<p>I wrote what I think is a pretty good essay about how the biggest reason I love Duke is the "work hard play hard" mentality. Of course I talked about how I really love the curriculum and service and other factors as well.
But people on CC say the work hard play hard thing is cliche and overdone, and adcoms don't like it because they think kids are just there to party.
If my essay is genuine and the rest of my app reflects my seriousness, is it ok? Or is work hard play hard a bad topic in general?
Thank you!</p>
<p>I wrote the same type of essay for ED, only to read an article on dukes online newspaper that said they are trying to change that whole mentality. I think you should focus on something else just to be safe, but you can definitely send it to me if you like and ill give you feedback on the one you already have.</p>
<p>I would say it depends on if you feel that way. I wrote that in my essay (Not knowing it was cliche or anything, although I should have), but it was honestly one of the reasons I was drawn to Duke. There is only so many things that can draw you to a college, and I’m sure Duke knows one of it’s main draws is great academics and campus life. I really don’t think it would be a make or break thing. It’s always best to be honest, cause that helps show the descion comittee who you really are.</p>
<p>@Leggo: I think I read the same article! From Duke Chronicle, right? I literally thought “Are you kidding me???”
Could I PM you my essay? Thank you so so much!</p>
<p>@Captnkirk: My whole essay was completely honest, and I think an honest cliche essay is better than a fake unique one?</p>
<p>I agree! Most people are going to write about DukeEngage and Duke’s mixture of academics and leisure, as well as the East campus and FOCUS program. You need to talk about why, out of all the other schools you could apply to, you picked Duke. One of those was the whole work hard play hard mentality for me, so that’s why I said that. If you just look up the most trivial unique fact about Duke, but don’t talk about it with any conviction, I can’t see how that can be better than passionatley talking about the great academic and social atmosphere Duke has created. I could be wrong though, if I get deffered/rejected ED you’ll know to maybe change your essay a bit haha.</p>
<p>If your passion for Duke shines through, there shouldn’t be a problem. I read the article in the Chronicle and if I remember correctly they were specifically speaking about students applying to Duke because of basketball. To be honest, a lot of students here on campus thought the article was dumb because basketball IS a big part of life on campus, as is the “work hard, play hard” mentality. The administration doesn’t have to like it, but it’s true. Duke wouldn’t be Duke without the Cameron Crazies. So, like I said, make sure your Duke spirit comes out. I would recommend mentioning other things you like about Duke in addition to the “work hard, play hard” thing - specifically programs that Duke offers. I believe the Chronicle piece mentioned that the administration is proud of the fact that people mention DukeEngage or FOCUS more than basketball now, so if you’re really excited about those programs then there’s no shame in mentioning them. Just make sure you show the admissions officers that you’ve done your research and know Duke is the place for you!</p>
<p>Although that article boiled my blood since the strength of alumni comes mostly from the school spirit through sports, I would still steer clear of mentioning sports too much in your “Why Duke” essay.</p>
<p>Tell them you’re applying for the football. They’ve probably never seen that one before.</p>
<p>I would argue that the main problem with a “work hard, play hard” essay is that it would be easy to reuse that essay for Why Duke and Why Cornell and Why Northwestern simply by replacing the name of the school.</p>
<p>The DukEngage and FOCUS essays might be cliches, but at least they are cliches that are unique to Duke.</p>
<p>Try to ensure that your essay reflects passion for Duke specifically.</p>