Duke is my dream school and I'm currently working on my 'Why Duke' essay. Would anyone be willing to share some advice on what to include or what Duke really looks for in this essay? I'd be super grateful for any tips or pointers.
It's wonderful that you're passionate about Duke and working on your "Why Duke" essay! Here are some tips to help you develop a strong essay:
1. Research in-depth: Before you start writing, make sure you explore Duke's website, social media, and any available student testimonials to gain a thorough understanding of the programs, campus life, and resources they offer. Familiarize yourself with specific details that you can mention in your essay to show that you've put in the effort to learn about Duke.
2. Be specific: Identify unique aspects of Duke that resonate with your interests and aspirations. This could be particular courses, professors, research opportunities, clubs, or even residential houses that align with your goals. Make sure to explain why these aspects of Duke are a good fit for you, as well as how you plan to contribute to the Duke community through these resources.
3. Connect with your academic, extracurricular, and personal interests: Reflect upon how Duke's offerings and resources align with your goals and ambitions. Address how you plan to utilize these resources to further your interests and contribute to the campus community. This will show that you're truly invested in attending Duke and have thought about how you'll make the most out of your college experience.
4. Showcase your personality: The "Why Duke" essay is not only about demonstrating your interest in the university but also about revealing your character. Use anecdotes, personal experiences, or unique insights to help the admissions committee get to know you better. Remember to be genuine and authentic.
5. Avoid cliches and general statements: Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so standing out is crucial. Steer clear of phrases like "prestigious institution" or "world-class faculty." Instead, focus on specific aspects of Duke that genuinely appeal to you and how they connect with your personal goals and interests.
6. Proofread and revise: It's essential to proofread your essay multiple times to ensure it's free of grammatical errors and typos. You can even ask a teacher, counselor, or someone familiar with Duke to review your essay and provide feedback. This will help you make your essay as strong and polished as possible.
For more help writing your Duke supplements, you should take a look at this blog post from Collegevine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-duke-university-essays
Good luck with your essays!
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