Application Process
All first-year students entering Duke go through the First-Year Experience matching form and express preferences for their First-Year Experience choice (Constellations or FOCUS) as well as the preferences within these two programs through this form.
Early Decision students may fill out their application form in April. Regular Decision students apply to the FOCUS Program in April and May.
- The online application for Fall 2025 clusters will open April 1, 2026, and close May 8, 2026.
- FOCUS is rolling admissions; you will hear back about your placement within a week of applying.
- You will need to reply to your offer via email as quickly as possible to confirm your FOCUS placement.
- The final date for all students to be notified of their placement status is May 25, 2026.
The application process is simple. In the online application, you will select four clusters (including course preferences) and answer a one- to two-question essay about your interest in the clusters. The Focus Program makes every effort to accommodate student preferences. You do not need to choose a discussion course, as you will be automatically enrolled in this course if placed in the cluster.
Students will be informed of the status of their application within one week of its submission. While early applications have the opportunity for early placement, places will remain available in all clusters for students who apply by May 8th.
Application Instructions for 2026
Starting the Application
Start the application process by going to the application.
Student ID Number
The Student ID is a seven-digit number starting with 2 or 3. It can be found in the “Confirmation of Enrollment at Duke University” email that is sent within 24 hours of a student completing the online enrollment process. Students are given access to the online enrollment at the same time they access their admittance letter online.
Please contact the Duke University Admissions Office (919-684-3214) if you are unable to locate your seven-digit Student ID Number.
Please enter your preferred email address. You can use your Duke email address or another address. You will receive notices regarding the FOCUS Program and your application status at this address.
Cluster Choices
Please review the information and descriptions for the individual clusters. You must pick four separate clusters.
Remainder of 1st Page
Answer the rest of the questions as desired, indicating your t-shirt size and dietary preference/issues. If you have no dietary preferences, choose 'none'. If you choose 'other' then you will need to fill in the Dietary Needs box. Then click Next—>
2nd and 3rd Pages
Class Choice and Short-answer Questions: You will need to pick two different classes from within each cluster. Please provide a short answer to the question/s. You must answer all questions to continue your application. Essays are approximately 400 words. If you wish to change your program choice, you will need to press the <—Prev button to get back to the first page.
4th Page/Final Step
Review your answers very carefully. If you need to make a change, use the <—Prev button to go back to the appropriate page. Once you are happy with your answers, click Submit, and you will be taken to a Thank You page.
Changing your FOCUS courses
Application for Fall 2026 will begin on April 1, 2026, and close on May 8, 2026.
All changes to course enrollments are subject to approval by the FOCUS Program. You may not add or drop your FOCUS courses during the regular add/drop period. Please contact the faculty director of your cluster and the FOCUS Program staff if you wish to change your course schedule, at focus@duke.edu or 919-684-9370.
Withdrawal from the FOCUS Program is discouraged after registration has been completed and withdrawal during the add/drop period is not allowed. Students who want to withdraw must discuss this decision with the faculty director of their cluster.
Contact the FOCUS office
Email: focus@duke.edu
Phone: 919-684-9370