Duke University Acceptance Rate 2022 | How to Get In and Admission Requirements

Duke University Acceptance Rate: Clicking on this link suggests that you are on the search for what the admission process, SAT and ACT requirements are like for international students and locals in Duke. 

Basically, this article is for those who want to know how hard it is to be accepted by Duke University. Additionally, you will also find the ideal admission requirements to get into Duke in 2022.

So, if you are considering getting into Duke but don’t know how to go about the application process, this piece will enlighten you on the SAT, ACT, and GPA requirements for university admission.

Getting into Duke is quite a hard venture, however, we have made it an easy and possible feat by giving you substantial information that will make your application stand out.

All you need is the right information, requirements, and sound advice to get past Duke University low acceptance rate. 

Basically, this is what makes the admission process at Duke highly selective and makes many prospective students give up on their dream of studying at Duke. 

Because we want you to be among the few that will get into Duke University in 2022, we have summed up this piece to break down all you need to know to get in. 

If JHU is the school of your dreams, then this strategy guide will help you put together a solid application that stands out from the crowd! 

Is that what you want? Read on!!!

But first, let’s talk about the prestigious Duke University.

Also Read: Princeton University Acceptance Rate 2022| How to Get In and Admission Requirements

About Duke University.

Location: Durham, North Carolina.

Duke is one of the colleges in the Southeast often referred to as the “Southern Ivies.” Since its inception in 1838, Duke has remained a private research university.

As a southern ivy league college, Duke is reputable for exceptional academics, highly selective admission, and rich history.

As of the fall of 2020, Duke has a total undergraduate student enrollment of 6,717. These students are required to live on campus for their first 3 years.

Duke University is divided into 10 schools and colleges. Its graduate programs include  

• School of Nursing. 
• Fuqua School of Business.
• Pratt School of Engineering
• Sanford School of Public Policy
• School of Law, School of Medicine.
• Divinity School and Nicholas School of the Environment.

Duke is also famous for its outstanding men’s basketball program, which basically is one of the top 5 most wins in the country.

Is Duke University A Good School?

Absolutely, Duke University is one of the best schools in Durham and competes highly with top schools in the USA. 

Although one of the top schools, most students have a different preference may be due to activities or courses offered by the university as a major.

However, at Duke, we know that you can have the best educational experience possible. Also, Duke offers you the opportunity to pair majors, minors, and certificates easily. 

At Duke, you will not chase only credentials, the school’s activities will help build the life you want to live through interdisciplinary focus from research to education.

However, do not apply to Duke because of its agelong name, rather apply to Duke because you want to become the best professional in your field through good education and training. 

If this is found in your admission application to Duke, you stand a better chance of getting into the university than other hopefuls.

Yes, so although Duke has a consistent track record of academic excellence, however, if what Duke offers doesn’t suit you, why bother!!!

Duke University Rankings 2022

As we earlier stated, Duke, is a reputable college with a history of excellence for over a century and more. Over the years, the university has remained on the list of top schools in the world.

Duke University is always found in the top ranking list of universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

Currently, Duke ranks #9 in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities. Also, it ranks #13 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie) and #13 in Best Value Schools.

Also, it is the #5 in the Best Colleges in America. And regard to acceptance rate, Duke ranks #1 in North Carolina for the lowest rate of acceptance.

Is it Difficult To Get Into Duke University?

In a one-word simple answer, Yes, it’s hard getting into Duke University for international students and locals as well.

It’s not as easy as cracking a nut!!!

Duke University is a school of high intellects, and that shows in its selectivity during admission. 

In order to be prepared, keep in mind that most of the admission applications received by Duke are from students who are in the top 10% of their high school class.

Admission is highly competitive. Although Duke receives thousands of applications each year, only a small fraction gets admission.

This we have traced to be as a result of the not-so-favorable acceptance rate for both locals and international students seeking admission into Duke University.

Also, we deduce that the SAT, GPA, and ACT requirements for Duke University admission are somehow unreachable by most students. 

Getting into Duke University is difficult! 

To stand a better chance, your personal chances of acceptance depend on the strength of your profile. 

This we will discuss further as we proceed!!!

Also Read: Yale University Acceptance Rate 2022 | How to Get In and Admission Requirements

What Is the Acceptance Rate For Admission into Duke University?

The acceptance rate at Duke is increasingly declining with every passing admission year. The competitiveness of applicants is getting more fierce and the selectivity is increasing exponentially.

Here is what the Duke University Acceptance Rate & Admission Statistics through 2017 to 2021 is like: 

2017 Duke Acceptance Rate Statistics:

• Overall Applications Accepted: 3,682
• Number of Applications Received: 31,785
• Overall Admission Acceptance Rate by %: 11.58.

2018 Duke Acceptance Rate Statistics:

• Overall Applications Accepted: 3,494
• Number of Applications Received: 32,506
• Overall Admission Acceptance Rate by %: 10.75

2019 Duke Acceptance Rate Statistics:

• Overall Applications Accepted: 3,534
• Number of Applications Received: 31,150
• Overall Admission Acceptance Rate by %: 11.35

2020 Duke Acceptance Rate Statistics:

• Overall Applications Accepted:  3,314
• Number of Applications Received: 31,150
• Overall Admission Acceptance Rate by %: 10.64

2021 Duke Acceptance Rate Statistics:

• Overall Applications Accepted: 3,116
• Number of Applications Received: 34,406
• Overall Admission Acceptance Rate by %: 9.06

2022 Duke Acceptance Rate Statistics:

• Overall Applications Accepted: 3,097
• Number of Applications Received: 37,302
• Overall Admission Acceptance Rate by %: 8.30

2023 Duke Acceptance Rate Statistics:

• Overall Applications Accepted: 3,064
• Number of Applications Received: 41,613
• Overall Admission Acceptance Rate by %: 7.36

Currently, Duke University acceptance rate for the class of 2025 has a scant 8% acceptance rate for regular decision (RD) applicants.

This means that out of the 44,481 applications, just 1,907 applicants got out of a pool into Duke.

It is getting harder!!!

This invariably means that Duke is highly selective. Therefore we recommend meeting the GPA SAT, ACT, and other of the University admission requirements.

If you don’t, your chance of getting in is nearly zero.

What Does It Take To Get Into Duke?

Now we see that Duke is hard not to crack when it comes to getting admission. 

Although the acceptance rate, SAT, ACT, and GPA requirements are very important when applying for Duke University admission, it’s not all there is to get in.

Beyond those academic excellence test proofs, the Duke University admission committee looks out for things more personal.

So what does it take to actually get into Duke University?

What is the Duke Admission Committee is Looking for?

Duke considers many factors when evaluating a student’s admission application.  Some factors they consider “very important” others they consider as “necessary”.

This you have to keep in mind when preparing your application. Here is what the admission committee at Duke University looks out for:

“very important” Factors

• GPA
• Essay
• Talent
• Test scores
• Course rigor
• Personal qualities
• Recommendation letters
• Extracurricular activities

 “considered” Factors

• Legacy 
• Interview
• State residency
• First generation 
• Work experience 
• Volunteer work
• Geographic residence 
• Religious affiliation 
• Racial/ethnic status

These help you better understand your chances of getting into Duke University. If you carefully consider them in your application, you can improve your profile. 

What Are the Admission Requirements To Get Into Duke University?

• Transcripts
• Resume
• GRE scores
• Mid-year report
• Art supplement
• High School GPA
• Statement of purpose
• SAT or ACT (optional)
• Two teacher evaluations
• Duke writing supplement
• Letters of Recommendations
• Secondary school report with counselor recommendation.

Beyond these documents, you’ll need to impress the Duke admission committee.

How?

Basically, through their other application requirements, such as 

• Extracurriculars
• Outstanding Essays.
• Exceptional engagement, ability, and promise. 
• Outstanding leadership roles in your community and in their area of interest. 
• Ability to make the most out of Duke abundant on-campus resources.

Also Read: Harvard University Acceptance Rate 2022 | How to get Admitted into Harvard University

Duke University GPA Requirements

The average GPA requirement to get into Duke University is 3.94-4.13. 

What this means is that you get to have nearly straight A’s to compete with other prospective hopefuls seeking admission into Duke.

Although important, if you do not have a high GPA as the average stated above, make your application outstanding with high SAT and ACT test scores, glowing letters of recommendation, and Tier 1-2 extracurricular activities.

Duke SAT Requirements

The SAT requirements at Duke University are between 1480-1570.

Duke University ACT Requirements

The required ACT scores for Duke University typically range from 33 to 35.

These grades are very important, however, they are not just the only factors Duke University admission committee considers. 

What you need more is making your application come alive through your extracurricular activities and essays. 

Find out more below!!!

Duke University School of Medicine Acceptance Rate

Duke University School of Medicine has an unusually low acceptance rate of just 3.2%. Of the 129 students in the 2019 class, 49.5% were minority students, 19.2% were students from underrepresented minorities, and 54.7% were women. It represented 29 states and 60 elementary schools, and 40% of enrolled students earned an undergraduate degree in life sciences.

Most recently, in 2021, the medical school received nearly 4,900 applications for its medical program and only interviewed 547 people from that group. A total of 108 participated in the program.

It consisted of 64% women, 34% men, and 2% who identified as “other”. Of the group that enrolled this year, the median 50% had MCAT scores of 515 to 521 out of a total of 528 possible.

Although Duke has a low acceptance rate, it’s not the most difficult medical school in the country. The Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in California is the toughest overall with an acceptance rate of just 1%.

It is followed by New York University’s Long Island School of Medicine with 1.2% and Florida State University with 2.1%.

Schools with similar acceptance rates to Duke include the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Minnesota and the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University in Rhode Island.

	Number of Students / Percentage
Applicants	7,030
Admitted	255
Enrolled (First-year Students)	115
Acceptance Rate	3.63%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)	45.10%
Total Enrollment	567
Men	237
Women	329

Duke Medical School Tuition

Medical school lasts four years and at Duke, the amount medical students pay in tuition and fees depends on their year of study, although they have all dropped from about $67,000 to 68. $000 for two semesters in total.

That doesn’t include living costs, such as housing and food, which Duke says could cost between $20,000 and $29,000.

Duke is actually much more affordable than other medical schools in the United States. As of December 2020, the University of South Carolina Medical School charged the most tuition and fees, $91,557 for out-of-state students.

South Carolina residents, however, paid significantly less, just $47,295. Nationally, the class of 2020 has racked up a median medical school debt of $200,000.

Duke, which charges the same price for in-state and out-of-state students, had a similar total cost to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, and Carle Illinois College of Medicine.

Students’ ability to pay their tuition does not factor into Duke’s decision whether or not to admit someone.

The university also offers need-based financial aid, including scholarships, which do not need to be repaid, and low-interest loans. Students can apply for this aid in their third year, during which they carry out research, and also receive a cost-of-living allowance.

Duke University’s transfer acceptance rate?

In 2019, Duke University received 1234 transfer applicants.

The school accepted 81 students. Therefore, the transfer acceptance rate for Duke University is 6.56%.

This indicates how hard it is to transfer to Duke University. You can use the free calculator below to predict your chances of getting accepted.

To have a shot at transferring into Duke University, you should have a current GPA of at least 4.03 – ideally you’re GPA will be around 4.19. In addition, you will need to submit standardized test scores.

The below tables show the SAT and ACT breakdown of Duke University students.

	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Average
SAT Math	700	800	750
SAT Reading	680	770	725
2018 Total SAT Score	1380	1570	1475

	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Average
ACT Math	30	35	32
ACT Reading	32	35	33
2018 Total ACT Score	62	70	66

Duke University’s average SAT score is 1475. To be a competitive applicant for Duke University your SAT score should come close to the average – for the ACT you should be aiming for the equivalent.

How Do I Apply to Duke University?

Applying to Duke university requires lots of preparation. Here is what you can do to apply and get past the acceptance rate;

• Build your profile to a high level of accomplishment in whatever area you excel at. Ensure you show yourself as a leader in your field.
• Focus your application on giving back to the community through high-impact activities.
• Do your best to level up as much as possible in your high school career. At least be in the top 10%.
• Take the time to research about the school before starting your supplemental essays. SHOW rather than tell why you’re a good fit for JHU and how you’ll contribute to their community.

How Do I Improve My Chances of Getting into Duke University?

Now in that section, you don’t have to just scroll past. This is what makes the difference in your admission application to Duke University.

Both international students and residents can apply this too and successfully get past the Duke University acceptance rate.

Here’s what you can do to improve your chances of getting into Duke University;

#1. Have a GPA of At Least 3.94.

Whatever happens, ensure that your GPA never goes below 3.94. From records, most students who apply for admission at Duke have a GPA of 3.9 and above.

Therefore, it’s best if your grades are high in order to be considered as a candidate. 

The higher the better.

#2. Aim for a 1570 SAT and 35 ACT.

Yes, Standardized Tests such as SAT and ACT are required to gain admission into Duke university.

And from our research and according to the school’s specification, your test scores should be within the university’s middle 50% range: SAT 1480–1570 and ACT 33-35. 

But like we do recommend, the higher the better. 

However, keep in mind that Duke implemented a test-optional admissions policy for its class of 2025, and 44% applied without submitting test scores. 

#3. Have at least one or two Tier 1 and 2  Extracurricular Activities.

Extracurricular activities are “very important” in your application to Duke. Ensure you have one or two Tier 1 and 2 Extracurricular Activities.

Here’s what it looks like;

• Tier 1: Highly specialized, unique activities that demonstrate superior leadership, initiative, or intellect (e.g. conducting award-winning, independent research at the national level)
• Tier 2: Specialized, exceptional activities that might be a bit more common than Tier 1 activities (e.g. winning a state competition in music or athletics or holding a significant leadership position in a school club)
• The Tier 3: More common activities that demonstrate modest achievements (e.g. minor leadership positions in school activities)
• Tier 4: Fairly common activities that admissions committees frequently encounter on applications (e.g. participation in a school activity or volunteering)

#4. Write Engaging Outstanding Essays.

Once you have the required or the requirements above what is expected for admission into Duke, next is to ensure your essays sets you apart from other applicants.

Do not join the league that says that essays are not important. I bet you, they do!!!

Your essays tell the big picture of who you are. Also, your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities demonstrate your academic prowess and passions.

Your essay gives the admission committee insight into who you are and why you’re the best fit for Duke. 

Give it all the time it deserves. 

You will be required to write any of the essay prompts from the Common Application or Coalition Application essay.

Also, you will need to respond to one Duke supplemental essay and two additional ones. 

Of course, the “Why Duke” essay is important. The other optional essays provide a space to make your case for why you belong at Duke and how you’ll be an asset on campus. 

#5. Apply Early Decision.

The adage first comes, first serve applies at Duke. 

As you’re planning to get the admission requirements right to get past the Duke University Acceptance Rate, keep an eye on the deadline.

Applying early decisions at Duke gives you a bit of an advantage over candidates who apply regular decisions. 

Also, the ED acceptance rate at Duke is higher than the regular decision rate. 

Applying early will improve your odds of admission at Duke, although it’s not for everyone. 

#6. Outstanding Recommendation Letter

Duke University always looks out for letters of recommendation before making admissions decisions.

You’ll need to submit three letters of recommendation: one from your counselor and two from your teachers.

Recommendation letter ideas!

• Teacher recommendations should preferably come from instructors from the past two years in core academic courses.
• If you’re applying to the Pratt School of Engineering, one of the teacher recommendations should come from a math or science teacher.  

Does Duke University Consider Extracurricular Activities as Part of The Selection Process?

Yes, Duke looks out for the extracurricular history of each prospective student. Your extracurricular engagements are a major selection criterion. 

However, include only extracurricular activities that are relevant to your college and career goals, and most importantly align with the university’s mission. 

Can I Apply To Duke As An International Student?

Yes, international students can apply to Duke University. Both local and international students have the same acceptance rate at Duke University.

Also, the application process is the same for all students except for a few minor differences.

If you’re a Non-native English-speaker, you’re required to take one of the following English language proficiency tests:

• InitialView
• Duolingo English Test (DET)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Also Read: Stanford University Acceptance Rate 2022 | How to get into Stanford University 

Frequently Asked Questions About The Duke University Acceptance Rate For International Students.

What Application System Does Duke Use?

The Duke University Application system is both 

• Coalition Application
• Common Application.
• And a supplement. 

Does Duke require SAT for the 2022 Admission?

Following the pandemic, Duke University is test-optional through the 2025-2026 application year. 

What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Duke University?

Any GPA above 3.94 is ideal for Duke University’s admission requirements. 

Can I Get Into Duke With A 3.5 GPA?

Yes, it’s certainly possible to get into Duke University with a 3.5 GPA or even less. 

However, your chances are dependent on your other qualifications as well as the competencies of the other applicants.

But what we do recommend to avoid rejection letters is a higher GPA.

Can I Get Into Duke University Without An Interview?

No, you can’t.

Duke interviews 100% of the students who apply for early decisions and regular decisions unless the applicant indicates he/she does not want to be interviewed.

Which is a bad thing to say!!!

Can I Get Into Duke Without A Likely Letter?

Schools like Duke, Stanford and the University of Chicago send likely letters.

However, they do so only when they determine they want the student at their school.

Does Duke Require AP scores?

Yes, Duke requires AP scores.

All Advanced Placement Exams completed with a score of 4 or 5 are recorded on a student’s permanent Duke record. 

Is Duke Stressful?

The fact is all schools are stressful. Students often experience depression and anxiety, notably the psychological effects of extreme stress.

And Duke University is not an exception.

Is Duke a Top 10 school?

Yes, in Durham, Duke University is in the top 10 best schools in the country in the 2022 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings from U.S. News & World Report. 

What is Duke Famous For?

Duke is famous for Basketball! 

The Blue Devils are one of the most celebrated and winningest basketball teams in the country—they have won five national championships and appeared in 11 championship games. 

What is the cost of studying at Duke University?

The Tuition and fees at Duke University per year cost about $60,489.

Is Duke Worth The Money?

Duke University is ranked #576 out of 1,472 for value nationwide. 

Does Duke University offer Scholarships? 

Yes, Duke University Offers scholarships to students via Duke’s most esteemed undergraduate scholarship, the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program. 

It offers 18 students from each class with a four-year scholarship and the opportunity for unique academic and extracurricular opportunities at both universities

When is the Application Deadlines For Duke University?

• Early Decision : November 1
• Regular Decision: January 4.

What is the Application Fee at Duke?

The cost for prospective students to apply to Duke University is $85 Non-refundable USD.

Conclusion

Basically, there is nothing good advice can’t fix. We hope you follow through with our recommendation on the admission requirements, GPA, SAT, and ACT scores. You will definitely be one of those who get into Duke University regardless of the 2022 acceptance rate for locals and international students.

Good luck!!!

References

• How to Get Into Duke: Admissions Stats + Tips
• Duke Requirements for Admission
• The Duke Admission Requirements
• Duke University
• Duke Acceptance Rate 2021/2022 By Majors, & Admission Requirements