Applying to Duke: How To Apply

The application process can sometimes feel like a maze of forms, personal statements, and test scores. So we've tried to make the process as clear as possible. We want to give you the chance to tell us about yourself in the most straightforward and effective way, allowing you more time to focus on why you would be a valuable addition to the Duke community.

Duke uses the Common Application or the Universal College Application plus the Duke Student Supplement. You may submit the Duke Student Supplement before or with the Common Application or the Universal College Application, and you should include your non-refundable $75 application fee (payable to Duke University) or fee waiver request with the form. You can apply either on paper or on-line. Click on the tabs below for more information about each application method. Please note that all changes and updates to the application must be made in writing. You may send a letter (or fax) which includes your full name, address, date of birth, and high school to the address below.

This Optional Artistic Material form is optional. If you have exceptional talent in dance, theater, art, music, photography, or film/video/digital media, you may submit supplementary material to be evaluated by an appropriate faculty member. You will not be required to major in this area but you should have an interest in continuing it in college. We encourage you to submit your Regular Decision supplementary material by December 1. Please note, however, that all supplementary materials must be submitted by November 1 for Early Decision or January 2 for Regular Decision, either with the application or separately.

This form must accompany your material in order for it to be evaluated. If you are submitting material to more than one department, please include a photocopy of the completed form for each additional department or different instrument/material. In addition to the form, please include a one-page typed resume with your related artistic experience and label everything you submit with your name and address as well as the department to which you are submitting the material. We regret that we cannot return supplementary material to you. Please follow the instructions below and on the front of this sheet.

Art

Submit a group of 15 to 20 images that show your serious commitment to making art during your high school experience. Do not include work done prior to high school. Submit your images on a CD as either PDF, JPEG, or Powerpoint files readable on a Mac. Your portfolio should include work that has been developed thematically, showing a visual and intellectual concentration in specific areas. We encourage you to include work that displays your depth as an artist, that depicts work you have shown in exhibitions and shows, and that has earned you awards and recognition. Please remember that your work is being evaluated for its artistic design and intellectual merit, so your portfolio should include only work that shows your serious commitment to art. Also, please note that you should not include Magna or cartooning in your fine art portfolio.

Dance

Submit a DVD or video of 10 to 15 minutes in length. If you burn your own DVD, BE SURE to test play it on a couple of different DVD players to confirm that it works. We are interested in your technical, performance, and choreographic abilities. If you are proficient in more than one style of dance, try to include a sample from each style. If you are a choreographer, include samples of your choreography as well as your performance. Excerpts from performances or rehearsals or excerpts of class and studio work are fine. Solo or small group work is ideal. Make sure you can be easily identified in group works with highlighting or an arrow, or a description of your place on stage. Label the videotape or DVD with the title of work, choreographer, music or sound accompaniment, date of the videotaping, and length of the piece/excerpt. If it is an ensemble, include a description of yourself. Please label the top of the tape case plus the side of the tape with your legal name, admission year, and primary dance discipline(s). Submission of a brief dance resume and statement of future goals is encouraged.

Theater

You should have at least three years’ high school/extracurricular experience in theater. Please send a one-page resume detailing that experience. In addition, you may submit one of the following examples of recent work:

An audition videotape with a brief introduction and two contrasting monologues, not to exceed two minutes in length each (excerpts from productions will not be considered);
A theater-related critical essay or a one-act play that you have written;
A portfolio or CD with photographs or illustrations of your set/costume design or your technical work;
A one- to two-page statement about a play you have directed, discussing approach, process, and result.

All materials must be clearly labeled with your name and the programs used to create the CDs or DVDs. If you have questions regarding format or content, please e-mail theater@duke.edu.

Music

While musicians of every level are welcome at Duke, only those who demonstrate outstanding ability in performance or composition should submit supplemental material. CDs or audiocassette tapes should be 10-15 minutes long and include at least two movements or pieces representing contrasting styles or periods. Each selection must be an unedited solo performance. If possible, include piano accompaniment where appropriate. Composers should submit a score of their work in addition to a recording. Please label the cassette or CD clearly with your legal name, address, high school, and works performed. Conventional CDs are preferred; please do not submit DVDs.

Film/Video/Digital

You may submit work showing significant levels of achievement in a film, video, or digital medium, including documentary, narrative, experimental, or animation. Submissions should be no longer than 10 minutes in length and may be either VHS or DVD. Please label your material clearly with your legal name, an indication of your role in the production (e.g., director, screenwriter, editor), project title, and year completed. In cases of collaborative projects, please include a one-page description of the role you played in the production.

Photography

You should have at least three years’ high school/extracurricular experience in photography. Submit a minimum of eight and a maximum of 20 images, and label all material clearly. If you submit a CD or DVD, be sure to indicate on the form which program you used to create the CD or DVD. We encourage you to submit work that shows your depth as a photographer, that depicts work you’ve shown in exhibitions, and that has received awards.

Other

If you wish to submit supplementary material that does not fit into one of these categories or does not meet the requirements of the department, please do not use this form. Instead, submit the material with the rest of your application, and label it “Other Material.”