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Well you guys have all read my essay and edited it, which i greatly appreciate. So, after reading my essay, do you think I can get into Duke?

I have a 1500 (780m, 720v), 760 math iic, 750 physics, 700 writing.
My GPA is 4.15 and I am in the top 10% of my class. Our school is the 12th best public in New Jersey.
I play tennis every year and did some bowling.
I am in NHS, French Honor Society, Math league, Physics League, Acadeca, blah blah blah
I am going ED to Duke.
I expect great recs.

So what do you guys think?

By Trojan1444 (Trojan1444) on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 08:50 pm: Edit

Well, your EC's are a little weak, as you probably know. It doesn't seem like you know what you like to do. It seems like you're what some people on this board would call a "serial joiner," meaning you just join every club you can think of.

Your SAT is great though, and your SAT II's are pretty good. ED will help too. I think you have about a 40% or 50% chance, which is pretty good.

By Hsimpson2k4 (Hsimpson2k4) on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 09:02 pm: Edit

Okay thanks. For clarification, you are right about me. However, I know what to do and will only include the good stuff.

I will say: Math League Every year
Physics League, AP Physics League
Tennis
LEadership Camp
National Honor Society
Stock Market Game Second in State
Ap Computer Science Award
Teach Tennis to Kids, Every Year
Library this Summer
Worked for 10-15 hours a week Junior year
Ran The National Bake Sale thing

Is that better?

By Valpal (Valpal) on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 10:00 pm: Edit

Hsimpson, I think your resume looks as strong as MANY others who post here, and I did not get the impression that you are a "serial joiner". You've already indicated that tennis is a passion of yours. You've played tennis all through high school, and volunteered to help youngsters learn the game to boot. Don't be too critical of yourself, and more importantly, be very careful about whose opinion you take to heart. Personally, I think you have a shot at Duke. I wish you good luck!

By Thedad (Thedad) on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 12:58 am: Edit

I agree with ValPal. I think you have a very good shot...better than an ordinary lottery ticket.

Good luck.

By Amylase (Amylase) on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 03:05 am: Edit

I think you have a chance

By Alimshk (Alimshk) on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 10:23 am: Edit

You have excellent academics and decent ECs. You have a shot. And congratulations on 2nd place in Stock Market Game. What was the final value of your portfolio at the end of the competition?

By Hsimpson2k4 (Hsimpson2k4) on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 12:08 pm: Edit

Thanks you guys. Well we were 200+k for the whole game except for the last week. Then we were greedy and didn't sell. We ended up at like 160k, I think. It's no biggie that we didn't get first.

Also, since I am going with the whole math and science thing. I was looking at my piano and saw that I got an Outstanding Achievement Award in NJSL. SHould I mention this? It's not a placement in a competition, but it's still good.

The other concern is that it will seem like I am only interested in math, science, and tennis. I did do bowling for two years. (Should I mention this?) I also cut out a lot of junk like Quiz Bowl, Bits and Pieces, Idea I, Destination Imagination, and French Honor Society. Which of these should I include?

I'm glad to be better than any ordinary lottery ticket..hehe.

Also, I doubt it will have any effect, but two of my parents' friends are Duke alumni. One went to grad schools and undergrad school at Duke. They will both write me recommendations. DO you think that if I was borderline, this could be something to get me over the edge?

Thanks!

By Hsimpson2k4 (Hsimpson2k4) on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 09:46 pm: Edit

Should I mention French Honor Society if I get a title?

By Hsimpson2k4 (Hsimpson2k4) on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 12:36 pm: Edit

C'mon guys...

By Dancer (Dancer) on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 03:15 pm: Edit

Do you play the piano? You referenced earlier about "looking at your piano."

Conventional wisdom seems to indicate if you have a title, then you should list the activity.

One idea about activities is - design an "activities highlight" sheet to attach to the college's extracurricular sheet. Categorize your activities - MATH-PHYSCIS-SPORTS-PIANO?-etc.
Then briefly describe what you've done for each of those headings, including leadership roles and awards.

Categorizing stuff under one big heading eliminates the look of a boring laundry list. Each cateogory looks real 'meaty.'

That's just my opinion.

By Dancer (Dancer) on Sunday, September 07, 2003 - 03:16 pm: Edit

Do you play the piano? You referenced earlier about "looking at your piano."

Conventional wisdom seems to indicate if you have a title, then you should list the activity.

One idea about activities is - design an "activities highlight" sheet to attach to the college's extracurricular sheet. Categorize your activities - MATH-PHYSCIS-SPORTS-PIANO?-etc.
Then briefly describe what you've done for each of those headings, including leadership roles and awards.

Categorizing stuff under one big heading eliminates the look of a boring laundry list. Each cateogory looks real 'meaty.'

That's just my opinion.

Oh, and I would kill for stats like yours.

By Hsimpson2k4 (Hsimpson2k4) on Tuesday, September 09, 2003 - 04:11 pm: Edit

Hehe, I don't play the piano. I can be sneaky like that....;) I think I am just going to say math and science stuff. I'd rather pretend that I didn't waste my time on bits and pieces and acadeca. I am going to do French Honor Society though. Got any tips on winning the election for president? Keep the guesses coming on my admissions to Duke please.