How competitive is Duke Ellington to get into?

[Anonymous]

Any updates on instrumental interviews yet?

[Anonymous]

We haven't heard anything.

[Anonymous]

We did the family interview and the whole experience really made me think twice about the school. It was so disorganized. We were scheduled for a certain time and was asked to come earlier because of a time conflict, but our actual interview was hours later. We waited 4.5 hours in total. The interview itself was really strange. It’s a huge panel but only one person really engaged and everyone else was staring at their phones. Is this typical?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did the family interview and the whole experience really made me think twice about the school. It was so disorganized. We were scheduled for a certain time and was asked to come earlier because of a time conflict, but our actual interview was hours later. We waited 4.5 hours in total. The interview itself was really strange. It’s a huge panel but only one person really engaged and everyone else was staring at their phones. Is this typical?

You did "a" school interview, with the department you applied to. You can't translate that experience across the entire school or other departments. There are also online evaluation forms that are filled out during your interview so being on the phone or on a laptop while observing while someone else engages is not unusual.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did the family interview and the whole experience really made me think twice about the school. It was so disorganized. We were scheduled for a certain time and was asked to come earlier because of a time conflict, but our actual interview was hours later. We waited 4.5 hours in total. The interview itself was really strange. It’s a huge panel but only one person really engaged and everyone else was staring at their phones. Is this typical?

I’m sorry to hear that. Our family interview was very engaging with everyone on the panel speaking. Some asked questions, and some just spoke about strengths and possible room for improvements for my DD. When we went into the building, we were greeted with someone waiting for us to lead us to check in. We never had a chance to sit down until we were led to the room we would be interviewing in. We sat outside and waited until our time. The chair came out when the previous family interview ended and spoke to us. Also told us it would just be a few more minutes, then came back out to get us in maybe 4 minutes. My DD’s friend also had her family interview and it went pretty much the same, just a different department.

From the way you explained how things went, I can only imagine that it may have been that there was definitely a lot going on probably outside of the family interview and confusion. Hopefully the other panelist being on their phones wasn’t a sign of disconnect and more of trying to be present in two places at once but still not an excuse. Everybody’s time is valuable and it sucks that you all weren’t shown that after 4.5 hours. Sending positive vibes because this is not the easiest time for anyone with a child in DC, with the lottery among other things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did the family interview and the whole experience really made me think twice about the school. It was so disorganized. We were scheduled for a certain time and was asked to come earlier because of a time conflict, but our actual interview was hours later. We waited 4.5 hours in total. The interview itself was really strange. It’s a huge panel but only one person really engaged and everyone else was staring at their phones. Is this typical?

We had a similarly strange, very poorly organized experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We did the family interview and the whole experience really made me think twice about the school. It was so disorganized. We were scheduled for a certain time and was asked to come earlier because of a time conflict, but our actual interview was hours later. We waited 4.5 hours in total. The interview itself was really strange. It’s a huge panel but only one person really engaged and everyone else was staring at their phones. Is this typical?

We had a similarly strange, very poorly organized experience.

If you don’t mind me asking, what department?

[Anonymous]

Can you apply to multiple Departments at Duke and go through the interview process for both? My DD is very good at her instrument and I honestly think she’d be a shoe-in for admission. However, she would prefer to do drama. She’s a good little actress, but so are lots of kids, so I don’t think she stands out in the same way. Could she list Drama ahead of Instrument so that the latter could be a backup? Or does she have to pick?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you apply to multiple Departments at Duke and go through the interview process for both? My DD is very good at her instrument and I honestly think she’d be a shoe-in for admission. However, she would prefer to do drama. She’s a good little actress, but so are lots of kids, so I don’t think she stands out in the same way. Could she list Drama ahead of Instrument so that the latter could be a backup? Or does she have to pick?

Your child can apply to up to 2 of the programs.

[Anonymous]

Are interviews for all departments pretty much done?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are interviews for all departments pretty much done?

*family interviews

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are interviews for all departments pretty much done?

*family interviews

I don't know that there is any way to know this. I have tried to get info without any luck, but perhaps someone else will chime in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are interviews for all departments pretty much done?

*family interviews

I don't know that there is any way to know this. I have tried to get info without any luck, but perhaps someone else will chime in.

Wondering about this myself. No luck on the info also.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are interviews for all departments pretty much done?

*family interviews

yes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are interviews for all departments pretty much done?

*family interviews

yes

The results come out on 3.28.2025 so this is probably the case. Not sure if they would still be doing family interviews or anything so close to results day. Good luck everyone!