<p>So...when I applied to Duke I was completely worn out on writing essays, and made the mistake of taking the seemingly congenial statement "and yes, they truly are optional! If you choose not to write them, your chances of admission will not be affected" at face value. I thought Duke was giving a nice break..but in hindsight that statement seems to say "if you choose not to write them, you have no chance" (and therefore your chances will not be affected unless you DO write them, in which case you have a chance). </p>
<p>I'm guessing I am one of an incredibly small group that fell for the "truly optional" trap... but anyways, can anyone confirm/reject my thoughts? And I doubt anyone can answer this, but is there even a decent chance (compared to the overall average of acceptances) of being accepted if one neglected to write the "optional" essay(s)?</p>
<p>Same boat here. It didn’t strike me as though not writing the optional essay would truly hinder your chances of admittance. I mean, no more so than someone who just writes a nondescript, typical “Why Duke” essay.</p>
<p>My friend who works in the admission office told me the essay is indeed optional. What happens is they rate each component of your application (essay, test scores, GPA, etc.) and add them up. If you pass a certain point, you’re a clear admit. If you fall below a certain point, you’re a clear reject. If you’re in some sort of threshold, then they take you to committee.</p>
<p>So if you write the Why Duke essay, that essay and the Common App essay each counts as a component. If you don’t, then the Common App essay is given twice the weight. So if your Common App essay is not good, Why Duke may help. If it’s already your best work (and I suspect that’s the case with most people), Why Duke doesn’t help that much.</p>
<p>that is great, thank you. Hopefully it really is like that, and they don’t see neglecting the Why Duke essay as a sign of apathy or lack of interest in Duke and feel more inclined to reject in an attempt to boost yield…</p>