So I'm aiming to apply to Duke University and can't seem to find a solid required GPA. Any of you Duke hopefuls or current students know what the typical GPA required for admission is?
Duke University does not set a strict minimum GPA requirement for applicants. However, it's a highly competitive institution and the GPA range for the middle 50% of admitted students tends to be in quite high. In the past years, the average unweighted GPA of admitted students has typically hovered around a 3.9 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
However, it's important to keep in mind that GPA is just one factor in the admissions puzzle, Duke also highly values a rigorous curriculum (e.g. AP or IB courses), strong SAT/ACT scores, compelling essays, and meaningful extracurricular involvement. Additionally, the admission committee evaluates applicants on the basis of their individual context, such as opportunities available at their high school, the rigor of their curriculum relative to those opportunities, and personal circumstances. They also seek out students who exhibit passion in their activities, have demonstrated leadership, and bring diverse perspectives or experiences.
Just remember, a GPA below the average doesn’t mean you have no chance of being admitted – after all, about half of the admitted students had a GPA lower than the average of the admitted group. But a high GPA certainly does indicate you can handle the academic rigor and adds a strong asset to your application. Make sure to focus on your overall profile and not only on your GPA.
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