Duke Optional Supplemental Essay

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

I am almost done with my ED application, but am not sure if I should answer the optional essay about diversity:

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, your sexual orientation or gender identity, 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)

I do not know what I would write about. Should I still do it?

2

Hi,

I attended a Duke information meeting near my location held by my regional admissions officer from Duke. She made it clear that this question should not be answered unless you have something genuine to write about. It’s not really a question where you should have to think hard about the answer, which is why it is optional (it simply doesn’t apply to a lot of the applicants).

3

When I toured the admit officer said hay they added this question because Duke students specifically requested it, so it was totally optional and for people who feel like it will add to their app. Personally, i answered it but only because I had an experience to write about.