Duke University (Duke), located in Durham, North Carolina, is a prestigious institution known for its rigorous admissions process. SAT scores play a significant role in the evaluation of prospective students applying to Duke University. While academic excellence is a priority, Duke adopts a holistic approach to admissions, considering SAT scores alongside other factors such as GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. For students aiming to stand out in the competitive applicant pool at Duke, achieving a strong SAT score is essential to demonstrate academic readiness for the university’s challenging programs.
SAT Score Ranges for Admitted Students:
- Score Range: 1510–1570 (middle 50% of admitted students)
- Average Score: Approximately 1540
- Percentile: 75th percentile typically around 1570
Key Points:
- SAT/ACT is currently test-optional at Duke University due to recent policy changes, though submitting scores can strengthen an application.
- Scores are evaluated as part of a holistic review process, with no strict minimum threshold, but higher scores improve competitiveness.
- Duke practices superscoring, meaning the highest section scores from multiple SAT test dates are combined for evaluation.
- Alternatives such as AP or IB test scores can showcase academic strength, especially for students opting not to submit SAT scores.
- For competitive applicants, targeting an SAT score of 1540 or above is recommended to align with Duke University’s average admitted student profile.
