<p>Among those optional essays, there is one asking for evaluation from others.
If I dont do this would it hurt me??</p>
<p>Also, If I am not applying to engineering, there is no essay for me to write... right??</p>
<p>It says it won't hurt you. I doubt not writing it will hurt you, but I bet writing a good essay will help you. There are two optional pieces. The first is a personal statement about what you like about Duke. The second is something somebody else does for you. I think not doing either would not hurt you, but if either can be good then that will help you.</p>
<p>I did both.... so we'll see</p>
<p>I did both and I was admitted. If you think about... "not doing these optional essays will not affect your chances of admission," nowhere does it say that doing them won't help. If you want Duke, do the essays. I had my younger brother write a folksy and creative letter on my behalf.</p>
<p>Yeah my mom wrote a letter about me. I chose her because she knows me really well.... and also because she is a professional writer o I knew it would be good. I would suggest for this one that people choose a person that can write well and even more importantly has something meaningful to say about you.</p>
<p>Yeah I think it is most important that they have something meaningful to say. I didn't even correct errors or awkwardness in my 12 year old brother's letter because it sounded like a 12 year old. I don't think writing well is necessary, or I should say writing like a professional writer.</p>
<p>You are right. Writing well isn't absolutel necessary, and from a 12 year old I think having it sound like a 12 year old is right. However, I think if one of your parents is a good writer then that might be a good choice, just because Duke might assume that their skill has rubbed off on you. Or not, I really have no idea.</p>
<p>Good luck</p>