How should I prepare for a Duke admissions interview?

Prepare for a Duke interview by focusing on clear, specific stories about yourself rather than memorizing polished speeches. The strongest preparation is being ready to explain what matters to you, how you spend your time, and why Duke fits you in a concrete way.

Start with the questions you are most likely to get: tell me about yourself, why Duke, what do you do outside class, what are you proud of, and what are you hoping to explore in college. Your answers should sound natural, not rehearsed, but you do want a few examples ready. Think in short stories: a project you led, a class discussion that changed your thinking, a commitment that shows your values, or a small moment that reveals your personality.

For Duke specifically, it helps to connect your interests to parts of the school that are distinctive without sounding like you memorized a brochure. You might mention the interdisciplinary culture, the balance of strong academics with school spirit, undergraduate research, or a specific department, lab, or student organization. The point is not to list programs, but to show how you would use them.

Also prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewer. Good ones ask about their Duke experience, how students explore across interests, or what surprised them most about the culture. Avoid questions with answers you could find in two seconds online.

A few practical tips matter. Do a practice conversation out loud, and be ready for follow-up questions. Be warm, curious, and specific.