duke transfer essay prompts

Duke University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2

Duke University 2024-25 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. 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. Tell us about an experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity or intellect.

It’s no surprise that Duke is hoping to invite students to campus who are excited about learning and have a capacity for invention, so take this opportunity to geek out about an awesome  experience you had recently when you sparked creativity or thought outside the box. Maybe you were given permission to do a presentation instead of an essay and came to class in full Renaissance garb to talk about Shakespeare’s use of theatrical irony. Perhaps you had the opportunity to take a creative class or seminar with a thought leader you really admire or you went on a reading retreat that expanded your imagination. Whatever it may be, this is the perfect place to show admissions your passion for intellectual endeavors .

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

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 and trust to give you sound advice. Do they provide reassurance that you’re on the right path? Then consider the opposite. 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 of disagreement? What topics do you disagree or agree about? And furthermore, if there’s room in the word count, how have you become a better listener or speaker because of these chats? Specifics of how these discussions transpire and what topics you cover will give admissions insight into what you care about.

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.

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. 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!

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July 29, 2024

Duke University Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

Duke University has released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-2025 college admissions cycle. In addition to The Common Application ’s Personal Statement, Duke’s Class of 2029 applicants must write one supplemental essay. Two additional essays are optional. Of course, as loyal readers of Ivy Coach ’s college admissions blog know all too well, any optional essay in elite college admissions should not be considered optional. If students want to get in, they must write both optional essays as well.

2024-2025 Duke Essay Topics and Questions

Required essay prompt.

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

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.

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

Optional Essay Prompts

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

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.

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

2. Tell us about an experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity, or intellect.

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

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

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

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

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

5. We recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. Duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. Feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity.

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

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How to Write the Duke Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

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Duke University is known for their strong research and innovation , extensive global programs , and competitive athletic teams . Recently, Duke’s acceptance rate has been declining, hitting a new low of 4.1% for the Class of 2028. Their esteemed alumni include Apple CEO Tim Cook, comedian Ken Jeong, NBA player Seth Curry, and philanthropist Melinda Gates. Hoping to join their ranks? First, you’ll need to nail the Duke supplemental essays. Let’s dive in.

Duke’s 2024-2025 Prompts

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

Although these prompts are optional, you can select up to two prompts to respond to. Each prompt permits a maximum of 250 words .

• Perspective response: We believe a wide range of viewpoints, 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 experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity, or intellect.
• 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?
• 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.
• Being different: We recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. Duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. Feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity.

General Tips

These essay prompts all seek to understand who you are as a person. Even in the required essay, which asks you about Duke, you’ll need to imagine yourself at Duke, or at least consider the ways your interests, abilities, and/or personality traits are well-suited to a Duke University experience.

Writing about yourself is difficult, even though it’s one of the hallmarks of the college application experience. (Or, maybe, admissions officers choose to make applicants write about themselves because it’s difficult… ) That said, there are some ways to overcome or even embrace this challenge.

Talk it out.

If you’re having trouble deciding drafting your essays, try talking about the questions asked by the prompts out loud. Talk to a friend or family member or even to your bedroom wall. Consider recording yourself while you speak, or asking someone to type what you say. You absolutely have a story to share, and that story can be shared colloquially, at least in a first draft.

Think about who you’re not .

If the prospect of defining your identity, interests, and perspectives is daunting, try making a list of things you’re not . Labels you don’t identify with, perspectives you don’t hold, and interests you would never pursue. Once you’ve got this list, try turning every item on it around, and replacing it with an answer that does, in fact, speak to you.

Consider what’s missing from your application.

If you look at your application as a whole, there are likely parts of yourself that aren’t communicated in it. Think about the admissions officer looking at your application. Who will they think you are, based on the provided materials, and how does that person differ from the real you? This mental exercise should help you identify what’s missing from your application. Make a list of these missing elements, and try to focus on them while writing your essays.

Duke Required Short Essay Question

This is your “Why Duke?” essay. In order to effectively answer this essay question, you’ll need to do your research. Not only should you identify what makes Duke unique, but also what makes Duke the right place for you . In other words, don’t list unique qualities of Duke that could apply to any applicant. Determine what aspects of Duke will be relevant to your college experience and academic interests.

This prompt specifically asks applicants to share what their “sense of Duke as a university and a community” is, so you’ll need to make sure you have some facts at the ready to respond to this part of the prompt. For instance, when discussing your “sense of Duke as a university,” you can describe how the academic possibilities at Duke speak to you. Is it the action-driven nature of the Nicholas School of the Environment ? Are you inspired by the interdisciplinary opportunities at Trinity College of Arts & Sciences ?

Further, when discussing your “sense of Duke as… a community,” you can research campus life , student experiences , and more in order to develop a nuanced sense of the kind of people you’d be in company with at Duke. In your essay, focus on the aspects of the Duke community that attract you personally, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm!

Duke Optional Short Essay Questions

These essay prompts are optional, but we recommend answering at least one of them; you can answer up to two . Every essay opportunity is another opportunity to demonstrate to Duke how excited you are to attend and how well you’ll fit in as a student.

Each essay response is limited to 250 words.

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

This essay response seeks to understand your worldview. If you have had unique life experiences that have influenced your worldview, here’s your chance to share some of those experiences and how they’ve informed your perspective. Be specific in your narration, and make sure to clarify how your perspective(s) have changed.

You may also have a complicated relationship with a certain social, political, or economic issue. For instance, you may have developed your political opinions in opposition to those held by your immediate family members. You can share your ability to think independently with the Duke admissions team in this essay. Explain how you have pursued your own research into subjects important to you, spoken to people whose opinions vary, and forged your own path through it all.

2. Intellectual experience: Tell us about an experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity, or intellect.

This essay could describe a research project you’ve undertaken, an academic summer program you’ve attended, or creative work you’ve composed, to name a few possibilities. Specificity is key here. Provide concrete details about this experience wherever possible so that your story is vivid and memorable.

First, the reader should understand why you undertook this project or why you had this experience. Second, the reader should understand what the experience was, whether through narration or exposition. And lastly, the reader should understand what lesson(s) you took away from the experience. How did you grow? How has your curiosity developed? In other words, the reader should come away from this essay with a sense of your interests and creative values.

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 essay prompt seeks to understand the people you surround yourself with in addition to getting a sense of your worldviews. Similarly to prompt one, you’ll need to discuss your perspectives on the world. Unlike prompt one, this prompt focuses on your perspectives through the lens of others in your life.

You can describe a time when you disagreed with a friend, family member, classmate, coworker, or even an authority figure like a teacher or employer. Regardless, discuss your disagreement respectfully so that the reader understands that you approach even complicated issues with nuance and maturity.

In order to effectively discuss the agreements and disagreements you have with the people in your life, you’re going to need to give the reader at least a taste of your values and beliefs. Focus on just one or two important beliefs/values, if you can. Otherwise, you risk your essay feeling bloated or underdeveloped. When discussing your values/beliefs, be sure to provide the requisite context. Moreover, when possible, clarify how the people in your life have disagreed or agreed with your perspectives, versus just stating whether they agreed or disagreed.

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

This essay prompt may seem like it only relates to applicants who consider themselves to be members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but this prompt can truly relate to any applicant who has thought deeply about the topics of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

However you identify, approach this essay with a focus on your personal experiences. Don’t generalize or otherwise indicate that your experiences are universal. Your essay will be much more impactful if it is specific to you and your experiences. Be sure to tell the reader what labels you ascribe to yourself, if applicable, and if not applicable, why you feel that labels don’t fit you. If any of your labels may potentially be unknown to your reader, be sure to define them.

In fact, even if you identify with labels most people would recognize, your unique experience will still impact how these labels fit you as a unique individual. In other words, feel free to clarify how your labels apply to you. You may have other identities that impact your gender or sexual identities, or life experiences that have impacted all of the above. Share your story, and you’ll do great in this essay.

5. Being different: We recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. Duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. Feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity.

Almost everyone has felt left out, different, or excluded in their life. This universal experience looks different for every individual, though. Think about times when you have felt different or excluded, and, if desired, make a short list of these experiences/occasions. Then, consider whether you would derive meaning from writing about any of those experiences/occasions. If you’re unsure, try free-writing 4-5 sentences about each item on your list until you feel like you have found one that you would enjoy continuing to write about.

For the benefit of the reader, specify what about you made you different from others in the experience you choose to describe. Or, if you have decided to write more generally about your life as someone who is different from the norm, then clarify why you have this consistent life experience. What identities do you hold? Do you look, act, or speak differently? Be specific.

To address the last part of the prompt, “how that’s influenced your experiences or identity,” you’ll need to bring up the ways you’ve found community, changed how you move through the world, and/or learned to accept what makes you unique. Have you redefined yourself in any way? What lessons have you learned? This self-reflection, ideally at the end of your essay, will draw your story together so that the reader has a meaningful takeaway and better understands the person you are today.

If you need help polishing up your Duke supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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Students Also Read

6 Duke Supplemental Essays That Worked for 2024

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

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

What is Duke University's Acceptance Rate?

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

Duke University Acceptance Scattergram

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

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

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

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

Here are the 2022-23 Duke writing supplement prompts:

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

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

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

Duke University Nondiscrimination Statement

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

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

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

6 Duke University EssaysThatWorked

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

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

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

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

#1. Duke "Diversity" Essay Example

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

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

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

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

#2. Duke "Diversity" Essay Example

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

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

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

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

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

#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?

Meet the Author

Ryan Chiang

I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked.com - a website dedicated to helping students and their families apply to college with confidence & ease. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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Duke Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

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

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

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Duke Have?

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

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

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

What are the Duke Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

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

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

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

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

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

Coalition Application

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

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

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

Duke Short-Essay Prompts 2023-2024

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

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

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

How to Write the Duke Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

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

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

Common Application Prompts 2023-2024

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

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

Understanding the Common Application Prompts 2023-2024

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

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

Brainstorming Your Response to the Common Application Prompts 2023-2024

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

Structuring Your Answer for the Common Application Prompts 2023-2024

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

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

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

Coalition Application Prompts 2023-2024

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

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

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

Understanding the Coalition Application Prompts 2023-2024

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

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

Brainstorming Your Response to the Coalition Application Prompts 2023-2024

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

Structuring Your Answer for the Coalition Application Prompts 2023-2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding the Duke Short-Essay Prompts 2023-2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready to Make Your Mark at Duke?

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

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

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

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2 Strong Duke Essay Examples

With a very low acceptance rate, Duke is one of the most competitive U.S. colleges to get into. Alongside killer stats, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation, admissions officers are looking for engaging, concise, and thorough essays to put you over the top.

In this post, we’ll share a Duke essay written by a real student and analyze what it did well and where it could be improved. Hopefully, you can take away some insight that will help you write your Duke essays.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Duke essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Duke Pratt School of Engineering Essay Example – Why Engineering?

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 (250 words).

One Christmas morning, when I was nine, I opened a snap circuit set from my grandmother. Although I had always loved math and science, I didn’t realize my passion for engineering until I spent the rest of winter break creating different circuits to power various lights, alarms, and sensors. Even after I outgrew the toy, I kept the set in my bedroom at home and knew I wanted to study engineering. Later, in a high school biology class, I learned that engineering didn’t only apply to circuits, but also to medical devices that could improve people’s quality of life. Biomedical engineering allows me to pursue my academic passions and help people at the same time.

Just as biology and engineering interact in biomedical engineering, I am fascinated by interdisciplinary research in my chosen career path. Duke offers unmatched resources, such as DUhatch and The Foundry, that will enrich my engineering education and help me practice creative problem-solving skills. The emphasis on entrepreneurship within these resources will also help me to make a helpful product. Duke’s Bass Connections program also interests me; I firmly believe that the most creative and necessary problem-solving comes by bringing people together from different backgrounds. Through this program, I can use my engineering education to solve complicated societal problems such as creating sustainable surgical tools for low-income countries. Along the way, I can learn alongside experts in the field. Duke’s openness and collaborative culture span across its academic disciplines, making Duke the best place for me to grow both as an engineer and as a social advocate.

What the Essay Did Well

A strength of this essay is how it grows in specificity as it progresses, and in college-essay-writing, specificity is key. In the first paragraph, there’s a smooth yet concise transition from a general childhood fascination with engineering to a more mature and specialized field of interest. We learn more and more about this student, almost in layers; first we learn they loved math and science, then engineering, and then biomedical engineering. In every sentence, each of this student’s personal qualities and traits builds off of the one before it, adding more dimension and nuance to their character.

In shifting from her past experiences to Duke’s academic offerings, this student uses their similarly interdisciplinary natures to connect the two. This penchant for smooth, concise transitions is an especially important asset when working with a sub-300 word limit. This applicant chose Duke-specific opportunities to discuss, giving no generic desires for “great professors,” a “top” program, or empty appeals to emotion (“The campus just felt like home!”)

The final sentence serves to nicely tie the essay up, re-affirming the student’s personal qualities and how they suit the student for Duke, personally and academically.

What Could Be Improved

This essay could be made stronger with some improvements to the second paragraph. When including Duke opportunities they want to take part in, this student tells us “ I am fascinated by ,” and it “ interests me ,” but this is fairly basic writing. The reader shouldn’t have to be told about your interest and excitement over something; it should jump off the page.

Rather than telling us they are fascinated by interdisciplinary research, they could write something like this: “ I’d take the thrill of finding connections between two seemingly unrelated topics, knee-deep in library archives, over the drop on the Kingda Ka rollercoaster.”  Notice how this sentence doesn’t explicitly say anything about how they find research fascinating, but by describing it as a more thrilling experience than a rollercoaster, the reader gets a strong visual of the student’s passion.

Another thing missing from this essay is the  why behind this student’s interest in helping others. They clearly flush out their motivation for pursuing engineering, but they never explain what draws them into being a social advocate. Throwing in how they want to “ improve people’s quality of life “, “ create sustainable  surgical tools for low-income countries “, and be a “ social advocate ” has little impact if we don’t understand the importance. A sentence or two that provides background on this student’s compassionate side and where it originated from or what it looks like in action would help bring more weight to their claims of becoming a social advocate.

Duke Essay Example – Why Duke?

In the last six years, my community has been disconnected from the national grid. The result? I watched my mother spend so much money on fuel and patronizing nearly every generator technician in town so we could access electricity. I developed the habit of going to my tutorial centers with my phone charger, hoping that by some streak of luck, the generator would be on. However, with Duke’s minor in Energy Engineering, all these could become things of the past. I especially look forward to courses like ENERGYER 310: INTRODUCTION TO ENERGY GENERATION and ENERGYER 490:RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, which will equip me with the knowledge I need to design cheap and environmentally friendly energy systems.

Outside the classroom, I hope to contribute to Duke’s mission of supporting positive change worldwide by participating in some of Duke’s signature programs, especially the Duke engage gateway program. I am a big fan of math competitions and math in general. As a result, I worked with some of my friends in 2019 to set up a math enrichment organization for high schoolers. I plan to someday have the Duke engage program work with our organization to help provide STEM classes and encourage hand on design projects among Nigerian high school students. I look forward to the academically challenging classes, interactions with strangers, and all the other things that come with being a blue devil.

This essay, which is responding to a textbook example of the “Why This College?” prompt, does a nice job of clearly explaining this student’s motivation for pursuing the specific opportunities at Duke they mention. Because of the story at the beginning about what this student and their mother went through to access energy, the reader understands the personal connection this student has to energy engineering. That personal connection, coupled with the fact the student names specific energy engineering classes at Duke, proves that their interest in the subject is genuine.

The student’s discussion of the Duke engage program is also backed with a personal story that deepens the connection between their past experiences and the things they hope to accomplish at Duke. Rather than just saying they want to join the engage program because they like creating positive change, their description of creating a “math enrichment organization” in high school shows Duke admissions officers that they have already embodied that value of making the world a better place.

One way this essay could be improved would be to more empathetically drive home the theme of making the world a better place. Between this student’s passion for bringing energy solutions to their community and helping Nigerian students access STEM resources, they clearly have a genuine desire to be a force for positive change. Right now, however, the essay feels somewhat like two distinct anecdotes stuck together, rather than a cohesive story focusing on this aspect of their personality, with Duke-specific opportunities woven into that story.

Centering the essay on this quality would shift the focus from the programs at Duke, and how the student fits into them, to the student’s personality, and how Duke aligns with it. It might seem like a subtle difference, but the result would be an essay that both flows naturally and highlights the student’s admirable character.

How would the student go about making this change? The essay could start with a sentence that shows us their passion for helping others in general, rather than in the context of their local power grid of the math organization they cofounded. This line could be quite simple, for example: “ ‘To help others!’ That’s how I answered my mom every year when she asked what I wanted for my birthday. ” 

Then, the student could move into talking about the helplessness they felt not being able to fix the power grid, and how that feeling motivated them to pursue energy engineering. Their story would continue by transitioning into a discussion of how they hope to help people in a variety of ways, not just by improving their access to electricity. They could cite their math organization as an example of another way they’ve worked to make people’s lives better, and demonstrate their commitment to that organization by describing how they hope to grow it with the skills they learn from the Duke engage program.

This version of the essay, by centering on their personality from start to finish, would feel more cohesive, while still incorporating why the student wants to attend Duke specifically.

Where to Get Your Duke  Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Duke essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Command Education Guide

How to write the duke university supplemental essays, updated for 2024-2025, required prompt:.

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

Explanation:

This question is essentially a version of the “Why This College?” question. The prompt can be separated into three discrete parts: a description of your overall sense of the Duke community, why it is a good fit for you, and the specific offerings that appeal to you. While you do not need to answer each element in this order, your essay should address each component.

The first component requires you to articulate your perception of Duke. Perhaps you see it as a place where rigorous academics meet a vibrant, collaborative community, fostering both intellectual and personal growth. Mention specific attributes that stand out to you, such as Duke’s emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, the spirit of innovation, or the strong sense of community and school spirit embodied by events like basketball games at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

As you tackle the second component, consider the question: what about Duke makes it the best fit for you and offers you the chance to do something that you could not do at any other university? Finally, identifying a specific class, lab, resource, or program that is of particular interest to you at Duke provides a tangible example of why the school is a good fit for you. For example, if you’re passionate about environmental science and public policy, highlight Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment and the Sanford School of Public Policy. Explain how their interdisciplinary approach and opportunities for hands-on research resonate with your desire to tackle real-world environmental challenges. If you’re drawn to Duke’s commitment to service and civic engagement, discuss a program like DukeEngage and how it aligns with your dedication to making a positive impact on society. Dive deeper and do your homework about what you plan to take advantage of once on campus.

Lastly, don’t forget to make this entry fun to read. No matter what you are saying, there is always an engaging way to say it!

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

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

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

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

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

Optional Prompts:

We want to emphasize that the following questions are optional. Feel free to answer one or two 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.

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

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

This supplement is asking all about your community. We are all a product of our environments, so write about how some of the other key players in your community have had an impact on your life. Which communities do you come from? What impact have they had on your views, beliefs, and experiences? Who and what has shaped you? This is a time to be transparent and honest—paint your readers an authentic, self-aware picture of who you are. You may choose to define community traditionally—your sports team, classmates, religious youth group—or a bit more creatively—a fan group you are a part of, a geographic or linguistic community, an expatriate community—for example.

Remember, trying to impress admission officers will likely come off boastful, and groups like National Honor Society typically do not have a strong, meaningful community associated with them. Be honest, humble and tell readers something that they may not learn about you from the rest of your application.

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

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

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

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

2. Intellectual Experience: Tell us about an experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity, or intellect.

This question is deliberately open-ended, offering students the chance to showcase their creativity, originality, and imagination. You could write about an instance in which you tackled a problem innovatively, pursued a passion project, or delved into a complex topic that intrigued you. Note that you will convey these qualities not only through what you choose to write about, but also how you choose to write about it. Consider how you might tell the story in a non-linear fashion, weave in humor or an unexpected motif, or reflect the substance through the essay’s style. Let your zaniness, spunk, and authentic voice shine through.

I stared at the math problem on the whiteboard, a tangled mess of derivatives and integrals that twisted and turned like an unsolvable labyrinth. Numbers had always been my friends, but this problem was testing the limits of our relationship. No matter how I approached it, the traditional methods weren’t cutting it.

As I entered the art room later that afternoon, the smell of acrylic paint and the sight of canvases covered in vibrant swirls greeted me. We were learning about fractals, those beautiful, infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales. As I sketched out my fractal, it hit me: What if I approached the calculus problem like a fractal, breaking it down into smaller, self-similar parts? The chaotic mess of numbers and symbols on the whiteboard began to take on a new shape in my mind.

That evening, I went to the drawing board—literally. I sketched out the problem, using colors to represent different parts of the equation. By visualizing the problem, I began to see patterns I hadn’t noticed before, untangling the daunting mess of letters and numbers so that I could distinguish the solution in them.

The experience taught me that creativity isn’t confined to the art room or the stage; it’s a universal tool that can turn the mundane into the magical. Whether I’m sketching out solutions or crafting narratives in English class, I approach every challenge with the same creative spirit. Going back to the drawing board is no longer a sign of momentary defeat—it is an invitation to get creative and overcome a challenge with color and pizzazz.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Duke is very proud of its inclusive culture, and the university strives to foster a sense of belonging in students of all orientations. If your sexual orientation or gender expression has a significant bearing on your identity as a member of a community, this optional prompt is an excellent opportunity to share about it with admissions officers. This could involve personal experiences, community involvement, or ways you’ve navigated your identity in different settings.

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

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

Even in the clashes of ideas, the process of organizing the Queer Prom revealed the beauty in sharing and celebrating our differences, and our diverse backgrounds enriched the event. Through these discussions, we discovered that the diversity of perspectives wasn’t just beneficial—it was transformative; that realization helped others to recognize the value in having allies present.

Straight student allies shared stories about how their understanding of queer culture had evolved, while queer students, including myself, felt a renewed sense of validation and community. To me, being queer is about embracing our difference as a strength, not a weakness—and that night encapsulated the most beautiful aspects of that identity.

5. Being Different: We recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. Duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. Feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity.

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

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

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

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

Required Prompts:

As you tackle the second component, consider the question: what about Duke makes it the best fit for you and offers you the chance to do something that you could not do at any other university? Finally, identifying a specific class, lab, resource, or program that is of particular interest to you at Duke provides a tangible example of why the school is a good fit for you. For example, if you’re passionate about environmental science and public policy, highlight Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment and the Sanford School of Public Policy. Explain how their interdisciplinary approach and opportunities for hands-on research resonate with your desire to tackle real-world environmental challenges. If you’re drawn to Duke’s commitment to service and civic engagement, discuss programs like DukeEngage and how they align with your dedication to making a positive impact on society. Dive deeper and do your homework about what you plan to take advantage of once on campus.

This supplement is asking all about your community. We are all a product of our environments, so write about how some of the other key players have had an impact on your life. Which communities do you come from? What impact have they had on your views, beliefs, and experiences? Who and what has shaped you? This is a time to be transparent and honest—paint your readers an authentic, self-aware picture of yourself. You may choose to define community traditionally—your sports team, classmates, religious youth group—or a bit more creatively—a fan group you are a part of, a geographic or linguistic community, an expatriate community—for example.

Remember, trying to impress admission officers will likely come off boastful, and groups like National Honors Society typically do not have a strong, meaningful community associated with them. Be honest, humble and tell readers something that they may not learn about you from the rest of your application.

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

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Browse the topics below for more information and frequently asked questions about Duke’s admissions process.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re a new member of Duke’s Class of 2028, visit the admitted student page for a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

How is Duke addressing systemic racism on its campus and within its community?

Duke is fully committed to addressing systemic racism on our campus and setting an example for our nation and the world. The University recognizes that its efforts will need to be focused and sustained, with clear goals and transparency as we work toward them.  Visit anti-racism.duke.edu to visit the central repository of information about the University’s anti-racism work, including data regularly collected and publicized to monitor our progress, details of new and ongoing programs, research highlights, and educational and training materials for wider use across the Duke community.

What is Duke's stance on peaceful protests?

Duke has always valued active and responsible engagement in civic life among its students and applicants. We will always consider all applicants fully and individually, and ever part of the application, including disciplinary sanctions, in the unique context of the applicants themselves and the values of the institution we represent, which include civic and personal responsibility. An applicant’s participation in peaceful protests has never been a reason for us to deny or rescind an offer of admission.

Will Duke be test-optional for applicants in 2024?

Duke University will be test-optional for both first-year and transfer applicants in the 2024-25 admissions cycle.

Students who apply without SAT or ACT scores this year will not be at a disadvantage in our consideration of their applications. Our decisions are based on a student’s comprehensive application materials, with or without test scores. We will continue to consider SAT and ACT scores as part of the application of students who choose to submit them and will accept self-reported scores for purposes of assessing an application. Scores sent from testing agencies will be required from those students only if they enroll at Duke.

We do not require SAT Subject Tests, but we will consider those scores, along with other scores like AP and IB, if you choose to report them. Please note if you choose to not have your scores considered, we will not suppress SAT Subject Test scores or AP scores if they are already on file with Duke.

Duke CEEB Code: 5156

HOW SHOULD I DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO HAVE MY SAT OR ACT CONSIDERED?

The decision of whether or not to have your SAT or ACT considered is entirely yours. Choosing not to have SAT or ACT scores considered will not impact your admissions decision. You may wish to consult our  ADMISSIONS PROFILE for students admitted to Duke in previous years as a guide. If you’re still uncertain, you may wish to opt-out of having your scores considered when you apply because you will be able to opt-in later.

How do I let Duke know I plan to apply test optional? Can I change my mind?

You will indicate on your application whether or not you want your SAT or ACT scores considered.

If you elect to have your scores considered, you may report those scores on your application or later through your application portal, and/or you may have official scores sent by the testing agency. You will not be able to change from “Yes, consider my scores” to “No, do not consider my scores” once you have submitted your application. If you choose to have your scores considered but never report them, we will assess your application without scores.

If you elect NOT to have test scores considered, you will not need to report any scores. If you already have SAT or ACT scores on file with Duke those scores will be suppressed. If you change your mind and decide you would like your scores considered, you have until November 30 for Early Decision or January 25 for Regular Decision to change your preference and self-report scores on your application portal.

Early Decision candidates whose applications are deferred who originally chose not to have their scores considered may change their preference by January 25 and self-report scores on their application portal. We will then consider the scores in our Regular Decision review.

What happens if I already reported my scores to Duke when I took the SAT/ACT but don’t want them considered?

Duke’s application supplement will ask if you would like to have your scores considered or not. If you choose not to have your scores considered, they will be suppressed during the selection process.

IS DUKE TEST-OPTIONAL FOR EVERYONE?

In the 2024-25 cycle, we will be test-optional for Early and Regular Decision applicants, including international students and students who wish to be considered for our merit scholarships. We will also be test-optional for transfer applicants. Some exceptions may apply for ROTC scholarship applicants.

IF I CHOOSE NOT TO SUBMIT TEST SCORES, WILL I BE ELIGIBLE FOR MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS?

Students who choose not to submit testing will be eligible to receive Duke’s merit scholarships. 

I AM PLANNING TO APPLY FOR A ROTC SCHOLARSHIP, IS TESTING OPTIONAL?

To be considered for a National Air Force, Army, or Navy ROTC Scholarship, applicants are required to submit  ACT or SAT to those scholarship programs.

Please check with the specific Duke Detachment you are considering for more details. Contact information may be found here .

If I take both the SAT and ACT, do I need to send both scores to Duke? What about multiple scores?

We will always consider your highest score regardless of test type or test date, and you are welcome to send us SAT scores, ACT scores or both. Applicants may choose the Score Choice option for the SAT and choose to submit scores from specific ACT test dates. We do NOT require applicants to submit all of their test scores–just the ones necessary to fulfill the testing requirement. Students may self-report their scores on their applications.

If I take the ACT, can I also submit SAT Subject Tests?

Although we do not require or expect SAT Subject Test scores from candidates who take the ACT, we do accept them and will consider them as an additional demonstration of subject proficiency.

Will it hurt my candidacy to take standardized tests multiple times?

No. However, standardized testing should not become one of your extracurricular activities! We’d rather see you spend your time pursuing your curiosities and interests, and most students don’t see significant score improvements beyond their second or third sitting for a given test.

SHOULD I SUBMIT SAT SUBJECT TESTS?

SAT Subject Tests have been discontinued. Duke does not require students to submit Subject Tests, but if you choose to report them, we will consider them as one of many factors in our review of your application. Please note, if you choose to not have your scores considered, we will not suppress SAT Subject Test scores or AP scores if they are already on file with Duke.

If I took the SAT or ACT before high school, can I use these scores in my application?

No. Only testing that is taken in high school will be considered in the admissions process.

If I have taken Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examinations, what role do those scores play in the admissions process? Should I report those scores officially?

We value those scores when available as demonstrations of subject mastery to complement your academic transcripts. You should self-report these scores in your application. We will require an official score report from students who matriculate at Duke who wish to use those scores for credit or placement.

I had my test scores sent to Duke before I applied. Why don't I see them in my Duke Application Checklist?

If your test scores were released to Duke prior to submitting an application, you have elected to have your scores considered, and you only recently applied, please allow several business days for us to connect your scores to your application materials. If after that point your scores are not displayed on your checklist, and you have verification from the testing agency that they’ve been received, you may call our office or send us an email. We will investigate and then respond to your inquiry.

We will suppress scores for students who elect NOT to have scores considered, so you will not see them on your checklist.

How will changes to my school’s instruction and grading in response to COVID-19 affect my application?

Duke uses a holistic process in evaluating applications and considers your school context and opportunities available to you in our assessment. In regards to courses and grades since the onset of COVID, including courses graded pass/fail, we understand that school policies are beyond a student’s control, though we expect you to make the choices that best suit your circumstances. If you are given the choice, we prefer you choose letter grades over pass/fail grades so that we have a better understanding of your comparative performance in a class. We also understand, however, that COVID and other circumstances affect students differently. You and/or your school counselor may explain those circumstances in your application to provide additional context for your academic performance.

When I apply, do I have to select a specific program?

When you apply to Duke, you must apply to either the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences or the Pratt School of Engineering. The application will also ask you to indicate your preliminary academic interests so we can get to know you intellectually. Please refer to the overview of Trinity and Pratt as well as their majors and minors if you have questions about the best program for your interests. It is not easier or harder to be admitted to one program or another; pick the school and academic fields that best match your interests.

Does Duke offer preprofessional majors?

Because of Duke’s core commitment to a liberal arts education, Duke does not offer pre-medicine, prebusiness, or prelaw majors, minors, or certificates. Instead, we offer a number of robust preprofessional advising resources through the Office of Health Professions Advising , Pre-business Advising , and Pre-law Advising . While offering superior preparation for preprofessional school and tremendous flexibility to pursue their studies, opportunities for our students are endless. Our medical school and law school acceptance rates are 85% and 98%, respectively, and many of our alumni go on to be leaders in medicine, business, and law. Duke does not offer a 7-year medical, law, or MBA program.

The Duke University Career Center also provides students with counseling and networking opportunities that encourages personal, educational, and professional development.

Does Duke accept Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) credits?

Duke recognizes Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate work and grants a limited amount of elective credit and placement into advanced courses.

Entering students who have completed internationally recognized college-level examinations with high scores will receive international placement credit in essentially the same way that credit is awarded for AP and IB exams.

Duke’s current AP/IB credit policy for Trinity College of Arts and Sciences can be found  HERE  and for the Pratt School of Engineering can be found  HERE . Given the changes in exams as a result of COVID-19, Duke academic officials are currently reviewing their policies and practices, and there may be some adjustments to how exams from 2020 are used for placement. Please know that our first priority is student success: Duke wants to ensure that students are well prepared for the rigor of the classes in which they will enroll.

Does Duke consider students with a GED?

Duke considers students with GEDs in both our first-year and transfer admission processes.

How can I decide between Early Decision and Regular Decision?

Apply Early Decision if …

• Duke is your first choice
• You’re ready to apply by November 4
• You’ve completed your initial standardized testing by November 4
• Your family is comfortable with their anticipated financial commitment
• You’re willing to commit to enroll if admitted

Apply Regular Decision if …

• Another college is your top choice, or you haven’t yet determined a top choice
• You want more time to finalize your application
• You want to take additional standardized tests
• You want to be able to compare different schools’ financial aid packages
• You want to see what merit scholarships you might be awarded, at Duke and elsewhere

Other things to consider …

• There is an advantage, at least statistically, in applying Early Decision
• It is unlikely that one additional semester of grades will improve your chances of admission if you wait to apply Regular Decision
• Your financial aid award will be the same regardless of whether you apply Early or Regular
• In some cases we may release families from the Early Decision commitment for financial reasons

Can I apply to any other schools early if I apply to Duke in Early Decision?

Students can apply to any other colleges through regular, rolling or early programs as long as they comply with the requirements of both schools. Students cannot apply simultaneously to more than one binding program, and we ask our applicants to respect not only their binding agreement with us if admitted, but also to honor agreements with restrictive early action schools.

Is there an advantage to applying through the Early Decision program?

There is an advantage in the admissions process to applying Early Decision. In 2022-2023, we admitted 16.5% of students who applied Early Decision and 5.2% of students who applied Regular Decision. There is no financial aid advantage or disadvantage in applying Early Decision and we meet full demonstrated need, but students who wish to compare different schools’ financial aid packages should apply Regular Decision.

How do I commit to attend Duke without knowing if my family can afford it?

Duke commits to meeting full demonstrated financial need for every admitted student, and there is no financial aid advantage or disadvantage in applying Early Decision. You can learn a great deal about our financial aid practices and get an estimate of your financial aid award by using the Net Price Calculator on our Financial Support website . If you are admitted and fill out the required forms by the appropriate deadlines, you will receive your need-based financial aid package at the same time you receive your admissions decision.

In the rare instances when students ultimately cannot afford to attend Duke, they may be released from the binding Early Decision commitment after discussions among the family, the Financial Support Office, and the Admissions Office.

Does Duke have a "gap year" or deferred enrollment policy?

As you prepare for college, you may want to explore other interests such as personal and professional development, religious or mission work, travel, or required military service. If your gap year, or “deferred enrollment,” is approved and you adhere to the gap year conditions, we hold your place in the following year’s class. Students who defer their enrollment are expected to enroll at Duke at the end of their gap year.

Duke offers two options for students who plan to defer their enrollment: the  DUKE GAP YEAR PROGRAM , a selective program that offers community and the possibility of funding to support eligible gap year experiences, and independent gap years.

Note: In general, Duke students do a one-year gap, but depending on the request, we can approve up to two years.

To request a gap year/deferred enrollment:

• Enroll at Duke University through your student portal (no deposit required).
• Apply to the Duke Gap Year Program or request an independent gap year on your student portal. The forms will open in the spring.

If Participant’s request for a gap year is approved, Participant must agree to the following Terms and Conditions, and Participant’s parent/guardian must acknowledge that Participant has agreed to these Terms and Conditions and to support Participant in doing so:

• Participant will not apply for admission as a degree-seeking student to any other college or university during the remainder of this year or during the coming year.
• Participant will not enroll as a full-time student or degree-seeking student at another college or university during your gap year.
• If Participant chooses to take any college courses for Duke credit, Participant understands and acknowledges that Duke will only recognize the credits in accordance with relevant Duke policies.
• Participant will not enroll in a post-graduate program at a secondary school.
• Participant will abide by the Conditions of Application that Participant agreed to when Participant applied to Duke and the conditions contained in Participant’s letter of admission to Duke.
• Participant is required to maintain high standards of academic performance and personal behavior in and out of school, as mentioned in the letter of admission to Duke University. This includes abiding by our  Community Standard .
• If there is any change in the information Participant provided in Participant’s application to Duke—including any academic, personal, disciplinary, or legal matters—Participant agrees to contact the Duke admissions office within 48 hours.

You can learn more about gap year options on our gap year page .

What is the Duke Gap Year Program?

Students who wish to participate in Duke’s intentional gap year community are invited to apply to the Duke Gap Year Program. Applicants to the DGYP may request between $5,000 and $15,000 in funding to support eligible gap year experiences. DGYP participants must adhere to the gap year conditions and fulfill a few other requirements, including but not limited to contributions to the DGYP  BLOG  and  INSTAGRAM  account. Applications open in the spring.

Remember: if you do not apply or are not admitted to the DGYP, you can still request an independent gap year on your student portal.

READ MORE ABOUT THE DUKE GAP YEAR PROGRAM

Does Duke have campus police?

At Duke, we strive to provide a safe and secure campus that allows for as much individual freedom as possible. Our safety programs and security initiatives at Duke include an on-campus police force with round-the-clock patrol, a locking system for residence halls 24 hours a day and using Duke cards for entry, emergency notification systems, and hundreds of “help phones” located around campus. The Duke University Police Department provides round the clock security services to Duke’s campus and the medical center. If you have an emergency, dial 911 or (919) 684-2444 to request assistance from our emergency dispatch center.

Where can I find information about campus safety?

The Annual Clery Security Report for Duke includes specific policies concerning campus safety and security, as well as statistics for the previous three years. A copy of this report can be obtained by contacting the Duke Police Department at (919) 684-4602 or by accessing the report online . The pertinent statutory authority is at 34 CFR Part 668.41 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports include institutional policies concerning campus safety and security, and statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Duke University and adjacent public property, and fires that occurred in residence halls. A copy is available online or upon request to the Duke Police Department at 919-684-4602.

A printed report is available by visiting the Records Division, Duke University Police Department, 502 Oregon Street, Durham, NC 27708, or by calling (919) 684-4602.

What is Duke's alcohol policy?

While drinking alcohol is not uncommon among American undergraduates nationwide, Duke has clear expectations and strict policies about breaking state laws and university rules. Breaking the rules has serious consequences.

WHAT IS DUKE’S SMOKING POLICY?

As part of our commitment to the Healthy Duke initiative and to creating a healthy living and working environment, Duke is smoke-free on all property and grounds owned and leased by Duke University.

How do I get involved in athletics at Duke?

Our 27 Division 1 teams generate incredible school spirit. Students can attend all sporting events for free. If you have questions about the recruitment process for Division 1 teams, please visit goduke.com .

Sport Clubs provide the opportunity to participate in organized sport and competitive activities. Each Sport Club is composed of individuals who share a common interest in recreation sport and organize to collectively pursue their goals to either compete locally or at the national level. While previous experience in the sport you choose is helpful, it is not required. Our Sport Clubs are inclusive, which means there are no tryouts or cuts made.

Whether you’re a competitive sports enthusiast or looking for a source of exercise, Duke’s Intramural Sports Program provides a wide variety of activities. Compete with friends and colleagues or sign up as free agents. There are no additional fees to participate.

Does Duke consider demonstrated interest in making its decisions?

Like many things in the admissions process–it’s a little complicated.

“Demonstrated interest” as most people use the term is not a plus factor in our process.  Students don’t need to visit the campus, and we discourage students from contacting the Admissions Office in order to demonstrate their interest in us. There is no benefit to emailing or meeting your regional admissions officer. 

What we do recommend is that students take the time to explore what Duke has to offer them in light of their hopes and expectations for college, and to think carefully about why there may be a good match between them and us. That will allow them to write a thoughtful and detailed answer to our essay on this subject. Our experience is that students who have fully investigated Duke, whether virtually or in person, are better able to articulate why Duke is a good match for them. We do our best to make enough information about Duke available to everybody.

If you want a term to use for what we look for, you could say that applicants should be able to communicate their “demonstrated knowledge” through their application rather than their “demonstrated interest” through the number of times they have visited, met, or contacted us. 

Our list below will give some suggestions for how students can learn about any college, not just Duke, including those that place weight on “Demonstrated Interest.”

How can I learn about a college, and then show a college that it’s a good match for me? How can I enhance my “demonstrated knowledge?”

Get on the college’s mailing list. 

• Admissions offices still communicate primarily through email, and will let you know about application or scholarship deadlines, information about programs they’re hosting, and news about the college that way.

Consider creating an email account just for the college admissions process.

• If you use email a lot, or don’t review your email very often, consider creating an email account just for this process. That will help you in not missing important information

Attend virtual events or information sessions sponsored by the colleges you’re interested in.

• One positive result of the pandemic is the strong shift to virtual programs. No matter where you are, you can attend. Colleges do their best to make them informative and interesting.

Take a virtual tour of the campuses you’re interested in.

• We know it’s hard, sometimes impossible, to manage campus visits these days. Many colleges offer virtual tours. While they’re not the same as being there, they can give you a sense of the place. And colleges are working to improve them to make them more authentic reflections of the place.

If a college offers a virtual admissions interview, either as part of the application or separately, you should sign up. 

• It’s a great way for them to get to know you as an individual and for you to show how much thought you’ve given to that college.

Explore the college websites. 

• There is so much information there, including a lot geared towards current students that will give you insight into the college. Give yourself some time to explore.

Many colleges ask you why you’re interested as part of their application. Be well prepared to answer this question in some detail and with thought. 

• Make lists of everything that appeals to you in the colleges you’re considering. Dig into what you’re looking for in any college, and how that particular college meets your needs. Don’t just talk about what everyone knows about the college; think about the specific match between you and the college.

Don’t worry about visiting the campus if you can’t afford it or if it’s too far away! 

• Admissions offices understand that college visits take time and resources, both of which can be hard to come by. But if the campus is close, and you have the means to visit on a one-day trip, try to do that. You’ll learn a lot, including how accurately the college presents itself online.

If there is a link in an email that the college sent you, and it looks interesting to you, click on the link and see where it leads you. 

• While recent developments will make it harder for colleges to see if you’ve opened or read their emails, they will still be able to tell if you’ve clicked on links. Colleges that closely track “demonstrated interest” will notice this.

Will applying for financial aid hurt my chances of admission to Duke?

No. For U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens, an applicant’s need for financial aid, or the fact that a student has applied for financial aid, will not disadvantage a student in the admissions process. Students needing financial assistance are strongly encouraged to apply for aid at the same time as for admission. Please go to the Financial Aid website for more information.

When will I receive my financial aid package?

Admitted students who submit all the required forms by the financial aid deadline (November 1 for Early Decision; February 1 for Regular Decision) will receive their financial aid package at the same time as their offer of admission.

• August 23, 2024
• 12th Grade , College Admissions

Duke Supplemental Essays: 2024-25 Prompt Guide

Tackling Duke University’s 2024-25 application can be challenging, especially when it comes to supplemental essays. These essays play a crucial role in showcasing who you are beyond your grades and test scores, highlighting how you align with Duke’s values and community. In this guide, we’ll walk you through strategies for crafting standout responses to both the required and optional prompts, ensuring your application truly reflects your potential.

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Duke required essay prompt

All applicants to Duke University for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle are required to respond to the following prompt:

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

Duke places great emphasis on its holistic review process, looking beyond grades and test scores to understand the person behind the application. This essay is your opportunity to demonstrate why Duke is the ideal place for your academic and personal growth, and how you would contribute to the vibrant community on campus. By thoughtfully addressing this prompt, you can make a compelling case for why you belong at Duke.

How to approach the required Duke supplemental essay

To craft a compelling response, start by understanding Duke’s core values. Duke prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive community, promoting interdisciplinary learning, and encouraging students to engage in both local and global challenges. Your response should be deeply personal, reflecting what specifically attracts you to Duke.

Personalization: Reflect on what makes Duke your top choice. Whether it’s a particular academic program, a research opportunity, or the campus culture, demonstrate that you’ve done your homework.

Specificity: Mention specific aspects of Duke that align with your academic interests, extracurricular passions, and career aspirations. The more detailed, the better.

Structure: Structure your supplemental essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion:

• Introduction: Start by stating why Duke stands out to you.
• Body: Provide examples of how Duke aligns with your goals.
• Conclusion: Sum up why Duke is the ideal place for you to grow and contribute.

Duke optional essay prompts

Duke offers five optional prompts, of which you can choose to respond to one or two. These prompts allow you to share more about your personality, values, and experiences that aren’t covered elsewhere in your application.

Optional prompts

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

“Tell us about an experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity, or intellect.”

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

“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 recognize that not fully ‘fitting in’ a community or place can sometimes be difficult. Duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. Feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity.”

How to approach the optional Duke supplemental essays

When choosing which optional prompts to answer, select the ones that allow you to present new and compelling information about yourself.

Highlighting diversity and inclusion: For prompts related to diversity or personal identity, focus on sharing unique aspects of your background and how they have shaped your worldview. Discuss how these experiences will contribute to the diversity of thought and culture at Duke.

Demonstrating creativity and intellect: For prompts asking about creativity or intellectual pursuits, choose an experience that truly showcases your innovative thinking. Detail how you approached a problem creatively, what you learned, and how it reflects your intellectual curiosity.

Personal growth and resilience: If you decide to write about overcoming challenges, focus on how these experiences have shaped your character and resilience. Reflect on how you’ve grown and how you’ll bring that strength to Duke.

General tips for all Duke essays

Be authentic.

Your essays should reflect your true self. Admissions officers are looking for genuine insights into who you are, so it’s important to write in your own voice and be honest about your experiences and perspectives. No need to pretend to be someone you’re not.

Show, don’t tell

Instead of simply stating your qualities, use specific examples and vivid descriptions to bring your experiences to life. For instance, rather than saying you’re a strong leader, describe a moment when you led a team through a challenging project, highlighting the obstacles you overcame and the impact of your leadership. This approach not only makes your essays more engaging but also leaves a lasting impression on the reader by vividly showcasing your strengths.

Revise and proofread

Always take the time to revise and proofread your essays. Multiple drafts will help you refine your ideas and ensure that your writing is clear and error-free. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers.

Don’t let incorrect grammar or awkward phrasing distract from the strength of your message. Polishing your essays to perfection will help ensure that your true voice and unique story shine through.

Expert tips from a Prepory college admissions coach

For those seeking an insider’s perspective, we reached out to one of our experienced admissions coaches, Meghan, to share some of her best tips on crafting exceptional Duke supplemental essays. Here’s what she recommends:

"Don't repeat anything that AOs already know about their own school. Commonly known stats or information don't convey why the school is a good fit for YOU ." Meghan N. College Admissions Coach

Final thoughts on mastering Duke’s supplemental essays

Duke’s supplemental essays are a vital part of your application, offering a unique opportunity to show how you’ll fit into and contribute to the Duke community. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can craft Duke supplemental essays that will make your application shine.

Start your essays early, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to revise until your essays truly reflect your best self. Good luck!

How Prepory can help you

Writing strong supplemental essays is crucial for standing out in the competitive Duke admissions process. Prepory’s expert college counselors are here to guide you every step of the way. We offer personalized feedback, unlimited essay reviews, and tailored advice to help you craft compelling essays that showcase your strengths and align with Duke’s values. With Prepory’s support, you can confidently submit essays that truly reflect who you are and what you’ll bring to Duke’s community. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward crafting your perfect Duke supplemental essays.

Frequently asked questions about Duke essays

How long should my duke supplemental essays be.

Stick to the word limit while being concise and impactful. Each word should serve a purpose in conveying your message.

Can I reuse essays from other applications?

While you can draw on similar themes, it’s important to tailor your essays specifically to Duke. Show that you’ve taken the time to understand what makes Duke unique.

What topics should I avoid?

Avoid clichés, overly controversial topics, or subjects that don’t add value to your application. Focus on what will make you stand out in a positive way.

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 

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Duke Transfer Acceptance Rate and Requirements — 2024

December 13, 2023

In 2024, Duke University is as difficult to gain acceptance into as an Ivy League school. This school’s combination of world-class academics, a picturesque campus, and a passionate sports scene is hard to match. Therefore, it’s little surprise that 50,000+ teens apply each year and 94% of that group is ultimately turned away. However, if you were part of that 94%, the dream of becoming a Blue Devil still has a heartbeat. This blog will share the Duke transfer acceptance rate as well as other essential pieces of information like the Duke University transfer deadline, requirements, decision date, and much more.

Duke Transfer Acceptance Rate

Below we present the most current available Duke University transfer acceptance rate as well as historical data.

For entry in the fall of 2022, 2,126 students applied for transfer admission, and 89 were accepted. This means that the Duke transfer acceptance rate is 4.1%.

For entry in the fall of 2021, there were 1,679 transfer applicants and 81 individuals were accepted. This means that the Duke transfer acceptance rate was 4.8%.

When trying to get the complete picture of how difficult it is to transfer into a given school, it is important to look at historical data. Many schools have wild fluctuations in transfer acceptance rates from year to year. Yet, this is not the case here. As you can see, the Duke transfer acceptance rate has been consistently under 7% for the last five years.

Historical transfer rates are as follows:

Duke Transfer Deadline

The university offers only a fall transfer option. The Duke transfer deadline for fall applicants is March 15. If you are submitting supplemental art materials, they can be submitted between February 1 and March 15.

Duke Transfer Requirements

The Duke transfer requirements are as follows:

• Completed Common App for Transfer
• Final high school transcripts
• College transcripts
• SAT or ACT scores (optional in 2023-24)
• College Report
• Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a college instructor)
• Alumni interview (optional and available on a limited basis)
• Supplemental materials for exceptional talent in dance, theater, art, or music

Duke Transfer Acceptance Rate (Continued)

Students who have the best chance to gain admission to Duke have the following attributes:

• In the process of completing at least one full year of credits.
• Are rising sophomores. Duke admits a limited number of rising juniors as well.
• Earned exceptional grades in their first year at a community college or 4-year university.
• Possess special talents inside or outside of the classroom that set them apart from other high-achievers.

Duke Transfer GPA

The minimum recommended GPA by the university is 3.7. However, in our experience, you will need a GPA of 3.85 or above to be a truly competitive applicant to Duke. Those admitted in 2022-23 possessed an average GPA of 3.9, with a mid-50% range of 3.85 to 4.0.

Duke Transfer Writing Supplement

All transfer applicants must respond to the following four essay prompts.

• We would like to understand more about you and your academic path. Why and how did you choose your current or most recent college or university? What has changed since then, and what has led you to consider transferring? Please respond with an essay of between 1500 and 3600 characters.
• 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. (1500 character max).

Duke University Transfer Acceptance Rate (Continued)

You can also answer between 0 and 2 of the following optional prompts (up to 1,650 characters each).

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

Duke Transfer Decision Date

The Duke University transfer decision date is in mid-May. However, they sometimes notify applicants earlier.

Final Thoughts – Duke University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Duke typically matriculates about 50 students per year, many of whom are looking for a more rigorous academic experience or major not offered by their previous institution. Although you can indicate your top three academic interests on the application, you will not be accepted to a specific major. Instead, you will be accepted to either the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences or Pratt School of Engineering , and will work with an advisor to obtain credit for previous coursework as well as choose a course of study. Furthermore, Duke offers robust support for transfers with programs like the Summer Transition Series and Project Transfer , a required experiential orientation program.

If you are dead set on leaving your current college, you’ll want to apply to other schools in addition to Duke University. Even if you have a 4.0, admission into Duke is far from a guarantee, so you’ll want to create a balanced list of institutions that include safety schools.

For more about the transfer experience at Duke, check out this article from The Chronicle , Duke’s independent news organization.

If you are looking for information on how to apply to Duke as a first-year student, you may find the following blogs to be of interest:

• How to Get Into Duke
• Duke Supplemental Essay Prompt and Tips

Those searching for application info on other institutions may wish to visit our Dataverse pages/blogs:

• Transfer Admissions Deadlines
• Transfer Acceptance Rates
• How to Complete the Transfer Common App

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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Duke University Transfer Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Requirements

There’s no denying it. Duke University is one of the best schools in the world.

Founded as a Quaker and Methodist seminary in 1836, Duke University has grown to be one of the country’s most respected institutions.

The school’s beautiful North Carolina campus houses a state-of-the-art marine lab , a historic chapel designed by African-American architects Julian Abele and Horace Trumbauer, and a world-renowned medical center .

Over the years, Duke University has been associated with an impressive list of alumni and faculty members. 

Graduates include former U.S. President Richard M. Nixon and Senator Elizabeth Dole, as well as winners of every major award, including five Nobel Prize laureates. 

Duke has trained business leaders, including Apple CEO Tim Cook and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

With such an impressive pedigree, it should come as no surprise that it’s challenging to be accepted into Duke University. Just like every other elite private school, thousands apply to Duke each year, and only a tiny percentage are offered admission.

That goes double for transfer students. While nearly everyone would want to leave their current institution to study at Duke, the school accepts only those who can offer something unique to their student body.

To successfully transfer, you must know not only what your odds will be, but also what’s expected of you. With more information at your disposal, you can put yourself in the best position to study at one of the finest schools in the world.

Duke University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Each year, Duke allows approximately 50 students to transfer from their current institution. The overall percentage varies, but it tends to be between 3% and 7%.

Even at its highest end, those numbers indicate that Duke is extremely selective when it comes to accepting transfers. 

But those numbers aren’t much lower than Duke’s usual acceptance rate. Over the past few years, Duke has sent offers of admission to between 5.76% and 7.68% of freshmen applicants .

These numbers are to be expected for elite private schools such as Duke. For example, Yale University has a 1.7% transfer acceptance rate. 

Princeton is even more competitive, with a microscopic 1.2% transfer acceptance rate.

It’s hard to say why elite schools accept so few transfer students. However, like most schools, Duke prefers to transfer students who come from community colleges.

Application Requirements & GPA for Duke Transfers

Duke does not have a minimum GPA for its transfer applicants as with its freshmen applicants. Nor does it require potential transfers to submit standardized test scores.

However, the school does report the average grades and test scores of those accepted for transfer. On average, transfer students had a GPA between 3.75 and 4.0 in a challenging academic program. The average ACT score was between 33 and 35, while the average SAT score was between 1460 and 1560.

While these numbers provide some guidance for transfer students, they only tell part of the story. Duke uses a holistic approach to evaluate its transfer potentials. In order to get a complete look at transfer applicants, Duke employs a thorough application process.

In addition to a standard application (the school accepts either a Common Application or a Coalition Application), hopefuls must also submit a special application to transfer and transcripts from high school and any higher education institution they attend.

Duke requires two evaluations from instructors, at least one of which should come from a college instructor. These evaluations are recommendations. 

They should speak about your academic abilities and the qualities you bring to the student body.

If students wish to submit their standardized test scores, they should also be included in the application. 

While Duke does not require standardized test scores, a strong showing on the ACT or SAT can make an impression on admission counselors, possibly giving you a better chance to be accepted.

Duke requires transfer applicants to write an essay based on a predetermined prompt as with the standard application. 

In the past , prompts have asked potential students to describe the specific attributes they bring to the school or to explain their commitment to diversity and community.

While essays can sometimes seem like a rote bit of busy work in an application, they are particularly important for transfer students. More than any other part of the application, the essay gives potential students the best chance to explain themselves. Because Duke holds such high standards for transfer students, the essay is essential for standing out.

Duke University Transfer Deadline

For those hoping to transfer to Duke University, the application deadline is March 15 th every year . If attempting to transfer into a program that needs a portfolio or an audition, those elements must make it to the school by March 20 th .

If the school assigns an interview with an alumnus, that must also be completed by March 15 th .

This date comes much later than the standard deadlines for first-year students. At Duke, the early admission deadline is November 1 st , and the regular deadline is January 4 th each year .

To be sure, there are drawbacks to the later due date. The longer it takes to apply, the longer it takes to hear about a decision.

However, there are real advantages to the later date as well. Transfer applicants must submit more materials than those trying to enter Duke as a freshman. 

With an additional two months before the deadline, they have more time to gather those additional materials.

More importantly, the extra time can be used to work on the application essay. Because the essay gives potential students the best chance to stand out, the later deadline means more time to choose the right words and examples.

What is the Decision Date for Duke University Transfers?

Duke University notifies transfer applicants of its decision at some point in mid-May . The fortunate few must send transcripts from their final year at their current institution by the end of June. 

They must also reply to Duke with their decision to accept by June 5 th .

To be sure, that decision date comes later than the regular January 4th decision date for freshmen, and much later than the early decision date on November 1 st .

As frustrating as it might be, though, this disparity isn’t a surprise. Transfer students are very different from incoming first-year students, and the decision process is as complicated as the application process. 

The school needs as much time as possible to consider all of the possibilities before accepting or rejecting them.

Deciding Whether You Should Transfer to Duke University

There’s no way to sugarcoat the truth. It is extremely difficult to transfer to Duke University. Applicants must compile far more application materials than they did for their first-year admission.

Even worse, most people won’t be allowed to transfer to Duke. Only 3% to 7% of students are accepted, which means that, at best, 93 out of 100 will be rejected each year.

But the very fact that 50 students do transfer to Duke each year should give you some hope. In other words, even if they don’t take many transfer students, they do take some. And they may take you.

Those numbers look even better when put into the context of Duke’s regular application rates. On average, Duke accepts only 7.7% of applicants. And yet, they still received materials from 39,783 students last year.

As these numbers show, it doesn’t matter how low the odds are. People want to go to Duke, so they continue to apply each year.

It’s not hard to see why.

By every metric, Duke University is considered one of the best private schools in the world, comparable with even the Ivy Leagues.

U.S. News & World Report puts Duke at 9 th in the nation in National Universities, higher than Ivy League schools Dartmouth, Brown, and Cornell. 

According to that same outlet, tied for 13 th in Undergraduate Teaching, #16 in Most Innovative Schools, and #13 in Best Value Schools.

As hard as it is to transfer to Duke University, it is unquestionably worth the challenge.

RECAP: How to Apply As a Transfer Student to Duke University

As we’ve seen, it is complicated to transfer to Duke University, no matter what school you’re coming from. The best chances belong to those with top-notch grades and a unique story to tell. Every one of your materials must make a strong impression on evaluation committees.

Duke University admits only 50 transfer students each year for a 3 – 7% acceptance rate. To determine that 50, the school has a strict evaluation process.

All application materials must be sent to Duke by March 15 th . Those materials include the application, evaluations from instructors, high school and college transcripts, and reports from your current institution. 

In some cases, students will be asked to interview with alumni, which must also be completed by March 15 th .

If your program requires a portfolio or audition, those must be completed by March 20.

At some point in mid-May, Duke will provide its answer to applicants.

For most people, that answer will be a rejection. But for a small few, they will have the chance to finish their college career at one of the world’s best intuitions.

A difficult process? Absolutely.

Worth it? Without question.

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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.

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Duke Supplemental Essay Prompts & Examples

• college application essays
• supplemental essays
• application strategy

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

Duke Application Prompts

1. short essay required for engineering applicants:.

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

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

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

-  Gchenfc, Duke ‘19, Mechanical Engineering

Essay Excerpt on Duke’s Academic Approach:

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

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

2. Short Essay Required for Arts & Sciences Applicants:

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

Essay Excerpt on Pursuing Arts & Sciences at Duke:

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

- Epasquale, Duke ‘19, Biology

Essay Excerpt on Duke’s Culture:

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

- Andiaz, Duke ‘21, Biology

3. Optional for All applicants:

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

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

- Detwylerder, Duke ‘19, Bioengineering

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

- Daniel99, Duke ‘21, Economics

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

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

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

About The Author

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

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Duke University

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Want to see your chances of admission at Duke University?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

Duke University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this college short response.

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.

Duke Kunshan Short Response

Why do you think Duke Kunshan University is a good match for you? And what special qualities do you feel you could bring to Duke Kunshan University?

Gap Year Short Response

Please describe your gap year plans as you currently are considering them. You are not making a commitment to these plans.

Select-A-Prompt Short Response

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.

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

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

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

4. 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.

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.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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Why Duke Essay: 4 Tips for a Great Essay

College Essays

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

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

The Why Duke Essay Prompts

Here's the Why Duke essay prompt:

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

What Is the Purpose of the Why Duke Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Should You Write About in Your Why Duke Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Note About Duke Basketball

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

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

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

Tips for Writing a Great Why Duke Essay

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

#1: Do Your Research

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

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

#2: Be Specific

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

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

#3: Show Your Passion

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

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

#4: Make Every Word Count

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

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

Why Duke Essay Example

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

- Calvin Thompson

What Makes This Essay Work?

This essay is strong in three key ways:

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

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

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

Summary: Writing a Great Why Duke Essay

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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