How I think I got into Duke as a *Test Optional Applicant* 

Love it! I wish you the best! Brazilian student here applying to Duke test optional

Love this vlog. 🌸 Keep shining, queen. ❣

Omg love your video! So inspiring. I applied early decision and the decision will come out in two hours! Aahhh

Thank you for this amazing advice!!

This is the most realistic and optimistic video related to college applications I have seen so far, thank you❤

AWWWWWW this video is comforting me so much, having duke as my dream school I can't express how obsessed I am as well. Hoping for the best, class of 2026 letz go

I have very similar small town origins and the ACT was also my bane lol, hence why I also applied test optional. Don’t let scores make you devalue yourself or doubt yourself because my scores were very mediocre and I am still able to keep up with Duke academics with some studying and hard work. and to anyone who feels like their high school is not the best, I would just suggest to simply take as much challenging classes as you can with what your area offers. Duke looks at what you did in school in light of your circumstances, so don’t be discouraged if you couldn’t/can’t accomplish the stereotypical awe-inspiring feats of what you think Duke wants.

Congratulations 🎉!!! My daughter also went test optional and is currently a Freshman at Brown. She applied ED. #Class of ‘27. Go Bears 🐻!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Duke and the test optional topic. My son doesn’t quite have the typical Duke SAT scores (yet) but excels in many other fields like you did. We are hopeful that Duke would still consider him ED if his SAT/ACT scores don’t come through.

this video is amazing. so true and pure and is giving me hope. you're the best, i wish you the best of luck

duke is releasing decision for fall 2023 soon, i hope i can get some good luck from you, love ur vid

This truly is a marvelous video. It is awesome that Duke is open to test optional applicants. Test optional is giving students like you who are truly a treasure an opportunity to experience a Duke education. This is very good for you, and it is equally good for Duke. You describe the dual benefits beautifully and accurately in your video. You are so right that the SAT and the ACT are way over utilized. I promise you that you are correct in believing that the Duke experience is monumental, and that it will stay with you for the rest of your life. Best to you in your quest to become a doctor. You will be a very special one. Do study like you have never studied before for the MCAT, however. All medical schools are darn serious about their reliance on that puppy. You will find that the MCAT is a much more reasonable test than the SAT or the ACT. Besides, Duke will get you prepared for the MCAT. Thank you for your video. Robert Henry, B.A. (Duke), M.D. (University of Kansas), FACEP (Fellow, American College of Emergency Physicians)

I think a lot of people fail to ask themselves why they even want to get into a top school because they don't realize the amount of effort that is required to get in, and even when they get in, they don't know why, so it's important to ask yourself why the goal is that important to you, and why you think it's realistic for you to achieve given your timelines. If you come up with a reason that everyone has, then you have to ask yourself why the admissions office would take you over everyone else, so it should be a good reason. College admissions, job applications, dating, etc are all a zero sum game whether we like it or not.

This video was so encouraging!!! Duke is one of my top choices and I'm applying to Duke RD for the class of 2026. Thank you! Maybe I'll see you next fall:)

this came right on time! i’ve poured so much of my time and energy into this school because i love it so much! i submitted my rd test-optional application november 14th and hoping to get an interview soon. i really wanted to apply ed because i love duke so much. i honestly believe i showed so much of my personality and interests in my app, so hopefully they will be able to see that. i hope i can join you in the fall! i visited duke this weekend and it solidified everything for me! this video really encouraged me 🤍

Mam you are so beautiful 😘 I just want to say why you stoped making videos you are inspiring so many students like me . Keep going mam. Blessed to watch you videos 😘😘

Congrats! I just got into Duke ED. See you on campus

i got in test optional too!

Informative video! I am applying to Duke RD soon. Would you be able to review my essays?

Hi! I am currently going into my sophomore year of high school and I really want to show colleges my passions. I LOVE traveling (I just studied abroad in Spain for a month), and I have an interest in biology (or something with science). I am not exactly sure HOW I can show that to colleges though. Do you have any recommendations? I just don't want them to think I am doing things solely for the purpose of the application.

just got in rd with an sat score that i thought i didn’t submit but i just checked and i accidentally put in the app HAHA

Did you end up getting into northwestern? that’s my dream school and i applied test optional too!😭

Thanks for the video!! Did u apply to duke as an ED applicant? If not, did u have an interview?

Can you please drop your extra curriculars too?

beautiful success story!! and yes YOU WILL leave as successful and if not MORE successful because that mentality will take you so far!!!! Mega proud of you!!! :) it was very helpful, thank you!!

I am also waiting for early decision in duke university...

I'm the only duke fan in my house the rest of my family members are carolina tar heels fans

Let me be in the next vid!

What da heck is test optional applicant?

My biggest pet peeve is people with the ability to submit scores and withdrawing them taking away admissions spots from more deserving applicants