duke perspective essay examples

6 Duke Supplemental Essays That Worked for 2024

Getting into Duke University is difficult in 2024. But you make sure you have your best chances by writing great supplemental essays.

In this article, I've gathered 6 essays from admitted Duke students so you can get inspired.

What is Duke University's Acceptance Rate?

Duke University has highly competitive admissions, and this past year over 45,000 students applied to Duke. Duke had an overall acceptance rate of 4.8%.

Duke University Acceptance Scattergram

If Duke is your top choice school, then consider applying Early Decision. For the Class of 2026, the acceptance rate for ED admissions was 21.3%!

Regardless of if you apply regular or early, admissions to Duke is competitive. But that only means writing stellar essays matters even more.

What are the Duke University Supplemental Prompts for 2022-23?

This year Duke asks applicants to write one required essay of 200 words and two optional essays of 250 words each.

Here are the 2022-23 Duke writing supplement prompts:

• Please share with us why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something in particular about Duke’s academic or other offerings that attracts you? (200 word limit)

We want to emphasize that the following questions are optional. Feel free to answer them if you feel that doing so will add something meaningful that is not already expressed elsewhere in your application. If you have already addressed either or both of these questions in your application, please don’t worry about leaving them blank. We appreciate how much time it takes to fill out this and your other college applications.

• Duke University seeks a talented, engaged student body that embodies the wide range of human experience; we believe that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. If you'd like to share a perspective you bring or experiences you've had that would help us understand you better, perhaps a community you belong to or your family or cultural background, we encourage you to do so here. Real people are reading your application, and we want to do our best to understand and appreciate the real people applying to Duke. (250 word limit)

Duke University Nondiscrimination Statement

• Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If you would like to share with us more about your identity in these areas, you can do so here or, if you feel you have adequately represented your gender and sexual orientation in other parts of your application, feel free to not respond to this prompt. (250 words maximum)

If you're serious about getting into Duke, you should definitely answer the second optional prompt.

Because everybody has a unique background, and this prompt is another opportunity to show admissions officers why you deserve admission.

6 Duke University EssaysThatWorked

Here are 6 of the best Duke essays that worked that respond to the writing supplement.

I've also included an example of a Common App personal statement essay from an admitted Duke student.

Let's get started and inspired writing great admissions essays like these.

• Duke University Essay Example #1
• Duke University Essay Example #2
• Duke University Essay Example #3
• Duke University Essay Example #4
• Duke University Essay Example #5
• Duke University Essay Example #6

#1. Duke "Diversity" Essay Example

Prompt: Duke University seeks a talented, engaged student body that embodies the wide range of human experience; we believe that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. If you'd like to share a perspective you bring or experiences you've had that would help us understand you better, perhaps a community you belong to or your family or cultural background, we encourage you to do so here. Real people are reading your application, and we want to do our best to understand and appreciate the real people applying to Duke. (250 words max)

The pitter patter of droplets, the sweet smell that permeates throughout the air, the dark grey clouds that fill the sky, shielding me from the otherwise intense gaze of the sun, create a landscape unparalleled by any natural beauty. I have gazed upon the towering cliffs of Yosemite, stood next to Niagara falls as the water roars, succumbing to the power of gravity, and seen the beaches of Mexico basked in moonlight, yet none of these wonders compares to the simple beauty of an Arizona rainstorm. To me, our rain represents more than humidity and darkness; its rarity gives it beauty. The uncertainty of when the next day of rain will come compels me to slow down, and enjoy the moment.

Out of the three realms of time; past, present, and future, the present is the only one we can experience, and I take advantage of every moment I have. When I pause my running to enjoy a sunset that dazzles the sky with brilliant colors of purple and orange, when I touch my brush to a canvas and focus on my movements in the present, when I drive home after a long day of improving our robot, and decide to drive around my neighborhood to finish “Garota de Ipanema”, which just popped up from my playlist of 700 songs, I am taking advantage of the moment.

So next time it rains, step outside. Close your eyes. Hear the symphony of millions of water droplets. And enjoy the moment.

#2. Duke "Diversity" Essay Example

Prompt: We seek a diverse student body that embodies the wide range of human experience. In that context, we are interested in what you’d like to share about your lived experiences and how they’ve influenced how you think of yourself. (250 words max)

Ever since I can remember, the comforting lullabies my mother sang to me planted a deep seed in my mind. In my dreams, I began a journey for my identity to discover the hidden stories within those songs. Perhaps that's what led me to explore Hindustani music. "Sa-re-ga" encodes my ancestors' songs just like "do-re-mi." With this solfege, I began exploring a vocal part of my culture, collecting the keys to my identity.

Each song I learned further educated me about myths and legends that helped form who I am today.

When I face adversity in male-dominated activities, I remember Sita, who fought heroically in revolutionary conflicts hundreds of years ago. This has empowered me to believe in my talents and goals, whether I am doing research or organizing a STEM fair in my community. The character Arjuna, who became one of the best archers, taught me perseverance and a desire to learn from others. When chosen to fly to Denmark to play badminton with local clubs, I embraced this experience to play among outstanding competitors and to enhance my competitive abilities. As an Asian American, I am reminded by the Indian National Anthem that I am an American and an Indian.

I plan to bring my music and stories with me to college. The keyboard in my Duke dorm will ring with strong Hindustani notes. I hope to share with my dorm mates and friends the history of those heroes and the strength I gleam from them every day.

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#3. Duke "Why Engineering" Essay Example

Prompt: If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering as a first-year applicant, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke. (150 words max)

At Duke I was equally entranced by the articulate movements of 3D printers in the Co-Lab and the stunning Gothic architecture. Instead of forming a dichotomy, these aspects of Duke blended to symbolize its emphasis on interdisciplinary education, which will offer me a nuanced perspective of the world integral to becoming a leader in engineering.

I will join the Academy for Model Aeronautics and share my passion for designing drones, while taking fascinating courses such as “Taboo Markets” and “Banality of Evil”, while simultaneously working on an engineering project that improves real people’s lives in “Engineering Design”. By joining the Duke Robotics Club, I can expand upon my love for robotics, and I hope to write for the Duke Engineering magazine, as well as join the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. By drawing from this diverse range of educational experiences, I can become a leader in creating a better future.

#4. Duke Personal Statement Example: "Forest of Lights"

Common App Prompt #7: Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. (250-650 words)

The diamond leaves of gnarled oak trees throw spectrums of color onto mounds of frosty snow that gleam melancholily under the moonlight. The leaves chime as wind violently rustles them in a haunting melody. I splinter a leaf off its branch and inspect the shard of my illusion, eyes dancing with amusement.

As I dwell in my worries, a cold hand reaches from behind me and taps my shoulder.

I jerk away, fear bubbling in my amygdala as I look into the nonexistent eyes of my intruding visitor.

The moon illuminates a blob of pink squish as it draws back slowly, points its spindly hands towards my drink and asks: “Could I have some of that?”

The blob wipes its invisible mouth with its nonexistent sleeve. I ask: “What are you?”

The blob tells me to stop looking at it so suspiciously. “I can prove it,” It says. I tell it, please, go ahead.

Suddenly we are back in the glowing forest. “Diamonds? Pah!” The blob dismisses them. Instantly, the leaves turn solid gold, the snow melts, and the wintry world is thrown into a blistering summer.

The blob laughs heartlessly. “Your cortex is under my control,” it says smugly.

“I heard you had a question for me?” It taps its invisible ears knowingly.

The blob wriggles its invisible brows as it waits.

It smiles that wicked smile. It laughs that sinful laugh. Then that insufferable blob wakes me up.

As I sit up in the dark and rub my bleary eyes, I am vaguely aware of the deep­set unfulfillment settling itself inside me. I yawn and plop back into bed, the soft red glow of my alarm clock indicating that it is still before midnight.

Why This Essay Works:

One thing is for sure about this essay: it has a unique idea that has surely not been written before. Regardless of your topic, you want your essay to be unique in some way, even if it isn't as fantastical as this essay. You can use a unique structure, such as having central symbolism, metaphor, or being structured as a recipe, for example. But this can easily become "gimmicky" if it doesn't have a clear purpose. In general, the most effective way to have a unique essay is to focus on having deep and unique ideas and reflections. By focusing on interesting takeaways and connections that are ultra-specific to you and your experiences, your essay will standout regardless of the structure.

What They Might Improve:

This essay uses a lot of fiction-like writing that is fantastical and "flowery." Although moments of this kind of writing can make your essay more vivid, it is quite easy to end up with dense storytelling and descriptions that ultimately don't share anything interesting about you. The purpose of your essay is ultimately to learn about you: your values, your ideas, your identity, etc. By using dense story-like writing, it can be easy to lose focus of what admissions officers are looking for. In general, avoid writing "fancy" stories like this essay, unless you have a clear and distinct purpose for doing so. Everything in your essay should have a purpose in "going somewhere" (i.e. reaching interesting ideas and takeaways).

This essay is definitely creative, but lacks meaningful takeaways and ideas. By the end of the essay, we don't know much about the author besides the fact that they have an affinity for creative writing and are "on a search." Although the content is unique, the end result comes off as quite generic and surface-level because no interesting thoughts are explored deeply. The most interesting part of this essay is "I open my mouth and ask it my most crucial question," but this is super unsatisfying because the question is never divulged. Instead, the reader is teased by this fantasy story and the essay goes nowhere meaningful, which comes off as gimmicky and "creative for creative's sake," rather than deeply personal and interesting.

This essay ends on the idea of "continuing my search," but for what exactly? It is never explained, elaborated, or even implied (besides one reference to painting earlier). That makes this conclusion comes off as somewhat surface-level and uninteresting. Admissions officers won't care about "your search" unless they have a reason to care. That is, unless it tells something specific about you. On it's own, this idea of "exploring" and "searching" is meaningless because it is too broad and unelaborated.

#5. Duke Personal Statement Example: "Shadow-Box Stick Art"

Common App Prompt #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. (250-650 words)

This essay shows a strong thinking ability because the author shows how they view the world differently than others. Specifically, the author is able to see something as mundane as fallen branches as an opportunity to create artwork. Showing how you view things differently is a great way to demonstrate your unique perspective. Another strategy is to think deeply about things that are often easily overlooked or things that are mundane on the surface. Everything can be reflected upon deeply, and doing so shows a strong thinking ability and level of thoughtfulness. Ask yourself: what do you see differently than others around you? What do you find fun that others find "hard"? What do you find fascinating that others find "boring"? What is something mundane in your life that you do, and what's the greater meaning behind it?

This essay uses a lot of narrative writing—that is, recounting of a specific story and moment. While most essays use storytelling, what most applicants get wrong is they describe unimportant details to the story. Don't write like a fiction book and describe everything in the scene, like what others were wearing, what people looked like, what the environment was, each small action that took place. This is a common mistake that students make in trying to write compelling stories, but it ends up with a lot of unnecessary details. This author shows how a story can still take up a lot of the essay, while also including interesting reflections throughout the story and making it purposeful by only including details that move the story forward.

This essay has a somewhat unexpected conclusion where the author connects to their significant accomplishment of starting and running a charity. Even though this is such a large and meaningful activity, the author chose to only write about it when it came in naturally and not make it the whole focus of the essay. Counterintuitively, by de-emphasizing your biggest accomplishments, they will seem more impactful and you will seem more ambitious. This is because students often try to showcase their achievements and make them the focal point, but instead if you have the attitude of, "Yeah, this is what I did, but really it is nothing in comparison to what I'm going to do" it makes your accomplishments even more impactful. You don't want to be nonchalant, but you do want to make your accomplishments small in comparison to your future goals and achievements, which will show both humility and ambition.

This essay is almost 100 words less than what is given. In general, you should try and make your essays as close to the word limit as possible. Why? Because you should have a lot to say and it should be a challenge to fit it all into your essay, not the other way around. Especially for personal statement essays, its almost always better to use most of the words. Being within 10-20 words of the limit is usually the target. In this essay, they could include further meaningful details that make their essay more vivid. They could describe what their "stick art" actually looks like, because it is hard for the reader to imagine since it is an obscure type of artwork. They could reflect on the impact of their charity: how many people did it help so far? What are their goals for the future of it? What have been challenges with it? Don't add words just to add words, however. As with everything, each sentence should be meaningful and have a clear purpose, but this essay could definitely use more words.

#6. Duke Personal Statement Example: "Kiki's Delivery Service"

Common App Prompt #6: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? (250-650 words)

I spent much of my childhood watching movies. I became absolutely engrossed in many different films, TV shows, and animations. From the movie theatres to the TV, I spent my hours enjoying the beauty of visual media. One place that was special to me was the car. My parents purchased a special screen that could be mounted on the back of the headrest, so that I could watch movies on trips. This benefited both parties, as I was occupied, and they had peace. Looking back, I realize this screen played a crucial role in my childhood. It was an integral part of many journeys. I remember taking a drive to Washington D.C, with my visiting relatives from Poland, and spending my time with my eyes on the screen. I remember packing up my possessions and moving to my current home from Queens, watching my cartoons the whole time. I can comfortably say that watching movies in the car has been an familiar anchor during times of change in my life.

I used to watch many different cartoons, nature documentaries, and other products in the car, yet there has been one movie that I have rewatched constantly. It is called “Kiki’s Delivery Service” by Hayao Miyazaki. My parents picked it up at a garage sale one day, and I fell in love. The style of the animations were beautiful, and the captivating story of a thirteen year old witch leaving home really appealed to me. To be honest, the initial times I watched it, I didn’t fully understand the story but the magic and beauty just made me happy. Then, the more I watched it, I began to see that it was more about independence, including the need to get away from home and establish yourself as your own person. This mirrors how I felt during that period of my life,with mehaving a little rebellious streak; I didn’t agree with my parents on certain topics. That is not the end of the story though. As the years passed, and I watched it a couple more times, although with less frequency than before, my view of this movie evolved yet again.

Instead of solely thinking about the need for independence, I began to think the movie was more about the balance of independence and reliance. In the movie, the girl finds herself struggling until she begins to accept help from others. Looking back, this also follows my own philosophy during this time. As I began to mature, I began to realize the value of family, and accept all the help I can get from them. I appreciate all the hard work they had done for me, and I recognize their experience in life and take advantage of it. I passed through my rebellious phase, and this reflected in my analysis of the movie. I believe that this is common, and if I look through the rest of my life I am sure I would find other similar examples of my thoughts evolving based on the stage in my life. This movie is one of the most important to me throughout my life.

What Can You Learn From These Duke Essays?

If you're trying to get into Duke, writing great essays is one of your best ways at standing out. These 6 Duke essays that worked are successful examples of essays admitted into Duke so that you can get inspired and improve your own essays.

What did you think of these Duke essays?

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Princeton Admitted Essay

People love to ask why. Why do you wear a turban? Why do you have long hair? Why are you playing a guitar with only 3 strings and watching TV at 3 A.M.—where did you get that cat? Why won’t you go back to your country, you terrorist? My answer is... uncomfortable. Many truths of the world are uncomfortable...

MIT Admitted Essay

Her baking is not confined to an amalgamation of sugar, butter, and flour. It's an outstretched hand, an open invitation, a makeshift bridge thrown across the divides of age and culture. Thanks to Buni, the reason I bake has evolved. What started as stress relief is now a lifeline to my heritage, a language that allows me to communicate with my family in ways my tongue cannot. By rolling dough for saratele and crushing walnuts for cornulete, my baking speaks more fluently to my Romanian heritage than my broken Romanian ever could....

UPenn Admitted Essay

A cow gave birth and I watched. Staring from the window of our stopped car, I experienced two beginnings that day: the small bovine life and my future. Both emerged when I was only 10 years old and cruising along the twisting roads of rural Maryland...

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Duke Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Advice

August 14, 2023

With a 5.9% acceptance rate, getting into Duke in 2023-24 is now as daunting a challenge as gaining acceptance into just about any Ivy League school. While Duke University may immediately conjure up images of the “Cameron Crazies” decked out in devil masks and blue face paint, make no mistake—those rowdy-looking students are really as studious as they come. In fact, just about every single one of the individuals you see in those stands on television scored a 1500+ on the SAT or a 35+ on the ACT and earned a parade of A’s throughout a high school schedule overflowing with AP/IB/dual enrollment courses. This brings us to the topic of this blog – how to write the Duke supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Duke University? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Duke   for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Given that almost 19 of every 20 applicants to Duke University are ultimately unsuccessful, you need to do everything you can to stand out amidst a sea of uber-qualified teens from around the globe. Through its one mandatory essay prompt and two optional offerings, the Duke University supplemental section still affords applicants an opportunity to highlight what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below are Duke’s supplemental prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one.

Required Duke Supplemental Essays – #1

1) what is your sense of duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you if there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit).

This is your quintessential “Why Us?” essay which comes with the typical pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. We don’t want to label these as “mistakes” (there is nothing inherently wrong with them). They just don’t add any needle-moving value, which is, of course, the only goal when you are applying to a school as selective as Duke.

Common components of a generic “Why Duke?” essay

• Fawning over the beautiful campus (it is quite beautiful, but they already know that).
• Duke’s rank, prestige, and reputation. Again, they know!
• Too many generic expressions of feeling (e.g., Since I was five, I’ve dreamed of attending Duke… ).
• Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.
• Talking about the Blue Devils basketball team.

How to write a winning “Why Duke?” essay

• Make sure to address why Duke is the perfect fit for you  and  why you are the perfect fit for Duke. To do so, cite specific  academic programs , professors ,  research opportunities , experiential education programs ,  study abroad programs ,  student-run organizations , Duke’s mission , etc. Be sure to discuss how you plan to take advantage of your chosen resources.
• Show evidence of how your past/current endeavors will carry over onto Duke’s campus.
• Discuss any special talents and passions that you will bring to Duke.

Big-picture thoughts on the “Why Duke?” essay

In any “Why Us?” composition, you need to show that you’ve done your homework on a given school, but you don’t want it to read like a rote list of items that you Googled five minutes before writing the essay (even if the timing of the Google search is roughly accurate).

In addition to the pure research element, a lot of the time and skill required to create a stellar Duke essay will involve connecting your selected opportunities of to your distinct values, talents, aims, proficiencies, and future goals.

Optional Essays – Select 0-2 from the following list (250 word limit for each)

While these essays are technically “optional,” we advise every single applicant to Duke to opt in on at least one essay. (Note that Prompt #1 is often an ideal and natural choice). Remember, Duke is one of those rare schools that rejects students with near-perfect (or even perfect) academic credentials. It is essential that you showcase the characteristics and skills that make you one-of-a-kind.

1) We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your family background

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement, activities list, and “Why Duke” essay. What important aspects of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how you grew. No matter what type of story you tell, the goal is to have the reader come away saying, “I can definitely see this applicant as a contributing member of our talented and engaged student community.”

Duke Supplemental Essays (Continued)

2) Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating .

Firstly, note that Duke provides a time range. Accordingly, you’ll need to choose an intellectual experience from either your sophomore or junior year (formal or informal). Whether it’s a general love for math/science or literature or your aerospace engineering internship or your discovery of 19th-century French novels, use this opportunity to dig into why your chosen experience resonates with, fascinates, and/or inspires you. Moreover, share the manner in which you pursued knowledge. Whether you fell down a Wikipedia rabbit hole about the nature of time or consumed thousands of hours of podcasts on game theory, this is a chance to illustrate the ways in which you are an obsessive learner with a thirst for information. The admissions reader should emerge from reading this essay with the sense that you are a sincerely curious young person with a strong intellectual drive.

3) We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?

The U.S. presently finds itself in an extreme state of polarization. There seems to be little agreement even as to what constitutes “truth” or “facts” Within this divided world, it can be hard for individuals with competing viewpoints to engage in civil and productive dialogue. Here, Duke is giving you the chance to show that you are an open-minded, intellectually curious, truth-seeking young person. Illustrate how you are willing to engage in conversations/debates with people who hold opposing positions on topics of great importance to you. One key thing to remember when addressing this prompt is that you don’t have to be the hero of the anecdote. In fact, you may be one who learned to expand their thinking.

Of course, you are also invited to share about a person you agree with. However, without any friction, this may be the less interesting of the two choices.

4)  We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you.

Do you feel that your lived experience is different from others in your peer group, family, or community, perhaps in regard to relationships, household income level, mental or physical challenges, neurodiversity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or cultural background, to name a few? If so, answering this prompt could be a good option. While crafting your response, the important thing to keep in mind is that the difference/challenge itself is  less important  than what it reveals about your character and perspective. What steps have you taken to cope with your chosen difference? How has it positively impacted you? How has it influenced your perspective and the way you engage with the world? Is there anything about your difference that you feel especially appreciative of?  Make sure you share what you were feeling and experiencing; this piece should demonstrate openness and vulnerability.

5) Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community.

If you feel that an element of your sexual orientation or gender identity/expression is an important component of who you are, this is an ideal place to discuss that part of yourself. Moreover, Duke’s instructions are broad, allowing to you discuss personal and/or social impact. No matter the direction you choose, be sure to fully address why this part of your identity holds such significant meaning for you.

How important are the Duke supplemental essays?

There are eight factors that Duke University considers “very important” in evaluating a candidate and the essays are among them. In addition to the essays, Duke gives the greatest consideration to the rigor of an applicant’s secondary school record, GPA, standardized test scores, recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities.

Duke Supplemental Essays – Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

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Duke University is an Ivy League college in Durham, North Carolina, that consistently ranks in the top 10 national universities. It has an undergraduate population of 6,500 students, and in the 2020-2021 admissions, there was only a 5.8% acceptance rate. 

As a highly-selective university, Duke’s supplemental essays help personalize the admissions process, so that the admissions committee can admit a diverse incoming class. This is true of many institutions; look at Emory supplemental essays for further inspiration.

Duke supplemental essays for 2022-23: requirements and guidelines

College Essays: Supplemental Essays

Supplemental essays are an imperative part of the college application process. Click here to read more

Duke University essays are a crucial part of your college application. Use each Duke University application essay to show that you are invested in your education and are passionate about attending Duke. The admissions committee wants to admit a diverse, passionate group of students. 

Each Duke admissions essay gives you the chance to convey more about your personality, goals, and passions. Take advantage of each of these essay questions to personalize your college application and give yourself a competitive edge. 

Test scores and high school GPAs are important but supplemental essays are key in the Duke application process.

Why Duke essay: 5 tips that can help you earn admission to Duke University

As with many highly-selective institutions, Duke University requires at least one supplemental essay, often referred to as the “why Duke essay.” This essay prompt is as follows: Please share with us why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something in particular about Duke’s academic or other offerings that attract you? (200 words maximum)  

Admissions officers want to admit students who are passionate about attending Duke and plan to fully take advantage of its unique educational opportunities. Use this Duke writing supplement to show that you have researched Duke University thoroughly and are passionate about their unique opportunities, especially as they relate to your academic and professional goals. 

In this article, we will focus on tips and strategies for how to write Duke supplemental essays, as well as look at several accepted Duke essay examples. 

Use detailed language

The more specific you can be, the better! Reference specific courses, programs, and professors by name. Duke wants to admit Duke students who will take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. 

Naming specific aspects of Duke’s unique curriculum shows that you are passionate about the school and are able to take initiative. Mention any specific internships, majors, minors, certificates, classes, research opportunities, and clubs/sports teams that interest you.

State your goals clearly

Use this Duke supplement to state your personal, educational, and professional goals clearly. Of course, not all incoming freshmen will know what they want to study — and this is okay! — but do your best to write clearly and with intention. Write about your interests, passions, and ideas for the future.

Use the tone of your essay to reflect your personality

Duke writing supplements are meant to personalize the admissions process. Give the admissions committee a reason to choose you by showing them a bit more of your overall personality. 

Use words and phrases that reflect the way you speak, think or interact with the world. Be creative. Funny. Thoughtful. Use this personal statement to demonstrate who you are and what you’re passionate about. How can you contribute to the Duke community?

How can Duke help you reach your goals?

While it’s important to include lots of personal details about your goals and passions, it is just as important, if not even more important, to connect every personal detail back to Duke University. 

How can Duke University, specifically, help you reach your personal, educational, and professional goals? While preparing your response to this Duke essay prompt, read each of your sentences carefully and ask yourself if each and every detail can be connected back to Duke University.

Duke University supplemental essay prompts

In addition to the “why Duke essay” prompt, there are two Duke optional essays. Duke essay prompts are designed so that the admissions committee can gain a more holistic understanding of each applicant. 

Use your Duke supplement essays to show the true depth of your character, goals, and passions to strengthen your overall application and personalize the admissions process.

Prompt 1: perspective and experience

The first of the two optional essays focuses on your perspectives and experiences. The prompt is as follows:

Duke University seeks a talented, engaged student body that embodies the wide range of human experience; we believe that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. If you’d like to share a perspective you bring or experiences you’ve had that would help us understand you better, perhaps a community you belong to or your family or cultural background, we encourage you to do so here. Real people are reading your application, and we want to do our best to understand and appreciate the real people applying to Duke. (250 words maximum)

Strategies to consider for this prompt.

The most important thing to do for this 250-word essay is to be sincere. While some students may already have lots of interesting and inspiring life experiences, this is certainly not always the case. 

Do not exaggerate or make anything up in this essay! Be genuine and sincere. The Duke admissions committee wants to get to know you, so make sure you give them that chance.

Again, this is the most important strategy for addressing this Duke essay prompt. Be.     genuine and speak earnestly.

Write concisely

      To do this well, focus on including lots of detailed language. You only have 250         words to convey something deeply personal, so make each word, phrase, and            sentence count!

   A helpful strategy for writing succinctly and powerfully is to not worry about the       word limit initially. Free write. Get all your ideas on paper. Sometimes you need to start writing to gain momentum and realize your most important details.   

Think outside the box!

What is the most engaging way to tell your story? Even if you don’t have a particularly unique story, you can still be creative! Consider the overall structure of your essay thoroughly before you begin. 

If you are interested in theater, perhaps you could write your essay with stage directions. If you’re interested in science, perhaps you could structure your essay in the style of a lab report. The possibilities are endless!

Prompt 2: sexual orientation and gender identity

The second of the two Duke optional essays focuses on sexual orientation and gender identity. The essay prompt is as follows:

Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If you would like to share with us more about your identity, you can do so here, or use any previous essay prompt you feel is appropriate. (250 words maximum)

Remember, this essay is optional. Only include this essay if your gender or sexual identity has played a significant role in your life experiences. Generally speaking, only include this essay if you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

As with the other Duke writing supplementals, use detailed language. Be specific and precise. Share lots of personal details. This does not mean you have to be overly personal and share experiences you would rather keep to yourself. Always respect your boundaries! Rather, focus on details that will contribute to the overall tone and imagery of your essay. Try to personalize your statement so that it is memorable.

It’s about your sexual identity — not about sex

Use discretion when writing about this prompt. Remember, you are writing about your identity, not about your sexual experiences.

Don’t worry about defining terms

Don’t feel pressured to use defining terms. It’s okay to not know how to label your experiences, just as it’s okay (and good!) to change your mind. Focus on writing honestly and authentically, without necessarily worrying about terms. 

The Duke essays that worked: winning Duke supplement essay examples

One of the best ways to prepare for your Duke application is to read several accepted Duke essays. There are lots of Duke supplement essay samples online for you to peruse. 

Gain insight into what the admissions committee is looking for by examining at least one Duke optional essay example before beginning your writing process.

Essay example #1

I love many things, but learning and sports top the list. the moment i stepped onto duke’s campus, i leaned over to my mother, gasping, and said, “whoa,” even before beginning my tour. i was stunned to immediately see signs of my loves everywhere. my dreams of tenting in k-ville for the annual duke-unc game almost made my mouth water. as for learning, the cross-disciplinary study options that duke offers ignite my passions. i have always loved business, and as i have aged, i discovered a deep interest in education. at duke, i saw the opportunity to combine these two interests in many ways. i would love to initiate lunches with professor elizabeth garcia, whose work focuses on educational motivation, and mark t. brown, director of the management communications center. exploring commonalities in business and educational spheres would be uplifting, and will engage all of my most profound interests., why did this essay work.

This essay is detailed, well-paced, and clearly shows the student’s personal and academic passions. The tone is upbeat and excitable. As a reader, you get a glimpse into who this student is as a person — what motivates them and brings them joy. 

The student clearly states why they are passionate about attending Duke, and the fact that they mention specific professors and programs by name shows that they can take initiative and are passionate about their course of study.

Essay example #2

I look around my room, dimly lit by an orange light. on my desk, a framed picture of an asian family beaming their smiles, buried among us history textbooks and the great gatsby. a korean ballad streams from two tiny computer speakers. pamphlets of american colleges scattered on the floor. a cold december wind wafts a strange infusion of ramen and leftover pizza. on the wall in the far back, a korean flag hangs beside a led zeppelin poster. , do i consider myself korean or american, a few years back, i would have replied: “neither.” the frustrating moments of miscommunication, the stifling homesickness, and the impossible dilemma of deciding between the korean or american table in the dining hall, all fueled my identity crisis., standing in the “foreign passports” section at jfk, i have always felt out of place. sure, i held a korean passport in my hands, and i loved kimchi and yuna kim and knew the korean anthem by heart. but i also loved macaroni and cheese and lebron. deep inside, i feared i’d be labeled by my airport customs category: a foreigner everywhere., this ambiguity, however, has granted me the opportunity to absorb the best of both worlds. look at my dorm room. this mélange of cultures in my east-meets-west room embodies the diversity that characterizes my international student life., i’ve learned to accept my “ambiguity” as “diversity,” as a third-culture student embracing both identities., now, i can proudly answer: “both.”.

The use of imagery in this essay is particularly impressive and effectively acts as an anchor and overall structure for the essay. By seeing the inside of this student’s dorm room you are able to gain insight into their inner world. You get a clear understanding of their likes, interests, and priorities. You are also privy to their inner trepidations, cultural insecurities, and personal growth. 

By including so many personal details and examples, the student can demonstrate what both their Korean and American cultural identities mean to them. This essay’s sincerity and candor are what help this student stand apart from other applicants.

Essay example #3

I belong to a community of storytellers. throughout my childhood, my mother and i spent countless hours immersed in the magical land of bedtime stories. we took daring adventures and explored faraway lands. imagination ran wild, characters came to life, and i became acquainted with heroes and lessons that continue to inspire me today. it was a ritual that i will never forget., in school, i met many other storytellers—teachers, coaches, and fellow students whose stories taught me valuable lessons and enabled me to share stories of my own. my stories took shape through my involvement with theatre. i have learned that telling stories can be just as powerful as hearing them. when i tell a story, i can shape the world i live in and share my deepest emotions with the audience. this is exactly why i love theatre so much. the audience can relate to the story in many of the same powerful ways that i do., i love to perform with my theatre class to entertain and educate young audiences throughout my community. to tell our stories, we travel to elementary and middle schools performing plays that help educate younger students of the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and bullying. as storytellers, we aim to touch lives and better the world around us through our stories..

This essay is well organized and follows a clear narrative arc. The student uses this essay to display their strong storytelling skills and abilities. Not only does this essay demonstrate the student’s passion for theater and its communicative potential, but it also shows their level of engagement with their craft and community. 

This essay covers a lot of material in a small space. The student starts their essay with their childhood and their overall source of inspiration, addresses their background in theater thoroughly yet succinctly, and ends with their plans and excitement for the future.

Key takeaways on Duke University supplemental essays

For your Duke writing supplements, focus on writing detailed, concise statements. Make each word, phrase, and sentence count. Be sincere and authentic. For the Duke optional essays, ask yourself if responding to each of these prompts will enhance your overall application. Use your best judgment. 

Take time to honestly reflect on your answers and decide if each of these prompts will give your application a competitive edge. Sometimes less is more, so don’t feel pressured to respond to the optional prompts if they don’t resonate with you. 

FAQs related to Duke supplemental essays

Read on for some frequently asked questions and their answers as you organize yourself and prepare for college applications.

How many supplemental essays does Duke have?

Duke University has three supplemental essays. One of these supplemental essays is required; the two others are optional. The required Duke essay is often referred to as the “why Duke essay.” The two optional prompts differ year to year but generally focus on life experiences and cultural diversity.

Should I answer the Duke optional essays?

Use these essays to further personalize your application. Duke is highly-selective, so take advantage of every opportunity to make your application memorable. If you are struggling to come up with meaningful responses, however, the optional essays may not enhance your application. Always be genuine and sincere. Do not exaggerate personal details to seem like a more desirable applicant. 

When do the Duke supplemental essays come out?

Duke supplemental essay prompts are typically released by mid-August. Check their website to stay the most up-to-date. The prompts will be released by the time the common application is open. 

How do you stand out to Duke?

Use each Duke application essay to show off your passions and personality. Do your best to write creative, genuine, well-structured essays. To stand out, you need detailed, memorable essays. As you respond to each Duke essay prompt, ask yourself if your answers are interesting, engaging, unique, or creative in some way. Even if you don’t necessarily have a unique answer, you can find a unique way to share your experiences. Think outside the box!

• August 9, 2022
• 11th Grade , 12th Grade , College Admissions

How to write Duke supplemental essays (2022-23 essay prompts guide)

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Analyzing the Duke Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

August 25, 2023

With an admit rate of just 6%, Duke has firmly established itself as one of the most competitive schools in the country. If you dream of attending this prestigious top 10 university, exceptional grades and test scores alone won't cut it. You must go above and beyond to convince the admissions officers that you have thoroughly researched Duke and are undoubtedly a perfect fit for the institution. To help you stand out in the highly competitive application pool, I'll walk you through some helpful tips on how to best approach the Duke supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

Duke Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Question 1 (required), 1. what is your sense of duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you if there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit).

Duke places significant importance on this classic “Why College” prompt. InGenius Prep counselor Melissa Rains, who worked as the Director of Merit Scholarships at Duke University, recommends that you avoid mentioning generic aspects such as the university's prestigious reputation. She adds, "They know that they have a beautiful campus, they know they have amazing rankings and are a prestigious university, and they know most people know about the Blue Devils and basketball." 

In fact, avoid mentioning sports, especially basketball, unless you have a truly unique and personal connection. While Duke is well-known for basketball, the admissions officers are looking for applicants who can bring more than just a love for the game. Instead, focus on specific courses, professors, and department offerings that resonate with your interests and goals. 

For example, you could mention DukeEngage , an exceptional service opportunity and one of Duke's most esteemed programs in its commitment to civic engagement. When discussing this program, reference a specific opportunity that aligns with your major and explain why it is a perfect fit for you. You could also discuss FLUNCH , a program that offers students the opportunity to have a one-on-one lunch with a professor. Name the professor you would like to have lunch with, briefly explain why you would like to have this experience, and what topics you would like to discuss with this professor.

Another great option to mention is FOCUS , an academic program specifically designed for freshman students. Talk about how FOCUS would benefit your college experience and create a stronger sense of belonging – as students with the same “focus” all live in the same dorms. By showcasing your knowledge of these programs and how they align with your goals and interests, you can demonstrate to the admissions officers that you have thoroughly researched Duke and have a genuine passion for the university. 

Melissa adds, “Connect each example you provide to your own aspirations, both short and long-term .” Be specific about what you aim to achieve at Duke and how you plan to leverage your Duke education beyond graduation. Whether it is pursuing advanced research in your field, making a positive impact in the community, or entering a specific career path, the admissions officers want to see that you have thought carefully about your future and have a clear plan in mind. Remember to showcase your genuine passion for Duke, highlight your unique attributes and experiences, and demonstrate how you will contribute to the university's vibrant and meaningful living and learning community.

Question 2: Optional Questions (choose 2)

We want to emphasize that the following questions are optional. Feel free to answer them if you believe that doing so will add something meaningful that is not already shared elsewhere in your application. Five optional questions are available – a maximum of 2 can be selected. (250 word limit)

While these are optional questions, Melissa strongly advises that you select two of these prompts to answer. Below, I’ve listed some of our recommended strategies for each prompt.

a. Perspective response: We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

This is a classic “community question” where you can talk about a community you belong to, or a family member or friend that has changed your life in a meaningful way. Most applicants will answer this essay – so be sure to include your unique perspective and mention specific examples from your cultural/family background or any other aspect of your life that has shaped your identity and values.

Additionally, consider how your unique background, perspective, or experience will enhance the diversity and richness of the Duke community. For example, you could discuss growing up in a multicultural household and the lessons you have learned from navigating different cultural traditions and values. You could explain how this has given you a deep appreciation for diversity and a strong ability to foster inclusivity within the Duke community. Alternatively, you could share how being a part of a close-knit community, such as a sports team or a volunteer organization, has taught you the value of collaboration and teamwork. You can then discuss how you plan to bring these skills and values to Duke and contribute to the vibrant and supportive community on campus.

Most importantly, provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate the impact of the community or individual on your life. Show the admissions officers how this experience has shaped your character, values, and aspirations. Highlight the tangible ways you plan to contribute to Duke, such as through involvement in student organizations, leadership roles, or community service initiatives. By emphasizing both the transformative power of the community or individual in your life and your commitment to making a positive impact at Duke, you can demonstrate to the admissions officers that you possess the qualities and mindset that align with the university's values and mission.

b. Intellectual experience: Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating.

Duke values students who are intellectually engaged – and this prompt is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your genuine passion for learning through one of your extracurricular experiences. Beyond simply explaining what you participated in, provide a thoughtful analysis of how this experience has shaped your intellectual curiosity and drive. Melissa also adds, “Adhere to the two-year timeframe and select an intellectual experience from either your sophomore or junior year. This experience can be formal or informal, as long as it has significantly impacted your intellectual growth.”

Start by providing specific details about the extracurricular experience. Describe the context, the challenges or obstacles you faced, and the lessons you learned. This could be anything from a research project, a leadership role in a club, or a personal pursuit of knowledge. Then, highlight this experience's impact on your future major or career interests. Explain how it has influenced your academic goals and shaped your passion for a particular field of study. Discuss the knowledge or skills you have gained and how they have strengthened your commitment to pursuing this path.

To help your essay stand out, weave in personal anecdotes or reflections that demonstrate your intellectual growth and curiosity. Share specific moments or instances where you were inspired, challenged, or had a breakthrough in your understanding. These personal insights will help the admissions officers understand your unique intellectual journey.

Ultimately, the goal of this essay is to show the admissions officers that you are not just a passive participant in your extracurricular activities but an active and intellectually curious individual. By highlighting the impact of an extracurricular experience on your academic and career aspirations, you can demonstrate to Duke that you are a sincerely curious individual with a strong intellectual drive.

c. Beliefs & values: We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?

The goal is for Duke to understand if you are able to engage in conversations with those who hold opposing views on a topic important to you – without sparking unnecessary controversy. Can you handle difficult situations and differences of perspectives/opinions? Are you open-minded? However, Melissa also cautions, "This essay can be a bit tricky to pull off without sounding too negative, close-minded, or privileged, so if you choose to answer this one, be mindful of this."

Additionally, while the prompt offers the opportunity to write about agreeing with someone, Melissa adds that “writing about disagreeing would make for a more compelling essay. It shows that you are willing to challenge and question your own beliefs and engage in respectful debates. By discussing a disagreement, you can demonstrate your critical thinking skills and your ability to consider multiple perspectives.”

Avoid discussing direct and confrontational political or religious topics. Instead, focus on exploring differing values within these topics. Provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate the disagreement or differing values. Explain the context and the specific beliefs or values that you and the other person hold, and discuss why this topic is important to you. Then, delve into the areas of disagreement and explore the reasons behind these differences. It’s important to note that you don't have to write about an actual conversation or personal story. You can also discuss something you have observed happening in your school or community. 

Remember to maintain a respectful tone throughout your essay and demonstrate your ability to listen, empathize, and understand different perspectives –  even if you ultimately disagree. Highlight the lessons you learned from these disagreements and how they have shaped your beliefs and values. By showcasing your ability to engage in meaningful conversations with individuals with opposing views, you can demonstrate to the admissions officers that you are open-minded, intellectually curious, and capable of navigating difficult discussions.

d. Being different: We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you.

This is an opportunity where you can write about any experience that you think is different from others in your peer group – outside of sexual orientation/gender identity (answer prompt “e” if you want to talk about that). This could be something about your family, community, household income level, mental or physical challenges, neurodiversity, cultural background, etc. To help you brainstorm, here are some questions to think about:

How do you cope with your chosen difference? Share the strategies and approaches you have developed to navigate and embrace your differences. Whether it is seeking support from loved ones, engaging in self-reflection, or finding solace in creative outlets, explain how these coping mechanisms have helped you grow and thrive. 

How has it positively impacted your life, or what do you appreciate about it? Reflect on the unique perspectives, strengths, and insights that have emerged from your experience. Maybe being part of a multicultural family has exposed you to diverse traditions and values, fostering a deep appreciation for different cultures. Or perhaps growing up with a physical challenge has taught you resilience and determination, enabling you to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. Emphasize how these positive aspects have shaped your character and influenced how you engage with the world.

How has it influenced your perspective and the way you engage with the world? Discuss how your chosen difference has influenced your perspective and worldview. Whether it has heightened your empathy, challenged societal norms, or sparked a passion for advocacy, delve into how this difference has shaped your understanding of various issues and your desire to make a positive impact.

How will it make you a positive influence on Duke’s community/campus? Highlight the specific contributions you can bring to the university, such as fostering inclusivity, promoting diversity, or advocating for the needs of underrepresented communities. Show how your unique perspective and experiences can enrich the campus environment and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive community.

By expanding on your chosen difference and its impact, you can demonstrate to the admissions officers that you possess the resilience, empathy, and unique perspectives necessary to thrive at Duke.

e. Orientation, identity, expression: Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community.

This prompt is similar to prompt d,  but specifically focuses on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. It allows individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community to delve into how their unique experiences have shaped their identity and perspective. It is important to note that only those who are members of or identify within this community should choose to answer this prompt. It is not intended for allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Common and Coalition Applications will also include a section for students to disclose if they were impacted by community disruptions such as natural disasters and COVID-19.

Melissa notes, "At this point, any COVID-19 disruptions written about should be significant. All students had some level of lost opportunity due to COVID-19, so if you do write something here, it needs to be more to explain lower than expected grades, or significant course selection or extracurricular impacts." If you do not have a significant experience to write about, it is totally acceptable to leave this section blank.

Additional Tips for the Duke Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that we've explored the prompts , here are a few more tips to keep in mind for the Duke supplemental essays:

• Emphasize What You Can Bring to the Duke Community. Since Duke admissions officers already know what makes the school great, the supplemental prompts are geared to understand how you would uniquely contribute to the Duke community. When you sit down to brainstorm your Duke supplemental essays 2023-2024 , consider how you can add to the multicultural flair that Duke prides itself on.
• Include Duke Specifics - It can be easy to get carried away when talking about yourself. Yes, it’s your supplemental essay, but you don’t want to write a response that could be used for any school. So, weave in the research you’ve done on Duke. Discuss how you and your perspective would thrive at Duke’s welcoming campus. If there is a pre-existing student organization at Duke that includes people with similar backgrounds—or you would like to start one—include that in your essay as well.
• Use the Word Limit Wisely - While 200-250 isn’t the most restrictive word limit range in the world, it’s not extremely generous either. When writing your Duke supplemental essays 2023-2024, prioritize the content necessary to get your narrative across and cut any unnecessary statements. Each sentence should provide new information that makes you memorable in the reader’s mind. If you exceed the limit—or start repeating your personal statement —it’s time to make cuts and keep what’s new and relevant.

While gaining admission to Duke University is no easy feat, the Duke supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle provide an incredible opportunity to showcase your research and demonstrate why you are the perfect fit for the university. Seize this chance to brainstorm essays that highlight your unique experiences and convey your unwavering dedication to Duke's academic programs and vibrant community. Believe in yourself – you have what it takes!

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools. 

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How To Write The Duke Supplemental Essays

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 11/16/23

Follow along to learn everything you need about the Duke University essays, including prompts, tips, and examples. 

If you are on this page, you are probably doing some college research and may have Duke University on your list. With an acceptance rate of 5.1%, Duke University is one of the most competitive schools in the U.S.

Writing compelling essays is one of the most crucial parts of your Duke application. You may feel pressured to be as perfect as possible, but the good news is we’re here to help. If you’re struggling with your Duke application, look at our definitive guide on how to get into Duke and read on for info on the all-important secondary essays.

Here, we break down each supplemental essay question, give you tips on how to write them, and share examples of excellent essays. By the end of this article, you'll know how to write the Duke supplemental essays.

Let's get started!

Duke University Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

In addition to the long personal essay on the Common Application or the Coalition Application, Duke has six supplemental essay prompts, and five are optional questions in which a maximum of two can be selected. The following prompts can be found on the Duke admissions page .

“What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well.” 

“We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community. (Optional)”

“Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating. (Optional)”

“We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about? (Optional)”

“We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you. (Optional)”

“Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community. (Optional)”

All of these supplemental essay prompts have a 250-word limit. Make sure you choose the essay prompts you know you can answer well! 

How to Write Each Essay Prompt For Duke University

Here, we’ll cover how to write each essay prompt for Duke University. 

How to Write Duke University Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Duke University prompt #1 :

“What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit.)” 

Analysis of prompt #1 : This essay prompt is your classic “Why do you want to go here?” question. Admissions want to see if you’re truly interested in what Duke offers. This includes specific programs, research opportunities, or extracurriculars. 

Duke is a very popular university with thousands of applicants each year. What can this school offer you, and how can it help you reach your goals? 

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Tip #1: Make it Personal :  You should make your essay as personal as possible. Share your interests and academic and career goals. Make sure to tie those into Duke’s mission and how you’d be a great addition to the school’s community. Be sure to add anecdotes as well. 
• Tip #2: Avoid Mentioning Elements Beyond the School's Control : such as the school's location, climate, or city. This information does not provide specific insights into what makes Duke unique. Remember, the prompt asks you about Duke specifically and why you’d like to attend the school. 
• Tip #3: Be Specific : Mention some specific things that Duke offers, such as a particular program or research opportunity. It’s always best to focus on a couple of things the school offers rather than adding a long list. 

How to Write Duke University Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of prompts #2, 5, and 6 : Essay prompts two, five, and six are all considered diversity essays and are open-ended questions. These essay prompts help Duke learn more about you and your lived experiences. Duke University values diversity and believes it makes its community better. 

These prompts are an opportunity to share anything that makes you different, such as:

• Socioeconomic class
• Disabilities
• Gender Identity
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Gender expression
• Interests/hobbies
• And anything else that makes you different!

Share what being a part of these communities means to you, how it has affected you, or what it can bring to the Duke University community. 

Here are some tips to help you out:

• Tip #1: Reflect on Your Background : Discuss aspects of your background, such as cultural heritage, family dynamics, or personal challenges, that have shaped your identity. Don’t list a bunch of things that make you different. Stick to one and focus on it. 
• Tip #2: Share Personal Stories : Provide specific examples or anecdotes illustrating your differences. Personal stories can make your response more engaging and help the admissions committee understand your experiences more deeply.
• Tip #3: Show Resilience : If you've faced challenges related to your unique life experiences, discuss how you've navigated them with resilience. This could include overcoming adversity, advocating for change, or finding support networks.

How to Write Duke University Supplemental Essay #3 + Analysis and Tips

Duke University prompt #3 : ‍

“Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating. (250 word limit.)” 

Analysis of prompt #3 : Duke is interested in learning about your intellectual pursuits and your approach to the learning process. You have the flexibility to explore various aspects, such as a specific class that ignited your curiosity, an independent research project you started, or an experiment you conducted in a science course, among other possibilities.

• Tip #1: Choose One Genuine Experience : Select an intellectual experience that fascinates you. This could be an academic project, a research opportunity, a challenging course, or any other intellectual endeavor that left a lasting impression. 
• Tip #2: Express Your Passion : Convey your passion for the subject matter. Describe why this particular experience captured your interest and why it was so compelling. Use descriptive language to express the depth of your fascination.
• Tip #3: Share Any Challenges and Growth : Share any challenges or obstacles you may have faced during this intellectual journey. Emphasize how you overcame difficulties and highlight the personal and intellectual growth that resulted from the experience.

How to Write Duke University Supplemental Essay #4 + Analysis and Tips

Duke University prompt #4 :

“We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about? (250 word limit.)” 

Analysis of prompt #4 : This prompt focuses on your internal beliefs and values. The core of your essay should involve revealing one of your significant values to the admissions committee. Be careful not to get too political. Instead, talk about a role model or someone who inspires you and why.

• Tip #1: Choose a Role Model :  Choose a role model or someone who inspires you. You can talk about a time your role model let you down, or you had a differing opinion, but be sure to focus on what you learned from that experience.
• Tip #2: Pick Thoughtful Examples : Choose examples that reflect substantial beliefs or values in your life. These could be related to ethics, morality, societal issues, or personal principles. Select instances that are meaningful and can provide insight into your character.
• Tip #3: Highlight Learning Moments : Emphasize what you have learned from agreements and disagreements. Discuss how they have contributed to your personal growth, expanded your understanding, or solidified your convictions.

Examples of Duke University Supplemental Essays That Worked

Below, you’ll find some Duke University supplemental essays written by successful applicants who were admitted to the school! Let’s look at each one and discuss what worked about it.

Sample Essay #1

Prompt : “What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well.” 

“At Duke I was equally entranced by the articulate movements of 3D printers in the Co-Lab and the stunning Gothic architecture. Instead of forming a dichotomy, these aspects of Duke blended to symbolize its emphasis on interdisciplinary education, which will offer me a nuanced perspective of the world integral to becoming a leader in engineering…”

Why Essay #1 Worked

In this excerpt from a “why Duke” essay example, the student answers the prompt with specific aspects of Duke University. They relate the Co-Lab and Duke’s Gothic architecture with their interests in engineering, and they explain why these things are a good match for them. 

Sample Essay #2

Prompt : “We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.”

“The pitter patter of droplets, the sweet smell that permeates throughout the air, the dark gray clouds that fill the sky, shielding me from the otherwise intense gaze of the sun, create a landscape unparalleled by any natural beauty. I have gazed upon the towering cliffs of Yosemite, stood next to Niagara falls as the water roars, succumbing to the power of gravity, and seen the beaches of Mexico basked in moonlight, yet none of these wonders compares to the simple beauty of an Arizona rainstorm. To me, our rain represents more than humidity and darkness; its rarity gives it beauty. The uncertainty of when the next day of rain will come compels me to slow down, and enjoy the moment.

Out of the three realms of time; past, present, and future, the present is the only one we can experience, and I take advantage of every moment I have. When I pause my running to enjoy a sunset that dazzles the sky with brilliant colors of purple and orange, when I touch my brush to a canvas and focus on my movements in the present, when I drive home after a long day of improving our robot, and decide to drive around my neighborhood to finish “Garota de Ipanema”, which just popped up from my playlist of 700 songs, I am taking advantage of the moment.

So next time it rains, step outside. Close your eyes. Hear the symphony of millions of water droplets. And enjoy the moment.”

Why Essay #2 Worked

This essay tells a great story about the student’s unique perspective observing a seemingly mundane event in their community. They use specific and compelling language to capture the reader’s attention. They show us a few of their interests rather than simply telling us they like to paint, build robots, and listen to music. 

Sample Essay #3

Prompt : “Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating.”

“Embarrassment’s red glow covering my face matched the red ink circling the “44” grade atop my AP Biology exam on Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration. I was devastated that day in Room 46.

Until then, Room 46 had been my magic school bus where we spent our time wandering wide-eyed through the world of science: dissecting pigs, testing our own DNA for the Alu insertion, and sharing community-creating laughs along the way. But receiving that “44” jarred me into feeling I didn’t belong there anymore. 

However, after meeting with my guidance counselor, contemplating dropping the class, and countless extra help sessions with my biology teacher, I realized my magic school bus journey wasn’t over yet, as I gradually concluded that my commitment to Room 46 was stronger than one bad test grade, that I was stronger than one bad test grade.

The journey was tricky and undoubtedly riddled with discouraging moments, but by applying myself and being resourceful, I made my “44” an isolated outlier before it was dropped from the gradebook entirely by semester’s end as my lowest grade. While my success can be quantified, it’s nonetheless my memory of Room 46 that’s continuously inspired me to transcend my limits and take on challenges even in areas of weakness (i.e. AP Bio). I consider this my best academic experience because it showed me what happens when you push past failure - success! - as I ended up getting an A in the class and a 5 on the AP test!”

Why Essay #3 Worked

This essay perfectly illustrates an intellectual journey the applicant had gone through that they persevered through. Initially, the applicant felt discouraged by their academic performance; however, they overcame it and learned through the experience and improved their grade tremendously. 

Get More Sample Essays Here!

Looking at examples of successful supplemental essays is a great way to discover strategies that work well. Use our extensive college essay database below to find many more samples!

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions concerning Duke essays.

1. How to Write Duke Supplemental Essays?

When writing the Duke secondaries, choose prompts that lend themselves to your story as an applicant. Your chosen prompts should allow you to talk about important lessons you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. 

The only required essay is the “why Duke” essay, which you should do plenty of research for before you start writing. Understanding and conveying why Duke would be an excellent fit for you is crucial based on your unique interests, passions, and values. 

2. What Makes a Good “Why Duke” Essay?

The trick to writing an excellent “why Duke” essay is doing plenty of research. You should learn everything the school offers, including clubs, programs, extracurriculars, awards, and history. Your essay should demonstrate how Duke is a uniquely perfect school for you and highlight what parts of Duke excite you. 

3. How Should I Start Writing My Supplemental Essays?

One of the best ways to start writing is to brainstorm and reflect. Have all your ideas written down on a page so you can pick the ones you think are the best. Do your research on Duke. By the time you start drafting, you should know what direction you want to take your essay and how to end it .

4. What If I Cannot Think of Anything to Write About In My Essays?

If you cannot think of anything to write about in an optional essay, it might be a good sign that you should leave it blank. If you have ideas but are stuck, try taking a break from brainstorming. 

Ask thoughtful questions and answer truthfully to get inspired. Try not to worry too much. Writing a 250-word essay is probably not the most challenging task you have ever done. 

5. How Long Is the Why Duke Essay?

Duke University’s supplemental essays are 250 words or less long, including the “why Duke” essay. 

6. Are Duke Optional Essays Optional?

Yes, the Duke optional essays are optional. Duke University has one required essay prompt that asks you to explain why you want to attend Duke. The other five essays are all optional. You can write a maximum of two essays in response to two or none of the four prompts. 

Final Thoughts

The Duke essays ask you to hone in on your academic interests, tell a story about your diverse experiences, and reflect on your sexual and gender identities. You should start researching and planning your essay as soon as possible, giving yourself enough time to develop your ideas. 

Use your authentic voice when you write these essays. The admissions committee has read enough about what other people have to say about you, and they want to know the person behind the printed name, transcripts, and score reports. 

Do not be afraid to be vulnerable in your essays. Be mindful of your spelling and grammar, and write about things that are important to you. Make your passion clear to your readers, and you will leave a lasting impression on them. 

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The Admissions Strategist

How to write the duke supplemental essays 2020-2021 (examples included).

Duke University has an acceptance rate of 9% and is a prestigious school that is appealing to thousands of applicants, thanks to its excellent programs and warm southern climate.

Duke also ranks in 9 th place on the list of Top National Universities by US News.

So, can you stand out from such a competitive applicant pool ?

One way to do so is through your supplemental essays! This guide will help you write the best Duke supplemental essays.

Click above for a video on how to write the Duke supplemental essays.

What are the Duke Supplemental Essay Requirements?

Duke requires you to submit a supplemental essay for the program that you are applying to, and gives you the option to respond to up to two other essay prompts if you feel that there are aspects of your background that were not covered in other parts of the application.

The supplemental essay prompts can be found on Duke’s admissions website and are also reproduced later in this guide.

Tips from Duke University

Before we get into the specific questions associated with each program, Duke has some general tips for their applicants when writing the supplemental essays.

• It is not easier or harder to be admitted to one program or another.
• Pick the school and academic fields that best match your interests.
• One of the short essay questions is required, and the other is optional.

Concerning the third bullet, Transizion recommends that you respond to optional essays that pertain to you.

That is, if the essay has something to do with your life, you should answer it. Writing essays can be tiring and stressful, but this advice is for your own good.

The main point of the first two tips is to remind you that it will be easier to write your essays on the field you’re interested in than on the field you think has the higher acceptance rate.

When answering a question about why you want to attend Duke and study at a program, never write about the following:

• Location (perhaps your fascination with the Research Triangle)
• Social life

One thing that you may notice about Duke’s supplemental essay questions is that they are generally more straightforward than some of the other more creative questions you may have received from other schools.

Thanks to this straightforward nature, just write:

• Don’t craft a gimmicky introduction.
• Stick to a simple structure.
• Make sure to brainstorm different ideas, themes, values, hobbies, and interests . You don’t want to write your essay, only to realize that you now have a better idea and should have started writing with it.

If you have a firm idea of what you would want to study at Duke, use this supplemental essay to show the admissions committee!

• Talk about the classes and resources that you would take advantage of as a student at Duke.
• For example, discuss an upper-level mechanical engineering course on mechatronics that you want to take.

Admissions committees don’t necessarily expect students to know exactly what they want to study before they step on campus, but they do want to make sure that their school, or in this case, engineering, is really what you want to do.

Think about why you want to study engineering and what about studying the subject at Duke interests you.

For example, you might be interested in tissue engineering and drug development but aren’t sure whether you’d like to major in biomedical engineering or chemical engineering.

• Is there a professor whose research fascinates you? Why?
• What classes would you take as a student at Duke?
• Is there an extracurricular that you’re excited to join?
• Is there an aspect of your current education that sparks inspiration within you?
• What about engineering do you love? Design? Solving problems? Inventing? Math?
• Do you have inventions that you’d like to share with the world?

Get personalized advice!

Thus, ask yourself:

• How will Duke’s engineering program help me accomplish my goals?

“Why Duke?” Supplemental Essay

Please share with us why you consider Duke a good match for you.  Is there something in particular about Duke’s academic or other offerings that attract you?  (200 words maximum)

This supplemental question is straightforward and can be broken down into two parts:

• Why do you consider Duke a good match for you, and
• Is there something in particular about Duke that attracts you?

When approaching the first question, you should focus on your own experiences and why you think that you would be a good fit for Duke.

You might focus on the following:

• Your academic interests
• Your community interests, and how your experience would add to the existing communities at Duke.
• Alternatively, there may be a community that you see Duke does not have, so you could argue that bringing your community to campus is what makes Duke a good match for you.
• For example, you might be interested in the political issues of an obscure social group that Duke is not aware of. Write about that.

This is the time to talk about the resources that Duke would offer you as a student.

• This might be a certain major, a particular professor, or a student organization.
• You should talk about how you might use those resources as well.
• For example, there might be a music group on campus that you’d be interested in joining because you’ve been in choir for the past few years.

Still having trouble? Here are more straightforward questions:

• What student organizations do you want to join?
• What do you plan to study? Why?
• What professors do you want the opportunity to talk to?

Tie the answers to these two questions into your essay, and you’re done!

“Why Duke” Supplemental Essay Examples!

Here’s an essay from a student who applied and was accepted to Duke:

The forty-two volunteer opportunities at the Duke University Medical Center was one of the first facets of Duke that drew me in. The DUMC student volunteer program offers diverse and enriching experiences for undergraduate students, especially those interested in pursuing medicine like myself. Digging deeper into what Duke has to offer its pre-medicine students, I am drawn to the rigorous courses as I thrive in academically challenging environments. Furthermore, the university’s connections enable pre-medicine students to have meaningful experiences in professional workplaces, such as opportunities for shadowing. Shadowing is a key element that attracts me to Duke since it is an essential component in preparing for a health career. This opportunity is something that I value because it provides a realistic insight into the skills and proficiency needed in the professions, as well as an understanding of the numerous paths in health care. Outside of experiences directed at pre-medicine students, Duke also offers a wide variety of activities and clubs to create a well-rounded atmosphere for their students. It is important to me to follow the hobbies and passions that lay outside of my educational focus, so I am excited to explore the variety of clubs and organizations. I have actively participated in traditional Indian dance and volunteered within my community for as long as I can remember, so it was exciting to find student groups within Duke committed to the passions I already have, such as Duke Dhamaka, Blue Devils United, and Environmental Alliance. I’m looking forward to finding communities at Duke, both inside the classroom and out, to which I belong.

Here’s another “Why Duke” Essay Example:

I am particularly interested in Duke’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education. This unique learning environment will allow me to explore my varied interests, which include studying neuroscience and economics. I am interested in understanding the intersection between these fields, where I can gain insight into our human decision-making system. Engaging in Duke’s renowned Center for Interdisciplinary Decision Science will allow me to collaborate and take part in neuroeconomics research under the guidance of the field’s leaders and pioneers. I am specifically interested in the research of Dr. Huettel, who correlates quantitative behavioral data with neurobiology to reveal interesting analyses about human behavior. In the future, I hope to use my background in the social sciences and the interdisciplinary education from Duke to arm myself with a diverse set of skills to provide the highest quality of care in my career as a physician.

A third “Why Duke” Supplemental Example:

Duke students and professors exhibit curiosity, a love of learning and a contagious school spirit. I want to be a part of it. I was first drawn to this passion for learning and infectious school spirit when I attended the Duke Ac tion Science Camp in fourth grade. During the camp, I was awed as I watched a professor’s excitement as he made a reaction with calcium carbonate hot enough to cook on. I waded into a creek to observe all sorts of critters, got to extract DNA from a strawberry and even went to visit the lemurs. I was hooked! The action-packed camp ignited my love of learning for science and the arts. My decision to make Duke my home was made final by my visit last summer. My family spent the whole day exploring and talking to students on Duke’s campus. While each student had a different story, they all shared the same passion. Every student emphasized the diversity of the student body, the collaborative nature of the community, and each student we spoke to shared the same excitement that I remembered that science professor having all those years ago. Duke provides the academic challenges, collaborative environment, and impassioned, curious community that I am looking for.  Having been a Stanton Blue Devil for the last four years, I am ecstatic about the possibility of becoming a blue devil for another four years!

Duke Diversity Essays

If you read through these essay questions and find that there is something you want to say that hasn’t already been mentioned elsewhere in your application, go for it. Your perspective and experience are important.

Duke University seeks a talented, engaged student body that embodies the wide range of human experience; we believe that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. If you’d like to share a perspective you bring or experiences you’ve had to help us understand you better—perhaps related to a community you belong to or your family or cultural background—we encourage you to do so. Real people are reading your application, and we want to do our best to understand and appreciate the real people applying to Duke. (250 words maximum)

These are fairly personal questions, so if there are any experiences that you feel have shaped your upbringing and/or led to your decision to apply to Duke, let them know here.

For example:

• Did a grandparent raise you?
• Did you have to work to support your family?
• Have you been diagnosed with a chronic condition?
• Did you immigrate to the United States from another country?
• Are you an active member of an organization that promotes the welfare of a particular social group?

Whatever it is, Duke’s admissions committee wants to hear it and is giving you the space to tell them here.

You don’t need to feel constrained when writing this essay. Think about your strengths, weaknesses, struggles, challenges, accomplishments, family life, genetic conditions, and other elements that have influenced your life.

“Diversity” doesn’t mean ethnic or racial diversity; think about what you bring to the table. These questions will help you brainstorm:

• If you entered a room full of people, what would you tell a stranger about your life story?
• What have been your greatest struggles and challenges?
• Name an accomplishment, no matter how small or large, that you worked hard to attain.
• What are three traits that are essential to understanding you?
• What do your family and friends love about you?
• Is there a story from your life that is a crucible? Name the dramatic changes you went through after this crucible.

Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes gender identity and sexual orientation. If you would like to share with us more about either, and have not done so elsewhere in the application, we invite you to do so here.  

This is also a personal question, but if you do have experiences relating to your gender identity or sexual orientation that you would like to share with the admissions committee, do so here.

• For example, you may have realized you were bisexual in high school, or maybe you don’t identify as male or female.
• Has your gender identity changed over time?
• Did you discover that your sexual orientation was not what you originally thought it was?

Again, you do not have to write a response to this essay if you would prefer not to.

Duke Diversity Supplemental Essay Examples

I was just trying to buy a Sprite and pay my hundred rupees. The cashier was starting to look as hassled as I felt, speaking urgently in a language I couldn’t understand. We were both frustrated and the cashier stormed off to another counter and grabbed a plate from under it. At this point, I’m thinking “Why would I need a plate for my Sprite?” Normally at shops, the employees know enough English, and I can understand the gist of the Tamil words with my own Telugu background. This time, we were both extremely confused. Eventually, after non-verbal communication and pointing, I realized she was supposed to offer me a free plate with my Sprite because of a deal.  Most people are surprised to learn that moving to India was a huge adjustment for me even though I’m Indian. Yet, considering I was moving to a country I never lived in, a state whose language I don’t speak, and a culture I’m not fully part of, it has been a definite challenge. From the language barrier to the culture change, and even the conservative manners and customs, I have had to adapt to a new way of living. All of that and living in a country that is different culturally and socially from the United States gave me a new perspective of viewing my place in the world. I am confident that these experiences will help me make the community at Duke even more inclusive and understanding of differences.

Growing up in a Sindhi Indian family, I was brought up following unique cultural traditions of music, art, and dance. However, one of my favorite parts of my upbringing revolves around baking Sindhi desserts like khorak, majoon, and khus-khus seero. I have vivid memories of beautiful Saturday afternoons that my mom and I spent baking these sweets, filling the room with a brilliant aroma. I remember slowly gaining an appreciation for the patience, care, and subtle attention needed to cook these deserts. These dry fruit desserts, traditionally baked in India, are used to celebrate important and beautiful occasions, such as weddings and holidays. My family and Sindhi community, however, also use them to remember and enjoy the often overlooked moments in life, aiming to spread joy and happiness to those who eat them. Through eating these desserts alone, I often see smiles from my family members, as they reminisce about their earlier joyful memories of relishing these sweets with their loved ones, celebrating life’s beautiful moments. At Duke, not only do I hope to bake these deserts for others, but I also look forward to embracing new traditions from other students excited to share aspects of their cultural identity. Overall, I hope to use these sweets to share at least a snippet of my culture with the Duke community. With every small progress that I may make with my peers at Duke, I hope to share this beautiful emphasis on celebration that I have gained from my Sindhi cultural upbringing.

Conclusion: Writing the Duke Supplemental Essays

Now that you’ve finished this article, you should feel prepared to start writing your supplemental essays for Duke University.

Additionally, don’t forget to proofread . These essays are short, but you don’t want to apply with a false sense of confidence. Go through every line looking for the passive voice, typos, and punctuation errors.

If you get stuck, feel free to revisit this article for some brainstorming tips. Good luck!

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Duke Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

The journey to becoming part of the esteemed Duke University community begins with a crucial step: the application process. The Duke supplemental essays 2023-2024 stand out as a pivotal element that allows prospective students to showcase their individuality.

As applicants navigate through either the Common Application or the Coalition Application, they are presented with an opportunity to reflect on their experiences, aspirations, and values through carefully crafted essay prompts.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Duke Have?

Navigating the Duke supplemental essays 2023-2024 requires a clear understanding of the requirements set forth by the university. Duke University asks all applicants to write one long essay as part of their application, which can be one of the prompts provided by either the Common Application or the Coalition Application.

In addition to this main essay, Duke offers five optional short essay prompts from which applicants can choose up to two. These short essays allow students to give the admissions committee a fuller picture of their interests, experiences, and aspirations.

The optional essays are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended as they give additional context to your application and allow for a more personal connection with the admissions team.

What are the Duke Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

The Duke supplemental essays 2023-2024 are a series of thoughtfully designed prompts that serve as a window into an applicant’s soul. These essays are not mere formalities but are integral to Duke’s comprehensive review process.

Whether through the Common Application’s seven prompts or the Coalition Application’s six, these essays are a platform for students to convey what they will bring to Duke’s dynamic community. The prompts vary in theme and focus, but all aim to uncover the diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds that students can contribute to the university.

For those applying through the Common Application, Duke requires completing one of the seven essay prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. These prompts are designed to give students a broad spectrum of topics, allowing them to highlight the aspects of their journey that they feel are most significant.

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

The prompts range from discussing one’s background or a meaningful talent to reflecting on a time when one questioned a belief or idea. The choice of prompt allows students to share a narrative most reflective of their individual experiences and can complement the other elements of their application.

Coalition Application

Applicants using the Coalition Application for the Duke supplemental essays 2023-2024 will select one of six essay prompts for the admissions cycle. Similar to the Common Application, these prompts are intended to provide a platform for students to convey their unique stories and perspectives.

• Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
• What interests or excites you? How does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future?
• Describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. What were the challenges? What were the rewards?
• Has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned? How did you respond? What did you learn?
• What success have you achieved or obstacle have you faced? What advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience?
• Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.

The Coalition Application’s prompts encourage reflection on personal growth, the impact of technology on life, and the pursuit of solutions to societal issues, among other topics. The chosen prompt should align with the applicant’s narrative and serve as a vehicle to express their potential contributions to the Duke community.

Duke Short-Essay Prompts 2023-2024

In addition to the main essay, Duke presents applicants with five optional short essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, with a limit of 250 words each. Applicants have the discretion to answer up to two of these prompts.

• We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.
• Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating.
• We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?
• We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you.
• Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community.

These short essays are an invaluable opportunity to discuss various aspects of one’s identity, such as intellectual interests, community engagement, and global perspectives. While these questions are optional, they are critical for students to differentiate themselves in a pool of highly qualified applicants.

How to Write the Duke Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Writing the Duke University supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle is critical in your journey to becoming part of this prestigious institution. These essays are your opportunity to show Duke who you are and what you can bring to their vibrant academic community.

Duke seeks academically capable students who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to campus. Therefore, your essays should highlight your unique qualities and how they align with Duke’s values and academic environment.

Common Application Prompts 2023-2024

The Common Application prompts for the 2023-2024 cycle offer a range of topics, allowing students to showcase various aspects of their personality and life experiences. These prompts ask you to reflect on your background, challenges you’ve faced, beliefs you’ve questioned, and moments of gratitude or personal growth.

They also provide an opportunity to discuss a topic that captivates you or to submit an essay of your choice. Each prompt requires a response of no more than 650 words. This word limit challenges you to be concise yet thorough in your storytelling. The prompts are designed to give admissions officers a deeper understanding of you as an individual beyond your academic achievements.

Understanding the Common Application Prompts 2023-2024

Understanding the Common Application prompts is crucial for crafting compelling essays. Each prompt serves a specific purpose.

For instance, discussing a background or talent allows you to share your unique story and how it has shaped you. Talking about obstacles and challenges showcases your resilience and ability to learn from difficult situations. Reflecting on a time you questioned a belief highlights your critical thinking and openness to new perspectives. Sharing a story of gratitude or an accomplishment reveals what you value and how you’ve grown. Describing a captivating topic or idea illustrates your intellectual curiosity. Finally, submitting an essay of your choice offers maximum flexibility to express what you feel is most important for admissions officers to know about you. Each response should provide a window into your character, values, and potential contributions to the Duke community.

Brainstorming Your Response to the Common Application Prompts 2023-2024

• Identify Personal Connections : For each prompt, think about experiences that connect deeply with the topic. Personal stories are always more compelling.
• List Key Moments : List life events, achievements, challenges, or interests that could be a focal point for your essays.
• Reflect on Growth and Lessons : Consider how these experiences have shaped you. What have you learned, and how have you grown?
• Think About Your Impact : Reflect on how your experiences have impacted others or how they demonstrate your potential to contribute positively to Duke’s community.
• Consider Your Passions : For prompts about interests or ideas, focus on what excites you and why. Authenticity is key.
• Unique Angle : Find a unique angle or perspective for your story that will make your essay stand out.

Structuring Your Answer for the Common Application Prompts 2023-2024

When structuring your response to the Common Application prompts, start with a clear and engaging introduction that sets the tone and context for your essay.

The body of your essay should delve into the details of your story or reflection. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and bring your experiences to life. Ensure each paragraph flows logically to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative.

In the conclusion, tie your story back to the prompt and reflect on the broader implications of your experiences. Highlight how these experiences have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities at Duke University. Remember, your essay should answer the prompt and showcase your writing skills, critical thinking, and personal growth.

Coalition Application Prompts 2023-2024

The Coalition Application for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle at Duke University presents diverse prompts, allowing applicants to showcase different facets of their personality, experiences, and aspirations. These prompts elicit responses that reveal the applicant’s character, passions, influence on others, ability to handle challenges, and intellectual curiosity.

Each prompt requires a thoughtful and reflective response, capped at 650 words. This word limit encourages applicants to be concise yet impactful in their storytelling. The prompts range from sharing a personal story that defines your character, discussing your interests and their influence on your identity, to reflecting on a time when your beliefs were challenged.

The flexibility of these prompts, including the option to submit an essay on a topic of your choice, provides a broad platform for students to express their unique perspectives and experiences.

Understanding the Coalition Application Prompts 2023-2024

Understanding the Coalition Application prompts is crucial for crafting essays that resonate with the admissions committee. Each prompt serves a unique purpose and offers a window into your personality and life journey.

The first prompt seeks a narrative that highlights your character or personal growth. The second asks about your passions and how they shape your identity and future. The third prompt focuses on your impact on others, emphasizing empathy and social responsibility. The fourth is about your response to having your beliefs challenged, showcasing your open-mindedness and critical thinking. The fifth prompt invites you to share a personal success or obstacle and the wisdom gained from it, reflecting maturity and resilience. Lastly, the option to write an essay on a topic of your choice allows for maximum creativity and personal expression. Each essay should glimpse who you are beyond your academic achievements and how you would contribute to the Duke community.

Brainstorming Your Response to the Coalition Application Prompts 2023-2024

• Personal Story That Defines You : Reflect on experiences significantly shaping your character. Think about moments of triumph, struggle, or decision-making.
• Passions and Interests : Identify what genuinely excites you, be it academic subjects, social issues, hobbies, or future aspirations. Consider how these passions have influenced your life choices and personality.
• Impact on Others : Recall instances where you positively affected others. Focus on the challenges and satisfaction or lessons derived from these experiences.
• Challenged Beliefs : Think about times when your viewpoints were questioned. Reflect on your response to the challenge and the learning outcomes.
• Personal Successes or Obstacles : Consider significant achievements or hurdles you’ve encountered. Focus on the advice you would give to others based on these experiences.
• Essay of Your Choice : Brainstorm topics you are passionate about or highlight a unique aspect of your personality or life experience not covered in other essays.

Structuring Your Answer for the Coalition Application Prompts 2023-2024

When structuring your response to the Coalition Application prompts, begin with a compelling introduction that captures the essence of your story or perspective.

For the body of your essay, delve into the specifics of your experiences or viewpoints, using vivid details and personal reflections to bring your narrative to life. Ensure that each paragraph flows logically, maintaining a clear and cohesive structure.

In your conclusion, tie back to the prompt by summarizing the key points and reflecting on the broader implications of your story or perspective. This could include how your experiences have prepared you for the challenges at Duke University or how they align with your future goals.

Remember, your essay should be a response to the prompt and an opportunity to showcase your ability to think critically, express yourself clearly, and demonstrate personal growth.

For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, Duke University has introduced a series of short essay prompts, each requiring a response of no more than 250 words. These prompts are designed to delve deeper into applicants’ perspectives, beliefs, and experiences. They cover various topics, from intellectual experiences and discussions on beliefs and values to personal identity and fitting in.

Duke’s aim with these prompts is to understand the diverse backgrounds and viewpoints that students can bring to their campus. These essays allow applicants to share more about themselves concisely yet impactfully, providing a glimpse into their thought processes, values, and how they perceive and interact with the world around them.

Understanding the Duke Short-Essay Prompts 2023-2024

Understanding the Duke short-essay prompts is critical to crafting insightful and relevant responses. Each prompt invites you to share a unique aspect of your identity or experience.

The first prompt seeks to understand the diverse perspectives you might bring to Duke’s community. The second asks about an intellectual adventure that fascinated you, looking for your passion for learning and curiosity. The third prompt explores your approach to discussing and questioning beliefs, indicating your ability to engage in meaningful dialogue. The fourth concerns how your unique differences have shaped your experiences and perspectives. The fifth prompt invites you to discuss your sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression and its significance to you.

These prompts are designed to gauge your self-awareness, critical thinking, and how you might contribute to the diversity and dynamism of Duke’s community.

Brainstorming Your Response to the Duke Short-Essay Prompts 2023-2024

• Diverse Perspectives : Reflect on experiences or aspects of your identity that provide a unique perspective. Consider cultural background, life experiences, or personal challenges.
• Intellectual Fascination : Think about academic subjects, projects, or topics that deeply interest you. What sparked this interest, and why does it resonate with you?
• Discussions on Beliefs : Recall conversations where you either found agreement or respectfully disagreed on essential issues. What were these discussions about, and what did they reveal about your values?
• Personal Differences : Identify aspects of your identity or experiences that make you stand out. How have these differences shaped your view of the world and yourself?
• Identity and Expression : Consider how your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression has affected your life. What meaning does this hold for you personally or within a community context?

Structuring Your Answer for the Duke Short-Essay Prompts 2023-2024

When structuring your response to the Duke short-essay prompts, start with a clear and engaging introduction that sets the stage for your reply.

In the body of your essay, delve into specific examples and experiences that directly address the prompt. Be concise yet descriptive, ensuring every word adds value to your narrative. Use personal reflections to provide depth and insight into your thoughts and feelings.

Conclude by tying your response back to the broader theme of the prompt, reflecting on how your experiences and perspectives align with the values and community at Duke University. Remember, these essays are a chance to showcase your unique voice, attitude, and what you can contribute to the diverse tapestry of Duke’s campus life.

Ready to Make Your Mark at Duke?

Crafting the perfect Duke supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle is your chance to stand out in a competitive applicant pool. At AdmissionSight , we specialize in helping ambitious students like you showcase your unique story and academic prowess to top-tier institutions like Duke University.

Our expert consultants are ready to guide you through each essay prompt, ensuring your application shines with clarity, purpose, and a touch of personal flair. Don’t leave your Duke admissions journey to chance. Contact AdmissionSight today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward turning your dream of attending Duke into a reality!

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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How to Write the “Why Duke” Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Robert Crystal in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered

Understand the prompt, avoid generalizations, use specific examples, connect yourself to duke.

Duke University has one required essay and one optional essay, where you can choose to respond to two of several prompts. It is important to write strong essays for your application to Duke because it is a highly competitive school. For more information, read this comprehensive guide on how to write the application essays for Duke University . 

What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 words)

This is a classic college application essay prompt, and it is the one required prompt that all Duke applicants must respond to. If you are in the process of applying to colleges, you have probably seen many supplemental essays prompts that look similar to this one. Nearly every college or university will ask for some version of this essay to gauge your interest in their school. Have you done your research? Are you a good fit? Do you want things that the school can provide you?

Applying to colleges is a matchmaking process, and essay prompts like this help colleges determine whether you are the right match for them. The admissions officers want to know if an applicant is invested in their school and to admit those applicants who are most likely to take advantage of all the opportunities that the school offers. 

A compelling response to this essay prompt will avoid sweeping generalizations that could apply to any college or university: “The engineering department is doing groundbreaking work. The liberal arts curriculum strikes the perfect balance between depth and breadth.”

Anything that you write that applies to more than one school or department will not be a sufficient response to this prompt. Your response needs to be specific to Duke and only Duke, and the admissions officer should feel confident when reading your application that you know what the university can offer you that no other school can.

The best way to demonstrate your interest in Duke is to use specific examples of your goals, interests, and previous experiences. Most importantly, do your research, and identify specific academic departments, faculty, research opportunities, student organizations, scholarships, and other resources on campus that match your goals and interests. To help you with this, you should explore Duke University’s website, social media accounts, and any interviews or articles written by current students or recent graduates. 

A great way to start your essay is by describing your specific academic and professional goals and then transitioning into a discussion on the academic offerings and preprofessional programming that you will take advantage of at Duke. Afterward, you can draw connections between your other skills and interests and programs, opportunities, and resources at the university.

Make sure you weave information about yourself and other helpful context into the essay so you are building a narrative and not just rattling off a list of things that you researched on the Duke University website. These details will help admissions officers understand who you are as an applicant and how that relates to your desire to attend Duke and take advantage of the various opportunities that you have identified.

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Why Duke Essay: 4 Tips for a Great Essay

College Essays

Are you hoping to become a Blue Devil? The Why Duke essay is a small but important part of your Duke application. This is the place where you explain exactly why you love Duke so much. However, there are thousands of students who want to attend Duke, and only a small percentage of them get in. What can you do to make sure your Why Duke essay sets you apart and helps you get accepted?

Keep reading to learn what the Why Duke essay prompts are, exactly what Duke is looking for when they read them, and what you should write about to convince Duke you'd be an asset to their school. We also include a Why Duke essay example so you can see what an actual essay response looks like.

The Why Duke Essay Prompts

Here's the Why Duke essay prompt:

The Why Duke essay prompt is o ne of several essay prompts you'll need to answer in your Duke application. You can learn more about the other Duke essays in our in-depth guide . (You can also get more information about how to answer the "Why This College?" style essay prompts here. )

What Is the Purpose of the Why Duke Essay?

Why does Duke require applicants to answer this essay? What are they really looking for in your response to "why Duke"? Let's analyze these prompts. No matter which schools you're applying to, the " why this school " prompt is probably the most common prompt you'll see on college applications. Why? Because colleges want to see that you really want to attend their school.

Students who love the school they attend and feel that it's a good fit are more likely to accept an offer of admission, be interested in their studies, take advantage of what the school offers, and give back after they graduate. Basically, Duke and other schools which include this prompt are looking for students who will take advantage of all the unique opportunities they offer so they have the biggest impact at the school and when they're alumni.

If you show that you really love Duke and are ready to make the most of your time there, it makes admissions officers feel more confident you're going to have a significant and positive impact on their school.

If you can't give any compelling reasons for choosing Duke or you don't seem to have done much research on the school, that makes Duke worry that you'll only do the bare minimum in college or have little impact during your time at Duke and afterwards.

Additionally, Duke asks you to write this essay to make sure you and their school are a good fit for each other. If you use this essay to talk about majors, classes, internships, study abroad options, etc. that Duke doesn't offer, the admissions team may be hesitant to offer you a place at Duke since it may not be the best place for you to reach your goals.

Basically, the purpose of this essay is twofold: Duke wants to make sure you know and value what they offer, and they also want to see how you're going to make use of these opportunities to reach your goals for the future.

What Should You Write About in Your Why Duke Essay?

Because Duke has so many opportunities to offer students, there are many ways to approach this essay topic. Here's a list of potential ideas:

• Majors, minors, certificates, and/or classes Duke offers that you're especially interested in. This also includes Program II, where you can design your own individual degree program.
• The Focus Program, which lets first-year students take classes on unique topics.
• Duke professors whose work you admire and with whom you'd like to study or conduct research.
• Duke's Service Learning or DukeEngage programs which give students the opportunity to provide services to communities in need.
• Clubs or sports teams you'd like to join.
• The Duke Startup Challenge which helps students who want to be entrepreneurs.
• Research opportunities you'd like to have (the more specific you can be, the better).
• Internship opportunities Duke offers.
• Duke students or alumni you've met who you admire.
• Financial aid opportunities Duke offers that make it possible for you to attend.

In your response, you should choose about one or two reasons why you think Duke is the best school for you. For each reason, you should describe what Duke offers and connect it back to your interest and skills to show how you're a good match for the school.

For example, you could write that you've always been interested in global health, and you have an idea for an invention/idea that could improve global health in developing countries. You want to attend Duke to take advantage of the Duke StartupConnect to get your product out there, then participate in DukeEngage or a similar program Duke offers to try the product out in the field. Or, you may be a mechanical engineering student who wants to work with a specific professor at Pratt and take advantage of the research opportunities Duke offers to study thermal and fluids systems.

Remember to be as specific as possible to show Duke that you've done your research, and show both what you care about/want to do with the rest of your life and how Duke can help you get there.

Look: we get it. Duke basketball is AMAZING. But don't talk about it in your "Why Duke?" essay. Save it for Cameron Stadium. (Keenan Hairston/ Wikimedia )

A Note About Duke Basketball

Duke's basketball team has an extremely dedicated fan base, and many students choose to go to Duke at least partly because they love the basketball team. However, we strongly discourage you from using this essay to discuss your love of Duke basketball.

There are several reasons for this . First, many, many applicants mention the basketball team as a reason they want to attend Duke, so you won't make your essay unique or memorable if you give the same reason most other people do. Second, Duke is foremost an academic institution, and it wants students who are dedicated to their studies. Duke classes require a lot of work, and if you give the impression that all you'll be doing at Duke is waiting hours in line so you can be the first one in Cameron Stadium for each game, they may wonder if you'll succeed at the school.

So write about something other than the basketball team, and then once you get in, feel free to paint yourself blue and join the other Cameron Crazies.

Tips for Writing a Great Why Duke Essay

No matter how you decide to answer the "Why Duke" prompt, here are four tips you should keep in mind to make sure you stand out from the crowd and show Duke that you're a student they want to have at their school.

#1: Do Your Research

Before you start writing, you should know a lot about the opportunities Duke offers and why you want to go there. Here are some places to start your research:

• Duke website
• Duke majors, minors, and certificates
• Course catalog
• The Duke Chronicle (school newspaper)
• Duke internship opportunities
• Duke research opportunities
• Campus visit
• Meeting with an alum or current student
• Meeting with a professor

#2: Be Specific

From your research, you now have multiple reasons as to why Duke is a great school for you. Choose one or two of them to write about in your essay. The more specific you can be when answering the "Why Duke" prompt, the better. Don't just say that Duke has great classes, smart professors, and an interesting student body. Most schools have that, and the people reading your essay will wonder if you're using an identical essay for every school you're applying to.

Instead, try to mention opportunities only Duke can provide, such as specific professors, course names, extracurriculars, or research programs. The things you discuss should be things your other top schools don't offer, things that really make Duke stand out.

#3: Show Your Passion

Duke students are a passionate bunch, and Duke wants students who care a lot about their studies and their school. A generic statement like, "I am impressed by Duke's strong engineering programs" doesn't tell the school anything about you or help you stand out from other applicants.

Why does the engineering program make you so excited? How do you want to use your engineering skills in the future? Write about those things instead. Showing a passion that's unique will help differentiate you from other applicants and show Duke that you'll take your studies seriously.

#4: Make Every Word Count

The word limit on this essay means that it's going to be very short, so you want to get the most out of those words. Start with an outline of your main points: why you want to go to Duke and how you'll make the most of those opportunities at the school and after graduation, then expand from there until you hit 250 words.

This isn't the essay to tell an in-depth story about your childhood or go into flowery descriptions. Instead, make your main points strong and don't worry about adding too many embellishments to the essay.

Why Duke Essay Example

Sometimes the best way to understand what a great Duke essay looks like is to look at an example. Below is a Why Duke essay example, followed by an explanation of what makes it stand out.

- Calvin Thompson

What Makes This Essay Work?

This essay is strong in three key ways:

Shows Passion: It's clear that this student loves Duke. From gasping at his first look at campus to his mouth almost watering at the thought of going there, he's clearly committed to the school.

Mentions Specific Details: This is a short essay, but the writer still manages to mention multiple professors, programs, and subjects Duke has that he's interested in. That shows he did his research and definitely isn't using the same generic essay for each school he applies to.

Shows a Plan for the Future: His plans for the future (education + business) aren't super specific, but that's fine since most students start college not yet knowing exactly what they want to do in the future, and Duke doesn't expect you to have everything figured out already. However, he has a plan to get started and see where those interests take him, which shows motivation and initiative.

Summary: Writing a Great Why Duke Essay

The Why Duke essay is a key part of your Duke application since it lets the school know why you want to go to Duke, what you want to get out of your time there, and how Duke will prepare you for the future. In 250 words or less, you need to explain why Duke is the school you want to attend.

There are many ways to answer the prompt, but you should always make sure to do your research on the school, use specific examples, show your passion for the school, and make every word count.

What's Next?

Want to know how to answer the other Duke essay prompts? Check out our guide on the Duke essays for everything you need to know!

Is Duke an Ivy League School? Learn more about the Ivy League and whether Duke is part of it by reading our guide to Ivy League schools .

Want to stand apart from other Duke applicants? Learn how to score a perfect 1600 on the SAT , so you can increase your shot at getting into the school of your dreams!

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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August 8, 2023

2023-2024 Duke Supplemental Essay Prompts

Duke University has released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-2024 college admissions cycle. In addition to The Common Application ’s Personal Statement, Duke’s Class of 2028 applicants must write one supplemental essay. Two additional essays are optional. Of course, as loyal readers of Ivy Coach ’s college admissions blog know all too well, any optional essay in elite college admissions should not be considered optional. If students want to get in, they must write both optional essays as well.

2023-2024 Duke Essay Topics and Questions

Required essay.

The first prompt, the required essay, has a limit of 250 words and reads as follows:

What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well.

It’s a Why Duke essay prompt. As such, an applicant’s approach should be filled with specific examples after specific examples that only apply to Duke. Name-dropping professors or listing classes are not genuine specifics about a university . Instead, it should be an applicant’s goal to capture the enduring specifics of a school — programs, institute, culture, traditions, activities — and how a student will contribute their singular hook — rather than well-roundedness — to the institution.

Optional Essay Prompts

Applicants are offered the opportunity to answer two of the following five prompts in 250 words or less. These essays are optional, though they should not be treated as such.

1. Perspective response

We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

In the wake of the Affirmative Action ruling against Affirmative Action, this essay prompt presents an opportunity for students to share the prism of their experience. While it can certainly focus on a student’s race or faith (as Chief Justice John Roberts’ majority opinion makes clear), it doesn’t have to and can instead spotlight an applicant’s unique lived experience that has nothing to do with their racial or religious background.

2. Intellectual experience

Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating.

Ideally, an applicant’s answer will zero in on their hook. All of Duke’s admissions essays should be considered puzzle pieces. The specific topic that a student writes about in their Personal Statement should never be written about again since doing so would be redundant. Still, each essay should dovetail one another to showcase how a student is going to contribute their singular hook to Duke’s community.

3. Beliefs & values

We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?

Duke, like all highly selective universities, wants to admit students who will respectfully disagree with one another. It’s why it’s crucial to Duke that they accept a class filled with students of varying backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Duke’s admissions committee wants to see that even when someone voices an opinion that differs from theirs, they can hear them out and be malleable to alter their mindset.

4. Being different

We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you.

The “being different” prompt is another opportunity for Duke’s applicants to highlight the diversity they will bring to Durham. Even though the Supreme Court outlawed the overall consideration of race in admissions decision-making, it can still be considered within the context of an applicant’s life narrative. But one’s answer to this Duke essay prompt, of course, doesn’t have to relate to race. It can relate to faith — or sexuality, gender, diversity of thought, or anything else.

5. Orientation, identity, expression

Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community.

Duke’s admissions committee has long asked its applicants to express their thoughts and feelings on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. But an applicant need not be a member of the LGBTQ+ community to be able to answer this prompt. 

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Duke University Essays

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11 Duke Essay Examples That Worked

Updated for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.

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Duke University is a great fit for students looking for a blend of lively student culture and academic rigor. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country. Students are empowered to explore innovative fields of research in subjects as disparate as political science and astrophysics. Its vibrant student body cannot be overlooked, either. It’s often said that Duke students bleed blue (their school color), and basketball culture runs deep at Duke! Overall, Duke University produces graduates that are highly sought after by businesses all around the world, thanks to its large student population, distinguished professors, and varied array of resources.

Unique traditions at Duke

1. The Devil's Stomp: This occurs at the end of each academic year and is a campus-wide dance-off held in the Duke Chapel. 2. The Iron Dukes: This tradition dates back to the 1950s and is still practiced today. It is a group of students showing their loyalty to Duke athletics with creative cheers and music. 3. Vespers: Every Sunday, students and faculty meet at Duke Chapel to sing psalms and hear catholic Mass. 4. Duke Farms: This is a tradition that began in the 1930s and is still ongoing to this day. It is a program that lets Duke students connect with nature and become more sustainable. 5. Ring Dance: This is an end-of-year tradition at Duke where seniors wear their ring and celebrate the accomplishments with a formal dance.

Programs at Duke

1. DukeEngage: DukeEngage provides students with the opportunity to participate in community service projects around the world. Through this program, students gain both valuable experiences and a greater understanding of social justice issues. 2. Flipside Improv Troupe: Flipside is an entirely student-run improv comedy troupe at Duke University. Through their performances, they offer students an opportunity to explore their creativity and take a break from the stresses of school life. 3. Student Rescue Team: This volunteer organization focuses on urban preparedness through education and training. Student volunteers participate in teaching, training, and responding to emergencies. 4. Duke Debate: Duke Debate is the official debate team at Duke University and is the oldest organization on the campus. They have won numerous awards across the country and have been a driving force in cultivating public debate on issues facing society. 5. Devil’s Tale Literary Magazine: The Devil’s Tale is a literary magazine dedicated to showcasing student written works creations. The magazine accepts submissions in all genres, from stories, poems, and plays to non-fiction and visual art.

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Real Essays from Duke Admits

Prompt: why duke.

Throughout high school, I attempted to create pockets of fellowship where they were lacking.

Founding a space for student creatives via Ceramics Club, recruiting peer buddies when our school received an influx of students with disabilities, and mentoring a Lego robotics team are a

few examples.

       I know Duke is the place for me because it too places a strong emphasis on creating

community. Walking through West Campus, I felt an overwhelming sense of school spirit. Traditions like tenting, midnight breakfast in the Marketplace, and flunching help facilitate the

tight-knit student body I want to contribute to. In [Place Redacted], I served as a volunteer camp counselor and soccer coach. In Durham, I will find a similar place among my service-minded peers through programs like DukeEngage. In high school, I blended my passions for engineering and combating

social isolation through projects like [Redacted Content]. In college, I will continue this trend through organizations like DEID. In the classroom, I am drawn to Duke’s

nanoelectronic materials & devices research. I hope to join other Duke ECE engineers exploring novel materials to enable the future of renewable energy.

       Finally, I am excited to join Duke’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 585. As a scholarship recipient, they have been incredibly welcoming and supportive. [Name Redacted] put it best when he told me

Duke believes, “a rising tide lifts all ships.” I can’t wait to join the Duke community to do my part in raising the seas.

Essay by Olivia

Pickleball fanatic studying electrical engineering at Stanford :)

Prompt: We seek a diverse student body that embodies the wide range of human experience. In that context, we are interested in what you’d like to share about your lived experiences and how they’ve influenced how you think of yourself.

My whole life, I’ve attended the same small, Pre-K-12 school. Playing make-believe, the awkwardness of adolescence, finding my passions – it all happened at the same place. The [School Redacted] community, then, has been definitive to who I am.

Growing up at [School Redacted] has changed how I connect with others. My grade consists of only forty people, diverse in interests and backgrounds. I’ve never had any option but to be friends with everyone, and I’m better for it. Whether we have different intellectual interests or political beliefs, befriending a variety of people has strengthened my academic understanding and personal worldview. 

Attending a small, relatively young school has also given me a unique opportunity to have an impact. The lack of established clubs and customs empowered me to be a go-getter and found an organization of my own. As an avid reader, I became interested in starting a literary magazine. The administration supported the creation of the club, but it was up to me to step up and lead. The opportunity to start something inspired me to take action: to recruit editors, form a brand, create a publication schedule, and more. 

As I now look to college and beyond, I know my time at [School Redacted] will continue to define who I am. Surrounding myself with people of all perspectives and being unafraid to lead – these lessons will stick with me.

Essay by Abby

English major interested in creative writing, theater, & film

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Someone with the same interests, stats, and background as you

College Application Booster​®: High School Seniors, Get ahead on your college application!

Command Education Guide

How to write the duke university essays, updated for 2023-2024.

What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit) – Required

Explanation:

This question is essentially a version of the “Why This College?” question. You should focus your answer on a specific class, lab, resource, or program that is of particular interest to you at Duke. What about Duke makes it the best fit for you and offers you the chance to do something that you could not do at any other university? Don’t write about the academics as a whole; instead dive deeper and do your homework about what you plan to take advantage of once on campus. Lastly, don’t forget to make this entry fun to read. No matter what you are saying, there is always an engaging way to say it!

Playing soccer for over fifteen years, I am grateful for the countless friendships I have forged. Unfortunately, many inevitably hang up their cleats after high school and adapt to a more sedentary lifestyle, one often accompanied by mental health struggles.

While soccer initially ignited my passion, promoting health and well-being has become a stronger calling. Working with our school doctor, I conducted a survey to yield insights into the prevalence of mental health challenges and sedentary behavior among students. Results highlighted barriers to physical activity, like lack of social connections. These insights helped shape school-wide strategies for encouraging healthier student lives.

Eager to continue learning “the Duke way,” I seek to cultivate my passion for Psychology and Neuroscience at Trinity, where I’ll study the neural influences on motivation and decision-making in neuroscience courses, and improve my understanding of the benefits of physical activity through courses like Exercise and Mental Health.

I look forward to continuing my wellness research through Duke’s Bass Connections, working on a project like Creating a Contemplative Community: The Impact of Mindfulness on Student Well-Being.

Much like soccer’s camaraderie, Duke’s community wonderfully emulates the team environment inside and outside of the classroom. From engaging FOCUS group seminars and dinners to contributing to the Blue Devil Wellness Exchange, I know I’ll feel right at home on campus. Although as a cheering fan on the sidelines, there’s no doubt in my mind I’ll still feel very much a part of the Blue Devil family.

We want to emphasize that the following questions are optional. Feel free to answer them if you believe that doing so will add something meaningful that is not already shared elsewhere in your application. Five optional questions are available – a maximum of 2 can be selected. (250 max)

Though Duke notes that the questions are optional, you should never pass up an opportunity to fortify your application.

1. Perspective response We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

This supplement is asking all about your community. Which communities do you come from? What impact have they had on your views, beliefs, and experiences? Who and what has shaped you? This is a time to be transparent and honest—paint your readers an authentic, self-aware picture of yourself. We are all a product of our environments, so write about how some of the other key players have had an impact on your life. Remember, trying to impress admission officers will likely come off boastful, and groups like National Honors Society typically do not have a strong, meaningful community associated with them. Be honest, humble and tell readers something that they may not learn about you from the rest of your application. You may choose to define community traditionally—your sports team, classmates, religious youth group—or a bit more creatively—a fan group you are a part of, a geographic or linguistic community, an expatriate community—for example.

“Yoga is not about the shape of your body but the shape of your life.”

Every Sunday at 7 p.m., my yoga teacher welcomes our class to the mat with this quote.

Jenn, who is nearly seventy, leans into her down-dogs to my right and Nick, her nine-year old grandson, frequently lets out soft giggles as he cat-cows to my left. Just ten hours earlier, I leave soccer practice exhausted, ruminating on my coach’s instructions to set one physical goal for the coming week; shave our mile-time ten seconds, three long runs when last week he only imposed two… The list is always demanding, meant to push us to meet his exacting standards. There’s a method to his madness, and it has produced results for my team. We finished our last season as reigning state champions, bested only by Florida in the national finals last winter.

Yoga, on the other hand, has brought me the opposite gift: radical acceptance. You bring your present self to the mat day in and day out—linear progress is not the name of the game. Some days, Jenn slips into scorpion pose while Nick slips into a brief nap. Becoming a part-time yogi has taught me to meet my body, mind and my community where it is—a lesson that I will bring into this new chapter. As a member of the Duke community, I plan to be present, authentic, and teachable, knowing that accepting myself and others is the foundation for learning and growth.

2. Intellectual experience Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating.

This does not necessarily have to be written about a standard class in school – any ‘learning experience’ will do, in fact the more unique your subject matter of choice is, the better! In answering the question, be sure to both describe the experience and clearly convey why this experience fascinated you. What specifically about it piqued your interest? You want to demonstrate your passion vividly, so write with detail! Discuss how this experience impacted you intellectually and personally. Did it change your perspective, inspire new interests, or reinforce existing passions? Reflect on the knowledge or skills you gained as you explored this interest and how they might influence your future endeavors. Finally, explain how this intellectual experience aligns with your aspirations and goals as a student at Duke. Discuss how Duke’s resources, programs, or community can help you further explore or expand upon this intellectual experience.

Upon waking, I immediately roll over and grab my pen and notepad from my nightstand and begin scribbling, my eyes barely open. Growing up, I was obsessed with decoding dreams and uncovering the message behind their vivid imagery. Learning about lucid dreaming and REM sleep fueled my curiosity about the mind. Stacks of “Dream Dictionaries” littered my nightstand.

An avid podcast listener, I chanced upon “The Huberman Lab,” hosted by Andrew Huberman, a neuroscience professor at Stanford University. His engaging discussions unraveled the complexities of neurobiology and psychology, weaving them into practical insights for everyday life. As I spent hours soaking in each episode that revealed the neuroscience behind a new phenomenon—from dreams and memories to growth mindset and goal-setting—I was not only fascinated by Huberman’s endless knowledge, but how he made it accessible to the public, enabling anyone to apply his teachings and improve their own lives.

Drawing from the podcast’s wisdom, I initiated “Thriving Tools,” an educational series within my high school’s Psyched Club. This endeavor aimed to empower fellow students with science-backed strategies for improving memory, motivation, and effective learning. Friends’ successes—better sleep, information retention, and increased classroom confidence—were the ultimate reward.

I hope to continue these efforts of translating scientific understanding into tangible improvements in well-being through efforts with Duke Synapse and Bass Connections’ Brain in Society projects. As I step into the next phase of my academic journey at Duke, my aspiration remains steadfast: to help others live a healthier, more empowering life.

3. Beliefs & values We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?

You will need a strong personal anecdote to begin this essay, so take some time to reflect. Start by thinking about areas where you generally align with others. These could be political, ethical, or personal beliefs. Who are the people (your family, community, or public figure), with whom you find common ground? What specific issues or values do you share? Now explore instances where you hold differing views from those around you. Who are the individuals you have engaging debates or disagreements with? What topics or values are at the heart of these disagreements? Are they based on differing perspectives, experiences, or ideologies? Now reflect on how your beliefs and values have evolved over time. Have you changed your stance on certain issues? Have disagreements led to a deeper understanding or a willingness to consider different perspectives? The end goal when writing this supplement is to demonstrate growth and open-mindedness.

In our family of seven, my mother gave birth to five daughters, and the reaction is always the same: “Wow, your poor dad! 5 girls? He must have really wanted a son!” Initially, I responded with genuine curiosity, but as the refrain persisted, irritation set in.

“Why poor dad?” I questioned. Poor mom, I thought. The implication seemed to be that our father lacked a son for backyard catch. Yet, I challenged this notion.

Ironically, these same people assumed my name, “Jesse,” was short for “Jessica.” Swiftly, I corrected them: “No, it’s just Jesse.” Was the assumption due to my gender? I refused to be confined to the “Jessica” mold. I despised the color pink; capris, shorts, and sneakers were my preferred attire for impromptu soccer or volleyball during recess.

Growing up with four sisters, our household radiated empowerment, encouraging us to create, lead, play, and voice our opinions. It was within this supportive environment that I began to understand the misconceptions of society’s predetermined gender roles and constraints that women are placed within.

Simultaneously, I recognized my own inconsistency; my resistance to typical female roles clashed with my quick dismissal of “Jessica” and my pink projection of her, demonstrating my own predisposition for stereotyping.

As I continue my journey to dismantle these stereotypes, I strive to carry this empowerment forward. By fostering an environment that encourages everyone to defy rigid roles, acknowledge their own prejudices, and embrace their true selves, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse society.

4. Being different We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you.

Begin by identifying the aspects of yourself that make you unique. These could be personal qualities, experiences, cultural background, or anything that sets you apart from others. Consider qualities and traits you have not already mentioned in other sections of your application or Duke essays. Consider how these unique aspects have influenced your values, beliefs, and outlook on life. Have they led to specific experiences or challenges that have shaped your character? Make sure to focus on one trait or characteristic only. Now use personal anecdotes to highlight your experiences in feeling ‘different’, and how they influenced you. Did you have a positive experience? What were your challenges? Did you build resiliency or empathy? Be sure to reflect on this learning experience and what embracing differences means to you. Finally, describe how your individuality can contribute to Duke’s community and enrich its culture.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Michaelson—I have an accommodation for extra time.”

I said the words as quietly as possible, looking around to ensure that none of my classmates were in earshot. For years, I felt ashamed of my dyslexia. My sisters are all neurotypical learners—they read voraciously and have always felt at home in the classroom. Their effortless understanding of new material often made me feel defective and unintelligent—I worried that the admission that I needed extra time or an audiobook option would make my peers think less of me.

However, that day in Mrs. Michaelson’s class during the first week of junior year, one lingering student heard my whispered acknowledgement. When I stepped into the hall, a bubbly classmate was waiting to greet me, letting me know that there was a group of students who had formed a community around their own neurodivergent learning styles and inviting me to join. Though I was hesitant at first, I eventually joined their lunch meeting and began participating in group chats and study sessions in which we would share resources and help each other grasp the material. Their zeal for learning and pride in their own unique ways of intaking information expelled the shame I had for my dyslexia. Now, I view my learning differences as an asset, a unique part of who I am, rather than an impairment.

5. Orientation, identity, expression Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community.

Duke is very proud of its inclusive culture and they want students of all orientations to know they have a place on campus. If you feel as though there is a part of your story that you haven’t shared and would like to, here is your chance.

“We should only invite queer students to queer prom.”

The argument, lauded by many members of Gay Straight Alliance, diametrically opposed the reason I had proposed we host the event in the first place. Being a member of the queer community can easily be a siloed experience, and I wanted to invite allies to better understand the struggles that queer students face, while also sharing in the joy and diversity of what it means to be a queer student.

In the end, the event was a beautiful expression of solidarity from student allies as well as a fun event for all of the students who attended. Despite our initial disagreements, students who had intended to only allow queer students ended up seeing the value in coming together as a community. As a part of the event, we held a raffle to raise money for the Trevor Project, ultimately raising more than $5,000 for at-risk LGBTQ teens. By opening the event to everyone, we not only saw the positive impact of inclusivity on our own campus, but mobilized our community to help others in need.

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How to Answer the "Why Duke?" Application Essay–With Examples

Crafting a compelling response to the "Why Duke?" application essay can be a game-changer for your college admissions.

Posted March 1, 2024

Admissions Panel: Tips and Strategies for BYU Applicants

Starting friday, july 12.

1:00 AM UTC · 60 minutes

Table of Contents

If you're applying to Duke University, chances are you'll come across the infamous "Why Duke?" application essay. This essay prompt asks you to articulate why you are interested in attending Duke and how you would contribute to the university community. In this article, we will guide you through the process of answering this essay question effectively, with examples that illustrate successful approaches.

Brief Introduction to Duke University and its College Application

Before diving into the specifics of the "Why Duke?" essay, it's important to have a basic understanding of Duke University and its college application process. Duke is a prestigious private institution located in Durham, North Carolina. Known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and Division I athletics, Duke offers unparalleled opportunities for intellectual and personal growth.

Founded in 1838, Duke University has a rich history and a reputation for excellence in education. The university is home to ten schools and colleges, including the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, the Pratt School of Engineering, and the Fuqua School of Business. Each of these schools offers a wide range of majors and programs, allowing students to pursue their passions and interests.

When applying to Duke, you will complete the Common Application, which includes a section dedicated to supplemental essays. This comprehensive application allows you to provide a holistic view of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal background. It also gives you the opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences that make you a strong candidate for admission.

One of the supplemental essays required by Duke is the "Why Duke?" essay. This essay prompt asks you to explain why you are interested in attending Duke University and how you believe it will help you achieve your academic and career goals. It is an opportunity to showcase your research, reflect on your personal experiences, and elaborate on your future aspirations.

Writing a compelling "Why Duke?" essay requires careful thought and preparation. It is important to thoroughly research the university and understand its core values, academic programs, and campus culture. By demonstrating your knowledge of Duke's offerings and explaining how they align with your interests and goals, you can make a strong case for why you are a perfect fit for the university.

Moreover, the "Why Duke?" essay allows you to showcase your passion for learning and your desire to contribute to the Duke community. You can discuss specific academic opportunities, such as research projects or interdisciplinary programs, that you are excited to pursue. Additionally, you can highlight the unique aspects of Duke's campus life, such as student organizations, community service initiatives, or cultural events, that resonate with your personal values and interests.

Ultimately, the "Why Duke?" essay is your chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm for Duke University and convince the admissions committee that you will thrive academically, personally, and socially on campus. By crafting a well-researched and thoughtful essay, you can present yourself as a strong candidate who is genuinely excited about the prospect of attending Duke and making a positive impact on the university community.

Duke Essay Prompts (2023-2024)

Each year, Duke University releases a set of essay prompts for prospective students. These prompts serve as a guide for applicants to express their unique perspectives and motivations for choosing Duke as their academic home. Understanding and addressing these prompts is crucial in crafting a targeted and compelling response, particularly for the "Why Duke?" essay. Let's explore the essay prompts for the 2023-2024 application cycle in more detail:

When considering this prompt, it's essential to reflect on what specifically draws you to Duke University. Is it the institution's renowned academic programs, its vibrant campus culture, or its commitment to interdisciplinary learning? Duke's rich history and tradition of excellence in education provide a strong foundation for your response. You may also want to consider the university's commitment to research, community engagement, and global perspectives. Exploring Duke's website, attending virtual information sessions, and connecting with current students and alumni can provide valuable insights to help you articulate your reasons for choosing Duke.

If you have a passion for engineering and are considering Duke's Pratt School of Engineering, this prompt offers an opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm and aspirations . Consider delving into your personal journey that led you to pursue engineering as a field of study. Reflect on any experiences, projects, or mentors that have influenced your decision. Additionally, highlight how Duke's engineering program aligns with your academic and career goals. You may want to explore the school's cutting-edge research facilities, distinguished faculty, and collaborative learning environment. Demonstrating your understanding of Duke's unique offerings within the field of engineering will strengthen your response.

For those interested in the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, this prompt invites you to explore the specific aspects of Duke that resonate with your academic and personal interests. Consider the wide range of academic disciplines and interdisciplinary opportunities available within the college. Reflect on how Duke's commitment to intellectual curiosity, diversity, and collaboration aligns with your own values and aspirations. You may want to delve into the unique research opportunities, renowned faculty, and vibrant campus community that make Duke an ideal fit for you. Demonstrating a genuine understanding of Duke's distinctive qualities will help you craft a compelling response.

These prompts provide a framework for your essay and highlight different aspects of Duke that you should consider when crafting your response. Remember to tailor your essay to the prompt that aligns best with your academic interests and personal background. By showcasing your genuine passion for Duke and illustrating how the university aligns with your goals, you can create a compelling essay that stands out to the admissions committee.

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The Role of "Why This School?" Essays in the Application

The "Why Duke?" essay is a critical component of your college application. Admissions officers review this essay to gain insight into your motivations, values, and genuine interest in Duke. This essay allows you to demonstrate your fit with the university and explain why you believe Duke is the right place for you to pursue your education.

Additionally, the "Why Duke?" essay provides admissions officers with a glimpse into how you perceive yourself fitting into the Duke community. Your essay should highlight specific programs, resources, or opportunities offered by Duke that align with your academic, extracurricular, or career goals.

How to Brainstorm Answers to "Why Duke?"

Before writing your "Why Duke?" essay, it is essential to spend time brainstorming and reflecting on your experiences and aspirations. Here are some strategies to help you generate ideas:

• Research Duke: Familiarize yourself with Duke's website, academic departments, student organizations, and unique programs. Take notes on specific aspects that resonate with you.
• Reflect on your interests: Consider your academic and extracurricular interests, and think about how they align with opportunities at Duke. Identify specific areas of study, research, or community engagement that excite you.
• Connect with current students or alumni: Reach out to current Duke students or alumni to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with a firsthand perspective on the university.
• Draw from personal experiences: Think about any particular experiences or challenges that have shaped your interests and goals. Reflect on how these experiences make Duke an ideal environment for your growth.

By engaging in these brainstorming exercises, you will gather a wealth of material to draw from when crafting your essay.

Tips for Answering the "Why Duke?" Essay Question

Answering the "Why Duke?" essay question effectively requires careful planning and attention to detail. Consider the following tips when formulating your response:

• Be specific: Avoid generic statements and demonstrate a deep understanding of Duke's unique attributes. Mention specific academic programs, research opportunities, or extracurricular activities that align with your interests.
• Show your enthusiasm: Convey your genuine passion and excitement for Duke. Admissions officers want to see your authentic enthusiasm for the university and your future contributions to the campus community.
• Connect with your experiences: Make connections between your past experiences and future aspirations. Demonstrate how Duke can provide the resources and opportunities necessary for you to achieve your goals.
• Highlight fit: Explain how Duke aligns with your academic and personal values. Discuss how the university's values, community, and culture resonate with your own.
• Proofread and edit: Ensure that your essay is well-written, free of grammatical errors, and coherent. Revise and edit your essay multiple times to refine your ideas and strengthen your arguments.

Following these tips will help you create a compelling "Why Duke?" essay that stands out to admissions officers.

3 Example Answers to "Why Duke?" Essay - With Analysis

To provide you with a better understanding of how to approach the "Why Duke?" essay, we have curated three example answers, each highlighting different aspects of Duke's academic, social, and cultural offerings. Let's analyze these examples and identify the strengths that make them effective responses.

Example 1: Emphasizing Academic Excellence

Example 2: Showcasing Community Engagement

Example 3: Highlighting Global Opportunities

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering "Why This School?" Essay Prompts

When crafting your "Why Duke?" essay, it's important to steer clear of common pitfalls that could weaken your response. Avoid the following mistakes to ensure a strong and thoughtful essay:

• Generic statements: Don't use clichéd or generic language. Instead, provide specific examples and details that showcase your unique perspective.
• Superficial research: Conduct in-depth research to understand Duke's programs and culture. Avoid generic statements that could apply to any university.
• Overwhelming the essay: While it's important to demonstrate your knowledge of Duke, avoid overwhelming the essay with an encyclopedic list of facts. Focus on a few key aspects that resonate with you.
• Vague statements: Be specific and concrete in your examples and explanations. Vague statements may come across as insincere or lacking genuine interest.
• Ignoring authenticity: Stay true to yourself and your experiences. Don't try to mold your essay to fit what you think admissions officers want to hear. Authenticity is key.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your "Why Duke?" essay remains focused, engaging, and reflective of your true passions.

Answering the "Why Duke?" application essay can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach and careful consideration, you can craft a compelling and authentic response that showcases your fit with Duke University. Remember to research Duke thoroughly, reflect on your own experiences and aspirations, and present a clear and enthusiastic case for why Duke is the perfect place for you. By following the tips provided in this article and studying the example answers, you will be well-equipped to tackle the "Why Duke?" essay and make a memorable impression on the admissions committee.

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Duke Supplemental Essay Prompts

Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.

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When applying to a school as selective as Duke University with a 6% acceptance rate, the supplemental essay portion is key to making your mark. There is sure to be a sea of stellar applicants with impressive transcripts and extensive extracurricular involvement. Standing out on the Duke supplemental essays relies on telling your story in a compelling way. 

It is helpful to break each prompt into pieces and identify the points you hope to address. Proper planning helps keep your responses clear, concise, and example-driven. Below, we give you more tips on how to tackle each prompt. We also provide thought starters for incorporating anecdotes from your own experiences.  

Also see: How to choose a college

Required Essay

“what is your sense of duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you if there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit)”.

For this essay, it will be important for you to do a little bit of research about Duke as a school and a community, and to make a list of the things that you like the most. Then, make a list of the things that you are looking for in a school unrelated to Duke. Look at both lists together, and make the connection between the two. 

A 250 word limit is the perfect number of words for this type of question. This would be a good question to dive into specific things that draw you into Duke University– mentioning things that you are looking for in a school that maybe only Duke has.  

Don’t miss: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool

Questions to consider: 

• What professors are you looking forward to working with?
• What research opportunities does Duke offer that you are interested in?
• What draws you in about the community at Duke?

Optional Essays

Although these essays are optional, we always encourage students to write them anyway so that the university is able to see who you are at a deeper level. If you have the same academic statistics as another student and the admissions professionals are trying to decide between the two of you, it could come down to the essays and which student they know more about. Help them get to know you better!

Each of these essays should be a maximum of 250 words, and there is no minimum. However, it would be a good idea to write at least 150 words so that the admissions committee has enough writing to get to know you. You may choose to write a maximum of two prompts to write essays for.

“ We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community ”

This is a question that you may be asked quite a bit on college supplemental essay prompts, just worded in different ways. Think about an experience that you did not write about on your application that makes you unique compared to other applicants. They are looking for something personal, honest, and open, so take a deep look into your life to see if there is anything that you feel comfortable sharing with them. 

Once you have figured out what experience you want to share, it may help to free write in a stream-of-consciousness type of way to help you get your thoughts flowing. After that, you can always go back and edit for length and clarity. If you don’t feel comfortable writing about a personal experience, that is okay! That is one of the reasons why this prompt is optional. 

Questions to consider:

• What type of person do you consider yourself to be?
• What experiences have shaped you?
• How have you been influenced by the experiences in your life?

Also see: How to respond to the Common App essay prompts

“Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating.”

This is another one of those questions where you want to look deeper than the surface. It is important to not just re-word what you already wrote on your application or what your transcript already revealed. It also may be helpful to think about something more than just the classes that you took. Did you go on a field trip that made you passionate about what you wanted to study after high school? Maybe you had a career fair at school that shifted your mind academically. These are all great things to think about before you start writing this essay.

This type of essay tells the admissions professionals a great deal about who you are as a student, so this would be an important essay to write if you had to pick one of the optional ones. 

• What was your favorite class in high school?
• What about that class made it special?
• Did you have a specific teacher that made you decide what major you wanted to go into?

“We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?”

In college, often the beliefs that you held as a child or in high school tend to develop or change completely. They are asking you this to get a feel for what kind of person you are, and more specifically, what kind of student or team-player you are. Generally, colleges and universities want to find students who are willing to test the beliefs of themselves and others so that they can see more than just one side of a situation, whether that be academically, socially, or personally. 

This is a difficult question to answer because it is sometimes hard to admit that our beliefs are sometimes wrong, or to admit that we disagree with people often. This is an important question because they want to see your response to the challenge.  

• What is something that you and your friends often debate about?
• Is there a topic that comes up at the dinner table a great deal that you end up having banter over?
• What are you passionate about?

“ Orientation, identity, expression Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community. ”

This prompt is great because it is generally something a regular college application cannot answer. This is the place where you can talk more about who you are as a person, what your personal identity is, and why that makes you you if you choose to do so. You can write as little as you’d like or go right up to the 250 word maximum– whatever makes you most comfortable.

• What type of person do you identify as?
• How has your culture shaped who you are?
• How will you use who you are to shape your college experience?

“We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you.”

This is another great opportunity to talk about things that you wouldn’t otherwise get to talk about. Take some time to think about any aspects of your life that you may have ever felt “different” in. Remember too that “different” does not mean bad. What are some ways that you have felt your differences have been to your advantage? 

Related: How to write a 500 word essay

Key Takeaways

• “Show don’t tell” as much as you can through short story examples 
• Do not shy away from injecting your personality and voice into your responses
• Think of what makes you truly distinctive and has formed the person you are today for prompt #1
• Take some time to read through the optional essay prompts and try to respond to at least one
• Remember, the more you can share about yourself, the more you can set yourself apart as an applicant

Additional supplemental essay guides

• Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)
• Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
• University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
• Emory University (Atlanta, GA)

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Duke Essays 2023-24

Writing college essays is an integral part of crafting an impactful application narrative, and the Duke essays are no exception. Duke University is one of the most prestigious and competitive schools in the nation, so applications are rigorously evaluated. Like the other aspects of your Duke application, your Duke essays play an extremely important role in the admissions process. The Duke essays, particularly the Why Duke essay, are what helps successful students make their mark amongst other qualified applicants.

To impress Admissions, you’ll need to make each one of your Duke essays count. Wondering how you can stand out to Duke admissions and write a powerful and effective Duke essay? Then you’re in the right place! 

In this guide to the Duke Essays, we’ll look at: 

• Duke essay prompts and requirements
• Tips for how to write the Duke supplemental essays
• The importance of Duke essays in the admissions process, and more!

First, before we get into how to write the Duke essays, let’s check out some Duke quick facts. 

Duke University Admissions: Quick Facts

Duke university admissions quick facts.

• Duke University Acceptance Rate: 6% – U.S. News ranks Duke University #7 on its National Universities list. Its ranking and low acceptance rate make Duke one of the most competitive universities in the nation. 
• 1 (~ 250 word) Why Duke essay
• 2 (~ 250 word) optional Duke essays
• Duke University Application: Students can submit their application via the Common App , Coalition Application , or QuestBridge Application . Make sure to have all of your Duke University requirements ready when applying, including your Duke essays!
• Early Decision: November 1
• Regular Decision: January 2
• Duke University Essay Tip: There is only one required Duke essay. However, with various optional Duke essays, we recommend taking the time to complete them. Don’t miss out on a chance to bolster your application and impress Duke with your thoughtfulness and dedication! 

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does Duke require essays?

Yes, the Duke essays are part of Duke’s application requirements. First and foremost, students should allow themselves plenty of time to carefully craft the required Why Duke essay. Additionally, Duke has various prompts for students to choose from for the optional Duke supplemental essays. While these are optional, we recommend embracing them as an opportunity to showcase more of your unique traits and qualities. 

Keep in mind these are not the only essays you’ll submit to Duke. Students are also required to complete the long essay that is available on their chosen application platform.

How many essays does Duke have?

Technically, Duke has two required essays: the personal statement long essay and the Why Duke essay. However, applicants may also choose to respond to 0-2 optional Duke essay prompts. Duke stresses that responding to these Duke essay prompts is in fact optional. In other words, they should only be included if you feel that they will truly add something to your application. 

That being said, we still recommend writing the optional essays. Duke provides five different Duke essay prompts for students to choose from. So, you’ll be sure to find a prompt and corresponding topic you’re excited to write about!

Each of the Duke supplemental essays has a word limit of 250 words, making them short essays. Although shorter, don’t think you can crank out your Duke essays quickly. With limited space to communicate your ideas, you’ll want to choose your words carefully and with intention. 

Now we know there are two required essays in the Duke application as well as two optional essays. In the next section, let’s look at the Duke essay prompts for each of the short answer essays. 

Duke Short Answer Essays

First, let’s start with the required Why Duke essay:

“Why Duke University” Essay Prompt

What is your sense of duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you if there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit).

If you’ve started working on any other college applications, the Why Duke essay probably looks familiar. That’s because it is a standard why school essay. We’ll get into the specifics of how to answer the Why Duke essay shortly. But, to write a compelling essay, you’ll need to do some research to determine what you like about Duke. That way, you’ll be prepared to answer the question: Why Duke?

The following short answer Duke supplemental essays are optional. Students may choose up to 2 to respond to. The optional Duke essay prompts are:

Optional Duke University Essay Prompts

1. perspective response: we believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community., 2. intellectual experience: tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating., 3. beliefs & values: we believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with what are you agreeing or disagreeing about, 4. orientation, identity, expression: duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community., 5. being different: we recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you..

As you can see, there are five unique Duke essay prompts for applicants to choose from. With such variety in these Duke essay prompts, the opportunities for essay topics are endless. In the next section, let’s go over some tips on how to get into Duke with stellar essays.

Tips for approaching Duke Short Answer Essays

Here are five tips to help you put your best foot forward as you tackle your Duke essays. Even though we’re discussing these in the context of the Duke essays, these tips aren’t school-specific. So be sure to keep these tips in mind while writing your other college essays !

5 tips for writing Duke supplemental essays: 

1. start early.

When writing the Duke essays, you’ll need plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, revise, and proofread. That means you shouldn’t leave the Duke essays to the last minute. Yearly, the updated Duke essay prompts are usually released the summer before the application deadlines. That gives you lots of time to plan and complete the Duke University requirements accordingly. 

2. Choose the right topic for you.

This is arguably the most important part of your Duke essays. You need to choose a topic that you can write genuinely and passionately about. Keep this in mind when brainstorming for the Why Duke essay and when reviewing the optional Duke essay prompts. 

3. Get specific with your responses.

One of the worst things students can do when writing Duke essays is write generically or on cliché topics. The Why Duke essay and the other optional Duke supplemental essays require detailed answers. Use anecdotes and personal experiences to immerse the reader. And, adding specific details in your own voice will make it unique to you—which is the goal!

4. Meet the requirements.

When considering the Duke essays, you’ll need to keep in mind the specific writing requirements . This includes staying within the 250-word limit as well as comprehensively answering the prompt. (Of course, successful Duke essays will go beyond simply meeting the requirements – but be sure to double check them.)

5. Get feedback from others.

You’ll want to have another pair of eyes read over your Duke essays. This person should be on the lookout for not only grammar and mechanics, but also content. Does your essay describe you in a genuine way while also answering the prompt? While outside suggestions are great, don’t let them obscure your personal experience! Do your best to implement the feedback in a way that maintains your own voice as a writer. 

How to write the Duke supplemental essays

When it comes to writing the Duke essays, approach each prompt with the intention of responding with new, valuable information. Both the Why Duke essay and the other optional Duke supplemental essays will ultimately contribute to your overall application narrative. What parts of your personality, skills, values, interests, or experiences haven’t yet had the chance to shine? The Duke essays are your opportunity to build upon your candidate profile. That makes them a crucial part of any “how to get into Duke” plan . 

Why Duke essay

Let’s review the Why Duke essay prompt again before diving into how to write it. 

When it comes to writing the Why Duke essay, applicants will need to do their own research. Remember our tip on getting specific? Well, that holds especially true for the Why Duke essay. You’ll want to do some investigating on programs unique to Duke . Are there certain clubs you’re interested in joining? Or maybe you want to study a major that Duke is known for?

Additionally, the prompt asks how you’d fit into the university community. Do some digging on Duke’s values and mission . Do they align with your own? Can you find a link between what the school values and what you have to offer?

As a rule of thumb, be sure you’ve backed up your Why Duke essay with Duke-specific research. However, a clear, specific, and impactful essay doesn’t simply regurgitate what you find on the website. Connect any details you mention to you: your values, beliefs, community, skills, goals, etc. 

Optional Duke essays

Now, let’s check out each of the optional Duke essays. 

Optional Duke University Essay Prompt #1

We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community..

Similar to the Why Duke essay, this first choice prompt is one that can be seen on many college applications. It asks students to delve into the communities, perspectives, and values that they’ve experienced. If responding to this prompt, make sure to connect the topic of your essay back to the Duke campus community. In other words, how will your experiences add to Duke? As there’s a bit of similarity to the Why Duke essay, make sure you don’t repeat themes or topics. 

Optional Duke University Essay Prompt #2

Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating..

In the second of the optional Duke essay prompts, students can expand on their intellectual curiosities. As a competitive , highly ranked university, Duke wants their students to be academically motivated and curious learners. This is a perfect opportunity to discuss an important experience that shaped you and your future academic or career goals. But, pay close attention to mention a recent experience—the prompt specifies within the last two years!

Optional Duke University Essay Prompt #3

We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with what are you agreeing or disagreeing about.

This prompt challenges students to think about their interactions with others. What is important to you and who has agreed with you or challenged you on those topics? If responding to this prompt, show your growth from the situation. Did you experience a perspective shift? Or, at the very least, did you learn something new that you could appreciate about a different perspective?

Optional Duke University Essay Prompt #4

Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community..

If you can personally expand on these themes, then it’s a great opportunity to highlight an important part of your identity. However, only write on this theme if it pertains to you. Specifically, don’t write an essay about being an ally or one that only talks about someone else. Like all successful Duke essays, you need to be the star of your essay, which means getting personal!  

Optional Duke University Essay Prompt #5

We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you..

This may seem like a unique college prompt. But, it’s simply another opportunity to show what sets you apart from the crowd. If this prompt calls out to you, then write passionately about what makes you different. Confidence is key—just make sure to hit every point in the prompt when writing your essay. That means you need to highlight how you’re different. And how it’s shaped you as a person or its meaning to you. 

QuestBridge Applicants to Duke University

Duke University partners with QuestBridge to provide students from low income families an equal opportunity for a college education. With the high cost of college , students all over the country are facing challenges affording higher education. QuestBridge aims to make college attainably for academically motivated students who might not have even applied to schools otherwise. The program then provides mentoring and a full scholarship to students at one of their nearly 50 partner schools .

In order to apply, students must meet both academic and financial criteria. If you qualify, you can then fill out a National College Match application online for free. If you become a Finalist, this application will then be sent on to your top colleges of choice. However, if chosen to be a Finalist, you’ll have to complete additional application components. 

The QuestBridge application has its own essays. They are as follows: 

QuestBridge Application Essay Prompts

Essay 1: personal essay (800 words), we are interested in learning more about the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your successes. please describe how the most influential factors and challenges in your life have shaped you into the person you are today., essay 2: topical essay (select one option from the following four prompts, 500 words) , tell us about a concept, theory, or topic you have explored simply because it sparked your intellectual curiosity. why do you find it intriguing how do you want to further explore it, describe an experience that caused you to change your perspective and/or opinion., what aspect of your current community do you admire and wish to bring to your future college community, inclusivity involves embracing diversity and working to include people with backgrounds and experiences different from your own. describe an experience where you have played a role in fostering inclusivity..

Since QuestBridge is a college pathway for low income students, applicants might choose to write essays from a “low-income lens” . This means that applicants might consider how their families’ financial circumstances have shaped their perspective, values, and experiences. Of course, similar to our tips for Duke essays, the most successful writers will show self-reflection and personal growth.

Does Duke care about essays?

Put simply, yes! Duke essays are a crucial part of the Duke application and Duke University requirements. As such, Duke admissions considers them extremely important in their holistic evaluation process. Duke admissions evaluates applicants based on both personal and academic interests. Through your Duke essays, they want to know more about your personal interests, experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. Basically, they want the whole picture of who you are and what you value. 

Your Duke essays are what make your application come to life. You might even think of them as the personality of your application. Admissions officers will be able to see your academic and extracurricular qualifications listed dryly in other parts of your application. The Duke essays are your chance to place some meaning and importance to them. Or they’re an opportunity to show a new part of yourself not otherwise mentioned in your application. They’re the soul of your application—so yes, they’re important. 

Keep in mind that after applying, you can check on your application status through the Duke portal . There you will see any updates on your admissions decision.

How do I make my Duke essays stand out?

Now that we know the Duke essays play a vital role in the evaluation process, you’re probably wondering how you can make them truly shine. The Why Duke essay and optional Duke essay prompts provide various opportunities to showcase more parts of yourself. However, choosing the right topic and prompt for you is important when it comes to crafting a genuine, passionate essay. Make sure the topic you choose to write on excites you. If it doesn’t, it will read that way, and it will be challenging to capture your reader’s interest. 

When it comes to the Why Duke essay, all applicants are answering the same prompt. However, your topic is completely up to you. All of your Duke essays need to read as though they couldn’t possibly pass for anyone else’s. As such, use anecdotes and detailed examples to immerse your reader in the essay. Get creative and have fun when writing! Just pay careful attention that you are fully answering each of the Duke essay prompts. And, be sure whatever topic you choose, you stay focused and arrive at a meaningful conclusion by the end.

Duke Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

There are many ways to write successful Duke essays. We’ve gone over some tips on how to respond to the Duke essay prompts. Now, we’ll leave you with 5 key takeaways that you can keep in mind when starting the Duke supplemental essays. 

1. Brainstorm, draft, revise, repeat.

Essentially, this is the process you need to follow when writing any college essay, including the Duke essays. Students may revise and rewrite a Duke essay multiple times in order to have the best version. This takes time. In order to get the most out of this writing process, start early! Allot the time needed for the why school essay and other Duke supplemental essays so you can tackle multiple drafts.

2. Choose a meaningful topic.

Whether writing the personal essay, Why Duke essay, or the other Duke supplemental essays, topic choice is key. Don’t base your topic decision on what you think admissions wants to see. Choose an experience, skill, interest, perspective, or value that is truly meaningful to you. Reflect on how it’s shaped you and work on writing an essay that reflects its importance in your life. 

3. Use anecdotes and personal details.

College essays don’t need to be dry—in fact, they shouldn’t be! Successful Duke essays will captivate the reader from the start. Think about anecdotes you can use in your essays that will make a further impact. Additionally, consider the hook of your essay too! Successful essays often drop the reader in a captivating circumstance to immerse them in the experience. 

4. Be specific.

When it comes to writing the Why Duke essay, be sure you’ve mentioned aspects unique to Duke. You shouldn’t be able to pass off your Why Duke essay for any other why school essay. Do your research and make sure that comes across in the essay. However, don’t simply list specific programs, clubs, or professors at Duke. Relate it back to you and how you’ll take advantage of those experiences. 

5. You’re the star.

Keep in mind that you need to be at the center of each of your Duke essays. Every time you respond to the Duke essay prompts, think of yourself as the protagonist of your potential story. Do you shine? Does the admissions team learn more about you that they haven’t seen elsewhere in your application? Avoid talking about others more than yourself!

Additionally, looking at other Duke essay examples and college essays that worked can help inspire your own Duke essays. While you shouldn’t try to copy Duke essay examples, reading them may help you discover your own ideas. Finding the strengths in others can help you tell your unique story in the best way possible! 

CollegeAdvisor has additional essay examples and plenty of other free resources to guide you in your college essay writing journey. Check them out and reach out if you want personal guidance on how to get into Duke. Our expert advisors have helped students write impactful essays to gain admissions to top universities across the nation, including Duke. So, don’t hesitate to look to us for help as you start working on your Duke essays – good luck!

This essay guide was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Duke Supplemental Essay Prompts & Examples

• college application essays
• supplemental essays
• application strategy

Thinking about applying to Duke this Fall? Check out Duke’s supplemental essay prompts and examples from the 2017-2018 application cycle. You can expect similar prompts for the upcoming cycle.

Duke Application Prompts

1. short essay required for engineering applicants:.

If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering as either a first-year or transfer applicant, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke. (150 words maximum)

Essay Excerpt on How Duke’s Engineering School Stands Out:

“One of the undergraduate aspects at Duke which particularly appeals to me is the diversity of research at Duke. I always ask colleges, “What makes your research opportunities different than the other guys?” Duke is unique in its extensive animal research. I love studying the diversity of wildlife and I can’t imagine any other university offers quite the same experience as Duke, with attractions such as the largest lemur sanctuary outside Madagascar.” 

-  Gchenfc, Duke ‘19, Mechanical Engineering

Essay Excerpt on Duke’s Academic Approach:

“Trapped in a stuffy cubicle, the common engineer creates spreadsheets and technical reports. Sounds thrilling, right? I view the common engineer as a bland technocrat, a worker bee of sorts. Why Duke? Duke stresses the significance of interdisciplinary work. The best engineers are not those who take the most technical classes, but dynamic thinkers who are also acquainted with the liberal arts.”

-  Andk, Duke ‘18, Economics (Applied as Mechanical Engineering)

2. Short Essay Required for Arts & Sciences Applicants:

If you are applying to the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences as either a first-year or transfer applicant, please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something particular about Duke that attracts you? (150 words maximum)

Essay Excerpt on Pursuing Arts & Sciences at Duke:

“For a university with unprecedented academic caliber, Duke’s dance program is without parallel. After my first campus visit, when I participated in an advanced  ballet class, I realized that at Duke, I won’t have to give up my passion for dance to pursue a career in medicine.”

- Epasquale, Duke ‘19, Biology

Essay Excerpt on Duke’s Culture:

“To be physically lost as you stroll through Sarah P. Duke Gardens and East Campus, yet intuitively know you’re where you belong. Duke is impressive numbers and figures, but to you, Duke is the promise of intellectual and personal growth. YOu are not architecture, who you are is not set in stone, and Duke understand that long before you did.”

- Andiaz, Duke ‘21, Biology

3. Optional for All applicants:

A. Duke University seeks a talented, engaged student body that embodies the wide range of human experience; we believe that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. If you’d like to share a perspective you bring or experiences you’ve had to help us understand you better—perhaps related to a community you belong to or your family or cultural background—we encourage you to do so. Real people are reading your application, and we want to do our best to understand and appreciate the real people applying to Duke. (250 words maximum)

“On the surface, I am the antithesis of diverse. I come from an average family with two kids and two dogs. My parents’ marriage, like many others, ended in divorce. As a blonder in southern California, I’m fairly accustomed to blending in. While I may seem merely average in these terms, I have realized that it is my wide range of experiences and interests that takes me away from the normal crowd.”

- Detwylerder, Duke ‘19, Bioengineering

“Growing up in the melting pot that is Beijing’s expat community, I’ve been exposed to countless different cultures, religions and perspectives. I’ve travelled with my school’s teams to play basketball in Japan and Korea and to run track in the Philippines. My middle school group of friends come from four continents: Sandy from Australia, Tadi from Zimbabwe, Valentine from Mexico and Roman from the United States.”

- Daniel99, Duke ‘21, Economics

B. Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes gender identity and sexual orientation. If you would like to share with us more about either, and have not done so elsewhere in the application, we invite you to do so here.

Hope this was helpful for those considering applying to Duke this fall! Interested in reading these students’ full personal statements in addition to their full responses to the Duke supplemental prompts? Unlock all of them in one go with our  Why Duke Package ! 

For further access, upgrade to our  premium plans  offer different levels of profile access and data insights that can help you get into your dream school.

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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Duke Supplemental Essay Examples

Writing essays can be a tricky business, especially if you can’t see samples, which is why reading over some Duke supplemental essay examples will be just the ticket for your own essay writing process. This should give you a good idea of how to proceed, whether you need help with how to start a college essay , or are trying to edit and refine your first draft. Following the examples laid out below is a great way to make your college application stand out.

In this article, we cover all six possible short essays required by Duke for their supplemental section. Some of the essays are optional, but we provide examples for all of them; carefully read the prompts to find the examples relevant to your application. These are the essays that are truly unique to Duke. Then, we provide some notes on essay writing in general, and some expert college essay tips for Duke, in particular.

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Article Contents 11 min read

Short essay.

For all Duke applicants: “What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well.”

Word limit: 250 words, max.

Numbers never lie, and with Duke’s commitment to intellectual honesty, I know that I will feel at home in your institution. My interest in mathematics has been life-long, and from the time I was little and played with number-based toys, through my developing years applying math to music and music to math, I have allowed numbers to permeate my very way of life. Math is beautiful. It describes our universe and fills me with awe and wonder. It is because of this that I seek out unique experiences and understandings of mathematics, and novel approaches to the subject. Consequently, I have several reasons for wanting to study math at Duke.

The Lyceum is a concept that fascinates me. The idea of approaching the exploration of advanced mathematics through social interaction is strangely unique. I would think that more people would want this, but Duke has it. This forum would allow me to engage with my peers, my mentors, and those who have gone before and, when I am an older student, with first-year students as well – all of us learning together, from each other. What could be better than that?

Numbers don’t lie, as I said, and Duke’s high academic standard also means that my admission would truly mean something; acceptance from a discerning institution is valuable, indeed, and would provide a wonderful sense of accomplishment, while imbuing a sense of responsibility.

The Lyceum is one of my favorite concepts as a learning tool, and I itch to participate; I hope you will allow me that opportunity.

Duke emphasizes that these questions are optional for all applicants and notes the following:

“Feel free to answer them if you believe that doing so will add something meaningful that is not already shared elsewhere in your application. Four optional questions are available – a maximum of two can be selected. Please select 0–2 optional essay topics.”

Word limit: 250 words, max. per essay

Optional Essay No. 1: “We seek a diverse student body that embodies the wide range of human experience. In that context, we are interested in what you’d like to share about your lived experiences and how they’ve influenced how you think of yourself.”

My parents got divorced, and I know that that’s the oldest story in the book at this point, but this family schism – at first traumatizing and upsetting for me and my siblings – became a very important aspect of my life and shaped my worldview into what I think is a unique perspective.

My family is biracial, with my Black mom and white dad starting a family together. Although they parted ways, both sides of my heritage have remained intact, and I feel like I get two perspectives. We live in a racially charged world, and my experiences and sympathies allow me to understand the many facets that go along with current conversations about race.

You will be writing in a standard essay format: opening paragraph, body, conclusion. You will present a central idea, theme, or college essay topic , and work from there to deliver that idea quickly, and concisely.

Your opening paragraph should start off with a “hook” sentence that draws in the reader and makes it impossible for them to stop reading. The better the hook, the better the start, which will greatly help your readers enjoy your work. You also need to present your main focal point in the opening paragraph.

This is particularly important in Duke’s essays, as they have a 250-word limit; these essays are very short, and you don’t have a lot of space to include extra material. Check out some college essay introduction examples to boost your writing in this area, specifically.

In the body of your essay, you will have a few, short paragraphs to deal with your topic and answer the prompt. Get into as much detail as you can but stick to two or three main points. Again, you are constrained by the word limit, and you don’t have room to add a lot of detail.

Try to pack in some reflection on how you have grown as a person or student due to each event you discuss. The prompt can be answered, plus you can allude to academic achievements or some other accomplishments that the admissions committee will take a closer look at on your resume.

Your conclusion should focus on wrapping up the essay and summarizing anything set up in the opening paragraph. However, as noted, your conclusion should also make the committee want to hear more from you; give them someone they would want to meet in an interview. How to write a college essay can be tricky but following these steps will already get you headed in the right direction.

Remember to edit and refine! No essay is perfect from the start, so give yourself time to get feedback, do re-writes, and triple-check for spelling and grammar.

Please note that Duke also requires applicants to write other essays: one from a selection of Common App essays or Coalition Application essays, depending on which application you are using. Transfer students are required to write an additional essay as well. We have not written samples for these essays in this article.

Essay writing is a lot less intimidating once you have seen it done by someone else. These essay examples should prove invaluable to you while you create your own essays for your application.

Read as much as you can, both in terms of example essays and general technique, and focus on answering the prompts directly and skillfully.

Yes. Every option you have available to you should be exercised because each one is an additional opportunity to showcase your talents and abilities to the admissions committee.

Not formally, but they are reviewed by the committee, so a quality essay makes a big difference. Make sure every part of your application is the best you can make it.

About three weeks to write and refine your essays should be sufficient. This doesn’t mean 40 hours a week, but just that you’re setting aside time to ponder the prompts, brainstorm, write, and edit, which does take a lot of time if done well.

Yes. Never exceed any word counts, page counts, or character limits. Note that if you apply somewhere with a character limit, that limit probably includes spaces, so calculate carefully and err on the side of safety. Don’t let your essay or application fail because of an exceeded word count.

This goes double for deadlines: cutoff points are cutoff points, and you can’t exceed them.

You could ask teachers if they would look at your essays, but you can also check out college essay review services for assistance.

You can confidently submit your essay when you know you have corrected all errors, fully explored the prompt, answered any questions, put yourself into your essay – so that your character and individuality shine through – and shown your potential.

These are both application systems that streamline the application process to universities and colleges. The Common Application is more widely used, so you have access to more schools through it; the Coalition Application is intended for disadvantaged students, who might come from lower-income districts, or who have some other roadblock to higher education in their lives.

If your schools-of-choice are only available through the Common Application, you will probably use the Common App as your system. On the other hand, if you are from an underrepresented group, or need additional assistance, you might have a better overall experience with the Coalition App.

Yes. In fact, they accept students from many backgrounds. From their website: “Whether you’re an international applicant, one that is undocumented, homeschooled, transferring, or one with a disability – we are here to help you navigate the application process.”

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Biden’s Wall Street Donors Are Increasingly ‘Concerned’

Major backers in finance spent the weekend discussing whether to stick with the president, or to call on him to withdraw.

By Andrew Ross Sorkin ,  Ravi Mattu ,  Bernhard Warner ,  Sarah Kessler ,  Michael J. de la Merced ,  Lauren Hirsch ,  Ephrat Livni ,  Vivienne Walt and Benjamin Mullin

Wall Street’s game theory

As more leading Democrats say privately that President Biden should withdraw from the presidential race, some of the party’s most prominent backers on Wall Street spent the holiday weekend debating what to do next.

The group — including Larry Fink of BlackRock; Robert Rubin, the former Treasury secretary; Jon Gray of Blackstone; Peter Orszag of Lazard; Blair Effron of Centerview Partners; and Robert Wolf, a former UBS executive close to Barack Obama — talked to friends, colleagues and in some cases each other about whether to stick with Biden, people with knowledge of the discussions told DealBook.

If they favor calling for him to step back, they discussed what their next moves should be.

Wall Street is taking a different approach than Hollywood. A number of media moguls have publicly called on Biden to step aside, including Reed Hastings of Netflix; Barry Diller of IAC; the director Rob Reiner ; and the media heir Abigail Disney . (Many are also reportedly irate at Jeffrey Katzenberg, Biden’s campaign co-chair.)

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The deal makers are gaming out various scenarios. Some donors have discussed “elegant” ways for Biden to step aside to preserve his reputation.

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Key Events in American History: a Scholarly Perspective

This essay is about key events in American history that influenced politics culture and global dynamics. It covers the American Revolution the Civil War the Great Depression the Civil Rights Movement the Cold War and the September 11 attacks. Each event played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s identity policies and its position on the global stage highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the United States.

How it works

In one flow from American history a few central events brought up his trajectory influences politics culture and global dynamics. These events not only mimiced a cape nation and and abandoned the durable affecting world stadium.

Only from events more above all was American revolution moves from 1775 at first 1783. This war for independence marked birth actual unis so as Verkhovna nation breaking from the British line and places principles that influenced revolutions in one whole world democrats.

Other critical event was civil war (1861-1865) one appoints a moment in history that controlled national unit American and in eventual addition brought slavery over despite abolition.

Conflict between a north (Melting) and midday (Confederation) co-ordinated an aspect political landscape new and put foundation for battles civil laws in a similar century.

Cavity 1930 – ? grande stands so as other event characterizes a couch-grass and public shock economic comcenter. It defined governmental interference and reformed so as for example have a novice things aimed at revival economy and assures relief despite millions Americans that react unemployment and necessity.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s marked a significant turning point in American social history. Led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks this movement fought against racial segregation and discrimination leading to landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The Cold War era spanning from the late 1940s to the early 1990s was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. It shaped American foreign policy influencing interventions in conflicts such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War and culminated in the collapse of the Soviet Union marking the end of the Cold War.

More recently the September 11 attacks in 2001 had profound implications for American security and foreign policy. The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon led to heightened national security measures and military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq reshaping global geopolitics and the perception of terrorism worldwide.

In conclusion these events illustrate how key moments in American history have shaped the nation’s identity and its role in global affairs. Each event reflects the complex interplay of political social and economic forces demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the United States in the face of challenges. Understanding these events is crucial for comprehending the evolution of American society and its ongoing impact on the world stage.

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). Key Events in American History: A Scholarly Perspective . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/key-events-in-american-history-a-scholarly-perspective/ [Accessed: 10-Jul-2024]

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