A good why Duke essay sample shows that an applicant can tie his interests to the university and its values. For example, the student in the above example relates his interest in Gothic architecture to his interest in engineering. Then, he highlights how these things align with his goals for Duke. This essay is a good example of an essay that highlights intellectual curiosity and academic ambition. However, if you are not sure how to write a winning essay, you can read this sample first.
Writing a good supplemental essay for Duke
Whether you’re applying for early decision or regular decision, writing a supplemental essay for Duke can help you stand out from the crowd. This type of essay allows you to present yourself in a more personal light, demonstrating your college readiness. While it’s important to follow proper grammar and writing conventions, the supplemental essay is your chance to emphasize your passion for Duke and show your personality outside of grades and test scores.
If you’re wondering how to write a good supplemental essay for Duke, start by assessing your writing style. Duke is very specific about their requirements, so don’t make it too formal or too personal. A good way to demonstrate your unique voice is to show that you can write a good story, use humor, and include some of your favorite literature. Duke is a place for diverse individuals, and your writing style will show the admissions committee your personality and interests.
Identifying your core values at Duke
Identifying your core values at Duke is a key component of the admissions process. This essay prompt asks you to discuss a formative experience or perspective that has shaped your identity. How have these experiences shaped you? How does this experience strengthen the Duke community? Write a response that highlights both your personal and professional values and ties to these experiences. Then, show the admissions committee why this experience is important to you.
The best responses to the Duke application prompt will establish early goals and show how the university’s offerings will help you research a topic of interest and make an impact in the real world. For example, a student who grew up working on a family farm may have developed a passion for local food systems and pursue a position on the Duke Student Dining Advisory Committee. A student who suffered from identity-based bullying might mention his or her interest in implementing policies to combat this form of bullying.
Highlighting your academic ambition
To highlight your academic ambition in a Duke essay, begin by identifying your goals. State your ambitions early on, and argue that your academic pursuits at Duke will help you pursue them in a way that will have real world impact. For example, if you’d like to study neuroscience, discuss how your research interests will aid you in advancing your knowledge of how the nervous system develops myelin. Mention your research in multiple sclerosis, which will be especially impressive to Duke admissions officers.
Once you’ve outlined your academic ambitions, you should address the “why Duke?” prompt. This prompt will determine the most effective structure for your essay. The purpose of the “why” question is to determine how much of a match you’re likely to be with Duke and what you hope to accomplish with your degree. For example, if you’re applying to Duke as a first-year student, you might want to discuss your plans for the future.
Highlighting your intellectual curiosity
One of the best ways to show your passion for Duke is to include the details of your academic pursuits. The first paragraph should reveal that you were astonished when you toured the campus, and your mouth was watering just thinking about it. If you have already researched Duke, include information about the classes you took and professors you met. It shows that you did your research and found a program that appeals to your interests.
Whether you are writing your Duke essay to share your intellectual interests or to highlight your personal interests, remember that the Duke application is a reflection of who you are. The essay prompt asks applicants to share their intellectual interests or personal passions. While some prompts ask for narrative responses, others call for personal examples. Whatever prompt you are asked to answer, you should remember that your purpose is to show the admissions officers something they don’t already know.
Highlighting your personal experiences
When writing the “Why Us” section of a Duke essay, make sure you highlight your own unique experiences. Whether they’re academic, extracurricular, or both, it’s important to highlight your passions, goals, and experiences that can help you succeed at Duke. Your essay should never read like a list of random searches from Google. Instead, tie your experiences to your personal goals and values.
Whether you were born in a Hispanic household or grew up in a mixed-race household, highlight your personal experiences and how they shaped you. If you identify as LGBTQIA+, mention your experience in a Duke essay. Be sure to explain why you identify as such, and how it helped you become the person you are today. In addition, don’t be afraid to talk about your experience, no matter how embarrassing it may seem.