Duke University opened in Randolph County, NC, in 1838 under its original name, The Union Institute Academy. In 1851, the name changed to Normal College. Then in 1859, the name was altered again to Trinity College.
In 1892, the college moved to Durham, and a tobacco magnate named Washington Duke provided money and land to Trinity College. In 1924, the name was changed one final time to Duke University—in his honor.
Duke University Acceptance Rate
An elite institution with approximately 6,500 undergraduate students, Duke is a difficult school to get into. Duke admissions committees receive thousands of applications each admissions cycle, and requirements for gaining entry into the school as a student are stringent. The Duke acceptance rate averages about 7.7%.
Duke University Admissions
It’s important to know that Duke has a holistic approach to admissions. This holistic approach means the committees consider both personal and academic interests, accomplishments, experiences, background, and perspectives when making admission decisions.
Each application consists of several different documents. Duke admission requirements include five primary factors, as cited by the school:
- Academic performance
- The rigor of a student’s academic program
- Letters of recommendation (two from teachers, one from a counselor)
- The quality of expression and thought in the application essay
- Extracurricular activities
Duke is looking for students who have taken the best and most challenging classes. We recommend taking all possible AP and IB courses during your high school career, as Duke highly values students who rise to the challenge.
SAT and ACT Testing Scores
The average range of SAT scores for students accepted into Duke is 1500-1570. The school also accepts ACT scores, as well.
While Duke strongly recommends that students take an official ACT or SAT exam in the springtime of their junior year, students applying for admission during 2021 and 2022 will find that these tests are optional.
Tips for Answering Duke’s Essay Questions on the Application
Both the Coalition Application and the Common Application require short essay answers and a one-page personal essay requirement.
As with other prestigious educational institutions, for these essays, Duke University is not looking for factual recaps of information already within your application!
We strongly recommend that you use the essays as opportunities to tell the admissions committees about your intellectual and personal interests. Duke is interested in well-rounded students who are passionate about making an impact in their communities and at Duke.
Duke University will consider what you have accomplished and what your experiences include. Take the opportunity to show your ambition, creativity, persistence, energy, and humanity in your essays.
Tips for Getting into Duke University
Duke has relayed some suggestions for students interested in applying to their school. It would be wise to keep these suggestions in mind throughout your high school career.
We strongly recommend that students begin preparing for college early in high school. Furthermore, Duke recommends that students:
- Buy a study guide, and practice taking SAT or ACT tests
- Get involved in school and/or the local community
- Make sure to take at least five academic courses per year
- Get to know their high school counselors
We strongly suggest that you visit the Duke University website and become familiar with all of the information presented to students regarding admissions, deadlines, requirements, the campus, the schools of study available at Duke, and more.
Improve Your Chances of Getting into Duke University
Empowerly has helped thousands of students improve their college acceptance rates, and we are dedicated to helping students like you submit well-rounded applications to the schools of your choice.
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