<p>Did you guys do it? Do you think they're telling the truth when they say that not writing the essay won't affect your admission chances? I'm still debating whether I write the essay.</p>
<p>It doesn’t directly hurt, but if you do it, it helps you. And so many people are helped by the optional essay that you’re indirectly hurt from not writing it.</p>
<p>i was in your position last year also. i ended up doing it given the reason mentioned above</p>
<p>You should probably do it, even if they say its optional. In all essence, this is a college application we’re talking about; not some optional late-night history assignment.</p>
<p>I cannot imagine a student sincerely wanting to go to Duke, and not wanting to tell Duke why.</p>