<p>Does anyone know why Duke is asking about sexuality? Do they want lgbt students and looking to do affirmitive action? I am LGBT but I'm sort of skeptical writting about because I don't believe someone's sexual preference defines who they are... </p>
<p>Maybe you should write that in your essay… it could be really good.</p>
<p>I really don’t know why they are asking about sexuality but I doubt that they are looking to admit more kids based on that.</p>
<p>I’m a current student who was a part of conversations when we discussed this question. (: Here’s some context from the student paper in thinking about the background behind why Duke is opening the door for applicants to talk about, among other things, their sexuality:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2014/08/29/duke-adds-lgbtq-inclusive-question-application”>http://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2014/08/29/duke-adds-lgbtq-inclusive-question-application</a></p>
<p>What I will say is that if you believe your sexuality has been an integral part of your life and your background, share it. However, if it has not been or you don’t see it that way, don’t. Write about something else that defines you, or nothing at all. This question simply allows you a chance to add annother dimension to your application-- high-school me would have probably written about my ethnicity and culture, because high-school me hadn’t figured out my sexuality yet. High-school me might have also equally written about being in a non-traditional school setting, my family situation, etc.</p>
<p>Edit to add: feel free to PM me with more questions/history.</p>
<p>I think this question is a great addition to the application. My son looked at it as an opportunity to write a humorous essay about his family, background and unique upbringing. I think it can be whatever you want it to be. Duke made a good choice in forgoing the checkbox in favor of this essay.</p>
<p>A few months ago, a university official who was quite involved in the decision to add this essay, discussed it with me:
- First, response to this essay truly is optional.
- Second, the essay is not designed to elicit information regarding sexual orientation, pre se. Rather, it focuses – when applicable and only if an applicant opts to reply – on how one’s sexual orientation/experiences may have shaped character, altered goals, enhanced insights, broadened intellectual outlook, and so forth.
- Third, since the purpose of Duke’s entire undergraduate application process is to learn about the candidate – thereby being better able to assess his or her performance, potential, and “fit” – this application enhancement allows students to go well beyond simply “checking a box,” to delineate voluntarily how their sexual orientation has influenced their lives and their futures. </p>
<p>I hope and suspect, during the next few annual admissions cycles, a similar optional essay will be adopted by many peer institutions. </p>
<p>Once you begin to write the essay you will quickly realize 250 words isn’t enough haha.</p>