Admitted Student Profile
GPA (Unweighted)
3.90–4.00 (unweighted)
SAT Range (Middle 50%)
1500–1580
ERW: 730–770 · Math: 770–800
ACT Range (Middle 50%)
34–36
Acceptance Rate
~6.3%
📌 Duke is test-optional. These ranges reflect middle 50% of score-submitting admitted students.
The Official Prompt
Why Duke?
"What is your impression of Duke as a university and community, and why do you believe it is a good match for your goals, values, and interests?"
Duke's Why Us essay rewards students who have genuinely engaged with the university — not just read the website. The best essays name specific programs, faculty research, Bass Connections projects, or cultural traditions unique to Duke, then connect them precisely to the student's goals.
The #1 Failure Mode
Most Common Mistake
Describing Duke's rankings, beautiful campus, or general reputation for excellence. Every applicant knows Duke is excellent. The essay must prove you know what makes Duke specifically right for you.
Weak vs. Strong: Score Benchmarks
⚠️ Weak (~56/100)
"Duke's combination of academic excellence and vibrant social culture makes it my ideal university. The strong pre-med program and beautiful campus would allow me to thrive both academically and personally. I am also a huge basketball fan."
✓ Strong (~86/100)
"I've been following Dr. Warren's work on health disparities in rural North Carolina since I found her 2022 paper through a citation rabbit hole. The fact that Duke students can participate in Bass Connections projects that directly continue that fieldwork — not just study it — is what makes Duke specific for me, not just excellent."