I have no idea how to go about this. I know most students will be citing Duke’s research, academics, social life, and such … I don’t want to blend in, but I think trying something unique, like a poem or letter or whatever, could completely backfire. I want to go to Duke for it’s research opportunities and academic quality. That’s it. So far I have a half-finished piece of crap.
Any thoughts?
To clarify, how are you answering it?
bump
My why Duke essay talks about stuff like academics and social life, but more in-depth. I talk about specific programs and organizations that I want to participate in. I briefly talk about my experience at Duke’s NS/SC Open House. I also talk about my fit on campus. Speak about specifics on why you want to go to Duke. What attracts you about the school? What are some of the opportunities you want to pursue? What type of person will you be on campus? The essay I’m writing for the optional essay connects to the Why Duke essay, so looking at that prompt may help you also.
@QMusic I wish the world limit wasn’t so low, I find it hard to fit in enough detail. As far as the optional, I don’t connect with that topic at all.
@LaikaDoodles I know right. I had to go through so many edits to get my essay inside the word count. Right now it’s 149 words, but there’s still so much I want to change or add.
I finished my last sunday! Focus on what youre bringing to the school, what will set you apart on campus as compared to everyone else? For instance, I discussed the nonprofit I started and how I would bring it to campus, what have you done that will impact the school?
Good post. DD is still deciding whether to apply or not. She is having problems figuring out how Duke really stand out next to its peer schools (not just Ivies, but Northwestern, G’town, etc). I personally can’t see what Duke has that these others don’t, plus, frankly, the campus is isolated and it is located in a less interesting and politically conservative state. Any ideas?
The location is actually pretty great (though summer can be humid!). It may be in a swing state but the research triangle (Duke, UNC, NCSU area) is very very blue. Cooper becoming governor should also repeal HB2 and a lot of bad legislation. The research triangle is also an appeal to many students itself since it has a ton of companies, internships, and opportunities (and the highest concentration of phDs in the nation). If she is interested in STEM it’s even better. This, like NYC for columbia and Boston for Harvard, is a big draw for those three schools and leads to high intern and employment rates.
Current Duke student here, I second pretty much everything that @BB1313 just said. Also, since this was about the Why Duke? essay, I thought this might help:
If you are applying to the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences as a first year applicant, please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something particular about Duke that attracts you? (Please limit your response to no more than 150 words.)
My friend sits down, clearly unhappy. “We just got assigned ten page research paper,” he complains.
I am also annoyed at this. “Why didn’t I get one?” I exclaim.
I get weird looks when I ramble about Catch 22 or Paradise Lost. I get weirder looks when I complain about not having a research paper to do. Duke is one of few places where I wouldn’t get those looks all the time, and Duke is one of few universities that encourages – or even offers – research opportunities for English undergraduates. The flexible courses allow for freedom to inquire into the topics that matter to me. Even my current teachers are surprised at my excitement for a research paper, but Duke understands the value of research to all disciplines, not just sciences.
Also, the Blue Devils make the Final Four or better in my March Madness bracket every year. Just saying.
That was my Why Duke? essay in its entirety
@waitwhaat
Hey, thanks for posting 
Do you mind if I ask what the interview was like? What kind of questions did they ask?
Thankies!
@LaikaDoodles Interview was really chill, an alumna came to my high school and we sat down in a conference room for about an hour. She just asked what I was interested in, what I did with my free time, etc., really broad, open ended questions. I talked about my interests and the projects I was working on. I talked at length about a musical I was writing at the time, and how it blended my potential major (writing) with my other interests (music) and I think she really took to that.
Overall though, the interviews are not a huge component of the application, especially not everyone is able to have one. I wouldn’t sweat it too much.