<p>I decided not to apply ED due to financial reasons, but surfing through the ED results thread, I got really nervous. Many of the people who had nearly the same stats I have are saying they were deferred. Adding onto that is the fact that I got deferred from my Georgetown's EA earlier this week--so I'm really nervous and anxious at the moment. Do you have any advice to help me stand out from the other applicants in the RD pool?</p>
<p>Make your main essay unique (mine was about aliens) and show evidence in your “Why Duke” essay that you have throughly researched the school, don’t just talk about things you could find on the webiste in 5 minutes. (I was admitted ED.)</p>
<p>^I concur, the essay is def important. I wrote about breaking my hand in a backyard MMA fight.</p>
<p>Agreed. Make sure you do thorough research of the school and cite SPECIFIC things that makes Duke stand out. I would also advise you to write in your common app essay something unique; mine was about a specific EC and how it affected me as a person. Remember, grade point averages and sat scores don’t mean everything :D</p>
<p>@213830</p>
<p>You spelled “university” wrong on your location thing, you should probably change that or you’ll make us all look bad haha.</p>
<p>I agree with what others are saying about the essay. At this point, it’s the only thing you really have control over, so write and rewrite until you are absolutely satisfied with it!</p>
<p>The most important advice I could give is to always make sure your essays are focused on YOU. Try to avoid getting wrapped up in the “what” you are writing about rather than the “why”, and if you are going to do a “Why Duke” make sure you do your research; don’t generalize!
Good luck, from an ED-er :)</p>
<p>It is not important to try to make your essay unique. What is important is to try to show your personality in an essay. You can write about everyday simple things, but if your personality shines in an essay - that is what counts. What are your thoughts, feelings, how your mind works? The admission people are trying to learn who you are and if you are a good fit for a school.</p>
<p>To clarify, when I said a unique essay was important I meant that, because each person is unique, the essay should reflect this. The topic is meaningless if you don’t tie it strongly into your own life and goals for the future, however, taking risks with the choice of topic and register will surely make for a stronger essay than picking overused topics like “mission trip” or “relative dying”. Show something about yourself that cannot be observed in the other parts of the app (except perhaps recommendations).</p>
<p>@MW2isawesome: I changed it, and yes it does make us look bad!</p>
<p>Thanks guys. I have one more question: how serious was your “Why Duke” essay? Mine sounds really formal/boring and I was wondering if I should incorporate some humor and things about some things other than their academics (like my interest in their basketball team). Would that make me seem like I’m applying to Duke for the wrong reasons, or will they appreciate some humor and things other than “They have good academics, facilities, etc.”</p>
<p>Well I’ll just say I did not even right a “Why Duke” essay and was accepted ED. What is most important in your application is conveying your IMPACT in your community. In other words, how you are going to take your experiences of IMPACT within your community and apply it to Duke. For me, I have my own band and, after talking to an admissions counselor post-decision, it was obvious that they were extremely excited about how I was going to IMPACT (its their key word) Durham with this unique experience.</p>
<p>I hope my example provides you with an idea of what they are looking for and how you can showcase the ways in which your talents will IMPACT their community. </p>
<p>Best and Good Luck,
Personas</p>
<p>My daughter wrote very funny “Why Duke?” essay. Humor is good if it is clever and kind, if it shows that you are intelligent person. You should be very careful with humor, make sure that you are not offending anyone. My daughter wrote very creative, intelligent and funny essay because she is very intelligent, creative, good sense of humor. If you don’t have a good sense of humor - don’t try to be somebody you are not, it is better then to write a straight essay. Not everyone accepted to Duke should have a good sense of humor. Try to bring your best qualities out.</p>