duke essays

How to Write the Duke Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2023/2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What are the Duke supplemental essay prompts?
• How to write each supplemental essay prompt for Duke University
• Prompt #1:"Why us?" essy

If you’re applying to Duke, it’s likely that you’ve invested many an hour in some combination of academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, employment, and community service. Thankfully, Duke won’t demand too many more of those hours, keeping its supplemental writing ask to a few shorter prompts. The challenge? Standing out in just 500-750 words. Let’s take a look at the prompts and check out some strong examples to help you make the most of Duke’s supplemental essay prompts. 

But before you get too far—one more thing. (There’s always a catch, right?) You’ll want to take a quick peek at Duke’s Common Data Set . In it, you’ll find a treasure trove of information on the institution, ranging from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information. Next, read through Duke’s academic strategic plan to better understand its values, roadmap for the future, and the role “diverse and inclusive communities of excellence” play in its vision. Checking out both will help you better understand who Duke is looking for and how you’ll fit in on campus.

What are Duke's supplemental essay prompts?

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)

Prompts #2 + #3:

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 for each)

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

How to Write Each Supplemental Essay Prompt for Duke

How to write the duke supplemental essay #1 + examples.

This prompt is asking for a short “Why us?” essay. Check out my full guide to this essay here .

Remember—the best “Why us?” pieces don’t celebrate how “x” school is the GREATEST SCHOOL OF ALL TIME. They’re more an explanation of why you and the school are the perfect match. Make sure to connect each of your Duke examples to your goals and interests. 

Let’s jump right into some examples and explore what makes them work.

If I could pursue one goal for the rest of my life, it would be promoting gender equality. With a major in Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies and certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, I plan to focus on the intersection of social impact and business at Duke. Classes such as “Women at Work,” “Transnational Feminism,” and the annual Feminist Theory Workshop will help me understand how race and gender impact economic exchange and women’s mobilization. I plan on rushing Scale and Coin to catapult my career in business and participating in the Design to Impact Incubator which encourages social innovation. To give back in Durham, I hope to empower women of color at surrounding schools by leading social entrepreneurship workshops. I will also work with TEDxDuke to incorporate female speakers from underrepresented industries. I believe that Duke’s interdisciplinary approach will help me become a strong businesswoman and champion of equality.

Tips + Analysis

Ground your “Why us? in a specific purpose or objective. This student names her long-term goal—“promoting gender equality”—and then names the specific programs she’d pursue to prepare her for that goal. Remember, this doesn’t lock you into a single course of study once you get there, but it can demonstrate that you’ll arrive on campus focused and motivated. Not sure what your big picture goal is? Try asking yourself: What impact do I hope to have on the world? 

Name campus resources. This piece is brimming with specific Duke resources: Women at Work, the Feminist Theory Workshop, Scale and Coin, and TEDxDuke. Use your internet research superpowers to find the most specific resources possible. For example, instead of writing about a “Business Leaders Speaker Series,” name actual speakers who have been a part of the event in the past. 

Diversify your resources. Not only does this student name specific resources, but she also names various types of resources, including classes, workshops, student societies, and clubs. She also includes an activity she wants to create and lead: social entrepreneurship workshops. Review your Duke research and make sure you’ve found diverse resources, not just classes. 

Identify what you’ll walk away with. This student doesn’t just name resources; she cites the specific skills, understandings, and outcomes she’ll gain. Whether it’s understanding “how race and gender impact economic exchange and women’s mobilization” through her engagement with the Feminist Theory Workshop or “giving back to Durham” through “leading social entrepreneurship workshops,” we know this student isn’t just copying and pasting the stuff she Googled—she’s identifying resources that will both help her grow and help her impact her communities. You can set yourself apart as well by doing the same.

I’ve always been amazed by the beauty of nature and I want to dedicate my efforts to preserving the planet. By combining a major in Mechanical Engineering and an Energy & the Environment Certificate at Duke, I intend to apply robotic technology to solve global environmental challenges.  Courses like Energy Engineering and the Environment and Power Generation will teach me about renewable energy conversion devices to serve today’s energy-hungry society. Unique interdisciplinary robotics courses like Control of Dynamic Systems would give me the skills to design robots capable of promoting forest regrowth without human intervention.  I’ll grab FLUNCH with Dr. Justin Ridge and discuss his research on using remote-sensing drones to evaluate coastal habitats. During the summer, I hope to volunteer with Duke Engineers for International Development, where I could use my skills as an engineer and to help solve pressing environmental issues in developing countries. 

Tips + Analysis:

This piece showcases the same elements of a strong answer as the previous example, but with a focus on engineering and sustainability. 

Ground your “Why us?” in a specific purpose or objective. Just like in the first example, this student names her long-term goal—“applying robotic technology to solve global environmental challenges”—and names the specific program she would pursue to prepare her for that goal (a mechanical engineering major and environment certificate). Again, this doesn’t lock you into a single course of study once you get there, but it can demonstrate that you'll arrive on campus focused and motivated. 

Name campus resources. This piece shares lots of  Duke resources as well, including classes like Energy Engineering and the Environment, Power Generation, and Control of Dynamic Systems, academic resources like FLUNCH, and volunteer opportunities like Duke Engineers for International Development. Use your internet research superpowers to find the most specific resources possible. For example, instead of writing about a professor you want to work with, name her current research project and how it overlaps with some of your interests. 

Diversify your resources. This student’s specific resources are focused on academic resources geared toward solving environmental problems. But she still manages to include classes, an extracurricular academic opportunity, and a volunteer opportunity. Review your Duke research and make sure you’ve found diverse resources, not just classes. 

Identifying what you’ll walk away with. This student also goes beyond just naming resources. She too cites the specific skills, understandings, and outcomes she’ll gain. In this case, she backs up every resource she names with what she’ll gain, using transitions like “will teach me about…” or “will give me….” 

How to Write the Duke Supplemental Essay #2 + #3 + Examples

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

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. (250 words)

Choosing a Topic

If you read this prompt and think, “Oh, I can totally write about _____________!” jump right down to “Example # 1: Top-of-mind Identity.” 

If nothing immediately comes to mind (as a straight, white cis male, I get that), don’t despair! The prompt invites you to talk about a “community you belong to,” which leaves the door open for you to write about almost anything. Two general approaches that might work:

Go broad, with an identity that lets you highlight a few different activities/experiences.

Brainstorm some shared values you have with your family (“I come from a community/family of _____________.”)

Consider if any of these shared values have connections to activities you do. 

For example:

Creators  → Film makers club, stage crew, knitting

Storytellers → Theater, young historians, Sunday school teacher

Educators → Tutoring, student council, babysitting

Skeptics → Debate team, student representative in local government

Optimists → Environmental club, neuroscience research 

2. Go super specific and make it a more focused community/extracurricular essay.

Make a list of clubs or activities you’re involved in that have a sense of purpose. Spoiler alert: Almost any club or activity can fit this description. 

Identify one or two that have a strong sense of community (Stereotypically: theater kids. But we’ve also heard of close-knit Science Olympiad teams, political clubs, etc.) 

Some examples (but again, almost any can work): 

Progressive Students Council 

Wikipedia editors

Community Beautification Club

Still struggling to come up with different communities you’re a part of? Check out this longer post on How to Write the Community Essay .

Example Essay 1: Top-of-Mind Identity

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. Do I consider myself Korean or American? Now, I can proudly answer: “Both.”

— — — 

Share your identity by setting the scenes with rich details. The prompt says it all—Duke wants to know “the real person” applying to Duke. An engaging description will help set the scene for your lived experience of your identity. It also helps preempt any possible stereotypes that might unconsciously exist in a reader’s mind. Instead of opening her piece with “I am Korean-American,” this student brings us right into her room and shows us what her Korean and American identities look—and even smell—like. 

Share challenges you’ve faced due to your identity. Duke wants to hear about a variety of ways your identity affects your experience (and what you will in turn bring to Duke). Sharing challenges (for this student: a lack of belonging) will help your reader empathize with you and can set you up to share some learning or growth that’s been an outcome of living with this identity. If you haven’t experienced challenges, no worries! You can use your 250 words to:

Share the positive ways you experience your identity. What have the benefits of holding this identity been? Are there values you’ve learned from others with the same identity? Are there unique experiences your identity has opened up? Are there lessons you’ve learned through any adversity related to your identity? 

This student gets to experience “the best of both worlds” because of her mixed identity. She even explicitly renames her challenge (ambiguity) as a strength (diversity), demonstrating a strengths-based mindset. 

Bonus Points: How might you engage with this identity at Duke? There’s a chance for a mini “ Why us? ” with this prompt. Research a club, class, space, or speaker that will help you further engage with this identity at Duke. Can’t find one? Write about wanting to create that space, class, or club. 

Example 2: No Top-of-Mind Identity

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 far away 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.  

Name the community you belong to and how/why you got involved. If you’re writing about a shared family value, describe how that value has shown up for the generations that came before you. Don’t spend too many words on this—Duke wants to hear mostly about you!—but spending a few early words detailing where you inherited a value or identity from will help the reader “understand and appreciate the real people applying to Duke.” 

This student names the community (storytellers) and how he became a part of it (bedtime stories). If you’re writing about a club or group you’re a part of, share a descriptive anecdote that captures the kind of work you do with that group, and follow it up by naming the group and its purpose: “As a member of (insert group), I belong to a community of people who (insert amazing activities and values).”  

From there, you can write a straightforward extracurricular essay! Our full guide for that kind of essay can be found here .The best extracurricular essays are grounded in values, but that will be doubly important for this prompt to make sure your writing stays on-prompt (i.e., addressing identity and community). 

Bonus Points: How might you engage with this identity at Duke? This approach also gives you a chance for a mini “Why us?” essay. Research a club, class, space, or speaker that will help you continue your work at Duke. Can’t find one? Write about wanting to create that space, class, or club. 

Intellectual experience - Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating. (250 words) 

This prompt is a great option for students who have had a truly one-of-a-kind educational opportunity or who have experienced some deep revelations or insights on who they are (or who they want to become) thanks to that experience. So while this prompt may not be the best for the student who took an engineering class and discovered a love for aviation, it might be so for the student who got to build an actual airplane from a kit in their engineering class and then was part of the team who flew said airplane from Texas to EAA AirVenture OshKosh. See the difference? 

It’s OK if you don’t have that level of academic experiences to write about—this is a judgment-free zone. In that case, we’d encourage you to select another one of the prompts available to respond to.

Although we don’t have a Duke-specific response to share, the essay below was written for a similar UC prompt. With a trim to word count,  this essay would fit nicely as a response to Duke’s prompt. We’ll explain the marks it hits in the Tips + Analysis below.

Option #2 Example Essay:

Following my sophomore year in high school, I was hungry to apply the skills I had learned in calculus and engineering to real world problems. I secured a summer internship with Professor Gurav Sant’s Laboratory for the Chemistry of Construction Materials, a Civil and Environmental Engineering Lab at UCLA.  The lab’s focus is to make building materials more sustainable. When I joined the lab, their primary project was to design a concrete that can sequester CO2. My individual research project, which aimed to solve a part of the problem, focused on the dissolution kinetics of calcite to better understand calcite stability in cementitious solutions.  I designed and conducted experiments to test calcite dissolution in solutions containing organic ligands including EDTA, citrate, and acetate. My tests were largely unique because they were the first to be conducted in alkaline pH regions due to the nature of cementitious systems. I imaged the surface of my samples with a Vertical Scanning Interferometer (VSI) and analyzed the data with the micro-nano software Gwyddion. My results have applications for breaking down calcite in cement to sequester CO2. During my second summer in the lab, I studied the crevice corrosion of Ti-6A-4V, a titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy, which has applications ranging from oil pipelines to medical implants.  In order to characterize the corrosion of Ti-6Al-4V due to the breakdown of its passive film, I applied immersion and electrochemical tests. My experiments were conducted in an artificial saliva solution with fluoride and chloride to understand how dental implants respond to hygiene rinses and toothpastes in a simulated human mouth environment. My results help characterize the inition of crevice corrosion due to harmful anions, which has not been previously studied. In my last two years of high school, I’ve been able to start important work that has important practical applications. My research has solidified my desire to be an engineer and let me understand the teamwork that addressing pressing problems requires. In college and beyond, I want to further develop my engineering skills and continue to work with passionate peers to change the world.  — — —

Don’t be afraid to geek out on your topic. Calcite dissolutions? Harmful anions? Gwiddion? While the reader may not know exactly what this student is talking about,  it’s clear he knows his stuff. Using the lingo of your educational experience adds depth to the response, showing this student’s passion for the topic and all-in, can-do attitude that will make him successful in engineering—or whatever he sets his mind to.

Focus on the experience and the outcome. It’s great to be able to show a natural progression of skill development and learning during this one-of-a-kind experience. It’s even better when you can tie that in with how you’ll be an asset to both a college campus and to the future field. This student shows how his initial interest in pursuing a subject (using amazing descriptors like “secured” and “hungry”) landed him right where he needed to be: doing the research he loves. But this response is more than that. It shows how he’s going to leverage that experience to make him a better problem-solver on campus and to be part of a team that changes the world. Signed. Sealed. Delivered. BOOM!

Brag without being braggy. There’s a fine line between highlighting your contributions and just plain old showing off. You don’t want your essay to sound like a LinkedIn profile that’s full of bullet point-style accomplishments. This student walks that fine line by bookending his essay with the idea that he wants to make practical contributions to real-world problems. Then he piles that essay sandwich high with both the proof that he did what he set out to do and the insight to show how what he did mattered. 

Showcase your personality. Whether it’s the engineering lingo you use, the visual imagery that burns the story into the reader’s brain, or the sense of humor that makes the essay undeniably yours (check out the next response for a prime example), don’t hesitate to let your voice shine through. Education doesn’t happen in a personality vacuum, and when you bring your story to life in the way only you can, the reader gets to connect with you on a whole new level. 

Here’s another nice example that shows these tips in action:

Picture this—an edible tortoise-shaped syringe, spring-loaded with a needle to automatically inject a payload of medicine through the wall of your stomach. Horror movie material? Good guess, but no. It’s actually from a study by the University of Toronto. I was exposed to this wacky, creative side of science through the Summer Youth Intensive Program (currently known as the Science for Youth Intensive Program). This program, hosted by UC Berkeley College of Chemistry, consisted of 9 months of weekly virtual mentoring meetings with a Berkeley grad student. While the 4 week on-campus portion was cancelled due to COVID-19, I was nonetheless able to take advantage of this opportunity to deeply study many interesting fields. SYIP reinforced my love for innovative science. Our research was full of studies that defied conventions. Like removing brain tumors with a straw (to be fair it was a rather complex straw). Or weaving yarn made of human skin so stitches would integrate after the procedure. Or one of my personal favorites, dipping materials in liquid dopamine so they would become, uh, stickier (that’s actually quite a valuable property). All of these graduate-level research papers covered concepts that initially seemed overwhelming. Nanostructure assembly, cancer vasculature, immunology, rotating pigs at high speeds. Quick note on that last one: no, it’s not a joke; yes, it is hilarious. Swine orientation aside, to better grasp these fields of study, I would heavily annotate the papers and research unfamiliar terms. I also compiled any remaining questions to consult my mentor during our study reviews and took ample notes during her presentations. In all this research, it was vital that we never compromised on data and testing. After our analysis and critiques, sometimes a brilliant idea would show promise, and other times be constrained by some critical detail. But repeatedly, I found that creativity didn’t necessarily produce pseudoscience. Research can push boundaries in unorthodox ways without ever sacrificing the empiricism that makes science special.  Here's the big takeaway: Sometimes the best solution isn’t the expected one; sometimes it looks more like a tortoise poised to stab your intestines with medicine. — — —

Beliefs and 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? (250 words)

Part—and really, a big part—of the college experience is being exposed to new people, perspectives, and ’periences (and, perhaps, playing with creative alliteration). This prompt is the perfect springboard for showing your natural curiosity and interest in engaging in lively, productive discussions. Your answer will be a multifaceted one: Whose perspective (or whose approach to taking a stance on an issue) do you respect or admire (and why), what subject are you passionate about (one way or another), and how have you changed because of what you’ve learned from (or discussed with) others?

Here’s an essay written for Princeton that does an excellent job of addressing a similar prompt (and illustrates nicely the idea of a super essay .)

Option #3 Example Essay:

I probably argue with my grandfather more than I do with most other people combined. It’s not because we’re at odds. We just have different perspectives, influenced by our experiences—his as a life-long resident of India, mine as a first-generation American. One pretty common argument we have is over Eastern vs. Western medicine. My solution to a headache, for example, is to take Advil. His is to rub Tiger Balm on his forehead and coconut oil on the soles of his feet. I try to convince him of the benefits of taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, describing how it can reduce inflammation by blocking the production of certain chemicals. He tries to convince me that the balm creates a cooling effect, distracting the brain from pain and relaxing the muscles. Rather than becoming sore at or resentful of each other, we’ve grown closer through these debates, and I’ve learned how to disagree without letting the situation get acrimonious. Through these interactions, I’ve learned that a discussion shouldn’t be confrontational. The purpose isn’t to win, but to share my knowledge with the other party and learn from them as well. So rather than saying, “Rubbing balm on your forehead is stupid; you should just take Advil,” I say, “While rubbing balm on your forehead seems to work, I’ve noticed that taking an Advil has a stronger and more immediate effect.” Respecting the opposing party makes them more willing to hear you out. I’ve also learned there’s a fine line between logic and emotion. I try not to take personally the things my grandfather says in an argument. Just because he doesn’t think taking Advil is the better solution doesn’t mean he thinks I’m stupid. If I take it that way, we begin to move away from what the argument really was about—the facts. I’ll continue to apply these learnings in discussions and debates I have with others, realizing that having a “successful argument” isn’t about winning. It’s about sharing my opinion and learning from theirs, expanding our perspectives without alienating each other. — — —

The conversation topic can be anything. You might assume that for your essay to be attention-grabbing, you need to pick a “hot topic” like a recent SCOTUS decision or climate change. And those topics are fine, if they’re really reflective of who you are. Instead, consider challenging yourself to go more obscure. Less cliché. More you. Smaller discussions can be just as lively … just as relevant … and just as revealing. Who didn’t spend time debating whether the Vans tennis shoes were gray/teal or white/pink? Or whether brussel sprouts are great or gross. (Spoiler: The shoes are actually “mahogany rose” and “true white.” The jury is still out on the sprouts.) This student does a great job at finding a unique cultural difference—Tiger Balm vs. Advil—and showing how he’s used that as a springboard to finesse his art of debate and understanding.

But it’s important to show growth or a new understanding. In the tennis shoes debate, perhaps what was most interesting to you was the realization that people truly saw one set of colors vs. another. And they weren’t necessarily wrong: Our brains perceive colors in different ways. So perhaps this argument revealed to you that issues really aren’t black and white (or gray/teal) but that there’s sometimes a spectrum of “right answers” stemming from our backgrounds or even our physiology (e.g., taste buds, eyesight)—and that’s changed the way you’ve approached other, more impactful arguments. The student above uses the last lines in his second and third paragraphs—and the entire closing—to show how his perspective has shifted—all because of headaches.

Be willing to be wrong. We can learn as much from our failures as we do from our successes. In fact, sometimes, it says more about us when we’re willing to be vulnerable enough to admit we’re wrong—or, at least, not entirely right. This student echoes that point, acknowledging it “isn’t about winning.” Instead, having viewpoints that are different from those he respects and admires helped him learn about balancing logic and emotion as well as practice the art of listening.

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.  

While many of Duke’s supplemental essay options present students with a chance to reflect on a piece of their identity that may or may not have a loaded emotional journey or vulnerable insights, this prompt might appeal to students who may have interesting idiosyncrasies or personal quirks that aren’t so “deep” (with the caveat that “deep” is obviously subjective). Note that obviously you can dive deep with aspects of ways you’re different—you just also have the option here of leaning in another direction.

One great way to source these personal “isms” is  College Essay Guy’s 21 Details exercise , which is a chance to brain-dump random details about yourself that may not seem traditionally “college-y,” but that often can be connected to larger insights or patterns about how you move through the world and how your mind works.

This is a new prompt for Duke this year, but the example below (sourced from another college) illustrates how you can tackle it.

I'm a long-suffering insomniac. There’s nothing like the alarm going off after finally drifting off. For a minute.  That’s a normal night.  Yet, I’ve come to appreciate my alone time.   1:02 a.m.: This is when my most complicated questions come to life. How do we conquer partisanship? What are the benefits of alternative medicine? Next thing I know, I’m down an internet rabbit hole, finding articles, books, videos to answer my questions—then sharing them with other insomniacs roaming the internet. 4:04 a.m.: My search history now contains one important question: How to fall asleep? I’ve tried hundreds of methods, from progressive muscle relaxation to essential oils. My most recent strategy: tricking my brain by trying to stay awake. (It’s not working great.) Still, I share it with my unsleeping friends, posting a few more tips (calming music and breathing techniques) with a Facebook group of never-sleepers, my insomniac community. Here, problem-solving meets helping others.  6:30 a.m.: BUZZZZZZ! I didn’t get much sleep but I got answers on the definition of consciousness, and more sleeping tips to try.  Being an insomniac has become an important part of my world, offering unique experiences that give me comfort in knowing that, no matter where I am, or what time it is, I have a support system to help answer my burning questions—whether it’s if humanity is heading in the right direction, or how to cope with only a few hours of sleep—that’s just a mouse click away. (250 words) — — —

Tips & Analysis

It doesn’t have to be that deep (...sleep 😴). As noted above, this prompt can really appeal to students whose main points of difference may not fit neatly on a demographics questionnaire. Are you a lover of the arts in a school that’s dominated completely by athletics (or vice versa)? What about someone who spends their Friday nights birdwatching with grandma versus “traditional” teenage social activities? (Not sure how many birds you can find at night beyond owls, but hey, that student might know 😉). All of those points of difference have helped influence your skills, qualities, values and interests in some way. This student’s insomnatic identity is, objectively, not something that an onlooker (or admission reader) would be able to garner by looing at the student, or reading a basic fact sheet about them. BUT there is often such beauty to be found in these idiosyncrasies. Embracing them unabashedly communicates to a college that you’re someone who is open-minded and accepting of differences—both tangible and intangible.

Marry the effect AND the meaning 💒 . Duke gives students permission to write about how their area of difference has either affected them OR what it means to them—but this student wisely provides a lens on both angles, which really helps the reader get a better sense of their skills, qualities, values and interests. While the first 3/4ths of their content describes how it has directly affected them (irregular sleep schedule, ample time to explore their intellectual curiosities online, a unique community who understand this disorder), they wrap up their response with a concluding “so what” sentence with the “meaning” side of the coin. This makes it much easier for the reader to envision how the student’s unique difference (insomnia) may actually benefit Duke’s campus.

The glass is half full (... of warm milk 🥛😉). Many students (falsely!) think that challenged-based topics are preferred by admissions officers. While talking about how you’ve overcome challenges in your life can certainly demonstrate useful skills like resiliency, that’s only one of many values that make us who we are . This student could have very well focused their entire response on how difficult being an insomniac is (because, think about it… chronic sleep deprivation? HARD pass). Yet, instead, they chose to center their response on the values that insomnia has helped them live out more fully with each timestamp: a sip of curiosity at 1:02am, a gulp of open-mindedness and flexibility at 4:04 am, and an aftertaste of optimism at 6:30am. Ask yourself: what values have I already shared with my colleges in my personal statement and other essays, and which ones do I feel are less clear? Highlighting a personal difference that helps give air-time to these additional values helps fill up the admissions officer’s cup—and hopefully yours. 😁

And here’s another example, without analysis, that demonstrates a fairly different approach, just so you see that you’ve got options for how you explore here.

As a light-skinned, soft-spoken, empathetic, and analytical Black woman, a lot of times I have felt that I am not a part of my own community. Many of my family members ask me why I relate so much to the East Asian community and culture. This, of course, has led me to question whether or not community is only skin deep.      I became engrossed in the East Asian community at a young age. My dad, an international pilot, often brought movies home from China. One day he brought home Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki. He described it as something similar to Alice in Wonderland. I could truly see myself in the Miyazaki’s heroines: from how they transcended their roles in life to how they met obstacles with resilience and bravery, these heroines helped me feel less alone.  I evolved from watching Miyazaki movies to joining anime clubs, to reading East Asian philosophy, and eventually studying the works of Japanese author Haruki Murakami. This culminated in a trip to Japan last summer as a People to People: Student Ambassador. Immersed in the culture, I visited a Japanese high school, hiked Mt. Fuji, soaked in an onsen, and experienced a deep connection with my homestay family, the Mishimas.   Through being a part of the East Asian community, I have explored answers to metaphysical questions, prayed at a Shinto shrine, and realized that community is a state of mind, much more than skin deep.  — — —

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.  (250 words)

We dive pretty deep into the topic of “coming out” in your college writing in this blog post , so if you’re planning to write this optional prompt, you can find a bunch of do’s, don’ts, and examples there. Just note that those tips are for a 650-word essay and this prompt asks for just 250 words, so you’ll need to get to the point more quickly. In short, value information over poetry.

One quick note for this prompt specifically: This is a supplemental prompt and not your personal statement. Consider including more “Why Duke?” content—How do you see Duke as a place where you’ll belong? What resources do they offer? What work might you do while at Duke to engage with and elevate the LGBTQIA+ community? 

If you’ve already addressed your LGBTQIA+ identity somewhere else in your application, there’s no need to repeat things here. This is truly an optional prompt, so only write a response if it will add something new to your application. 

Here’s an example essay we love.

Option #5 Example Essay:

I grew up in a society where discussing sexuality was taboo. Teachers deliberately skipped the chapter on genitalia and childbirth in biology class. So I’d secretly educated myself about sexual health, tiptoeing to fetch my laptop after bedtime and watching YouTube videos under my blanket. Becoming knowledgeable about sexuality and health both excited and humiliated me. Though I knew such education was essential, I often felt like an outcast. My struggle to find belonging escalated when I perceived my queerness. In China, employees can be legitimately fired for their sexual orientation and gender identity. Scared of being expelled from school, I forced myself into conversations about attractive actors and pretended to admire the opposite, sex just like everyone else. But I was lonely. It was first watching the feminist play The Vagina Monologues in high school that provided me comfort and widened my perspective. Knowing that female sexuality can be discussed – even championed – in public productions amazed me. I came to realize that I was, after all, not alone in the journey of self-exploration.   More importantly, The Vagina Monologues opened the door to a wide range of queer media and organizations that offered me a sense of belonging. I finally found my home volunteering at the Beijing LGBT Center. It was the only place I’d seen in China where rainbow flags are hung high and proud, where the house pet is a cat named Duo Yuan (“diversity”), and where the usual response to “I am queer” is “that’s awesome.” From watching Call Me By Your Name with my co-workers to pulling all-nighters collaborating on an interview project to fight stereotypes, I had found my “politically incorrect” salvation. Using free time to navigate online queer resources and explore my identity, I did not let this challenge impact my academic achievement, but rather to inspire it. The Vagina Monologues and my work at the Center spurred my interest in Gender Studies, altering the direction of my later academic career. — — —

Share what you’ll offer … and receive. As mentioned above, consider adding some “Why Duke” to your response. What is it about Duke’s allyship that appeals to you, and how will your experiences, skills, and personality build on its inclusivity? This student might’ve tied in her past experiences with how she’ll volunteer with one of the LGBTQ student groups on campus, or even how she’ll expand the Program in Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies.

Explore the unspoken. The first part of the prompt says, “Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.” Includes is a pretty big word here. Diversity and inclusion encompass a wide range of experiences, and “includes” gives you permission—even beseeches you (if you don’t mind going all William Shakespeare for a moment) to share the other identities that, when combined, make you, you. Your LGBTQIA+-ness may be one part of the essay, or it may be all the essay. In this essay, we see a firm focus on her journey of self-exploration, which started with her sexuality but evolved to embrace multiple communities: LGBTQIA+, activism, and student.

Embrace the vulnerability. Exploring diversity and inclusion is inherently vulnerable, but acknowledging your vulnerability in your story forges a personal connection between author and reader. Sentences like, “Becoming knowledgeable about sexuality and health both excited and humiliated me,” and “I came to realize that I was, after all, not alone in the journey of self-exploration” allow readers to accompany the author on her journey–empathizing with her struggles and emphatically agreeing that “no, you are not alone.” 

Special thanks to Tom for contributing to this post.  

Tom Campbell (he/him) is an eternally extra Gemini who has spent the past seven years helping students and families navigate the college admissions process—one alliterative/assonant aphorism at a time. Prior to joining College Essay Guy, he worked as a college counselor at Lakeside School and an admissions officer at Pomona College and College of the Holy Cross (his alma mater). He stans em dashes and semicolons, Kacey Musgraves (all eras, not just star crossed and Golden Hour), superior breakfast burritos, and complaining about space tourism.

Top Values: Authenticity | Fun | Vulnerability

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?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Duke supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Private High School Spotlight
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

Sign Up Now

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 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!

Want to write the perfect college application essay? Get professional help from PrepScholar.

Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We'll learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay that you'll proudly submit to your top choice colleges.

Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now :

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.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

How to Write Outstanding Duke Supplemental Essays (Including Why Duke)

Our best advice for impressing admissions officers with your duke essay supplements..

Duke’s supplemental “short essay” prompts are straight-forward — but a lot hinges on them. We’ve got a few quick tips on how to set yourself up for success, from our experience at Prompt helping applicants succeed.

Or, check out our full guide for nailing the Duke short essay supplements . But the best tip we can give you is to get excellent feedback from people who know you well. If you’d also like personalized guidance from people who’ve done this thousands of times, get started with us here .

Duke short essay prompts 2020-2021

Short essay — required:

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)

• Our tip: Get to know the Duke website, do your research, and get specific. (For more on writing great “why this college?” essays, see here .)

Short essays — optional:

• 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)
• 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)
• The first question here is OINO (optional in name only). If you don’t have anything to contribute to campus, why would they take you? (Good news: of course you do!)
• The second question is fully optional — in fact, only write if you feel you have something compelling to say here.

Your Trusted Advisors for Admissions Success

Admissions and test prep resources to help you get into your dream schools

How to Get Into Duke: Essays and Strategies That Worked

How hard is it to get into duke learn the duke acceptance rate and strategies for applying, plus sample duke supplemental essays.

LEARN HOW TO GET INTO DUKE

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: duke university admissions requirements, part 3: applying to duke early decision vs. regular decision, part 4: 2023–2024 duke supplemental essays (examples included).

For gifted, high-achieving students facing the college application process, the Ivy League holds undeniable appeal. But don’t forget to look south to one of the best Ivy+ schools: Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, a university that regularly outranks some of its Ivy League counterparts. 

Thanks to its world-renowned researchers completing the Human Genome Project, and Coach K leading the Blue Devils to five national championships in NCAA basketball, Duke is known for excellence, and it has a slightly different cultural flavor than many of its counterparts in the Ivy and Ivy+ cohort.

Ornate gothic architecture and verdant grounds surrounded by woodlands and hiking trails make Duke an idyllic place to live and study. Duke Chapel, with its bell tower modeled after Canterbury Cathedral, is especially awe-inspiring and stands as the centerpiece of a bustling and eclectic campus.

Duke boasts high tech labs with free electron lasers and nuclear magnetic resonance machines. But students can also find plenty of green spaces, like the flower-lined paths of the Sarah P. Duke gardens or Duke Forest. If they’re in search of animal life, they can check out the Duke Lemur Center, the world’s largest sanctuary of endangered primates. 

Beyond simply soaking up the beauty of Duke’s campus and taking advantage of its flora and fauna, popular student activities include a cappella, musical theater troupes like Hoof N’ Horn (the second oldest in the country), and the mock trial team, which won a national championship in 2012.

And what sorts of opportunities await Duke graduates? Ask Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, or Melinda Gates, cofounder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Ask Grant Hill, seven-time NBA All-Star, or Alana Beard, four-time WNBA All-Star. Ask Judy Woodruff or Elizabeth Dole or any one of the countless leaders and innovators who have worked at the very forefront of their disciplines and made lasting impacts. It’s this network of alumni that will welcome your child post-graduation.

Duke University ranking

Duke is consistently near the top in national rankings, regularly outstripping some Ivies like Cornell , Dartmouth and Brown .

U.S. News and World Report: 10

Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education: 16

Where is Duke?

Duke calls Durham, a medium-sized city in central North Carolina, its home. It’s part of the “Research Triangle,” which includes Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh, respectively the sites of Duke, the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State. Together, these universities have attracted corporations and tech companies to the area.

While Duke has its own shuttle system, Durham’s public transit is limited to buses.

Duke University setting

Suburban/Urban. Though technically in the city limits of Durham, it would be fair to call Duke’s campus secluded. The surrounding area has a quiet, wooded feel, but the city is never far away. Durham’s downtown has undergone a period of revitalization in the last ten years. Duke students can catch a baseball game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on the weekend or explore the chic restaurants, shops, and art studios.

Duke student population

Undergraduate population: 6,543

Grad and professional school population: 10,612

Duke acceptance rate

Let’s review the admissions statistics for Duke’s class of 2026:

Applications: 50,008

Acceptances: 3,126

Matriculants: 1,738

Acceptance rate: 6.3%

Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 21.2%

Regular Decision Acceptance Rate: 5%

Duke tuition and scholarships

Duke’s 2023–2024 cost of attendance (i.e., tuition, room, board, and fees) is $83,263.

Duke offers need-based financial aid and pledges to cover 100 percent of a student’s demonstrated financial need. 52 percent of Duke undergraduates receive some amount of financial aid, and the average award in 2021–2022 was $54,865.

Typically, there is zero expected contribution for families earning under $60,000 per year. 70 percent of Duke students graduate with zero debt.

Who gets into Duke?

Below, we’ve listed academic and demographic information for the class of 2026 to help you assess your child’s chances of getting into Duke:

Average GPA: Duke doesn’t publish its average admitted student GPA.

Duke average ACT score:

25th percentile: 34

75th percentile: 36

Duke average SAT score:

25th percentile: 1510

75th percentile: 1570

International students: 14%

First-generation students: 10%

Public school attendees: 55%

63% Caucasian, 32% Asian or Pacific Islander, 13% Black or African American, and 16% Hispanic or Latino.

In addition, the most popular undergrad majors are computer science, economics, public policy, biology, and biomedical engineering.

Want to know exactly what it takes to get into America’s most selective colleges?

Get the free 110-page guide we use to help our students routinely get admitted to schools like Stanford and Princeton: How to Get Into America’s Elite Colleges: The Ultimate Guide

100% privacy. No spam. Ever.

Thank you! Your guide is on its way. In the meantime, please let us know how we can help you crack the the college admissions code . You can also learn more about our 1-on-1 college admissions support here .

Duke academic requirements

Many applicants to Duke or other Ivy+ schools will have pristine grades and test scores and will have excelled in extracurricular activities and athletics. It’s the X-factor—ambition, intellectual curiosity, and persistence in the face of challenges—that will make your child’s application stand out from the rest of the well-qualified crowd. 

Admissions officers make an effort to understand an applicant’s accomplishments within their specific context. In other words, has a student made the most of what they’ve been given? This means that if your child has had the opportunity to take AP or IB courses, and they’ve taken advantage of those opportunities, it will strengthen their application.

Besides enrolling in the most challenging courses available, Duke recommends that your child complete the following:

English: 4 years

Math: At least 3 years

Natural sciences: At least 3 years

Foreign language: At least 3 years

Social studies: At least 3 years

If your child plans to apply to the Pratt School of Engineering, note that calculus is required and physics is strongly recommended.

Duke application requirements

Here’s a checklist of all the materials your child will need to apply. Duke accepts the Common Application and the Coalition Application. 

Common App Essay or Coalition App essay

Duke supplemental essays

Optional during 2023–2024: ACT or SAT

2 teacher letters of recommendation

Optional: Personal recommendation from an employer, mentor, or anyone else who knows you well

Secondary school report, counselor recommendation, and transcripts

First quarter grades (if applying Early Decision) or midyear grade report (if applying Regular Decision)

Optional: Arts supplements

Duke allows students to apply via either early or regular decision. Those who apply through the early decision program and are accepted must commit to attending Duke. Those who are not accepted may have their admission denied or deferred. Deferred applicants will be reconsidered in the regular decision pool and will no longer have a contractual obligation to attend Duke. Early decision applicants must submit all materials by November 1st and are notified in mid-December. 

Your child may also apply through regular decision, which means they’ll have till January 2nd (or December 20th for priority consideration for alumni interviews). Regular decision applicants are notified in late March or early April.

Should your child apply to Duke early decision?

Because Duke’s early decision program is binding, it can be a big decision. Early decision is a good fit if your child is confident in their grades and test scores as of early November and if Duke is their top choice. It’s also important to understand that your child will still be expected to commit no matter the financial aid package they receive. If your child is interested in applying to other binding early action schools, or they need more time improve their academic resume, it may be better to wait and apply regular decision. 

Duke accepts a much higher percentage—21 percent—of early decision applicants compared to regular decision applicants. It’s often said that early applicants are by and large a better prepared and exceedingly qualified lot, which accounts for the higher acceptance rate.

That said, applying to one school via binding early decision can signal a level of commitment even greater than what’s possible in the non-binding early action process. So if your child has their heart set on a school that offers binding early decision—and if you’re prepared to pay for that school regardless of financial aid—it’s a good idea to encourage them to think about ED.

(Suggested reading: Early Action vs. Early Decision: Pros and Cons and What Your Child Should Do )

(Note: While these examples are specific to Duke, we encourage you to take a look at other college essay examples .)

Duke requires applicants to answer a series of short answer/essay questions in addition to the Common App Personal Essay. These supplemental materials are crucial for admissions officers and present your child with a great way to particularize and accentuate the uniqueness of their profile.

Let’s take a look at how three students tackled Duke’s supplemental questions. The following students are closely based on or composites of students we've worked with in nearly 20 years of advising college applicants.

James is from the Appalachian region of far western North Carolina. He grew up in an agrarian community and is interested in the Environmental Sciences major. He will be the first in his family to attend college.

Rachel wants to pursue a career in biology and, in particular, the Animal Behavior concentration. She grew up in Chapel Hill and has been drawn to Duke since she was young for its Marine Lab and the Duke Lemur Center. She also played soccer throughout middle and high school and would like to continue playing in college.

Amy is interested in pursuing a music degree and wants, ultimately, to become a composer. A first generation Chinese American, Amy grew up in California and has played the piano seriously for twelve years. 

Duke supplemental essay 1

Question 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)

Rachel answered this way:

What animal has two tongues, lives in societies run by females and has a name that means “evil spirit of the dead” in Latin? The lemur, of course! These are just a few of the facts I learned when I first visited the Duke Lemur Center at the age of five. I remember staring up into a tree where a big-eyed female lemur and her baby were staring back at me. I felt a kinship with these furry prosimians, and not just because they were my evolutionary cousins.

Growing up in Chapel Hill, I’ve been back to the Duke Lemur Center many times. I’ve met Duke researchers and zoologists who were passionate about their work, and it has been these visits, more than anything, that’s helped form my interest in animals and biology. What better place to study animal behavior than Duke, where the interest was first kindled?

I admire that Duke is committed to conservation as well. Climate change will reduce lemur habitats by 60% over the next 70 years, but Duke researchers, both in North Carolina and in their Madagascar program, are working to curb those effects. I want to be part of this effort.

What makes Rachel’s essay an excellent response?

She uses evocative, sensory details to place us in a scene. When she thinks back on her childhood experience at the Lemur Center, we’re immersed with her, looking up into the tree. It’s a peculiar, and therefore memorable, image.

The writing is playful and humorous, as the subject matter demands. She manages to sound sincere without sounding pretentious or stuffy, and we get the sense that her interest in animals, and lemurs especially, is a source of fun and fascination for Rachel.

She highlights her personal connection to Duke. Not only did she grow up in the area, but she grew up visiting this specific Duke facility and falling in love with its furry denizens. As per the question, she gives admissions officers “something particular about Duke” that makes it a “good match.”

Duke supplemental essays 2–3

Question 2: 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. (250 word limit)

Question 3: Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating. (250 words maximum)

Gain instant access to essay examples for every supplemental essay prompt from the top universities and BS/MD programs in the United States.

Final thoughts

As both a top research university and a bastion of excellence in athletics and the humanities, Duke presents truly unique opportunities to its admitted students. Duke’s supplemental application essays offer your child the opportunity to accentuate the personal experiences that have shaped their education. The supplemental essays are also a great place to showcase their academic ambition, intellectual curiosity, and personal experiences. By spending some extra time on this section of the application, your child can greatly improve their admission prospects.

About the Author

Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on college admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT using his exclusive approach.

THERE'S NO REASON TO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS ALONE, ESPECIALLY WITH SO MUCH ON THE LINE. SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO ENSURE YOU LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE.

What We Look For

Duke offers a multitude of opportunities to its undergraduates. We’re looking for students ready to respond to those opportunities intelligently, creatively, and enthusiastically. We like ambition and curiosity, talent and persistence, energy and humanity.

Quote Created with Sketch. We’re looking for students ready to respond to those opportunities intelligently, creatively, and enthusiastically. We like ambition and curiosity, talent and persistence, energy and humanity.

Application Review Process

When we read your application and then discuss an application with our Admissions Committee, we consider both your academic and personal qualities. We think about what you have accomplished within the context of your opportunities and challenges. And we seek students who will bring a variety of experiences, backgrounds, interests, and opinions to the campus.

We’re guided initially by our assessment of five primary factors:

• The rigor of a candidate’s academic program
• Academic performance as measured by grades in academic courses
• Letters of recommendation from two teachers and a counselor
• Extracurricular activities
• The quality of thought and expression in the application essay

College Preparation Tips

Resources + Tools

Visit our FAQs

Searching for Curious Minds

Enroll in the best available and most challenging courses. We generally expect students to enroll in five academic courses per year, and if a student does not take four years in a particular subject area, it should be replaced with an academic course of equal rigor. The following statistics represent the Class of 2027.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Take the SAT or ACT

Investigate the standardized tests some colleges and universities require for admission. Buy a study guide and begin taking practice SAT and ACT tests. We recommend that a student take an official SAT or ACT in the springtime of their junior year. Duke will be test-optional for students applying for admission in 2023-2024.

Letters of recommendation

Find your support.

Recommendations give us another way to learn who you are. We require three letters of recommendation for each applicant: one recommendation from your school counselor and two recommendations from teachers who have taught you in major academic courses.

Extracurricular Activities

Seeking passion-driven students.

Not only are extracurricular activities a great way for you to balance your academic life, but they are also a means by which you can identify your passions and interests. At Duke, we appreciate well-rounded and well-lopsided students that will make impact on our campus and in our community.

Application Essays

Get personal.

Both the Common Application and the Coalition Application include a one-page personal essay. In addition, both include short essay questions that are specific to Duke and that offer you the opportunity to tell us about your personal and intellectual interests.

SHORT ESSAY

Personal essay.

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)

Contact a Prepory college admissions coach and start your college admissions journey.

Our college admissions experts are here to guide you from where you are to where you should be. Through our comprehensive curriculum, individualized coaching, and online workshops, you are set for success as soon as you connect with us.

During our initial consultation, we will: 

• Assess your student’s applicant profile and higher education goals 
• Provide detailed information about our services and programming
• Share tips on how to navigate the U.S. college admissions process 

Let's get started!

Land your next great job with a Prepory career coach!

Let us help you advance your career, Identify new opportunities, participate in mock interviews, build, thrive, grow, and land your dream job.

Subscribe to our blog!

Follow us on social media

Want to get admitted to your dream school or accelerate your career?

College Admissions

Career coaching.

(929) 244-3365 [email protected] 12555 Orange Drive, Suite 100A, Davie, FL 33330

Copyright © 2023  Prepory Coaching Group LLC.  All Rights Reserved.

Ready to take the next step towards college admissions or career success?

Book your free consultation.

Duke University Essay Examples

Duke Essay Examples

Often confused for an Ivy League university because of its prestigious reputation, Duke University is one of America’s top schools. While not a member of the Ivies, Duke admissions is just as selective—and reading some Duke essay examples can help you prepare. The Duke supplemental essays are a vital part of the admissions process. By reading Duke essay examples, students can learn more about what this top school looks for.

Studying accepted Duke essays can inspire you when writing your own Duke essays. Although you’ve likely seen other “why school” essays, reading specific “why Duke” essay examples will help you hone your essays. Indeed, with the Duke acceptance rate at 6% , hopeful applicants should do everything possible to make their application stand out . 

Now, let’s learn more about the Duke essays and read some Duke essay examples.

Duke Supplemental Essay Requirements

Our Duke essay examples are based on the Duke requirements, which include “why Duke” essay examples. So, before you get the creative juices flowing, you’ll want to make sure that you know the essay requirements. 

Students can complete their Duke application via the Common App or Coalition App. Qualifying students may also apply via QuestBridge . For both the Common and Coalition Applications, students will need to complete the personal essay. In the Common App, applicants will choose from seven prompts; the Coalition App has five prompts. The word count for both is similar, with a maximum of 650 words. 

Additionally, Duke University applicants will need to complete one required short essay of 250 words. Finally, there are two optional 250-word essays; Duke provides four additional essay prompts to choose from. Although these are “optional,” applicants who are serious about getting into Duke should submit them.

In addition, applicants to the Pratt School of Engineering will need to complete a separate essay of 150 words. This is basically a “why major” essay in which students must demonstrate why they want to study engineering at Duke. 

You can check out the Common App writing requirements for schools that you’re interested in. Remember to start early so you have time to polish your Duke essays and other materials. 

How many essays does Duke require?

Reading Duke essay examples, or any other sample college essay, is a great way to get started on your application. But, you may still be asking just how many Duke supplemental essays are required. Technically, applicants only need to complete two essays on the Duke application. 

However, as we mentioned, Duke is an extremely selective university. That means that when considering how to get into Duke, applicants should do everything possible to make their application shine. 

Duke provides students with four optional essay prompts, from which students can choose two. Though they’re technically optional, you should think of these two additional essays as required. Give them as much attention as you do the other two essays. 

So, when looking at the Duke essay examples, especially the “why this college” essay sample, view everything as required. T o be as competitive as possible, you should write a total of four essays for your Duke application.

Why Duke Essay Examples

If you’ve started your college applications, the prompt for our “why Duke” essay examples should look familiar: the “why school” essay. This essay challenges students to consider what specifically about this university makes it their top choice. Likewise, students need to show why they would be a great fit at the institution. Understandably, this essay prompt is very common, and sample college essay resources usually include it.

In the first of our Duke essay examples, we’re going to look at the Pratt School of Engineering prompt. Then we’ll discuss a well-written “why this college” essay sample.  

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. (Please limit your response to no more than 150 words.)

The first of our Duke essay examples is not only a why school essay, but also a why major essay. Students will need to show not only why they want to study at Duke, but specifically at Pratt. Let’s consider this prompt as one of our “why Duke” essay examples. 

So, how can you effectively respond in so few words?

Here is one response to use as a reference when considering how to start a “why this college” essay. It was among the elite accepted Duke essays:

Why Duke Essay Example

“Some of you may wonder ‘When will I ever use derivatives in real life?’ Welcome to when.” My physics teacher described engineering as the “when” math and physics were applied to real problems. That is what is so attractive about engineering; it gives me the ability to apply intriguing concepts to fascinating projects

Something I consider unique about Duke is the opportunities for freshmen to become close with other freshmen. For example, Duke freshmen live on their own campus, allowing them to foster friendships with students of the same year. Additionally, through Duke Focus, I could pursue my humanities interests with other freshmen who have similar interests. In high school, some of my favorite classes were humanities and Duke would allow me to continue this enrichment in a community of like-minded individuals.”

We’re going to break down what specifically worked in this Duke essay example next. However, you can look outside of solely why Duke essay examples for inspiration in your why school essay. Check out another “why this college” essay sample to see what works. 

Why this Duke essay worked

Successful “why Duke” essay examples will comprehensively answer the prompt in a way that makes the applicant stand out. Can you tell why this essay was among the accepted Duke essays and one of our featured Duke essay examples?

Of course, the writer does an excellent job of fully answering the prompt. Even more importantly than that, they draw in the reader with the first line and a personal anecdote. That “hook” is quite important to successful Duke essay examples. Instead of simply stating that they enjoy applying engineering concepts, the writer illustrates a defining moment in their engineering journey. 

Then, they go on to show that they’ve done their research on Duke. Successful ”why Duke” essay examples will reference specific programs only available at Duke. That shows admissions that you are interested in more than just the impressive stats that the university holds. You show that you truly want to study and be a part of the culture. 

In this case, the writer speaks about the unique living situation for Duke first year students that builds a strong sense of community. This shows admissions that they will be an active participant on campus. In addition to the academic experience that Duke offers, the writer also highlights their eagerness to build personal relationships. In doing so, they show that they’re a team player.

The writer also cements the piece as one of the great Duke essay examples by mentioning Pratt’s multifaceted engineering program. They directly reference the possibility of studying humanities in addition to engineering. This interdisciplinary structure of Duke’s engineering program is unique—and a factor that appeals to many Duke applicants. 

Optional Duke Essays

Many successful Duke essay examples come from the “optional” Duke supplemental essays. When planning your application and essays, you should consider the optional essays a requirement. Of course, they aren’t technically required. However, when applying to a competitive school like Duke, you’ll want to give yourself every opportunity to make a lasting impression on Duke admissions. That’s why we strongly recommend answering the optional essay prompts. 

Duke supplies applicants with four “optional” essay prompts. Students may choose a maximum of two prompts to respond to. Students have a maximum of 250 words for each essay. 

Let’s take a look at each essay prompt and how to approach them. 

Prompt 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.

This prompt may look like other college essay prompts you’ve seen. Just as reading “why Duke” essay examples can be helpful since the prompt is common, so can cultural diversity essay examples. So, you’re in luck: our Duke essay examples consist of both. 

Prompt 2: 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 asks you to consider your beliefs and values. Where do they come from? Now, how do you navigate differences with people who don’t share your beliefs? Or, alternatively, who do you most see eye-to-eye with on those values?

The key to answering this prompt is showing what you care about. If you speak about agreements, then you might show where your beliefs come from and why they’re so important to you. For example, maybe they’ve been instilled in you by your family, and you enjoy deep conversations with close family members. That shows a lot about who you are and where you come from. 

Don’t shy away from talking about disagreements with this prompt if that’s the first thing that comes to mind. This can demonstrate that you effectively communicate with those whose opinions differ from your own—an essential life skill. 

Prompt 3: What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?

Note that effective Duke essay examples for this prompt can cover any academic experience; however, it has to be recent. High school is a period of rapid growth. This prompt invites applicants to think about impactful academic experiences that have shaped their intellectual curiosity. Many effective Duke essay examples for this prompt also address future academic or career goals. 

Prompt 4: Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If you’d like to share with us more about your identity in this context, feel free to do so here.

Students who feel as though they’d like to speak on this topic should do so in this prompt. However, you should only respond to this prompt if you personally identify with it. This isn’t a prompt in which to speak as an advocate or ally outside these identities. However, if sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression are a large part of your identity, then this prompt may be for you. 

Cultural Diversity Essay Example

One of our Duke essay examples focuses on cultural diversity. This is a favorite prompt among universities. So, when choosing an optional essay prompt, this could be an easy option if you’ve already drafted similar essays. However, as always, your final draft should be specific to Duke. 

Let’s check out the prompt again and one of the accepted Duke essays: 

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.

Now let’s look at one of our Duke essay examples responding to this prompt: 

Duke Essay Example

I vividly remember the first day of first grade, stuttering over my words as I tried to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as effortlessly as the rest of my classmates. Growing up in a Venezuelan household, I had never even heard the pledge. As a result of my Hispanic upbringing, I had always felt out of place among my classmates because I didn’t have the same ideals and experiences.

Among Hispanic family members, my American upbringing labeled me as an outsider. Discussing Venezuelan politics or preparing traditional food were activities my immediate family rarely participated in, leaving me unprepared for Hispanic social gatherings.

Despite the distinct contrast between the two, a part of myself belongs to both cultures. On the Fourth of July, I join my friends in the local park to watch fireworks and indulge in burgers. For Christmas Eve dinner, I eat hallacas (essentially stuffed corn dough) with my family before “Baby Jesus brings the gifts.”

However, as a partial member of both groups, one community defines me perfectly: second generation Americans. Like many other children in my position, I do not fit into my parents’ world due to my diverse upbringings. Additionally, the lack of American familial roots prevents total assimilation into the world of my peers. 

As a second generation American, my traditions and experiences are not unique to one culture, but a combination of two. Caught in the middle, I form my own unique identity that is neither American or Venezuelan, but an imperfect mixture.

This is one of our successful Duke essay examples for many reasons. The writer excellently shows how their background and experiences as a second-generation American have shaped them. 

One thing you will usually notice among successful Duke essay examples is the hook at the beginning. Remember that you can be creative when writing your college essays. In this essay, the writer opens with their first memory when they realized their upbringing set them apart from their classmates. 

The writer then goes on to reflect on how they’ve felt like an outsider within their family as well. However, they then come to the conclusion of where they belong. Namely, the essay closes with the writer’s acceptance of their identity, and of how their family and society have affected them. In the end, the writer seems quite self-aware and confident in who they are. 

It’s evident that the writer will bring this unique view and perspective to Duke’s campus. That’s what a successful cultural diversity essay will do: share your own experiences and how they have shaped you. You will also want to demonstrate growth and connect it to what you’d bring to a college campus. 

Although our Duke essay examples answer different prompts, you may notice some similarities. Both writers tell their unique stories in distinct ways. However, both writers comprehensively answer the prompt and show admissions just who they are. As a result, it’s obvious that both these writers will bring a positive presence to Duke’s campus. 

When writing essays, especially when thinking about how to start a “why this college” essay, your essay planning should focus on specifics. What story will you tell? How will you convey your message in an engaging manner while also meeting the requirements? A successful sample college essay won’t be limited to one format. You’ll notice many different ways to write successful essays when you start looking at college essay examples. 

The goal of these Duke essay examples is to show that there are many ways to write successful college essays. However, there are two important things to keep in mind, especially when thinking about how to start a “why this college” essay. Why Duke? And why you? 

If you’re scouring “why Duke” essay examples and accepted Duke essays for inspiration, you should read widely. That is to say, you should read college essay examples for other prompts, too. Reading a sample college essay will show you what works; you’ll likely note many of the same patterns we’ve mentioned. After reading enough “why Duke” essay examples or any other sample college essay, writing your own will be much less daunting. 

What does Duke look for in essays?

Duke wants you to “get personal” in your essays, just as the above “why Duke” essay examples did. As we know, Duke is an extremely selective school. Consequently, you should make the most of every aspect of your application. 

Why are these Duke essay examples so important? Well, essays are an opportunity for applicants to show part of themselves that aren’t in other parts of the application. This is your opportunity to stand out in a sea of academically high-achieving applicants. 

But, what exactly does admissions want to see from your Duke supplemental essays?

Duke wants to see:

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your essays. Use the famous phrase that you’ve probably heard in your English class: show, don’t tell. 

What motivates you? Duke admits applicants who are passionate, motivated, and driven to achieve great things both at Duke and beyond. 

In your college essays, highlight your intellectual curiosity. Universities want to see that you are asking the big (or small) questions and seeking answers for yourself.

Persistence

Show that you don’t give up. Don’t be afraid to feature a “failure” in one of your essays. Writing about how you grew and learned from the experience can often be more impactful than a generic success story. 

Are you empathetic to those around you? Do you care about making the world a better place? Showing that you are able to connect to your community and the world around you are important factors for Duke. 

How do you write a Duke essay?

Using the “why Duke” essay examples as inspiration for your own essays is a great place to start. But how can you go from reading essays to writing your own accepted Duke essays this admissions cycle? While each essay will be unique to your personality, some basic tips can help you write the most impactful essay possible. Meeting the Duke requirements is a start, but you’ll need to do much more than just that.

Start early

Don’t leave writing your essays until the last moment. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time. When should you start writing these essays? Well, you can start as early as the summer before your senior year of high school. At this point, you can go from reading “why Duke” essay examples to drafting your own.

Brainstorm, draft, edit, revise, repeat

Why should you start your essays so early? You’ll want to have plenty of time to get your ideas in order. Whether you have zero ideas or way too many, do yourself a favor and give yourself time to brainstorm. 

There are many ways to brainstorm. You could do a mind map for different ideas, then try writing on your top choices. Choose the topic where you can write most passionately and freely. You could also skip the mind map and instead try a timed free-write. Then, you could refine any useful information into a draft.

You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to rewrite, as well. Have someone you trust read your draft and give you feedback. But, remember that when applying feedback, be sure to keep your essay true to you. 

Answer the question: why Duke?

Of course, above all else, you must answer the prompt. Accepted Duke essays can give you an idea of how to do this. For example, one of our “why Duke” essay examples talked about specific programs offered only at Duke. Successful Duke essay examples will show that you are interested in more than just Duke’s impressive stats and prestigious reputation. 

Be sure to do your research—not just for Duke, but also for any school you apply to. Look into programs that catch your interest and write about how you would take advantage of them. 

But, don’t forget that successful “why Duke” essay examples will also demonstrate why you’re a perfect fit for Duke. You’ll notice that “why Duke” essay examples show what potential students would bring to campus. So, answer “why Duke?” and “why you?”

Duke Supplemental Essay Guides & Duke Resources

While we’ve seen two accepted Duke essays, there are plenty more resources available to you when writing your college essays. Studying why Duke essay examples or any other sample college essay can help you get started in your writing process. You’ll be able to see what works, note common tactics, and apply them to your personal application narrative. CollegeAdvisor provides a wealth of resources when it comes to the entire college application journey. 

When looking at “why Duke” essay examples or accepted Duke essays, you’ll want to study our Duke essay guide before getting started. You’ll better understand the best way to approach each essay. 

Duke University Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

Additionally, if you’re wondering how to get into Duke then you’ll also want to check out this webinar . In it, Duke admissions experts share insights on everything from the application process to being a student on campus. 

Duke University Panel

After seeing some “why Duke” essay examples, you may be wondering about other Duke requirements. As a matter of fact, Duke is actually one of the top test-optional colleges in the nation. That is to say, SAT or ACT scores are optional, although your essays will be more heavily weighed without them. That means that when determining how to get into Duke, your Duke supplemental essays maybe even more important. Likewise, you may want to send in your test scores if they’re good enough to improve your application.

And, remember that CollegeAdvisor is a great source of information for every step of your college process. Learn how to build your college list and then what to do when you finally get your college acceptance letters !

Duke Essay Examples – Final thoughts

There’s no doubt that Duke is one of the top ranking universities in the nation. In fact, U.S. News ranks the university at #10 in the nation. While college rankings aren’t the most important factor when it comes to choosing colleges, it does indicate the competitiveness of admissions. For example, Duke is both highly ranked and one of the most selective universities in the nation.

But don’t stress! That just means that you’ll need to make your application stand out. And, after reading our “why Duke” essay examples and other accepted Duke essays, you now have a foundation. Just remember to give yourself plenty of time when applying to Duke. Your four essays will require special attention in order to impress admissions. 

With strong grades and great essays, you may just join those featured with your accepted Duke essays. And, remember that CollegeAdvisor is here with expert advice to guide you along your college journey, including the essay process. Good luck!

This article 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.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

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 4.8%, 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. 

Access 190+ sample college essays here

Get A Free Consultation

You may also like.

15 College Essay Topics To Avoid and Why | Tips & Examples

Yale vs. Princeton: Which College to Choose?

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

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.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Duke University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2

You Have: 

Duke University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: One required 250-word essay and two optional 250-word essays Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Communit y , Diversity

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)

Admissions is truly asking you to do your homework here. What do you make of Duke and why do you want to go there? This space is a wonderful opportunity for you to summarize the aspects of a Duke college experience that call to you and to address your personal connection to this elite school. Were you able to tour campus last year? What drew you in? What part of campus could you see yourself hanging out in? Where do you see yourself studying for exams? Admissions knows that Duke is a prestigious university, with impressive alumni to boot, so make sure to personalize your answer. Instead of showering Duke with compliments, focus on how Duke has attracted your interest and how you hope an education at Duke will prepare you to accomplish your goals—academic and otherwise.

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.  Four optional questions are available – a maximum of 2 can be selected.

Please select 0 – 2 optional essay topics. (respond in 250 words or fewer.), 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..

Admissions wants to know what you will contribute to the Duke community. What has shaped you as a person and how has that made your perspective unique? What lessons have you learned and applied? What can you share with others? Is there anything you can teach your classmates or peers about your hometown, culture, religion, identity, race, or ethnicity that they might not already know? Duke wants to know how your personal perspectives, beliefs, and/or lived experiences will affect the conversations you have and the ways in which you engage with the Blue Devil community, so tell them a story that helps them to imagine the kind of student you’ll be on campus next fall.

2) Intellectual experience

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

It’s no surprise that Duke is hoping to invite students to campus who are excited about learning, so take this opportunity to geek out about an awesome learning experience you had recently. Maybe you were given permission to write your research paper on a historic event that has always amazed you and, through that project, you were able to deepen your understanding of the complex social hierarchies during the Qin dynasty. Perhaps you had the opportunity to take a class or seminar with a thought leader you really admire or you went on a reading retreat that expanded your horizons. Whatever it may be, this is the perfect place to show admissions your passion for intellectual endeavors.

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.

This prompt is an inquiry: how do you communicate with others about difficult topics and issues? Duke wants to foster the kind of learning environment that encourages respectful discussions about beliefs and values, so tell them about someone you speak with about issues you hold dear to your heart. Maybe it’s a mentor in your life, who you consult when you feel overwhelmed by current events. Do they provide reassurance that you’re on the right path? Perhaps it’s a family member who tends to disagree with your worldview and vision for a better future. How do you approach these complex conversations? Have you ever questioned what you believe in, or perhaps, discovered a new perspective you hadn’t considered before? How have you become a better listener or speaker because of these chats? Don’t forget to mention the topic or issue of importance here, so you can also give admissions insight into what you care about.

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..

We have all felt different from those around us at some point in our lives, and with this prompt, admissions is inviting you to talk about your lived experiences. Perhaps you are one of few South Asian students at your Midwestern high school, and that difference has led you to explore your heritage and connect with family members overseas to better understand what it means to be you. Maybe you have lived with a physical disability for as long as you can remember; how have the ways you move through the world and take up space impacted the way you interact with your surroundings and vice versa? Whatever has kept you from “fitting in,” admissions knows that difference makes communities stronger, so invite them to learn a little bit about what it’s like to be you and what the world looks like through your eyes.

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 was one of the first schools to embrace the subject of sexual orientation and gender identity in their essay questions, and this is yet another step in their overt attempt to recruit a truly diverse pool of applicants. They want you to know that they embrace all sexual orientations and gender expressions, so if you are open to discussing your identity, feel free to share your story. Note that this question will not be applicable to all students, so if you don’t have a relevant story to tell, we recommend responding to two of the other three prompts!

About Kat Stubing

View all posts by Kat Stubing »

We're here to help.

Contact us for information on rates and more!

• I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
• Name * First Last
• Phone Type Mobile Landline
• Street Address
• Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
• How did you find CEA? Internet Search New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other
• Common App and Coalition Essays
• Supplemental Essays
• University of California Essays
• University of Texas Essays
• Resume Review
• Post-Grad Essays
• Specialized Services
• Waitlist Letters
• Private School Essays
• General College Counseling
• School list with priorities noted:
• Anything else we should know?
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
• Agnes Scott College
• Alvernia University
• American University
• Amherst College
• Babson College
• Bard College
• Barnard College
• Baylor University
• Bennington College
• Bentley University
• Berry College
• Bethany College
• Bishop’s University
• Boston College
• Boston University (BU)
• Bowdoin College
• Brandeis University
• Brown University
• Bryn Mawr College
• Bucknell University
• Butler University
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• California Lutheran University
• Capitol Technology University
• Carleton College
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Catawba College
• Centre College
• Chapman University
• Claremont McKenna College
• Clark University
• College of Mount Saint Vincent
• College of William and Mary
• College of Wooster
• Colorado College
• Colorado School of Mines
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Culver-Stockton College
• D'Youville University
• Dartmouth College
• Davidson College
• Drexel University
• Duke University
• Earlham College
• Elon University
• Emerson College
• Emory University
• Flagler College
• Fordham University
• George Mason University
• Georgetown University
• Georgia State University
• Georgia Tech
• Gonzaga University
• Harvard University
• Harvey Mudd College
• Haverford College
• Hillsdale College
• Hofstra University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Indiana University Bloomington
• Ithaca College
• Johns Hopkins University
• Kalamazoo College
• Lafayette College
• Lehigh University
• Lewis and Clark College
• Linfield University
• Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
• Lynn University
• Macalester College
• Malone University
• Manchester University
• Marist College
• Mary Baldwin University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Meredith College
• Monmouth College
• Moravian University
• Morehouse College
• Mount Holyoke College
• New York University (NYU)
• North Park University
• Northwestern University
• Occidental College
• Oklahoma City University
• Olin College of Engineering
• Pepperdine University
• Pitzer College
• Pomona College
• Princeton University
• Providence College
• Purdue University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rice University
• Saint Elizabeth University
• Santa Clara University
• Sarah Lawrence College
• Scripps College
• Seattle Pacific University
• Smith College
• Soka University of America
• Southern Methodist University
• St. John’s College
• Stanford University
• Stonehill College
• Swarthmore College
• Syracuse University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas Christian University
• The College of Idaho
• The George Washington University
• The New School
• Trinity College
• Tufts University
• Tulane University
• University of California
• University of Central Florida (UCF)
• University of Chicago
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Florida
• University of Georgia
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• University of Maryland
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• University of Miami
• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Oregon
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Richmond
• University of San Diego
• University of San Francisco
• University of Southern California (USC)
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Tulsa
• University of Vermont
• University of Virginia (UVA)
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Vanderbilt University
• Vassar College
• Villanova University
• Virginia Tech
• Wake Forest University
• Washington and Lee University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Wellesley College
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• Yale University

Want free stuff?

We thought so. Sign up for free instructional videos, guides, worksheets and more!

One-On-One Advising

Common App Essay Prompt Guide

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

• YouTube Tutorials
• Our Approach & Team
• Undergraduate Testimonials
• Postgraduate Testimonials
• Where Our Students Get In
• CEA Gives Back
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Private School Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Common App Essay Guide
• Supplemental Essay Guides
• Coalition App Guide
• The CEA Podcast
• Admissions Stats
• Notification Trackers
• Deadline Databases
• College Essay Examples
• Academy and Worksheets
• Waitlist Guides
• Get Started

6 Duke Supplemental Essays That Worked for 2023

Getting into Duke University is difficult in 2023. 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.

Learn the secrets of successful top-20 college essays

Join 4,000+ students and parents that already receive our 5-minute free newsletter , packed with top-20 essay examples, writing tips & tricks, and step-by-step guides.

#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?

Ryan Chiang , Founder of EssaysThatWorked

Want to read more amazing essays that worked for top schools?

Hey! 👋 I'm Ryan Chiang, the founder of EssaysThatWorked.

Get our 5-minute free newsletter packed with essay tips and college admissions resources, backed by real-life examples from admitted students at top-20 schools.

Meet the Author

Ryan Chiang

I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked - a website dedicated to helping students write college essays they're proud of. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

You might also like:

12 Best Stanford Supplemental Essays That Worked 2023

6 Northwestern Essay Examples & Why Northwestern (2023)

9 Tufts University EssaysThatWorked

8 Notre Dame EssaysThatWorked

What do outstanding essays have in common? Here are our 23 most effective strategies based on lessons from admitted students.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

By signing up you agree to Terms and Privacy Policy

Now available for November 2023 ...

The College Essay Workshop

Join my on-demand step-by-step course for crafting outstanding college admissions essays, plus 1-on-1 help.

Here's everything needed to write essays worthy of Top-20 colleges.

Google Rating

Join our students who have earned acceptances to schools like...

See exactly how students wrote admitted essays for top schools.

Our 231 essay examples show you how ordinary students wrote outstanding essays that helped their applications - all in their own words.

These aren’t just essay examples - but real acceptance stories, from real students who share their most intimate details with you - down to their real essays and exact profiel stats.

How do I find a unique topic? How do I write a great essay? And how do I stand out?

Our 231 essay examples break down these exact questions. Every type of essay prompt, student, and school.

You’ll realize these students are just like you - and that, deep down, you can do it too.

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...

Over 200 more admitted essays like these...

Learn the secrets behind outstanding application essays.

College essays are confusing. And it's not your fault. You're not taught how to write them in school.

How should I structure my essay? Can I use humor? What makes a truly great essay?

There's so much conflicting advice out there.

And with people selling "magic formulas" and "structures" to follow... it's easy to be led astray.

You’ll get access to courses, live events, a dedicated essay coach, and countless resources to help you write your best essays.

You finally have a place where you can ask these questions, get advice, and see exactly how admitted students before you did it.

You’re no longer figuring out everything on your own. You're no longer stuck wondering.

Everything you get

231 essays analyzed

Explore our database of 200+ admitted essays from top-20 colleges. Filter by prompt, school, topic, word count, and more. Get expert insights into why they worked and what you can learn from them.

Exclusive access to essay editing

You'll get access to our essay editing services, which is only offered for members. You can get your essays reviewed personally by me (Ryan). I'll give you detailed feedback on how to improve your essays and make them stand out.

Dedicated essay coach & support

You'll get access to our private community, where you can ask questions and get help from me directly. I'll be there to answer your questions and provide unlimited personalized advice.

44 in-depth video lessons

Learn the secrets behind outstanding essays. We break down the entire process, from brainstorming to writing and editing. You'll learn how to write amazing college essays for any prompt, with step-by-step guides and actionable tips.

26 downloadable guides

Get our best tips and tricks in easy-to-read guides. Learn what makes great essays, how to brainstorm your best topics, and how to write specific parts like a powerful hook and memorable ending.

Tons of bonuses

Get the Ultimate College Application Planner, my 154-Point Essay Checklist, and more. You'll also get a free copy of my eBooks, including 23 College Essay Tips to Stand Out and more.

Don't take our word for it

Some names have been changed to protect the privacy of our students and parents.

" Ryan, I want to express our great appreciation to you for your help on George's application essays. You have provided invaluable resources! P.S. I will certainly recommend you to our friends. "

" Ryan—David got into The University of Michigan!!! Only 4 kids got in out of 200 that applied at his school!!! Thank you so so much for everything "

" Thank you for the incredible help Ryan - both Hannah and I have said repeatedly that we could not have done it without you! "

" Thank you for your help with my essays back in November, including my Yale supplements. Just wanted to let you know I ended up getting into and committing to Yale! "

" I feel so much more reassured to press the submit button now. I wish I knew about your site sooner! "

" ... Invaluable to me during the college admissions process! It gave me a different perspective to look at my essays. "

" Initially I was skeptical about my essay's idea and whether it was properly reflected in my writing. This gave me a clear direction! "

Don't miss out on writing your best college essays.

© 2018- 2023 Essays That Worked . All rights reserved.

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions , Privacy Policy , and Cookie Policy .

We have no affiliation with any university or colleges on this site. All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners.

• College Application

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.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

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.”

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions, get started now.

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webinar:

How to make your college applications stand out, (and avoid the top 5 mistakes that get most rejected).

Time Sensitive. Limited Spots Available:

We guarantee you'll get into your dream college or university or you don't pay.

Swipe up to see a great offer!

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

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.

Free trial!

From 89 top coaches

Access a library of videos, templates, and examples curated by Leland's top coaches.

Example essays.

Example Resumes

Application Prep

Video Courses

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.

Browse hundreds of expert coaches

Leland coaches have helped thousands of people achieve their goals. A dedicated mentor can make all the difference.

Browse Related Articles

March 1, 2024

How to Nail the Emory Supplemental Essays

Learn how to tackle the Emory supplemental essays with confidence and finesse in this comprehensive guide.

Duke Fuqua MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Discover everything you need to know about crafting standout MBA essays for Duke Fuqua.

January 10, 2024

Duke Fuqua – MBA Waitlist Strategy

Discover effective strategies to navigate the MBA waitlist process at Duke Fuqua.

December 12, 2023

Duke Fuqua MBA Letters of Recommendation Guide - Questions, Tips, & Examples

Looking for guidance on crafting standout letters of recommendation for your Duke Fuqua MBA application? This comprehensive guide provides insightful questions, helpful tips, and real-life examples to help you navigate the process with confidence and success.

Writing the College Essay: Dumplings, Dogs, the Letter S, and the 5-Step Process That Makes Sense of All the BS

This five-step framework will help you demystify the falsely daunting task of writing your college essay and craft a piece that ties the full story of your application together in a way that speaks to the college of your dreams, from a Dartmouth alumna and college admissions coach.

November 21, 2023

How to Crack the "Why This School?" College Essay: 5 Tips for Success

A Dartmouth College graduate and admissions coach shares a five-step plan for tackling the most generic yet tricky college essay prompt: "Why this school?" Learn how to make your candidacy stand out to the admissions committee.

January 9, 2024

How to Write a Conclusion for a College Application Essay

Discover the dos and don'ts of writing a conclusion for your college application essays and get tips for making your essay shine.

October 30, 2023

5 Pro Tips for Writing Successful College Application Essays

In this article, we provide expert tips and tricks to help you craft a compelling and memorable college essay. From brainstorming to proofreading and editing, here are ways to write a winning essay.

A Guide to the Columbia Business School Essays (2023-2024)

Coach Melanie E. walks you through each Columbia Business School essay prompt for the 2023-2024 cycle, breaking down what adcoms are looking for and offering expert advice on how to nail your responses.

UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Get ready to ace your UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA application with this comprehensive essay guide.

March 2, 2024

Georgetown McDonough MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Looking to ace your Georgetown McDonough MBA essays? Our comprehensive guide provides an overview, valuable tips, and real examples to help you craft compelling and impactful essays that will set you apart from the competition.

UW Foster MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Learn everything you need to know about writing impactful UW Foster MBA essays with our comprehensive guide.

Duke admits record-low 4.1% of RD applicants to Class of 2028, overall acceptance rate 5.1%

Duke admitted 1,984 high school seniors to the Class of 2028 through its Regular Decision admissions cycle, according to Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Christoph Guttentag.

There were a record 47,951 Regular Decision applicants, bringing the acceptance rate for Regular Decision to a record low 4.1%, down from 4.8% last year.

In December, Duke admitted 806 students to the Class of 2028 following a record number of 6,240 applications in its Early Decision round. The Early Decision acceptance rate was a record low 12.9%.

This brings the University’s overall acceptance rate this year to 5.1%, also a record low.

Of those admitted in the Regular Decision round, 1,592 were accepted into Trinity College, while the other 392 were admitted to the Pratt School of Engineering.

More students from North and South Carolina applied to the Class of 2028 than in recent admissions cycles. Guttentag attributed the increase to the Carolinas Financial Aid Initiative , which provides full tuition scholarships to students from North and South Carolina with family incomes under $150,000.

“In general, this cycle was both challenging and exciting,” Guttentag wrote in an email to The Chronicle. “It was a year of multiple changes, and we were motivated to build on the success we had last year in attracting and admitting a higher percentage of students eligible for Pell grants." 

This year’s application cycle is the first that is required to abide by the June Supreme Court decision, which ruled that considering race as an independent factor when making admissions decisions is unconstitutional. It is the fourth where undergraduate admissions are test-optional, a policy implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic that some other universities have abandoned .

This cycle was also the first to reflect Duke’s recent changes to its internal admissions review process, opting to no longer give essays and standardized testing scores numerical ratings. Essays, though still considered in the process, no longer received a score due to the rise in the use of generative artificial intelligence and college admissions consultants. 

“We’ll also be more active in recruiting admitted students this year, thanks in part to the great participation of the Office of Undergraduate Education and the Office of Student Affairs,” Guttentag wrote. “Their participation in recruitment will be critical in helping admitted students better understand the breadth of opportunities Duke offers its undergraduates.”

Admissions decisions will be released 7 p.m. on March 28.

Duke women's lacrosse shuts up shop, holds Campbell to 2 goals in Monday night blowout

Former palestinian pm talks two-state solution, creating sustainable peace at provost’s initiative event, first-years express dissatisfaction with pre-major academic advising program amidst advisor departures, get the chronicle straight to your inbox.

Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.

Jazper Lu is a Trinity junior and managing editor of The Chronicle's 119th volume.

Mia Penner is a Trinity sophomore and an editor-at-large of The Chronicle's 119th volume.

Share and discuss “Duke admits record-low 4.1% of RD applicants to Class of 2028, overall acceptance rate 5.1%” on social media.

 facebook  twitter

Duke recommits itself to fossil fuels and an unlivable future for its students in recent ACIR report

A love letter to the duke chapel, duke needs spicy food, club curling member spotted in wu, flocked by student fans.

Sounding the Alarm on the Demonizing of Ideas

Scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw Discussed Critical Race Theory and the importance of a diversity of ideas in a talk at Duke.

There were few empty seats at Duke’s Page Auditorium March 24 when Kimberlé Crenshaw, arguably the nation’s leading authority on Critical Race Theory, sounded a warning and call for action to address the ongoing attacks on public education.

“We’re at a moment where, what we are confronting…we’re looking at efforts to not just demonize a couple of ideas,” Crenshaw said, “But to demonize the entirety of our entire field of study, to demonize higher education, demonize public education and demonize public institutional values, the very notion of public service…is under assault right now.”

Crenshaw is widely credited with coining the terms “ Critical Race Theory ” and “intersectionality” – terms that have evolved into academic disciplines in university classrooms.

Crenshaw spoke at the 19 th annual Jean Fox O’Barr Distinguished Speaker Series, and participated in an hourlong conversation with Duke alumnus Mary Armstrong, who chairs Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Lafayette College.

A native of Canton, Ohio, Crenshaw attended Harvard Law School during the 1980s, a period marked by a student protest movement calling for more diversity among the student body and faculty. 

Harvard, Crenshaw said, “was notoriously white.” Nearly 20 years passed before Lani Guiner became the first woman of color granted tenure at Harvard Law School.

In law school Crenshaw was inspired by the case of Degraffenreid v General Motors , involving five Black women who in 1975 filed a lawsuit that claimed the car manufacturer engaged in “last hired-first fired” layoff policies that discriminated against  black women.

“I left Harvard, determined to figure out what was going on, that well-meaning people aren’t able to see,” Crenshaw said about the start of a scholarly journey that led to the development of intersectional theory: that Black women are discriminated against because of their race and their gender. She coined the term in a 1989 essay published by the University of Chicago Legal Forum.

At Duke, Crenshaw used as an example a brief video where a Black woman noted that a company may hire men of all colors on the factory floor, and white women in the office.

“So, on paper [the company] hires plenty of women,” and “men of color,” but if you’re a woman of color…well, then maybe they won't hire me. That’s intersectionality…And on top of that, if you’re trans or gay, or differently abled it’s compounded.”

Crenshaw holds academic appointments at the law schools at both UCLA and Columbia and is an acclaimed expert on civil rights, Black feminist legal theory, along with race, racism and the law. She was recently named the most cited woman legal scholar in law.

The acclaimed scholar is the co-founder and executive director of the African American Policy Forum , a gender and racial justice legal think tank, and the founder and executive director of the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies at Columbia Law School.

Crenshaw told the Duke audience that there is a “fundamental crisis in education right now.”

“And it's abundantly clear that this is not simply about the next election,” she explained, later adding that the attacks pose “a generational threat.”

She said America is “still deeply racialized” even while right wing supporters complain about identity politics and extol a colorblind society.

“January 6 should tell us that we cannot save our democracy without speaking to its racist underbelly,” Crenshaw said. “We should never talk about the challenge to our democracy without linking it to efforts to rollback any notion of racial inclusion and democracy. Those two things have to be interwoven together.”

Crenshaw is widely known for her development of the #SayHerName campaign to address police brutality and violence against Black women, following the 2015 death of Sandra Bland. The 28-year-old Black woman found dead in a Texas jail cell after she was arrested during a traffic stop.

Last year, Crenshaw spearheaded a petition signed by thousands of scholars, artists, activists, educators and concerned people who oppose “censoring critical content in public and higher education.” What followed was a full day of action where opponents of banned books read prohibited literature online and at in-person gatherings.

“We thought it would be important to take that energy and really focus on one day, where everybody can see everyone else who’s calling this for the BS that it is,” Crenshaw said.

With the upcoming 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer , Crenshaw wants to take a page out of the Civil Rights Movement playbook and launch Freedom Summer 2024 on May 3, when the Freedom to Learn Network, which opposes book bans, gender studies and attacks on anti-racist education, will participate in a series of activities “over the course of the summer leading up to [the] November 2024 [election],” she said near the end of her conversation.

Crenshaw said institutions may collapse under the weight of authoritarian repression by remaining silent or becoming ambivalent about the value of diversity.

“This is not a moment where we can say, ‘Oh, we’re not the people who are doing the woke stuff. We’re not the people who are doing the critical race [theory],’” she said. 

“But it’s not about the label. It’s about the content of the ideas. It’s about the vision of American society that's embedded in these ideas. So, no amount of running…is going to allow us to escape the grasp of those who want to suppress the entire effort to rethink America.”

Read our research on: Abortion | Podcasts | Election 2024

Regions & Countries

Key facts about asian americans living in poverty.

Asian Americans are often portrayed as educationally and financially successful when compared with other racial or ethnic groups. However, Asian origin groups in the United States vary widely in their economic status and education level . Indeed, more than 2.3 million Asian Americans – about one-in-ten – lived in poverty in 2022, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data.

Learn more about Asian Americans’ experiences with economic hardship in  our data essay  and  short film .

Here are nine facts about Asian Americans living in poverty.

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to better understand the characteristics, experiences and views of Asian Americans living in poverty today. It is part of a three-part study that includes an analysis of 18 focus groups conducted with 144 Asians living with economic hardship completed in February 2023 and a short film about Asian families who have experienced economic hardship .

This analysis is based on two main data sources. The first data source is the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) provided through Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) from the University of Minnesota. In this analysis, poverty status is determined using the 2022 federal poverty line for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, depending on respondents’ state of residence, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For example, a family of four living in 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia were categorized as living “in poverty” if they make a yearly income of $27,750 or less.

The second data source is Pew Research Center’s 2022-23 survey of Asian American adults, conducted from July 2022 to January 2023 in six languages among 7,006 respondents. The survey analysis included 561 Asian adults whose approximate family income is at or below the 2022 federal poverty line for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, regardless of their state of residence. For more details, refer to the survey methodology . For questions used in this analysis, refer to the topline questionnaire .

Pew Research Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its primary funder. The Center’s Asian American portfolio was funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with generous support from The Asian American Foundation; Chan Zuckerberg Initiative DAF, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation; the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; the Henry Luce Foundation; the Doris Duke Foundation; The Wallace H. Coulter Foundation; The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation; The Long Family Foundation; Lu-Hebert Fund; Gee Family Foundation; Joseph Cotchett; the Julian Abdey and Sabrina Moyle Charitable Fund; and Nanci Nishimura.

We would also like to thank the Leaders Forum for its thoughtful leadership and valuable assistance in helping make this survey possible.

The strategic communications campaign used to promote the research was made possible with generous support from the Doris Duke Foundation.

The terms Asians and Asian Americans  are used interchangeably throughout this post to refer to individuals who self-identify as Asian, either alone or in combination with other races or Hispanic identity.

The terms living in poverty and living near or below the federal poverty line are used interchangeably throughout this post to refer to those whose family income is close to or below the 2022 federal poverty line.

• For results on Asian adults from the survey , this refers to adults whose approximate family income falls at or below 100% of the federal poverty line.
• For data on the total U.S. Asian population from the U.S. Census Bureau , this refers to all Asian Americans whose family income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty line.

The term U.S. born refers to people who are U.S. citizens at birth, including people born in the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories, as well as those born elsewhere to at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen.

The term immigrants , when referring to Census Bureau data, includes those who were not U.S. citizens at birth – in other words, those born outside the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories to parents who were not U.S. citizens. When referring to survey respondents, this group only includes those born outside the 50 U.S. States or the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories.

About 10% of Asian Americans overall live in poverty, but poverty rates vary widely across origin groups. Burmese (19%) and Hmong Americans (17%) were among the Asian origin groups with the highest poverty rates in 2022. Meanwhile, Filipino (7%) and Indian Americans (6%) were among the groups with the lowest poverty rates.

A third of Asian Americans ages 25 and older who live in poverty have a bachelor’s degree. By comparison, among non-Asians 25 and older who live in poverty, only 14% have a bachelor’s degree.

Asian Americans 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree are still less likely to live in poverty (5%) than those with less formal education (13%).

Nearly six-in-ten Asian Americans who live in poverty are immigrants. And relatively few of these immigrants speak English proficiently.

Among Asian immigrants ages 5 and older living below the poverty line, 44% are proficient in English (meaning they either speak only English or speak the language very well). By comparison, 61% of those immigrants above the poverty line speak English proficiently.

About 1 million Asians who are below the poverty line live in 10 U.S. metropolitan areas. In fact, more than 500,000 live in just three metropolitan areas: New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. These metro areas each have about 100,000 or more Asians living in poverty, and together they hold 26% of all Asian Americans living in poverty.

Fresno, California (19%), Buffalo, New York (18%) and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (15%) are among the metro areas with the highest poverty rates among Asian Americans. Still, Asian Americans who live in poverty largely reside in places with larger Asian populations than these metro areas.

Refer to a downloadable spreadsheet for detailed data on the number and share of Asians living in poverty by metro area.

Around eight-in-ten Asian adults who live in poverty (79%) have experienced financial challenges in some way in the past 12 months, according to a Pew Research Center survey of Asian adults conducted in 2022 and 2023. By contrast, 48% of Asian adults living above the poverty line say they have experienced the same. Among the specific financial challenges they faced:

• 57% of Asian adults living in poverty were unable to save for emergencies, compared with 40% of Asian adults living above the poverty line.
• 42% had trouble paying their bills, more than twice the share of Asian adults living above the poverty line who said the same (17%).
• 38% have gotten food from a food bank or charitable organization, about six times the share among Asians living above the poverty line (6%).

Financial difficulties tend to come in bundles: Among those living in poverty who say they experienced at least one of the financial challenges asked about, 65% experienced two or more.

A majority of Asian adults who live in poverty (61%) have turned to family or friends for help with bills, housing, food or employment.

A large share (49%) also say they have sought help from local, state or federal governments. Smaller shares have sought help from religious institutions such as churches or temples (21%) or Asian community groups (13%).

However, 19% of Asian adults living in poverty say they have not sought help from any of the sources asked about in the survey.

Why Asian immigrants came to the U.S. is linked to whether they have received help from the government. For example, a third of all Asian immigrants, regardless of poverty status, who came to the U.S. due to conflict or persecution in their home country have received help with bills, housing, food or employment from governments (33%). By comparison, smaller shares of Asian immigrants who came for educational opportunities (14%) or economic opportunities (16%) or who migrated to be with family (25%) say the same.

Roughly half of Asian Americans who live in poverty (47%) say the American dream is out of reach, but others say they have achieved it (15%) or are on their way to achieving it (36%). By comparison, Asians living above the poverty line are more optimistic about their chances of achieving the American dream: 26% say it is out of reach for them, while 27% say they have achieved it and 46% say they are on their way to achieving it.

Asian adults who live below the poverty line and those who live above it have similar views on what’s important to achieving the American dream. For Asians living in poverty, the vast majority say having freedom of choice in how to live one’s life (91%), a good family life (91%), children having the best opportunities (91%) and retiring comfortably (90%) are important to their view of the American dream. Among Asian adults living above the poverty line, similar shares say these elements are important.

Homeownership is also seen as key: 81% of Asian adults living in poverty and 87% of those living above the poverty line say owning a home is important to their view of the American dream. However, Asian adults in poverty are much less likely than those above the poverty line to be homeowners (40% vs. 71%), according to Census Bureau data.

Note: For more details, refer to the survey methodology . For questions used in this analysis, refer to the topline questionnaire .

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Fresh data delivered Saturday mornings

Bangladeshis in the U.S. Fact Sheet

Key facts about asian americans, a diverse and growing population, key facts about asian origin groups in the u.s., asian americans are the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the u.s., demographic and economic data on the thai immigrant and u.s.-born populations in the united states., most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

What All Of The 3.6% Admitted Students At Harvard Have In Common This Year

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Harvard College

Every year, tens of thousands of students from around the world apply to Harvard University in the hopes of attending one of the nation’s most prestigious universities. To write that receiving a coveted letter of admission is challenging is a gross understatement—only 3.59% of Harvard hopefuls were admitted during the 2023-24 application cycle. Earning acceptance in the cutthroat admissions landscape requires strategy and planning. While Harvard's admitted class is composed of a diverse group of students with widely varied interests and backgrounds, there are a few guiding commonalities that unite them.

As they develop their interests and build their applicant profiles, Ivy League hopefuls should keep in mind that successful students who are bound for elite institutions showcase:

1. Academic Prowess

While academic skills are not the sum total of what a student needs to get into Harvard, they are a foundational component of a successful application. Students can demonstrate their preparedness for the rigors of Harvard academics in two ways—through a strong GPA (particularly in classes related to their intended major) and through standardized test scores. Dartmouth notes in their announcement of their reinstated standardized testing policy that students’ perception of what admissions officers look for in scores is strongly misunderstood. The press release states: “The absence of such scores underscores longstanding misperceptions about what represents a "high" or a "low" score; those definitions are not binary. A score that falls below our class mean but several hundred points above the mean at the student’s school is "high" and, as such, it has value as one factor among many in our holistic assessment.” While strong candidates typically submit scores that match or exceed an institution’s published average for admitted students, this is not always the case, and students should be mindful that their scores will be evaluated within the larger context of their application.

2. Singular Passions

Although a stellar academic record and impressive standardized test scores are critical for admission, they are merely the foundation of a successful Ivy League application. Harvard and other top colleges seek students with more than great transcripts—students who not only excel academically but who also possess a guiding passion, often one that they have mobilized in service of their communities. As Harvard’s admissions website states : “There is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard. Academic accomplishment in high school is important, but the Admissions Committee also considers many other criteria, such as community involvement, leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character.” Reflecting a passion in an applicant profile requires strategy, motivation, and—perhaps most importantly—time.

While students should use their freshman and sophomore years to explore their interests and get involved in clubs and organizations on campus, it is critical that they do so with the intention of discovering their core passions and honing their involvements by junior year. Rather than spreading themselves thin by pursuing a multitude of interests, admitted students at top schools demonstrate deep engagement and leadership in a particular area of interest, aiming to become specialists in their field. Whether it's a passion for scientific research, a commitment to social justice advocacy, a love for the performing arts, or a dedication to community service, focused pursuits allow applicants to showcase their talents, accomplishments, and potential contributions to their future college community.

Apple Just Released A Major Upgrade For Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, Pixel Watch

Trump posts 175 million bond thanks to billionaire don hankey, caitlin clark erupts for 41 points as iowa advances to final four with revenge win over lsu, 3. demonstrable impact on their communities.

Beyond mere interest or involvement, successful Harvard applicants demonstrate tangible impact in their communities through their endeavors. Demonstrated impact is a powerful indicator of an applicant's drive, initiative, and potential for future success, and it illustrates to admissions committees the kind of community member the student will be on campus. Therefore, students should not only strategize for discovering and pursuing their core passions, but they should also be intentional about crafting a compelling and cohesive narrative demonstrating those passions through their Activities List, essays, and letters of recommendation .

The small percentage of students who earn admission to Harvard are not only academically gifted—they are deeply engaged, committed, and impactful. By telling a cohesive narrative about their grounding passions in their applications, students can stand out to admissions officers and boost their chances of admission to their dream schools.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Advertisement

Supported by

Jazz at Lincoln Center’s New Season Includes Tribute to Bayard Rustin

The civil rights activist’s life and legacy will be honored in a 2024-25 lineup that will also include spotlights on jazz history, and a rising star to warm up November.

• Share full article

By Christopher Kuo

Jazz at Lincoln Center announced its 2024-25 concert season on Tuesday, which will include performances that celebrate the 20th anniversary of the center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, a tribute to the civil rights activist Bayard Rustin and concerts by Grammy Award-winning artists.

The season will run from Sept. 19, 2024, to June 14, 2025, and will begin with Hot Jazz and Swing, in which the music director Loren Schoenberg will guide the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra through revitalized arrangements of 1920s and ’30s tunes.

On Oct. 18-19, Bryan Carter, a drummer and composer, will lead the Jazz at Pride Orchestra in honoring the life and legacy of Rustin.

Other nods to the past will focus on the history of jazz. Led by Wynton Marsalis, the artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, the center’s orchestra will perform 10 concerts that will each pay homage to a decade of jazz history, from the 1920s to the present.

Performances in February will honor the early years of jazz and its many inspirations by incorporating cuts from blues, gospel, country and bluegrass, as well as from recordings by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and others. On Nov. 8-9, a pair of concerts will focus on the jazz pioneers Thelonious Monk , Bud Powell, Tadd Dameron and others.

From Jan. 16-18, Cool School & Hard Bop concerts will explore midcentury jazz, featuring works from Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Max Roach and others. And May 29-31, the saxophonist Ted Nash will lead the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in performances of new arrangements of music associated with the 1970s.

The season will also include more modern performances, including concerts that will feature music from Joanne Brackeen, Charlie Haden, Terence Blanchard and others.

Several concerts will also spotlight specific musicians. On Nov. 15-16, Joshua Redman will return to the Rose Theater in a collaboration with Gabrielle Cavassa, a rising star from New Orleans. Later in the season, on Feb. 14-15, Dianne Reeves will perform in a Valentine’s Day celebration filled with songs about romance and heartbreak. The pianist and composer Monty Alexander will celebrate his 80th birthday by performing on Jan. 24-25, while Anat Cohen and her brothers will celebrate her 50th birthday with performances of early swing, post-bop and Brazilian choro on March 14-15.

The final performances of the season, June 13-14, will feature music directed by Marsalis and will showcase works by the veteran band members Chris Crenshaw, Vincent Gardner and others.

Christopher Kuo covers arts and culture as a member of the 2023-24 Times Fellowship class. More about Christopher Kuo