Hey guys, doing some early prep for my college apps and I'm looking at Duke. I heard they have supplemental essays - What kind of questions do they usually ask? And what are they looking for in these responses?
Your understanding of the importance of supplemental essays is spot-on. Duke University does indeed have supplemental essays that are part of its application and they provide a way for the university to gauge your interest and how you align with its community and values.
Generally, Duke prompts aim to gauge your intellectual vitality, sense of community, and personal values. Here are a couple of examples of past prompts:
1. "Please share with us why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something in particular about Duke's academic or other offerings that attracts you?" For this prompt, you should show that you've completed thorough research about Duke's academic programs, extracurricular activities, or specific faculty.
2. "Duke is a community of ambitious thinkers. When you are not doing classwork, how do you explore your intellectual interests?" This question seeks to understand your intellectual pursuits outside of a classroom setting.
3. "Duke values an inclusive community—each one of us possesses a diversity of experiences. How do your particular experiences shape your perspective about a community?"
As for what they're looking for in these responses, Duke wants to learn more about your passions, curiosities, values, and potential contributions to their community. They want to see that you've made an effort to understand the school and can clearly define how you plan to contribute. It's important to be specific and authentic in your answers, focusing not only on what Duke can offer you, but also on what unique attributes you can bring to Duke's community.
Remember, one good writing tip for all supplements is to prioritize storytelling and reflection. Avoid simply listing out facts about Duke or your qualifications. Instead, narrate a relevant experience or memory, then reflect on its importance.
Good luck with your applications! Using this approach should help you to create compelling responses that resonate with Duke's admissions committee.
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