<p>So the Duke Supplement asks for an extracurricular that is meaningful. I wrote my common app essay largely on my volunteering experience, which was my most meaningful one. Should I write my Duke Supplement on this too, since it’s what’s most meaningful to me, or should I write about fencing (my second most important extracurricular) instead, in order to not be redundant?</p>
<p>Does anyone know what admissions officers think of redundancy like this?</p>
<p>No, you should definitely write about another topic than the main Common App essay. The application file should present a complete-ish picture of you-- it won’t be helped be two essays covering the same topic.</p>
<p>Ok, thanks so much! You’re right, they probably already can tell that my volunteering is important to me from the common app and talking about fencing instead would add another facet.</p>
<p>Any other ideas?</p>
<p>You can mention in the essay that fencing is #2 for you but your volunteering is already covered in the other essay. However, if you do include such a statement, I would suggest that you make it brief - you don’t want your essay to focus on selection of essay topics.</p>
<p>That’s a good idea to spin it like that. Thanks.</p>