<p>To kids who got into Duke and are willing:</p>
<p>Post your application essays to give others an idea as to what it takes to get in. There are all kinds of things on the net that say how to write/not write your application essay, but it’s always nicer and more reassuring to see other people’s work.</p>
<p>I would never plagiarize an essay or steal ideas, so don’t worry. I’m just curious.</p>
<p>Only post if you want to.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Just FYI, people who do send out essays usually only do so through PM or email.</p>
<p>but it’s always nicer and more reassuring to see other people’s work.</p>
<p>it is also easier to copy and paste someone else’s essay as ur own than to actually write one</p>
<p>a simple “no” would have done just fine</p>
<p>they have a thread for Uchicago. It’s pretty helpful</p>
<p>If I can find a copy of mine later, I’ll post it because there’s not a chance anyone would be able to steal it and not get caught. I coded imaging software for the Mars Exploration Rover Mission at JPL/NASA for a couple of summers in a row, and wrote about the experience. I know that no one else could possibly use it because I was the only summer intern in the rover imaging lab (unless they have a new one this summer that I haven’t heard about). Rockin out.</p>
<p>Just as a word of advice - I both love to research and hate to plagiarize, and thus I don’t recommend looking too many sample essays, if any at all. As someone who becomes overly cautious while working with sources, I personally wouldn’t want the added stress of trying to avoid even the slightest hint of plagiarism. But again, that’s just me and my own self-created stress. </p>
<p>The whole “write about your passions” is just about the best advice out there. Write about the role you’ll play, the talents you will bring to the university…and most importanly, how you’ll share them with other students. Don’t just be formulaic…this is as close to speaking with admissions as you’re going to get. Personality and passion, and you’re good (that is, with a good, meaty app to boot). Essays are a way to explain all those activities you do, to show why you do them, and why you’ll keep doing them at Duke. They want successful students for the long run…not just fly by night college app plumping activity whores - so show them the opposite! Have fun a good time trying to put into words everything that makes you tick and makes you want to succeed!</p>