I want to apply to Duke and here’s the supp essay topic:
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 word limit)
The examples the prompt itself gives me is quite confusing. I’m from a country of single race. I’m straight. And there’s nothing that spectacular about my community and family—just ordinary, in general.
So, what direction should I go for in this essay? What does this prompt mean when it says “perspective”? Any examples?
Thanks a lot!
My daughter faced a similar dilemma when she encountered a supplemental essay with the same topic for a different school. We live in a very homogeneous community, she is not part of a minority (well, we are Jewish in a very non-Jewish neighborhood), and unfortunately, her exposure to people from other races, cultures etc. was quite limited. She wound up writing about that exact thing and talked about how she always disliked the lack of diversity around her, and how one of the reasons she chose to apply to this particular school was its diversity and large international student population. Clearly it satisfied them because she was as accepted. :). Good luck!
I think it’s entirely offensive that they would be so nosy as to even inquire to people’s sexual habits or identity or ask them to write about it…sorry, but when is one’s sexuality a qualifier for admission?
My counselor suggests that I address one optional essay, and I think it’s worth to make sure whether there’s something that works before dropping the topic LOL.
What’s funny is this: for one thing, I feel like the majority in my homeland, in general; on the other hand, I know I will be the literal “minority” if I get admitted— you see, I am an international applicant.
If they are asking something about my community or family that matters to me, I can work it out; however, the prompt seems to put more emphasize on really unique, singular “perspective” among social groups. That is a bit unsettling I admit.
You should re-read the prompt. And forget about focusing on race. I feel like it is wide open what you can write about. It asks you to share one perspective you will bring to campus and then gives you examples of what you can draw from. If you are coming from a homogenous country and are an international student there has to be something in your background that has shaped your point-of-view. This article has some good ideas: http://blog.getintocollege.com/whats-your-human-experience-answering-dukes-identity-essay-prompt/
I feel this essay prompt is somewhat more similar to this CommonApp PS prompt:
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. (well, maybe more inclined to the former 2.)
It’s all about what counts as “perspectives” and “experiences” under this prompt. A more microscopic and “cliche” one. I’d like to give it a try
@rofikicafe If you read the “Essay” section of CC you will find there are many people that want to be able to talk about an aspect of themselves like that. How they did well despite a learning difference/minorityrace/were LGBTQ. It is optional but if you want to be able to express yourself you get the chance.
