Ready to apply to Duke? Here are some things you might want to think about when working on your supplemental essays! The 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) What the Prompt is About: This is a combination of a “Why us?” and a “community” prompt. Duke basically wants you to explain what you like about Duke as a community and why you think you’d be a good fit. It’s definitely hinting that you should do your research on specific qualities Duke has to offer. Tips: Define “community” at Duke. It’s super important that you explain what you think Duke’s community is like, as it shows that you’ve actually imagined yourself at the school and thought about why it’s the right one for you. In your explanation, you can reference the school values, approach to academics, educational philosophy, etc. Yes, do your research. Try not to be vague or open-ended about what you know about Duke. Instead, look up specific courses, research opportunities, or programs that attract you to the school and explain why they interest you. The prompt: Please select 0 – 2 optional essay topics. (Respond in 250 words or fewer.) 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. What the Prompt is About: Although these are optional prompts, you should probably answer at least one of them—it shows your interest in the school! This one is a more streamlined version of a “community” prompt that also asks about your unique background and how it would influence your time at Duke. Tips: Be specific. Mention a concrete experience or event that is not only important to you, but has motivated you to study your chosen area at Duke. Think about summer courses, independent projects, trips abroad, family experiences, etc. Personalize it. To make sure you’re a good fit for Duke, the school has to know who you are. Make sure your personality shines through in this prompt by using expressive language and entertaining storytelling techniques. 2. Tell us about an experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity or intellect. What the Prompt is About: Duke essentially wants to know what you’ve done recently that shows off an academic or creative passion. Tips: Tell an interesting narrative. As you have about 250 words here, try opening your essay with a hook that makes your readers feel like they are experiencing whatever you are, too. The more vivid your narrative is, the more interesting your essay will be. Be strategic. Carefully assess your recent experiences and highlight one that aligns with the rest of your application. For example, if you’re planning to study Computer Science at Duke, definitely make sure you discuss something STEM-oriented. 3. We believe there is benefit in sharing or 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? What the Prompt is About: Here, Duke wants you to share your spirit of intellectual inquiry and debate, and discuss the hot topics you care about. Tips: Pick a relevant topic. Rather than discussing how you and your friend debate about which pictures to post on your social media accounts, try to think more about issues like gender, politics, equality, public health, etc.—things that matter to the rest of the world, too. Be open-minded. Try to steer away from using words like “right” or “wrong”—instead, focus on how your agreements or disagreements have allowed you to view the world more complexly. 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. What the Prompt is About: Here, Duke is inviting you to discuss your personal identity, any obstacles you may have faced because of it, and what you seek pride in. Tips: Be vulnerable. If you ever faced discrimination for being different, Duke wants to hear about your experience, what you’ve learned from it, and how you’ve thrived since. Be positive. Try to celebrate your uniqueness in this prompt and use language that lets Duke know you’re proud of who you are and what you have to offer the world. 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. What the Prompt is About: Duke cares about issues like sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If these topics are relevant to your lived experience, Duke wants to know more. Tips: Answer this prompt if it’s relevant. Remember, Duke has five optional prompts to pick from, so if this prompt does not directly relate to your individual experiences, select another one! Be detailed. Try to present a detailed depiction of your identity so that Duke really understands what matters and why.
