Mailing Address: Durham, North Carolina 27708
Rank on 2008 List: 31
Rank on 2006 List: 14
Average GPA: N/A
Matriculation Rate of African Americans: 86%
Total Enrollment: 6,294
African American Enrollment: 597
Number of Applications: 20,500
*Average SAT Scores: Reading: 650-760; Math: 680-780; Writing: 660-750
Black Student Group(s): Center for Multicultural Affairs, Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture
Summer Program(s): Above and Beyond: Astronomy, Physics, & Astrobiology, PARI Observatory, A Changing Earth: Geophysics, Earthquake Seismology, and Crustal Tectonics — PARI Observatory; A Writer’s Art: Creative Writing — Ghost Ranch; Pre-Law Institute; Leadership Institute
Application Deadline(s): Dec 10; Jan. 2
Early Admissions Deadline(s): Oct 19; Nov 1 (remaining material i.e., transcripts, recommendations, etc.)
Financial Aid Options/Deadline(s): Early Decision: Nov 15; Regular Decision: March 1; FAFSA-Early Decision: May 1; Regular Decision: Mar. 1
Costs: Tuition: $36,598; Room: $5,150; Board: $4,630; Personal Expenses/Books: $2,604
Greek Organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
ADMISSIONS Q&A
Christoph Guttenthag, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
What are you looking for in a student?
A strong academic record–good grades in a challenging curriculum–is critical. What makes a compelling candidate, though, is a sense of impact. Evidence that a student has made a difference, changed things for the better, contributed to his or her community, in the classroom, in the school, or in the community. It could be the student who asks the most thoughtful or stimulating questions in class; it could be the dancer or
musician who communicates in a special way; it could be a person devoted to community service; it could be the athlete who makes the team better. In almost any area of activity or thought a student has the potential to make an impact; that’s the person we seek.
What unique, university-sponsored opportunities and services abound for students of color at Duke University?
The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture is perhaps the best known opportunity on campus; however, there are many more, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs
sponsors a number of programs, including “Identities in Movement,” a yearlong series of speakers, films, and other events exploring the relationship between identity, “Figuring out Finances” Workshop series, and supports the Center for Race Relations. These are only some of the opportunities for students of color, and it’s always good to go to the Multicultural Center website, at mcc.studentaffairs.duke.edu.
What advice do you have for an applicant that is specific to Duke University applicants?
Do you have any advice for students needing housing at Duke University? Is it difficult for freshman/sophomores to get housing?
Housing is guaranteed for all four years, and all first-year students and sophomores are required to live on campus.
What advice do you have for students who might fall short of minimum requirements, but still want to attend?
First, if you believe you might be a competitive applicant, apply. While most applicants are in the top 10 percent of their high school class, we have no minimum GPA or SAT score. That said, the stronger the academic record the better the chance of being admitted. And if you’re not admitted as a first year student, consider applying as a transfer student.
What advice do you have for applicants?
Establish a strong academic record right from the beginning–we look at your grades from the 9th grade on. Make a commitment to the extracurricular activities that interest you the most, and follow through. Present yourself positively in the application–don’t be too modest.
What kind of opportunities do you have for non-traditional students?
We have a strong interest in international students, and a small transfer program.
How does the university weigh GPA, SAT scores, extracurricular activities, college essays and recommendations during the application process?
The greatest weight is given to courses and grades, then SAT or ACT scores. For students with good academic credentials, the activities and school-based letters of recommendation often are the deciding factors. Essays are important in revealing depth of thought and ability to write, but don’t commonly “make or break” an application.