Hey everyone! I'm thinking about applying to Duke for Early Decision in Fall 2025. I was wondering if anyone could share some insight on how competitive the process is and whether it's worth doing over Regular Decision. Thanks!
Applying Early Decision (ED) at Duke can indeed be competitive, as it is for most top-tier schools. Although the admissions rate varies year to year, Duke's Early Decision acceptance rate has historically been higher than its Regular Decision (RD) rate. In the past, the ED acceptance rate at Duke has ranged around 20-25%, while the RD acceptance rate has been approximately 5-8%.
Applying ED can be beneficial because it demonstrates a strong commitment to the school, which admissions officers appreciate. They also know that ED applicants, if selected, are more likely to attend Duke which can positively influence their yield rate. Therefore, applying ED can give you a slight advantage over applying RD.
However, it's essential to consider your personal circumstances before deciding to apply ED. If Duke is truly your top choice and you're comfortable committing to attend if accepted, applying ED could be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you haven't determined which college is your top choice or you're concerned about financial aid factors that could impact your ability to attend, you might be better off waiting to apply during the RD round.
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