert test prep tutors can help you improve both your SAT and ACT results if you are looking for support.
Duke’s test-optional policy explained
So, here’s the bottom line: Is Duke test-optional?
Yes. For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Duke remains test-optional. This policy, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been extended in light of ongoing concerns about testing access and equity.
According to Duke’s official policy:
“Students who are unable or choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores will not be at a disadvantage in our admissions process.”
However, it’s important to understand the nuance: test-optional doesn’t mean test-unconsidered. Duke still reviews scores if submitted, and in many cases, scores may strengthen a student’s application.
For instance…
- Is your SAT score 1510 or higher, or ACT score 34+?
- Is your GPA below Duke’s average (around 3.9 unweighted)?
- Are you homeschooled or from a non-traditional school system?
- Do your test scores outperform your transcript?
If you answered “yes” to two or more, it can help to submit your scores! If you answered “no” to most, focus on strengthening the other parts of your application.
Also, note that while Duke is test-optional, some peer institutions (like MIT) are not. Always double-check individual college websites for updates — policies can change year to year.
- MIT: Test required
- Harvard and Stanford: Test optional (as of 2025)
- University of California system: Test blind
- Northwestern: Test optional
- Georgia Tech: Test optional (but highly encouraged)
What does “test optional” actually mean?
Test optional means students can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. If submitted, scores are considered a weighted part of the application. If not submitted, other elements carry more weight.
Let’s take a closer look at the exact language that colleges might use.
Test required
This means that students must submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. Applications without test scores will not be considered.
Test optional
At these schools, students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Applications are reviewed in full, whether scores are included or not. (Note: Strong scores can still enhance your application, especially at selective test-optional schools!) You might not want to submit your scores if:
- Your SAT or ACT scores fall below the 50th percentile for your target schools
- Your GPA is strong and your transcript is rigorous
- Your essays and extracurricular activities already reflect deep intellectual engagement
Test flexible
Students are allowed to submit alternative test types in place of the SAT or ACT — such as AP scores, IB exams, or SAT Subject Tests (when available). However, fewer schools use this policy today, so you probably won’t see this pop up.
Test blind
At test-blind universities, standardized test scores are not considered at all, even if submitted. Other parts of the application carry full weight. The most famous example of a test-blind admissions system is the University of California schools.
As you can see, there are shades of distinction to the college testing conversation, and it continues to evolve as we watch.
But here’s the truth:
With the exception of test-blind schools, students who submit strong scores often have higher admission rates.
According to Common App data and several college admissions reports, many test-optional schools still favor applicants who submit high test scores, particularly at competitive institutions.
Why? We can’t say for certain what goes through every admissions officer’s mind. What we do know is that submitting a strong score can:
- Validate a strong GPA or course rigor
- Help homeschooled or international students provide additional context
- Offer a boost if your high school transcript lacks weighted rigor or APs
If you’re unsure whether to submit scores, Empowerly counselors can help assess how your test performance fits into your overall profile.
What else does Duke look for?
Duke has long practiced holistic admissions. This means that no single factor — not GPA, not test scores, not extracurriculars — determines your admission decision.
According to Duke:
“We consider each student as a whole person, not the sum of grades, scores, and achievements.”
So what else, other than your numbers, matters?
- Academic rigor: Taking the most challenging courses available to you
- Extracurriculars: Depth over breadth, with sustained leadership or innovation
- Personal writing: Authentic stories that reflect your voice, curiosity, and character
- Recommendations: Teachers who can speak to your growth and impact
Duke values intellectual engagement, community impact, and a sense of purpose. In recent years, they’ve also increased focus on qualities like resilience and creativity — especially as AI, test prep, and essay consultants change the application landscape.
Here is one student’s take on how she strengthened her application outside of the test score section:
How to strengthen your Duke application
In a test-optional world, your story has to shine brighter than ever. Here are a few ways to make your Duke application stand out:
- Submit strong test scores, if you have them. What have we learned today? Even if not required, high scores can elevate your profile.
- Write unforgettable essays. While they are no longer assigned a numeric score in your Duke applications, they nonetheless ask specific, detailed questions. Use them to show your fit and your values. Read more: Duke Supplemental Essays
- Show academic initiative. Join a research program, start a project, or enroll in college-level coursework. Empowerly’s research programs are a great place to begin if you aren’t sure where to start!
- Demonstrate fit. Use Duke’s mission and programs to illustrate why you’re a match. Generic praise won’t cut it; take the time to research the campus. Beyond “prestige” and “research,” try to reference a specific program or professor and how they match your own interests.
- Stay organized and strategic. Build a balanced college list and work backward from deadlines. If you’re targeting early admissions, you’ll need to submit your application by November 1st; everyone else submits by the regular decision deadline on January 2nd. Keep this in mind when scheduling your last test sittings and submitting financial aid information, too. Read more: How to Get Into Duke
And most importantly: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. With acceptance rates as low as 5%, there’s no room for guesswork.
Final thoughts: test-optional doesn’t mean test-irrelevant
Duke may be test-optional, but that doesn’t mean testing doesn’t matter. Every element of your application should be curated to tell a cohesive, compelling story about who you are and what you bring to campus.
Need help deciding whether to submit your test scores? Want to build an application that highlights your unique strengths?
Empowerly’s expert counselors can help. We’ll guide you through testing decisions, college essays, recommendation strategies, and so much more — with the tools and insight that lead to real results. Our team spends on average 25x more time with students than the average high school counselor, and 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. We are here to walk you through every step of the way!
