December 12, 2019
Dear John:
Thank you for applying for admission to Duke University; I am sorry to tell you that we are unable to offer you admission to Duke next fall. I know there is nothing I can say that will ease your disappointment, particularly given the strong interest you have shown by applying under our Early Decision program.
I want to assure you that our decision is more a reflection of the number of applications received and the limited space we have available for our incoming class rather than about any shortcomings in your application. We received over 4,200 Early Decision applications this year for approximately 880 places reserved for Early Decision applicants; we had to disappoint many accomplished, talented, and fully deserving young women and men. My staff and I appreciate your many years of balancing a challenging school workload with the many other commitments you made; we were uniformly impressed with the academic and personal qualities that you and so many other applicants demonstrated. We wish we had room for all of you.
Because you applied under our Early Decision notification plan, and since this is a final decision, unfortunately you will be unable to apply to Duke through our Regular Decision plan. You have my best wishes as you continue your senior year and for the remainder of your college search.
I know this is not the letter you wanted to receive, especially since you demonstrated such a strong interest in attending Duke. I know you have great potential for much success, and that you will achieve that success in college and beyond. I truly appreciate that we were your first choice.
Sincerely,
Christoph Guttentag
Dean of Undergraduate Admissions
The following letters are available for this account:
- Decision Letter - December 12, 2019 (displayed)