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Duke University's Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029
2024-12-18•12 minute read
Jump To
Class of 2029 Results Overview
Early Action Results
Regular Decision Results
Key Trends & Insights
How To Stand Out Applying to Duke
What's Next for Applicants?
Key Takeaways
Duke has admitted the first round of applicants to the Class of 2029, after receiving a record number of Early Decision applications, resulting in the school's lowest ever Early Decision acceptance rate of 12.8%. Keep reading to get the latest from Crimson Education COO Arkesh Patel on Duke's admissions data and trends as the Class of 2029 begins to take shape.
Class of 2029 Acceptance Results Overview
Duke University doesn’t have the same aura as Harvard, MIT, or Stanford, but it’s very highly rated, draws talented students from around the US and the world. Here at Crimson, Duke ranks high on our list of outstanding non-Ivy league schools.
This year, Duke has announced its Early Decision results for the Class of 2029 after receiving a record number of ED applications. Regular Decision results anticipated to follow in March 2025. Below is an overview of this year's acceptance statistics and key trends.
Early Action Acceptance Results
- Total Applications: 6,627
- Accepted Students: 849
- Acceptance Rate: 12.8%
Duke received a record number of Early Decision (ED) applications — a 6% increase over last year — continuing a trend of rising interest in top-tier universities.
While dropping only slightly from last year's record-setting low of 12.9%, the 12.8% ED acceptance rate this year is also a record-breaker, highlighting Duke’s highly competitive and selective admissions landscape and possibly reflecting the continuation of its test-optional admissions policy.
Highlighting an emphasis on diversity, Duke accepted 113 QuestBridge students, for a QuestBridge acceptance rate of 3.7%.
International students made up 8% of all students accepted during this year’s ED round, with the greatest number hailing from China, the UK, Canada, India, and Brazil.
Why Apply Early Action or Early Decision?
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Early Action and Early Decision applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision.
Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows Duke your strong interest in joining their academic community.
What To Expect for Regular Decision Results
The Regular Decision results for the Class of 2029 will be released in March. Last year, Duke's Regular Decision acceptance rate was an ultra-competitive 4.1%. Based on current trends, we anticipate another challenging admissions cycle.
Key Regular Decision Figures from Last Year (Class of 2028):
- Applications Received: 47,951Â
- Students Accepted: 1,984
- Acceptance Rate: 4.1%
Last Year's Acceptance Results (Class of 2028)
| Number of Applications | Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision | 6,240 | 806 | 12.9% |
| Regular Decision | 47,951 | 1,984 | 4.1% |
| Total | 54,191 | 2,790 | 5.1% |
Key Trends and Insights
- Increasing Application Numbers: Applications have been rising steadily over the past five years, with a notable spike after the adoption of test-optional admissions during the pandemic.
- Holistic Admissions Approach: Duke evaluates applicants beyond academic metrics, considering essays, extracurriculars, leadership roles, and recommendations.
Shift Back to Testing Requirements: Duke is in its fifth year of having a test-optional admissions policy. This may affect the number of applicants and overall acceptance rates, even more so perhaps as several Ivy League schools reinstate testing requirements.
Historical Acceptance Rates at Duke
| Class Year | Total Applications | Total Accepted | Overall Rate | RD Rate | ED Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2029 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2028 | 54,194 | 2,925 | 5.4% | 4.1% | 12.9% |
| 2027 | 49,476 | 3,115 | 6.3% | 4.8% | 16.4% |
| 2026 | 50,002 | 3,085 | 6.17% | 4.9% | 21% |
| 2025 | 49,517 | 2,854 | 5.7% | 4.3% | 16.7% |
This historical data highlights Duke’s growing selectivity, with the overall acceptance rate dropping by nearly four percentage points over the past decade.
How To Stand Out in Duke’s Admissions Process
- Academic Excellence: Maintain top grades in rigorous coursework.
- Strong Essays: Use your essays to showcase your unique voice and story.
- Leadership and Extracurriculars: Demonstrate meaningful engagement outside the classroom.
Test Scores: If submitting, aim for scores within or above Duke’s reported range.
What’s Next for Applicants?
For those admitted early, congratulations on joining Duke’s prestigious Class of 2029! Regular Decision applicants should continue preparing strong applications and essays to maximize their chances.
Need Help with Your Application?
Crimson Education specializes in guiding students through the admissions process to top universities like Duke. Speak to an admissions advisor today!
Key Takeaways
- Duke's Early Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 reflects the increasing competition for spots at top universities.
- Historical trends show steadily declining acceptance rates over the years.
- With Regular Decision results due in March, students should continue preparing their applications with care.
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About the Contributor
Arkesh Patel
Arkesh Patel is the Chief Operating Officer of Crimson Education, the world's largest and most successful university admissions consulting firm. Crimson Education has helped thousands of students gain admission into the Ivy League and top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, MIT, and many others. Arkesh graduated from the University of Cambridge with a B.A in Chemistry (First Class Honors) and received his M.B.A with Distinction from Harvard Business School.
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