FOCUS Entry Process
All first-year students entering Duke go through the First-Year Experience Preference Form and express preferences for their First-Year Experience choice (Constellations or FOCUS) as well as the preferences within each program.
Early Decision students may fill out their application form in April. Regular Decision students apply to the FOCUS Program in April and May.
- The form opens April 1, 2026, and students have until May 8, 2026, to fill out the form with their preferences.
- While students submitting their preferences early have the opportunity for early placement, places will remain available in all clusters for students who submit their preferences by the May 8, 2026, deadline.
- FOCUS is rolling admissions; you will hear back about your placement within a week of submitting your preferences.
- 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
In the First-Year Experience preference form, first indicate that you're interested in FOCUS. Then, 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.
Instructions for 2026
Starting the Process
Start the process by going to the preference form. The First-Year Experience Preference Form will be available on April 1, 2026. After April 1, 2026, Go to [...] to access the First-Year Experience Preference Form.
Student ID Number
Student ID number: When prompted for your Student ID number, enter the seven-digit number starting with 2 or 3. This number 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 online enrollment at the same time they access their admittance letter.
Please contact the Duke University Admissions Office (919-684-3214) if you are unable to locate your seven-digit Student ID Number.
When prompted for your email, please enter your preferred email address. You can use your Duke email address or another address. You will receive notices regarding the FOCUS Program 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 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, press the <—Prev button to return 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 is complete, 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