Duke University
Finalists who rank Duke University
If you are a Finalist who ranked Duke University, your National College Match application will be sent to Duke University, and you will need to submit the following requirements to the school by November 1. If you have questions after reviewing the information below, please reach out to the school directly.
Requirements
Duke University Application Status Portal Activation
QuestBridge will send Finalists’ applications to college partners on October 21, and Duke University may need a couple of days to import them into their system. Once processed, Duke University will then email you instructions to log in and activate your applicant portal, where you can track the status of the materials you submit.
The following question is required for all first-year applicants to Duke University during the 2026-27 application cycle. (250 word limit)
- What is your impression of Duke as a university and community, and why do you believe it is a good match for your goals, values, and interests? If there is something specific that attracts you to the academic offerings in Trinity College of Arts and Sciences or the Pratt School of Engineering, or to the co-curricular opportunities, feel free to include that too.
Duke wants to emphasize that the following questions are optional. You are invited to answer one of the four if you believe that doing so will add something meaningful that is not already addressed elsewhere in your application. (250 word limit)
- Duke believes a wide range of viewpoints and experiences is essential to maintaining Duke’s vibrant living and learning community. Please share anything in this context that might help us better understand you and your potential contributions to Duke.
- Meaningful dialogue often involves respectful disagreement. Provide an example of a difference of opinion you’ve had with someone you care about. What did you learn from it?
- What’s the last thing that you’ve been really excited about?
- Duke recently launched an initiative “to bring together Duke experts across all disciplines who are advancing AI research, addressing the most pressing ethical challenges posed by AI, and shaping the future of AI in the classroom.” Tell us about a situation when you would or would not choose to use AI (when possible and permitted). What shapes your thinking?
Duke University will be test-optional for first-year applicants in the 2026-2027 admissions cycle.
If you choose to submit scores, complete one of the following standardized testing options and self-report or officially report scores to Duke:
- ACT (writing exam not required; science exam encouraged but not required)
- SAT (essay component not required)
Duke does not have a preference for either test, but if you choose to submit both, Duke will consider the stronger score as determined by concordance tables.
2026-2027 CSS Profile
CSS code: 5156
Available: Oct. 1
Please select "Regular Decision" as your admission application type.
If your parents are divorced or separated:
- Your non-custodial parent must submit a separate CSS Profile online. After your custodial parent completes the CSS Profile, your non-custodial parent may complete their application at the same website.
- If you do not have any contact with your non-custodial parent, then you may submit a request to waive the requirement of their financial information. Download the Parent 2 Waiver Request.
2026-2027 FAFSA
FAFSA code: 002920
Submit as soon as available
Please complete the FAFSA as soon as it is available and submit it directly to Duke.
U.S. Citizens and Eligible Noncitizens.
All Finalists who rank Duke for the Match will automatically have their applications moved into the Regular Decision process. Please submit updated transcripts and any new information. If you no longer wish to be considered, you must request that your application be withdrawn by writing to [email protected].
Regular Decision Requirements:
Step 1: Select Duke University on the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form on your Application Management page between November 4 - December 11. Only check the box if you fully intend to submit a complete application to Duke University (including all of the materials detailed in the table below).
Step 2: Activate your Duke University Applicant Portal. QuestBridge will send Finalists’ applications to Duke University on December 16 and Duke University may need a couple days to import them into their system. Use the Duke University applicant portal, sent to you via email, to track the status of your materials you submit to Duke University.
Step 3: Submit all additional required application and financial materials by the applicable deadlines directly to Duke University as detailed in the table below.
Finalists who ranked Duke and submitted all materials (but did not match to a binding college)
Finalists who did not rank Duke
Common Application and all Duke-specific supporting documents.
N.B. If you did not rank Duke but wish to apply regular decision, you will need to submit the common application before receiving access to the Duke portal.
On the Duke section of the Common Application respond "yes" to the question that asks if you are requesting a fee waiver as a QuestBridge Finalist. Also provide your 9-digit QuestBridge ID number to have your fee waived.
Finalists who ranked Duke and submitted all materials (but did not match to a binding college)
Finalists who did not rank Duke