Duke Accepts 815 Early Decision Applicants

On Thursday evening, 815 high school seniors will find out they are the first members of Duke University's Class of 2019.This year, 3,180 students applied under Duke's Early Decision program, a two percent decrease from last year’s record total and the second largest number ever registered. Those who apply via Early Decision have already selected Duke as their first-choice college, and commit to enroll at the university if they receive an offer of admission.Students admitted through Early Decision this year will represent 48 percent of next fall's incoming class, which is expected to total 1,705 students. Of the 815 students offered admission, 652 will enroll in the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and the remaining 163 will enroll in the Pratt School of Engineering. North Carolina, New York, California, Florida and New Jersey are the states with the greatest representation among students admitted through Early Decision. Students of color comprise 35 percent and international students make up nine percent of those admitted. Last year, the university accepted 797 students through Early Decision. Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Christoph Guttentag said the increase in students admitted this year is a reflection of the quality of the applicants.  "My staff and I were struck this year by the strength of the applicant pool. The students had outstanding academic credentials, but more importantly they demonstrated exceptional personal qualities. They’ve been deeply engaged in their schools and communities, and will bring to Duke a breadth of experiences and interests that will set the standard for the students applying under our Regular Decision plan,” Guttentag said. "They make a great foundation for the Class of 2019."With the increase in the number of students admitted, the admit rate for Early Decision increased by one percent this year, to 26 percent, the second most selective Early Decision process in Duke's history.      Starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, students will be able to receive their decisions online by visiting a website. Typically several hundred students view their decisions in the first several minutes, with most viewing their decisions within an hour. Those admitted students who applied for financial aid will also receive information about much aid they will be awarded.Of those who applied via Early Decision this year, 598 were deferred to the spring Regular Decision process.Guttentag said the majority of places in the Class of 2019 would continue to be filled by Regular Decision applicants. Last year, Duke received more than 29,000 Regular Decision applications, a record.The deadline for Regular Admission applicants is Jan. 1, and final decisions will be made available to students March 30.