Duke optional diversity essay

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

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 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.

Does this actually have to be cultural and race? Because I can’t find something unique about me on that part. Can I write about one of my community service experience helping out people in poverty?

2

“perhaps related to” is just a suggestion. Any experience that helps the admission committee members better understand who you are will suffice.

3

Diversity isn’t limited to culture and race. Your diversity essay can also be something related to life experiences, gender, sexual orientation, where you grew up, religious beliefs, your immediate family, unique interests, socioeconomic status, etc. Keep brainstorming!

4

I wrote mine about my passion for music and concerts. If it’s an experience you’ve had that you feel helps the admissions better understand you as person, write about it!