Duke University optional essay. Do i do it?

TopTier
Thu, 09 Oct 2014 15:50:42 +0000

@cmckeon45‌, my apologies to you for a “half cocked” response (post #1). @bluedog and @SomeOldGuy‌, I followed this recent application modification in the Chronicle and in some private discussions with the DAA and with Undergraduate Admissions. I have no problem with this new OPTIONAL essay question, although I anticipate it will be infrequently used. @cmckeon45‌ is correct that he – and many other applicants – should appropriately leave this new “optional essay” unanswered. Obviously, my comment (post #1 to this thread) focused entirely on the traditional “optional” essay: “Why Duke,” and there I continue to believe that it really isn’t at all optional, for the reasons delineated.