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Duke Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice

July 26, 2024

With a 5.1% acceptance rate, getting into Duke in 2024-25 is now as daunting a challenge as gaining acceptance into just about any Ivy League school. While Duke University may immediately conjure up images of the “Cameron Crazies” decked out in devil masks and blue face paint, make no mistake—those rowdy-looking students are really as studious as they come. In fact, just about every single one of the individuals you see in those stands on television scored a 1500+ on the SAT or a 35+ on the ACT and earned a parade of A’s throughout a high school schedule overflowing with AP/IB/dual enrollment courses. This brings us to the topic of this blog – how to write the Duke supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Duke University? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Duke   for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Given that almost 19 of every 20 applicants to Duke University are ultimately unsuccessful, you need to do everything you can to stand out amidst a sea of uber-qualified teens from around the globe. Through its one mandatory essay prompt and two optional offerings, the Duke University supplemental section still affords applicants an opportunity to highlight what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below are Duke’s supplemental prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one.

Required Duke Supplemental Essays – #1

1) what is your sense of duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you if there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit).

This is your quintessential “Why Us?” essay which comes with the typical pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. We don’t want to label these as “mistakes” (there is nothing inherently wrong with them). They just don’t add any needle-moving value, which is, of course, the only goal when you are applying to a school as selective as Duke.

Common components of a generic “Why Duke?” essay

• Fawning over the beautiful campus (it is quite beautiful, but they already know that).
• Duke’s rank, prestige, and reputation. Again, they know!
• Too many generic expressions of feeling (e.g., Since I was five, I’ve dreamed of attending Duke… ).
• Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.
• Talking about the Blue Devils basketball team.

How to write a winning “Why Duke?” essay

• Make sure to address why Duke is the perfect fit for you  and  why you are the perfect fit for Duke. To do so, cite specific  academic programs , professors ,  research opportunities , experiential education programs ,  study abroad programs ,  student-run organizations , Duke’s mission , etc. Be sure to discuss how you plan to take advantage of your chosen resources.
• Show evidence of how your past/current endeavors will carry over onto Duke’s campus.
• Discuss any special talents and passions that you will bring to Duke.

Big-picture thoughts on the “Why Duke?” essay

In any “Why Us?” composition, you need to show that you’ve done your homework on a given school, but you don’t want it to read like a rote list of items that you Googled five minutes before writing the essay (even if the timing of the Google search is roughly accurate).

In addition to the pure research element, a lot of the time and skill required to create a stellar Duke essay will involve connecting your selected opportunities of to your distinct values, talents, aims, proficiencies, and future goals.

Duke Supplemental Optional Essays – Select 0-2 from the following list (250 word limit for each)

While these essays are technically “optional,” we advise every single applicant to Duke to opt in on at least one essay. (Note that Prompt #1 is often an ideal and natural choice). Remember, Duke is one of those rare schools that rejects students with near-perfect (or even perfect) academic credentials. It is essential that you showcase the characteristics and skills that make you one-of-a-kind.

1) We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your family background

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement, activities list, and “Why Duke” essay. What important aspects of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how you grew. No matter what type of story you tell, the goal is to have the reader come away saying, “I can definitely see this applicant as a contributing member of our talented and engaged student community.”

Duke Supplemental Essays (Continued)

2) Tell us about an experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity, or intellect.

Firstly, note that Duke provides a time range. Accordingly, you’ll need to choose an experience from either your sophomore or junior year (formal or informal) that reflects your intellect, imagination, or creativity. Whether it’s a general love for math/science or literature or your aerospace engineering internship or the short story collection you wrote, use this opportunity to dig into why your chosen experience resonates with, fascinates, and/or inspires you. Moreover, share how you pursued knowledge. Whether you fell down a Wikipedia rabbit hole about the nature of time or consumed thousands of hours of podcasts on game theory or learned coding so that you could build a website, this is a chance to illustrate the ways in which you are an obsessive learner with a thirst for information. The admissions reader should emerge from reading this essay with the sense that you are a sincerely curious young person with a strong intellectual drive.

3) We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?

The U.S. presently finds itself in an extreme state of polarization. There seems to be little agreement even as to what constitutes “truth” or “facts” Within this divided world, it can be hard for individuals with competing viewpoints to engage in civil and productive dialogue. Here, Duke is giving you the chance to show that you are an open-minded, intellectually curious, truth-seeking young person. Illustrate how you are willing to engage in conversations/debates with people who hold opposing positions on topics of great importance to you. One key thing to remember when addressing this prompt is that you don’t have to be the hero of the anecdote. In fact, you may be one who learned to expand their thinking.

Of course, you are also invited to share about a person you agree with. However, without any friction, this may be the least interesting of the two choices.

4) We recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. Duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. Feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity.

Do you feel that your lived experience is different from others in your peer group, family, or community, perhaps in regard to relationships, household income level, mental or physical challenges, neurodiversity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or cultural background, to name a few? If so, answering this prompt could be a good option. While crafting your response, the important thing to keep in mind is that the difference/challenge itself is  less important  than what it reveals about your character and perspective. What steps have you taken to cope with your chosen difference? How has it positively impacted you? How has it influenced your perspective and the way you engage with the world? Is there anything about your difference that you feel especially appreciative of?  Make sure you share what you were feeling and experiencing; this piece should demonstrate openness and vulnerability.

5) Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community.

If you feel that an element of your sexual orientation or gender identity/expression is an important component of who you are, this is an ideal place to discuss that part of yourself. Moreover, Duke’s instructions are broad, allowing to you discuss personal and/or social impact. No matter the direction you choose, be sure to fully address why this part of your identity holds such significant meaning for you.

How important are the Duke supplemental essays?

There are eight factors that Duke University considers “very important” in evaluating a candidate and the essays are among them. In addition to the essays, Duke gives the greatest consideration to the rigor of an applicant’s secondary school record, GPA, standardized test scores, recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities.

Duke Supplemental Essays – Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Duke supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

Need additional writing resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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4 Tips for Duke Essays That Will Get You Accepted

College Essays

Do you want to be a Blue Devil? If so, you'll need to submit strong Duke essays as part of your application.

Duke requires its applicants to answer two essays, one as part of the Common or Coalition app, and one "Why Duke" essay. Students will also have the option to answer up to two more personal essay prompts, but they aren't required.

We're going to break down all the prompts for you and walk you though how to write amazing Duke supplement essays. So let's get started!

What Is the Duke Supplement Essay?

Duke requires that you submit two to four essays as part of your application. You're required to answer one "Why Duke?" essay prompt, as well as a Common Application essay or a Coalition Application essay (depending on which one you use to apply). Additionally, you have the option of answering up to two more essay questions.

Duke requires the Duke supplement as part of its application process for a couple of reasons. First of all, written essays are a great way to assess your preparedness for college. Duke wants to see that you can write clearly and concisely and can follow all of the necessary grammar conventions.

Duke also wants to get to know you more as a student and possible member of its campus. Essays are a great way to learn more about who you really are beyond your test scores and other credentials.

Finally, your Duke essays are where you can demonstrate your affinity for Duke itself. Why do you want to go there? Your essays can highlight your passion for the university.

It's extremely important to put time and effort into each one of the Duke supplement essay prompts so that you're able to meet all of these needs.

Duke Supplement Essay Prompts

You'll have to answer at least two and as many as four Duke supplement essay prompts for your Duke application. All students are required to write one longer essay. The essay you write will be determined by whether you're submitting the Common Application or the Coalition Application (Duke accepts both).

You're also required to answer the "Why Duke" essay prompt. There are four more personal essay questions that are optional for all applicants. You can answer up to two of them.

2022-2023 Duke Long Essay

The long essay prompt is actually the essay you'll write as part of your Common App or Coalition App. There's not a separate "long essay" prompt for Duke, so don't worry when you don't see the prompt pop up when you click over to the writing supplement tab.

On the other hand, that means that the long essay prompt you submit will depend on whether you're using the Common App, QuestBridge App, or Coalition App. These apps have slightly different essay prompts associated with them!

If you apply to Duke via the Coalition Application, you'll select one essay prompt to answer. For more information on how to ace your Coalition Application essay and an analysis of each prompt, check out our in-depth guide .

If you apply to Duke via the Common Application, you'll also need to select an essay prompt to answer. For more information on how to craft an amazing Common Application essay and in-depth look at each prompt, check out our blog post dedicated to that very topic .

2022-2023 "Why Duke?" Essay

All Duke students are required to answer the "Why Duke?" essay . Here's the essay prompt for 2022-2023:

What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there's something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit)

For more information about how to answer this question, you can check out our in-depth post to the "Why Duke?" app. 

2022-2023 Optional Duke Essays

You also have the option of responding to optional Duke essays. There are four prompts, and you can answer up to two of them. However, you don't need to answer any if you don't feel the need to. Duke makes it clear that these Duke admissions essay prompts are completely optional. Their exact phrasing is, " Feel free to answer them if you believe that doing so will add something meaningful that is not already shared elsewhere in your application." For each prompt you choose to answer, you can write up to 250 words.

Here are the four prompts:

We seek a diverse student body that embodies the wide range of human experience. In that context, we are interested in what you’d like to share about your lived experiences and how they’ve influenced how you think of yourself. 

We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?

 What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?

Duke's commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If you’d like to share with us more about your identity in this context, feel free to do so here.

Required Duke Essay, Analyzed

Guess what: 250 words isn't a lot of words to describe your love for Duke! You'll need to be clear, succinct, and honest in order for your Duke admissions essay to stand out.

Because the word limit is so constrained, it's better to focus on one or two specific ideas, rather than trying to cram as many thoughts as possible into your short essay. For instance, while you may be enamored of Duke's entire faculty, choose one specific professor whose work you admire and expand on that. Any depth you can achieve in this small space will go a long way.

The key here is to be specific about why Duke is the best school for you. We just mentioned discussing faculty, but you can also talk about specific classes you want to take, academic organizations you want to be involved in, or even research opportunities you want to pursue. That means you'll need to do your research, but trust us: it will make a huge difference.

If you're still confused about this prompt and want a little extra help, don't miss our entire article about how to write an amazing "Why Duke" essay!

Optional Duke Admission Essay Prompts, Analyzed

Treat this question as an opportunity to share more about yourself. If you have something real and important to write about, do so. But don't try to invent an experience that doesn't actually belong to you—it'll come across as fake and insincere. Unless you really have nothing to say, I'd suggest including something.

If you choose to answer this question, lean into authenticity. Don't be scared to be vulnerable or honest. While the question talks about Duke's commitment to diversity, don't feel like you have to invent diverse experiences just to fit in.

Share about your unique perspective. Be sure to indicate why this point-of-view belongs to you, and you alone. Your perspective is made up by your experiences and interactions, so you can highlight how these have affected you.

For this prompt, Duke is giving you the chance to share your values and how you communicate and respond to opinions different than your own. College is a place where you'll encounter people with many different beliefs, and Duke wants to make sure its students are able to respectfully talk about big topics, even if the people you're speaking with don't have the same beliefs or values as you do.

If you decide to respond to this prompt, think about a person or people you particularly love debating or having discussions with. Be sure to explain who you agree/disagree with, what topics you discuss, if you generally agree or disagree, and specifically how you make sure the conversation is respectful and thoughtful. 

Show Duke that you're able to contribute positively to any discussion, even if you disagree with what's being said .

What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good?

Here Duke wants to know what motivates and excites you academically. Did you love partaking in a class debate? Maybe your best experience was bonding with a study group and helping each other learn the course material, or maybe it was doing a deep research dive to become an expert on a particular topic.

The specific experience you choose matters much less than your explanation of why it was so positive. Be sure to discuss exactly what you found about the experience you found enjoyable and  what you took away from it. If you can, try to tie it in to how you'll be a strong student at Duke and continue to find positive academic experiences.

Duke's commitment to diversity and inclusion includes gender identity and sexual orientation. If you would like to share with us more about either, and have not done so elsewhere in the application, we invite you to do so here.

Don't answer this optional essay unless you have something real to say. Don't feel intimidated or scared that ignoring this question will reflect badly on you. It won't. You should really only address this prompt if you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

What will reflect badly on you is making something up that comes across as insincere, or worse, ignorant. Speak truthfully and from the heart.

Similarly, if you do have reflections on gender identity and sexual orientation, don't feel like you have to share them. Remember, this essay is optional. It's completely fine if you're not quite comfortable enough or ready to talk publicly about these topics.

If you choose to answer this question, only speak about real experiences that happened to you. It's better to keep them personal. This essay isn't the place to reflect on the overall political climate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, especially if those issues don't relate to you. It is, however, the space to talk about your specific identity and journey.

How to Write Great Duke Essays

If you want your Duke essays to stand out and help you get admitted, follow these tips!

#1: Use Your Own Voice

The point of a college essay is for the admissions committee to have the chance to get to know you beyond your test scores, grades, and honors. Your admissions essays are your opportunity to make yourself come alive for the essay readers and to present yourself as a fully fleshed out person.

You should, then, make sure that the person you're presenting in your college essays is yourself. Don't try to emulate what you think the committee wants to hear or try to act like someone you're not.

If you lie or exaggerate, your essay will come across as insincere, which will diminish its effectiveness. Stick to telling real stories about the person you really are, not who you think Duke wants you to be.

#2: Avoid Cliched or Overused Phrases

When writing your Duke essays, try to avoid using clichés or overused quotes or phrases. These include quotations that have been quoted to death and phrases or idioms that are overused in daily life. The college admissions committee has probably seen numerous essays that state, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Strive for originality.

Similarly, avoid using clichés, which take away from the strength and sincerity of your work. Don't speak in platitudes about how the struggle for gay and lesbian rights has affected you… unless it actually has!

#3: Check Your Work

It should almost go without saying, but you want to make sure your Duke essays are the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your Duke application, make sure to edit and proofread your essays.

Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your Duke essays, too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check and make sure you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it possibly can be.

That being said, make sure you don't rely on them for ideas or rewrites. Your essays need to be your work.

#4: Only Answer What You're Comfortable With

Remember, Duke's optional essays are just that—optional. It can be tempting to respond to everything on the application and if you have an important story to tell, you definitely should.

However, if you have nothing to say, don't feel like you need to make something up. You're better off answering less, honestly, then you are answering more, dishonestly.

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Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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How to Write the Duke Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

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Duke University is known for their strong research and innovation , extensive global programs , and competitive athletic teams . Recently, Duke’s acceptance rate has been declining, hitting a new low of 4.1% for the Class of 2028. Their esteemed alumni include Apple CEO Tim Cook, comedian Ken Jeong, NBA player Seth Curry, and philanthropist Melinda Gates. Hoping to join their ranks? First, you’ll need to nail the Duke supplemental essays. Let’s dive in.

Duke’s 2024-2025 Prompts

Required essay, what is your sense of duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you if there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 words or fewer), optional essays.

Although these prompts are optional, you can select up to two prompts to respond to. Each prompt permits a maximum of 250 words .

• Perspective response: We believe a wide range of viewpoints, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.
• Intellectual experience: Tell us about an experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity, or intellect.
• Beliefs & values: We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?
• Orientation, identity, expression: Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community.
• Being different: We recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. Duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. Feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity.

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General Tips

These essay prompts all seek to understand who you are as a person. Even in the required essay, which asks you about Duke, you’ll need to imagine yourself at Duke, or at least consider the ways your interests, abilities, and/or personality traits are well-suited to a Duke University experience.

Writing about yourself is difficult, even though it’s one of the hallmarks of the college application experience. (Or, maybe, admissions officers choose to make applicants write about themselves because it’s difficult… ) That said, there are some ways to overcome or even embrace this challenge.

Talk it out.

If you’re having trouble deciding drafting your essays, try talking about the questions asked by the prompts out loud. Talk to a friend or family member or even to your bedroom wall. Consider recording yourself while you speak, or asking someone to type what you say. You absolutely have a story to share, and that story can be shared colloquially, at least in a first draft.

Think about who you’re not .

If the prospect of defining your identity, interests, and perspectives is daunting, try making a list of things you’re not . Labels you don’t identify with, perspectives you don’t hold, and interests you would never pursue. Once you’ve got this list, try turning every item on it around, and replacing it with an answer that does, in fact, speak to you.

Consider what’s missing from your application.

If you look at your application as a whole, there are likely parts of yourself that aren’t communicated in it. Think about the admissions officer looking at your application. Who will they think you are, based on the provided materials, and how does that person differ from the real you? This mental exercise should help you identify what’s missing from your application. Make a list of these missing elements, and try to focus on them while writing your essays.

Duke Required Short Essay Question

This is your “Why Duke?” essay. In order to effectively answer this essay question, you’ll need to do your research. Not only should you identify what makes Duke unique, but also what makes Duke the right place for you . In other words, don’t list unique qualities of Duke that could apply to any applicant. Determine what aspects of Duke will be relevant to your college experience and academic interests.

This prompt specifically asks applicants to share what their “sense of Duke as a university and a community” is, so you’ll need to make sure you have some facts at the ready to respond to this part of the prompt. For instance, when discussing your “sense of Duke as a university,” you can describe how the academic possibilities at Duke speak to you. Is it the action-driven nature of the Nicholas School of the Environment ? Are you inspired by the interdisciplinary opportunities at Trinity College of Arts & Sciences ?

Further, when discussing your “sense of Duke as… a community,” you can research campus life , student experiences , and more in order to develop a nuanced sense of the kind of people you’d be in company with at Duke. In your essay, focus on the aspects of the Duke community that attract you personally, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm!

Duke Optional Short Essay Questions

These essay prompts are optional, but we recommend answering at least one of them; you can answer up to two . Every essay opportunity is another opportunity to demonstrate to Duke how excited you are to attend and how well you’ll fit in as a student.

Each essay response is limited to 250 words.

1. Perspective response: We believe a wide range of viewpoints, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

This essay response seeks to understand your worldview. If you have had unique life experiences that have influenced your worldview, here’s your chance to share some of those experiences and how they’ve informed your perspective. Be specific in your narration, and make sure to clarify how your perspective(s) have changed.

You may also have a complicated relationship with a certain social, political, or economic issue. For instance, you may have developed your political opinions in opposition to those held by your immediate family members. You can share your ability to think independently with the Duke admissions team in this essay. Explain how you have pursued your own research into subjects important to you, spoken to people whose opinions vary, and forged your own path through it all.

2. Intellectual experience: Tell us about an experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity, or intellect.

This essay could describe a research project you’ve undertaken, an academic summer program you’ve attended, or creative work you’ve composed, to name a few possibilities. Specificity is key here. Provide concrete details about this experience wherever possible so that your story is vivid and memorable.

First, the reader should understand why you undertook this project or why you had this experience. Second, the reader should understand what the experience was, whether through narration or exposition. And lastly, the reader should understand what lesson(s) you took away from the experience. How did you grow? How has your curiosity developed? In other words, the reader should come away from this essay with a sense of your interests and creative values.

3. Beliefs & values: We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?

This essay prompt seeks to understand the people you surround yourself with in addition to getting a sense of your worldviews. Similarly to prompt one, you’ll need to discuss your perspectives on the world. Unlike prompt one, this prompt focuses on your perspectives through the lens of others in your life.

You can describe a time when you disagreed with a friend, family member, classmate, coworker, or even an authority figure like a teacher or employer. Regardless, discuss your disagreement respectfully so that the reader understands that you approach even complicated issues with nuance and maturity.

In order to effectively discuss the agreements and disagreements you have with the people in your life, you’re going to need to give the reader at least a taste of your values and beliefs. Focus on just one or two important beliefs/values, if you can. Otherwise, you risk your essay feeling bloated or underdeveloped. When discussing your values/beliefs, be sure to provide the requisite context. Moreover, when possible, clarify how the people in your life have disagreed or agreed with your perspectives, versus just stating whether they agreed or disagreed.

4. Orientation, identity, expression: Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community.

This essay prompt may seem like it only relates to applicants who consider themselves to be members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but this prompt can truly relate to any applicant who has thought deeply about the topics of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

However you identify, approach this essay with a focus on your personal experiences. Don’t generalize or otherwise indicate that your experiences are universal. Your essay will be much more impactful if it is specific to you and your experiences. Be sure to tell the reader what labels you ascribe to yourself, if applicable, and if not applicable, why you feel that labels don’t fit you. If any of your labels may potentially be unknown to your reader, be sure to define them.

In fact, even if you identify with labels most people would recognize, your unique experience will still impact how these labels fit you as a unique individual. In other words, feel free to clarify how your labels apply to you. You may have other identities that impact your gender or sexual identities, or life experiences that have impacted all of the above. Share your story, and you’ll do great in this essay.

5. Being different: We recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. Duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. Feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity.

Almost everyone has felt left out, different, or excluded in their life. This universal experience looks different for every individual, though. Think about times when you have felt different or excluded, and, if desired, make a short list of these experiences/occasions. Then, consider whether you would derive meaning from writing about any of those experiences/occasions. If you’re unsure, try free-writing 4-5 sentences about each item on your list until you feel like you have found one that you would enjoy continuing to write about.

For the benefit of the reader, specify what about you made you different from others in the experience you choose to describe. Or, if you have decided to write more generally about your life as someone who is different from the norm, then clarify why you have this consistent life experience. What identities do you hold? Do you look, act, or speak differently? Be specific.

To address the last part of the prompt, “how that’s influenced your experiences or identity,” you’ll need to bring up the ways you’ve found community, changed how you move through the world, and/or learned to accept what makes you unique. Have you redefined yourself in any way? What lessons have you learned? This self-reflection, ideally at the end of your essay, will draw your story together so that the reader has a meaningful takeaway and better understands the person you are today.

If you need help polishing up your Duke supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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Duke Supplemental Essays: 2024-25 Prompt Guide

Tackling Duke University’s 2024-25 application can be challenging, especially when it comes to supplemental essays. These essays play a crucial role in showcasing who you are beyond your grades and test scores, highlighting how you align with Duke’s values and community. In this guide, we’ll walk you through strategies for crafting standout responses to both the required and optional prompts, ensuring your application truly reflects your potential.

Duke required essay prompt

All applicants to Duke University for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle are required to respond to the following prompt:

“What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well.” (250-word limit)

Duke places great emphasis on its holistic review process, looking beyond grades and test scores to understand the person behind the application. This essay is your opportunity to demonstrate why Duke is the ideal place for your academic and personal growth, and how you would contribute to the vibrant community on campus. By thoughtfully addressing this prompt, you can make a compelling case for why you belong at Duke.

How to approach the required Duke supplemental essay

To craft a compelling response, start by understanding Duke’s core values. Duke prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive community, promoting interdisciplinary learning, and encouraging students to engage in both local and global challenges. Your response should be deeply personal, reflecting what specifically attracts you to Duke.

Personalization: Reflect on what makes Duke your top choice. Whether it’s a particular academic program, a research opportunity, or the campus culture, demonstrate that you’ve done your homework.

Specificity: Mention specific aspects of Duke that align with your academic interests, extracurricular passions, and career aspirations. The more detailed, the better.

Structure: Structure your supplemental essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion:

• Introduction: Start by stating why Duke stands out to you.
• Body: Provide examples of how Duke aligns with your goals.
• Conclusion: Sum up why Duke is the ideal place for you to grow and contribute.

Duke optional essay prompts

Duke offers five optional prompts, of which you can choose to respond to one or two. These prompts allow you to share more about your personality, values, and experiences that aren’t covered elsewhere in your application.

Optional prompts

“We believe a wide range of viewpoints, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to maintaining Duke as a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.”

“Tell us about an experience in the past year or two that reflects your imagination, creativity, or intellect.”

“We believe there is benefit in sharing or questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about?”

“Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community.”

“We recognize that not fully ‘fitting in’ a community or place can sometimes be difficult. Duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. Feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity.”

How to approach the optional Duke supplemental essays

When choosing which optional prompts to answer, select the ones that allow you to present new and compelling information about yourself.

Highlighting diversity and inclusion: For prompts related to diversity or personal identity, focus on sharing unique aspects of your background and how they have shaped your worldview. Discuss how these experiences will contribute to the diversity of thought and culture at Duke.

Demonstrating creativity and intellect: For prompts asking about creativity or intellectual pursuits, choose an experience that truly showcases your innovative thinking. Detail how you approached a problem creatively, what you learned, and how it reflects your intellectual curiosity.

Personal growth and resilience: If you decide to write about overcoming challenges, focus on how these experiences have shaped your character and resilience. Reflect on how you’ve grown and how you’ll bring that strength to Duke.

General tips for all Duke essays

Be authentic.

Your essays should reflect your true self. Admissions officers are looking for genuine insights into who you are, so it’s important to write in your own voice and be honest about your experiences and perspectives. No need to pretend to be someone you’re not.

Show, don’t tell

Instead of simply stating your qualities, use specific examples and vivid descriptions to bring your experiences to life. For instance, rather than saying you’re a strong leader, describe a moment when you led a team through a challenging project, highlighting the obstacles you overcame and the impact of your leadership. This approach not only makes your essays more engaging but also leaves a lasting impression on the reader by vividly showcasing your strengths.

Revise and proofread

Always take the time to revise and proofread your essays. Multiple drafts will help you refine your ideas and ensure that your writing is clear and error-free. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers.

Don’t let incorrect grammar or awkward phrasing distract from the strength of your message. Polishing your essays to perfection will help ensure that your true voice and unique story shine through.

Expert tips from a Prepory college admissions coach

For those seeking an insider’s perspective, we reached out to one of our experienced admissions coaches, Meghan, to share some of her best tips on crafting exceptional Duke supplemental essays. Here’s what she recommends:

"Don't repeat anything that AOs already know about their own school. Commonly known stats or information don't convey why the school is a good fit for YOU ." Meghan N. College Admissions Coach

Final thoughts on mastering Duke’s supplemental essays

Duke’s supplemental essays are a vital part of your application, offering a unique opportunity to show how you’ll fit into and contribute to the Duke community. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can craft Duke supplemental essays that will make your application shine.

Start your essays early, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to revise until your essays truly reflect your best self. Good luck!

How Prepory can help you

Writing strong supplemental essays is crucial for standing out in the competitive Duke admissions process. Prepory’s expert college counselors are here to guide you every step of the way. We offer personalized feedback, unlimited essay reviews, and tailored advice to help you craft compelling essays that showcase your strengths and align with Duke’s values. With Prepory’s support, you can confidently submit essays that truly reflect who you are and what you’ll bring to Duke’s community. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward crafting your perfect Duke supplemental essays.

Frequently asked questions about Duke essays

How long should my duke supplemental essays be.

Stick to the word limit while being concise and impactful. Each word should serve a purpose in conveying your message.

Can I reuse essays from other applications?

While you can draw on similar themes, it’s important to tailor your essays specifically to Duke. Show that you’ve taken the time to understand what makes Duke unique.

What topics should I avoid?

Avoid clichés, overly controversial topics, or subjects that don’t add value to your application. Focus on what will make you stand out in a positive way.

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How To Write The Duke Supplemental Essays

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 11/16/23

Follow along to learn everything you need about the Duke University essays, including prompts, tips, and examples. 

If you are on this page, you are probably doing some college research and may have Duke University on your list. With an acceptance rate of 5.1%, Duke University is one of the most competitive schools in the U.S.

Writing compelling essays is one of the most crucial parts of your Duke application. You may feel pressured to be as perfect as possible, but the good news is we’re here to help. If you’re struggling with your Duke application, look at our definitive guide on how to get into Duke and read on for info on the all-important secondary essays.

Here, we break down each supplemental essay question, give you tips on how to write them, and share examples of excellent essays. By the end of this article, you'll know how to write the Duke supplemental essays.

Let's get started!

Duke University Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

In addition to the long personal essay on the Common Application or the Coalition Application, Duke has six supplemental essay prompts, and five are optional questions in which a maximum of two can be selected. The following prompts can be found on the Duke admissions page .

“What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well.” 

“We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community. (Optional)”

“Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating. (Optional)”

“We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about? (Optional)”

“We recognize that “fitting in” in all the contexts we live in can sometimes be difficult. Duke values all kinds of differences and believes they make our community better. Feel free to tell us any ways in which you’re different, and how that has affected you or what it means to you. (Optional)”

“Duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community. (Optional)”

All of these supplemental essay prompts have a 250-word limit. Make sure you choose the essay prompts you know you can answer well! 

How to Write Each Essay Prompt For Duke University

Here, we’ll cover how to write each essay prompt for Duke University. 

How to Write Duke University Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Duke University prompt #1 :

“What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit.)” 

Analysis of prompt #1 : This essay prompt is your classic “Why do you want to go here?” question. Admissions want to see if you’re truly interested in what Duke offers. This includes specific programs, research opportunities, or extracurriculars. 

Duke is a very popular university with thousands of applicants each year. What can this school offer you, and how can it help you reach your goals? 

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Tip #1: Make it Personal :  You should make your essay as personal as possible. Share your interests and academic and career goals. Make sure to tie those into Duke’s mission and how you’d be a great addition to the school’s community. Be sure to add anecdotes as well. 
• Tip #2: Avoid Mentioning Elements Beyond the School's Control : such as the school's location, climate, or city. This information does not provide specific insights into what makes Duke unique. Remember, the prompt asks you about Duke specifically and why you’d like to attend the school. 
• Tip #3: Be Specific : Mention some specific things that Duke offers, such as a particular program or research opportunity. It’s always best to focus on a couple of things the school offers rather than adding a long list. 

How to Write Duke University Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of prompts #2, 5, and 6 : Essay prompts two, five, and six are all considered diversity essays and are open-ended questions. These essay prompts help Duke learn more about you and your lived experiences. Duke University values diversity and believes it makes its community better. 

These prompts are an opportunity to share anything that makes you different, such as:

• Socioeconomic class
• Disabilities
• Gender Identity
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Gender expression
• Interests/hobbies
• And anything else that makes you different!

Share what being a part of these communities means to you, how it has affected you, or what it can bring to the Duke University community. 

Here are some tips to help you out:

• Tip #1: Reflect on Your Background : Discuss aspects of your background, such as cultural heritage, family dynamics, or personal challenges, that have shaped your identity. Don’t list a bunch of things that make you different. Stick to one and focus on it. 
• Tip #2: Share Personal Stories : Provide specific examples or anecdotes illustrating your differences. Personal stories can make your response more engaging and help the admissions committee understand your experiences more deeply.
• Tip #3: Show Resilience : If you've faced challenges related to your unique life experiences, discuss how you've navigated them with resilience. This could include overcoming adversity, advocating for change, or finding support networks.

How to Write Duke University Supplemental Essay #3 + Analysis and Tips

Duke University prompt #3 : ‍

“Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating. (250 word limit.)” 

Analysis of prompt #3 : Duke is interested in learning about your intellectual pursuits and your approach to the learning process. You have the flexibility to explore various aspects, such as a specific class that ignited your curiosity, an independent research project you started, or an experiment you conducted in a science course, among other possibilities.

• Tip #1: Choose One Genuine Experience : Select an intellectual experience that fascinates you. This could be an academic project, a research opportunity, a challenging course, or any other intellectual endeavor that left a lasting impression. 
• Tip #2: Express Your Passion : Convey your passion for the subject matter. Describe why this particular experience captured your interest and why it was so compelling. Use descriptive language to express the depth of your fascination.
• Tip #3: Share Any Challenges and Growth : Share any challenges or obstacles you may have faced during this intellectual journey. Emphasize how you overcame difficulties and highlight the personal and intellectual growth that resulted from the experience.

How to Write Duke University Supplemental Essay #4 + Analysis and Tips

Duke University prompt #4 :

“We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about? (250 word limit.)” 

Analysis of prompt #4 : This prompt focuses on your internal beliefs and values. The core of your essay should involve revealing one of your significant values to the admissions committee. Be careful not to get too political. Instead, talk about a role model or someone who inspires you and why.

• Tip #1: Choose a Role Model :  Choose a role model or someone who inspires you. You can talk about a time your role model let you down, or you had a differing opinion, but be sure to focus on what you learned from that experience.
• Tip #2: Pick Thoughtful Examples : Choose examples that reflect substantial beliefs or values in your life. These could be related to ethics, morality, societal issues, or personal principles. Select instances that are meaningful and can provide insight into your character.
• Tip #3: Highlight Learning Moments : Emphasize what you have learned from agreements and disagreements. Discuss how they have contributed to your personal growth, expanded your understanding, or solidified your convictions.

Examples of Duke University Supplemental Essays That Worked

Below, you’ll find some Duke University supplemental essays written by successful applicants who were admitted to the school! Let’s look at each one and discuss what worked about it.

Sample Essay #1

Prompt : “What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there’s something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well.” 

“At Duke I was equally entranced by the articulate movements of 3D printers in the Co-Lab and the stunning Gothic architecture. Instead of forming a dichotomy, these aspects of Duke blended to symbolize its emphasis on interdisciplinary education, which will offer me a nuanced perspective of the world integral to becoming a leader in engineering…”

Why Essay #1 Worked

In this excerpt from a “why Duke” essay example, the student answers the prompt with specific aspects of Duke University. They relate the Co-Lab and Duke’s Gothic architecture with their interests in engineering, and they explain why these things are a good match for them. 

Sample Essay #2

Prompt : “We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.”

“The pitter patter of droplets, the sweet smell that permeates throughout the air, the dark gray clouds that fill the sky, shielding me from the otherwise intense gaze of the sun, create a landscape unparalleled by any natural beauty. I have gazed upon the towering cliffs of Yosemite, stood next to Niagara falls as the water roars, succumbing to the power of gravity, and seen the beaches of Mexico basked in moonlight, yet none of these wonders compares to the simple beauty of an Arizona rainstorm. To me, our rain represents more than humidity and darkness; its rarity gives it beauty. The uncertainty of when the next day of rain will come compels me to slow down, and enjoy the moment.

Out of the three realms of time; past, present, and future, the present is the only one we can experience, and I take advantage of every moment I have. When I pause my running to enjoy a sunset that dazzles the sky with brilliant colors of purple and orange, when I touch my brush to a canvas and focus on my movements in the present, when I drive home after a long day of improving our robot, and decide to drive around my neighborhood to finish “Garota de Ipanema”, which just popped up from my playlist of 700 songs, I am taking advantage of the moment.

So next time it rains, step outside. Close your eyes. Hear the symphony of millions of water droplets. And enjoy the moment.”

Why Essay #2 Worked

This essay tells a great story about the student’s unique perspective observing a seemingly mundane event in their community. They use specific and compelling language to capture the reader’s attention. They show us a few of their interests rather than simply telling us they like to paint, build robots, and listen to music. 

Sample Essay #3

Prompt : “Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating.”

“Embarrassment’s red glow covering my face matched the red ink circling the “44” grade atop my AP Biology exam on Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration. I was devastated that day in Room 46.

Until then, Room 46 had been my magic school bus where we spent our time wandering wide-eyed through the world of science: dissecting pigs, testing our own DNA for the Alu insertion, and sharing community-creating laughs along the way. But receiving that “44” jarred me into feeling I didn’t belong there anymore. 

However, after meeting with my guidance counselor, contemplating dropping the class, and countless extra help sessions with my biology teacher, I realized my magic school bus journey wasn’t over yet, as I gradually concluded that my commitment to Room 46 was stronger than one bad test grade, that I was stronger than one bad test grade.

The journey was tricky and undoubtedly riddled with discouraging moments, but by applying myself and being resourceful, I made my “44” an isolated outlier before it was dropped from the gradebook entirely by semester’s end as my lowest grade. While my success can be quantified, it’s nonetheless my memory of Room 46 that’s continuously inspired me to transcend my limits and take on challenges even in areas of weakness (i.e. AP Bio). I consider this my best academic experience because it showed me what happens when you push past failure - success! - as I ended up getting an A in the class and a 5 on the AP test!”

Why Essay #3 Worked

This essay perfectly illustrates an intellectual journey the applicant had gone through that they persevered through. Initially, the applicant felt discouraged by their academic performance; however, they overcame it and learned through the experience and improved their grade tremendously. 

Get More Sample Essays Here!

Looking at examples of successful supplemental essays is a great way to discover strategies that work well. Use our extensive college essay database below to find many more samples!

Final Thoughts

The Duke essays ask you to hone in on your academic interests, tell a story about your diverse experiences, and reflect on your sexual and gender identities. You should start researching and planning your essay as soon as possible, giving yourself enough time to develop your ideas. 

Use your authentic voice when you write these essays. The admissions committee has read enough about what other people have to say about you, and they want to know the person behind the printed name, transcripts, and score reports. 

Do not be afraid to be vulnerable in your essays. Be mindful of your spelling and grammar, and write about things that are important to you. Make your passion clear to your readers, and you will leave a lasting impression on them. 

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3 Helpful Tips for Writing the Duke Essays

This article is a first-person account from Robert Crystal, a Yale student and CollegeVine livestreamer and contributor. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

Give yourself time, be specific, be true to yourself.

Keep the following three tips in mind as you draft your responses to the application essay prompts for Duke University . These best practices will help you optimize your time and focus your efforts. You can also use these techniques when you’re writing essays for other schools.

Duke University has one required essay and a set of optional essays where you can choose to respond to (at most) two of several prompts. It is important to write strong essays for your application to Duke because it is a highly competitive school with many qualified applicants applying each year. For more information, read this comprehensive guide on how to write the application essays for Duke University . 

It may seem simple and straightforward to write a 250-word essay, but the limited word count is actually deceptive. You mudy write an essay that is as specific, impactful, and compelling as your personal statement, but with the smaller word count, you need to be succinct and intentional. 

Consequently, plan to give yourself ample time to figure out what you want to say and how to say it in as few words as possible. This will require multiple rounds of revising what you have written and taking the time to let ideas percolate by stepping away and returning with a fresh perspective. 

Be as specific as you possibly can. You are writing essays about yourself, your perspective, your experiences, and your background, and you are the expert on you. Use anecdotes drawn from your own life as a way to demonstrate the interests, core values, and aspirations that you talk about in your essay. Your goal is to write something so specific and unmistakably you that even someone who knows you casually would be able to identify your voice just by reading what you have written.

Moreover, it is important to be specific about Duke. Your essays should connect moments from your past and present to your potential future as a member of the campus community. Your responses to each prompt should convey that you share the values of respect, trust, inclusion, discovery, and excellence with the university. Highly selective schools like Duke want to know that you are interested in attending them not just for their prestige but also for their culture and community.  

Ultimately, the purpose of any personal statement or supplemental essay is to express and present yourself using your own words. When you read someone else’s essays, it is easy to tell when they love what they are doing and when they are unmistakably themselves. Conversely, you can also tell when someone is writing what they think is a desirable college essay to please their audience of admissions officers. No one, especially not an admissions officer, wants to read what you think sounds impressive. This is why you should strive to be honest, authentic, and true to yourself by only writing about what matters most to you.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How to write the Duke University essays

The recording will load in a moment., about this livestream, duke university.

Want to learn how to write an awesome Duke essay for every single prompt?

In this stream, Robert will provide an in-depth breakdown of each of the Duke essay prompts, discussing how to write a great essay in response to each one. He'll also share his take on the essays and topics you shouldn't write about for each prompt.

Finally, he'll open up the floor for a Q&A session, where he'll answer any and all questions about the Duke essays.

Undergrad College: Yale University '21

Major: Ethics, Politics & Economics; Classics (Intensive)

Work Experience: As a recent graduate of Yale University, I am excited to begin my first year with CollegeVine! In many ways, CV was a natural fit for me -- at Yale, I worked for over two years in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, beginning as a Senior Interviewer in the summer of 2019, during which I interviewed over 200 first-year applicants for the 2019-2020 college admissions cycle. After the summer ended, I became Lead Recruitment Coordinator, a full-time position responsible for executing and overseeing Yale’s numerous post-admissions decision yield initiatives, as well as serving as a spokesman for the university both in person and online. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of interacting with hundreds of students and their families at all stages of the college application process.

My Admissions Story: Having always been interested in studying a variety of subjects within the Humanities and Social Sciences, I applied to a smattering of liberal arts colleges and universities (mostly on the East Coast) with strong departments in these areas, large and diverse student bodies, and varied extracurricular opportunities. When my college admissions decisions rolled in, I immediately accepted an offer from my dream school, Yale University, which I had always felt best embodied the opportunities and goals that I desired from my college experience -- and since that day, I’ve never looked back.

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