Applying to Duke: How To Apply: Regular and Early Decision

REGULAR DECISION

Most applicants to Duke apply through Regular Decision. If you choose this option:

• You should file the Duke Student Supplement (Form A) and a non-refundable application fee as soon as possible after the application is available to you, and no later than January 2 (or by December 10 to be eligible for an alumni interview). You may file Form A before or with the Common Application or the Universal College Application.
• You should submit all parts of the application by January 2.
• You will be notified of the admissions decision in early April.
• Your reply to an offer of admission is due by May 1, if you choose to accept the offer.

Duke reserves the right to withdraw the application of a student accepted through another college's or university's binding Early Decision program.

EARLY DECISION

This option is suited for students who are sure that Duke is their first choice among college options; who have established strong and consistent academic records throughout secondary school; and who will have completed all the required standardized testing by the end of October. About 10 percent of our applicants apply under our Early Decision plan. There is a slight advantage in the admissions process to applying Early Decision.

Early Decision candidates must be willing to attend Duke if they are accepted in December. Students admitted under this plan may be released only for compelling financial reasons and may not reapply to Duke under the Regular Decision Plan.

If you choose the Early Decision option:

• You, your parents, and your secondary school counselor will be asked to sign a statement confirming your intention to enroll at Duke if admitted, not to apply to other colleges under binding Early Decision plans or after being admitted to Duke, and to withdraw applications to other institutions immediately upon your admission to Duke.
• You should file the Duke Student Supplement (Form A) and a non-refundable application fee as soon as possible after the application is available to you, and no later than November 1 (or by October 19 to be eligible for an alumni interview). You may file Form A before or with the Common Application or the Universal College Application.
• You should submit all parts of the application by November 1.
• You will be notified of the admissions decision by mid-December.
• Your reply to an offer of admission is due by January 2.

In a number of cases, the Admissions Committee may defer a final decision in order to obtain additional information about an applicant. Those applications will be reconsidered during our Regular Decision process, and candidates will receive final notification of their decisions by early April. Candidates who are deferred under the Early Decision process will be released from the binding Early Decision commitment and may apply to other schools.

Candidates who are denied admission under the Early Decision process receive final notification of their decisions by mid-December. Those applications will not be reconsidered under the Regular Decision process.

Please Note: First-year applicants to Duke University must have attended high school within the last three years. Students who graduated before that time should contact The Office of Continuing Education.