If you’ve been waitlisted by Duke, it’s totally normal to have some feelings about it. You might be feeling disappointment, frustration, maybe even a little hope. All of that is completely fair and valid. Take some time to process; it’s important to be in the right mindset for what comes next. Once you’re ready, we’ll walk you through the steps to give yourself the best possible shot at getting off the waitlist. So take a day or two, regroup, and we’ll be here to guide you.

Duke is super competitive, and getting more so every single year. They’ve done a lot to make themselves seem more approachable and attainable than their cohorts, but they’ve been rocking an acceptance rate that would make some of the Ivies seem easy in comparison. Last cycle, they had a 5.1% acceptance rate overall.

Also, Duke doesn’t complete the Common Data Set (CDS), so the specifics of their waitlist numbers aren’t publicly available. However, based on data from similar schools and past experience, their waitlist acceptance rate is likely around—or even below—4%. But don’t worry! We’ve successfully helped plenty of students navigate the waitlist process and secure a spot at schools like Duke. You’re not alone in this!

Step One: Accept Your Spot

If Duke has waitlisted you, the first step is to officially accept your spot. You can’t get off the waitlist if you don’t accept a spot on the waitlist! As we said before, Duke isn’t particularly forthcoming about the specifics of their process, but they’ll include instructions in your decision letter. Most of the time, you’ll confirm your spot through their admissions portal.

Step Two: Secure Other Plans

It’s time to solidify a backup plan at a school where you’ve already been admitted. Getting off the waitlist is a long shot – possible, sure, but far from guaranteed (though a little strategic help doesn’t hurt – shameless self-promotion!). Secure your place by placing a deposit at a school you’d be happy to attend; that way, no matter what happens, you’ll be heading to college this fall. If you do end up getting into Duke, you will lose that deposit, but that’s the price you may have to pay (literally) to become a Blue Devil.

Step Three: Update Duke

Now comes the most effort-intensive step: crafting your letter of continued interest (LOCI). Think of this as your final pitch, the last chance to make a lasting impression on admissions.

Writing your LOCI is similar to a deferral letter (if you wrote one), but this time, the stakes are higher, and your approach needs to shift. This is your closing argument, so your tone is critical. You need to sound professional and self-assured—no room for sadness, desperation, or over-the-top enthusiasm. This letter is about showing them, with confidence, why you and the school are a perfect match.

Opening

Begin with a polished and professional greeting, such as “Dear Admissions Committee” or, if you know it, the name of your regional counselor. Approach this as if you’re writing to a potential employer or, like, a judge or something. This is not the place for casual language or the tone you’d use in a quick text to a friend. Even the tone of this blog post is too casual for the letter! Treat it like the formal business letter it is!

Reinforce Interest

Duke knows you like them. You did apply after all, and you accepted that waitlist spot! But this is your chance to leave no doubt that it’s your number one choice. In just a few sentences, show your excitement and make it clear that if given the opportunity, you will absolutely enroll. Be direct! This isn’t the time to hedge your bets or be vague. Highlight why Duke is the ideal place for you to grow academically and personally, and include one or two specific details that connect your goals to what Duke offers. Be confident, sincere, and let your enthusiasm shine through, these admissions officers appreciate authenticity!

Update

Now, we update Duke on what you’ve been doing since submitting your fall application. Hopefully, you’ve kept your grades strong and stayed involved in your extracurricular activities. No senioritis allowed for the work-hard, play-hard Duke types.

In a concise paragraph, showcase up to three (but one or two is plenty) standout accomplishments from the last few months. These could include earning valedictorian honors, taking on a leadership role, receiving a prestigious award, securing a meaningful internship, or completing a major research project. Stick to the most impactful achievements – avoid listing every activity, grade, sports achievement, etc. you’ve had since applying. Focus on quality over quantity.

Closing

Close your letter with the same professional tone you used at the beginning. Reaffirm your excitement about Duke and connect it to a specific academic reason—perhaps a program, course, professor, or unique academic resource that aligns with your aspirations. This is your final chance to leave a strong impression, so keep it focused and sincere. Don’t be afraid to mention Duke’s culture either, they’re proud of it! End with a professional sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”

Now you’re ready to send it off! Well, not quite yet – make sure to edit it first and have someone you trust review it before uploading it to the portal.

If you’re debating whether to write a LOCI, here’s the truth: we’ve never heard of anyone getting off the Duke waitlist without submitting one. Hopefully, that’s convincing enough. And if the thought of writing this feels overwhelming, or you’d like guidance from seasoned experts, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Step Four: Wait

You’ll want to get this done sooner rather than later, as waiting too long to send it could hurt your chances. Be sure to also connect with your school counselor to ensure your most up-to-date grades are sent to Duke. Duke does allow an extra rec letter, but don’t send them a zillion of these. Overloading the admissions officers with letters and updates and emails is a quick way to get yourself into the “No way” pile.

Now, the waiting begins. And we know, it’s not fun. You might hear back from Duke as early as May, but it could take until July. Whatever you do, resist the urge to bother the admissions office! Hang tight, stay patient, and best of luck!

If you’re on a waitlist and feeling anxious, we can help! Please reach out to us today if you need help with your waitlist letter.