For the Duke optional essay, the only thing I could think of is my cultural identity (asian). However, this has not been much of a point of contention in my life, so I feel like anything I write would be boring and trite. So… would it be better to fill it out (I could probably give them something well written, but not terribly interesting or original) or just leave the optional question blank?
Leave it blank. It it’s not showing them something that would further compel them to consider accepting you it is just another few paragraphs they have to read that they would have wished they didn’t have to. They have to go through numerous applications and unnecessary essays don’t help if they don’t add to you positively enough.
The optional essay is an opportunity to demonstrate what makes you unique, what you would add to the student body/school, why they should admit you over someone else, etc. Try to think of diversity in broader terms than cultural identity. Do you have a unique perspective or experience that has shaped you? It is optional, but if you can’t think of a reason that makes you unique, they might not either…
I agree with twicearound, for the most part. I think it comes down to how much you want to go to Duke. If you’re meh about the school, then fine, leave it blank. But if you do really want to go with Duke, then it’s better if you don’t leave the optional essay blank. I’m sure you can think of something that’s happened with your cultural identity. You have other options for diversity too, beyond the gender/sexuality/ethnicity ideas. Good luck!
I agree with lift35. People who have not written this essay HAVE gotten into Duke, and it is TRULY optional. Ultimately, it’s your choice. Just don’t feel like you are required to write something, as that might result in a bad essay.
@jan117 I disagree. They already have the required why Duke essay.If they really wanted to see everyone make up some BS circumstance that qualifies them as unique they would make it required.
@Ineedtoremember you do have a point, but some people are really good BSers. Also, the Why Duke and the diversity essay are different??
@jan117 They are two different essays. The diversity essay is completely and truly optional.
So if I didn’t do that diversity one because I’m Caucasian and from Kansas and thought the essay was about a gender/sexuality/racial diversity because it mentions those things in the prompt, it won’t hurt my chances will it?
@cslaymaker10 it is purely optional so no