<p>So on the supplement it says the Why Duke essay is optional, and that not doing it won't affect my chance of admission. So is it actually worth the time and effort to do the essay?</p>
<p>I think that it is definitely worth writing the "Why Duke" if you have time, and have good reasons for wanting to go to Duke. Obviously, Duke wants to accept students who want to go to their school, and the "Why Duke" can give you a means to make yourself stand out from the rest of the applicants. If you do write the essay, I would try to make it a lot about yourself-- show the adcom that you would be a perfect fit for Duke.</p>
<p>it could literally take 30 minutes to do. i think 30 minutes is good enough to make it look better than not doing it at all. </p>
<p>basically- if you dont do it it will NOT help at all
if you DO do it...it will either not matter or it will just help</p>
<p>Our S chose not to write it and was accepted. He was even sent a "Likely Letter" so it's clearly not going to hurt you if you don't write the "Why Duke" essay.</p>
<p>write it, and as people have said, it takes up close to 30-45 min and really shows why're youre interested</p>
<p>How are these Why ___ essays only taking 30 minutes for you guys? I seriously love Duke and the other schools on my list and the "Why" essays are the hardest for me. Maybe I'm trying to be too formal? Can anyone provide suggestions?</p>