<p>A word count of 150 isn't much to sell yourself for the why engineering and why Duke essay. Any suggestions on how to best fill the essay? Should the essay focus on the specific major (i.e. civil engineering) you plan to study or can you write a generic essay about engineering and focus on specifics of why you want to study at Duke? I almost think it's too easy being so short.</p>
<p>Brevity is often more difficult. They really want to know why you are interested in engineering. So just be honest. Don’t repeat anything that is in other parts of your app. Good luck. </p>
<p>I agree with @sgopal2; mandatory brevity creates a more challenging essay requirement for you, which assists Undergraduate Admissions (and Pratt) in their evaluative processes. In addition, I’d attempt concisely to include not only WHY, but also WHAT you’d like to do with your BSE after graduation (I know that will make the word count constraint even more difficult, but Duke seeks individuals who ardently want to use their “knowledge in service to society” (hint, hint). </p>
<p>I mean, if my whole common app essay was about a goal of service and what lead me to forming that goal, could my why duke essay be more about what i actually like about the school specifically and specifically what i think i can do for the school?</p>
<p>@randomusernamecc: Yes it could, and only you can assess the balance between the content – and the intent – of your Common Application and Duke essays. With this said, I respectfully suggest you consider that Duke Application Readers and Admissions Officers are certain to review tens-of-thousands of “my fondest dream is to be a Cameron Crazy” essays during the next five months. Consequentially, the specificity you suggest is important, as is sincere and near-unique ideas. </p>
<p>In the Why Duke essay: don’t write about what you love about Duke. Instead write about what YOU can do for Duke, and why it is a good fit. These are completely different things and most students tend to get these mixed up. </p>
<p>As @toptier states above, imagine being a reader and having to slot through dozens of essays about Cameron Indoor stadium, and you’ll know what I mean.</p>
<p>I used the Why Duke essay to discuss my interest in general engineering, and the optional essay to elaborate on my interest in BME in particular. </p>
<p>@BJAG625: IMHO, both @MBVLoveless and @sgopal2 have provided excellent advice. </p>
<p>@MBVLovess: Which optional essay did you elaborate your interest in BME? I’m assuming you don’t mean the one about sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. </p>
<p>Are you a student at Duke now or applying?</p>
<p>@BJAG625 I do mean the supplement about sexual orientation and gender identity, although my focus is on my family background (which is one of the given options). I’m an ED applicant this admissions cycle. </p>