Does Duke University offer rolling admission?

I'm interested in applying to Duke University and need to know if they have rolling admissions. How does the timing of applying affect my chances, and what's the best strategy for applying there?

Duke University does not offer rolling admissions. They offer Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD), and the deadlines for these differ.

The Early Decision is a binding commitment, meaning you are committing to attend Duke if you're accepted, so you should only apply this way if Duke is your number one choice. The ED deadline is typically in November, and applicants are usually notified about their admissions status in mid-December.

Regular Decision has a later deadline, typically around January, and applicants are usually notified in late March or early April.

In terms of strategy, applying Early Decision does boost your chances at selective schools like Duke. The demonstrated commitment to the school that comes with applying Early Decision is often looked upon favorably in the admissions process. However, you've got to be 100% certain that Duke is your top choice, considering the binding nature of ED.

If Duke is one of several universities you're considering, applying Regular Decision is the best strategy. You have more time to perfect your application and you are not bound to accept an offer, should you receive one.

Remember to check the exact dates on Duke's admissions website, as these can fluctuate slightly from year to year. Good luck with your application!