Duke no longer scoring essays

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No one even read the article?

Despite the changes, Guttentag wrote that essays and standardized testing scores are still considered in the admissions process.

“Essays are very much part of our understanding of the applicant, we’re just no longer assuming that the essay is an accurate reflection of the student’s actual writing ability,” he wrote. “Standardized tests (SAT or ACT) are considered when they’re submitted as part of the application.”

According to Guttentag, essays will now be used to “help understand the applicant as an individual rather, not just as a set of attributes and accomplishments.” He also wrote that the admissions office now values essays that give “insight into who the unique person is whose application we’re reading” and that “content and insight matter more than style.”

“Because of that they are not given a numerical rating, but considered as we think holistically about a candidate as a potential member of the Duke community,” he wrote.

They're still using the essays, people.

We get it...but it seems to be another school that is just conceding that ChatGPT is taking over. Basically, you can tell ChatGPT...write me an essay of why Duke is the best school for me coming from high school X, with these interests and activities, etc. So, the facts are your own, but ChatGPT will tie your life to Duke in 30 seconds. You then keep asking it to refine it or say now write this essay in the style of X which is perhaps an example of past Duke essays that they say were excellent essays.

Have you actually used ChatGPT? The quality of the writing is pretty bad if you're looking for great writing.

I use the paid version...you have to know how to train it. Actually, Stanford trained it using what they considered its best essays and the AO said it produced essays they would consider in the top 1% of all essays to Stanford.

However, Duke is now saying they care about the content...not about great writing. Did you not read the entire point of the thread?

[Anonymous]

Even with standardized testing people suddenly get extra time for "anxiety." Pay off psychologists. One test. One time.

[Anonymous]

Even with standardized testing people suddenly get extra time for "anxiety." Pay off psychologists. One test. One time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Duke admissions decisions will now rely almost entirely on the applicant’s grades, which will have been built upon a foundation of the most astounding period of grade inflation in modern educational system history.

What could possibly go wrong?

You're very dramatic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No one even read the article?

Despite the changes, Guttentag wrote that essays and standardized testing scores are still considered in the admissions process.

“Essays are very much part of our understanding of the applicant, we’re just no longer assuming that the essay is an accurate reflection of the student’s actual writing ability,” he wrote. “Standardized tests (SAT or ACT) are considered when they’re submitted as part of the application.”

According to Guttentag, essays will now be used to “help understand the applicant as an individual rather, not just as a set of attributes and accomplishments.” He also wrote that the admissions office now values essays that give “insight into who the unique person is whose application we’re reading” and that “content and insight matter more than style.”

“Because of that they are not given a numerical rating, but considered as we think holistically about a candidate as a potential member of the Duke community,” he wrote.

They're still using the essays, people.

We get it...but it seems to be another school that is just conceding that ChatGPT is taking over. Basically, you can tell ChatGPT...write me an essay of why Duke is the best school for me coming from high school X, with these interests and activities, etc. So, the facts are your own, but ChatGPT will tie your life to Duke in 30 seconds. You then keep asking it to refine it or say now write this essay in the style of X which is perhaps an example of past Duke essays that they say were excellent essays.

Have you actually used ChatGPT? The quality of the writing is pretty bad if you're looking for great writing.

what version? have you noticed how fast it's improving already?

You mean last week when it was cranking out gibberish?

You clearly use the old and free version.

[Anonymous]

Wow. I am surprised but this is a fair decision. Fairer that test optional in my opinion. Even without AI some families can afford consultants and ghost writers to easily craft the perfect essay. For exams, yes some people can afford more test prep than others, but there are inexpensive books for those of us who can't afford that, and at the end of the day the kid has to take the exam themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Essay should be done in SAT style.

Agree 100%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Essay should be done in SAT style.

Agree 100%.

I get that...but that essay can't ask "Why Duke" or "What will you add to Duke's culture", etc. It would have to be a generic essay to judge the kid's writing ability and critical reasoning skills.

They used to have an SAT essay and then they got rid of it. I don't know the history of the SAT essay.

[Anonymous]

I understand this, but ugh, another way my non-traditional kid is going to get lost in the process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So they are basing their admissions decisions on GPA/transcript, LORs and ECs?

They highly value test scores, too. In fact, I think this shift away from essays will only serve to strengthen the weight given to SAT/SAT/IB/AP scores.

+1

Honestly I think it's odd that they relied much on the writing quality of essays. The essays should merely add explanation and context for the rest of the app.

Really? I don’t think so at all. Writing skill is a huge correlate of success in academia, and the essay gives creative and interesting kids a chance to shine. However unless it’s a timed writing test, then there’s no way for this to be fair now.