Duke University admits record-low 5.7 percent of regular decision applicants

The University accepted 2,101 high school seniors in the regular decision round this year, according to a news release Thursday. 

With a record high of 41,600 applicants applying for admission overall, the University outdid its record of more than 37,302 students who applied to Duke last year. The Class of 2023 had a regular decision acceptance rate of 5.7 percent—with 37,761 applying under the Regular Decision program and another 81 students who were deferred during the early decision round receiving offers of admission.

“My staff and I were struck by the impact the students who applied to Duke this year have already had,”  Christoph Guttentag, dean of undergraduate admissions, said in the release. “We knew that they would have impressive academic records and show a strong commitment to their activities. What stood out for us was that many of them went beyond that to make a measurable impact on their communities. They really want to make things better. Not surprisingly, programs like Duke Engage, Bass Connections and Focus captured their imagination.”

The Class of 2023 broke the records that were set last year, when more than 37,302 students applied for admission and 6.4 percent were accepted regular decision. 

This year’s early decision acceptance rate was also a record low, with 882 high school seniors admitted out of a record-high 4,852 applicants. Students receiving offers in the early decision round comprised 51 percent of those admitted to the Class of 2023.

Last year, the Class of 2022 saw an acceptance rate of 21 percent out of 4,090 students in its early decision round. 

Admitted regular decision students—who will be informed of their acceptance tonight at 7:00 p.m.—will be invited to campus for Blue Devil Days, which will be held in April. 

Check back for updates to this developing story.