With its unique blend of rigorous academics, school spirit, and Southern hospitality, Duke continues to attract a highly competitive applicant pool. One place where students can still shine beyond the numbers? The supplemental essays.

For 2025–26, Duke has revised its prompts: the required essay is still a version of a classic “Why Us?” but now even more focused on values and fit; the optional prompts have also been updated to reflect current events and student interests (including a timely question about AI!).

Here’s a quick breakdown of what Duke is asking and how you can answer strategically and authentically.

2025–26 Required Duke Supplemental Essay: “Why Duke?” + “Why You?”

“What is your impression of Duke as a university and community, and why do you believe it is a good match for your goals, values, and interests? If there is something specific that attracts you to our academic offerings in Trinity College of Arts and Sciences or the Pratt School of Engineering, or to our co-curricular opportunities, feel free to include that too.”

(250 words)

Yes, this is a “Why Us?” essay, but not just that. It’s also a “Why You?” essay. (Spoiler alert: ALL “Why Us?” essays are also “Why You?” essays, even if this isn’t explicitly stated in the prompt the way Duke does here. 

Duke wants to understand how your personal goals and values connect with their academic and campus culture. This prompt invites you to go beyond surface-level praise and demonstrate genuine alignment with Duke’s mission, resources, and community.

How to Write a Strong Duke “Why Us?” Essay

• Be specific: Instead of saying “great engineering,” say “I’m excited by the Data+ summer research initiative within Pratt.”
• Mention academic + community fit: Duke wants to know you’ve done your research and that you’d contribute meaningfully outside of the classroom.
• Think beyond prestige: Show how Duke’s unique blend of research, collaboration, and real-world engagement speaks to you.

The Optional Duke Essays: Choose One (and Make It Count)

While these are labeled optional, most strong applicants will write at least one. The key? Use this space to reveal something new that isn’t already addressed elsewhere in your application.

Here are your four updated choices for 2025–26:

Option 1: Identity, Perspective & Contribution

“We believe a wide range of viewpoints and experiences is essential to maintaining Duke’s vibrant living and learning community. Please share anything in this context that might help us better understand you and your potential contributions to Duke.”

This is a great prompt for applicants whose lived experiences, identities, or worldviews have shaped how they engage with others. That could include your family background, language, religion, immigration journey, race, class, disability, or simply being the only X in a room full of Y.

Tip: This isn’t just about diversity for diversity’s sake. It’s about showing how you see the world and how that perspective will make the Duke community richer.

‍Option 2: Meaningful Disagreement

“Meaningful dialogue often involves respectful disagreement. Provide an example of a difference of opinion you’ve had with someone you care about. What did you learn from it?”

This prompt wants to see emotional maturity, communication skills, and open-mindedness. It’s ideal for students who’ve changed their mind after debate or found a way to preserve a relationship despite strong ideological or moral differences.

Tip: Avoid bashing the other person. Focus instead on your growth and the complexity of the issue.

‍Option 3: What Excites You?

“What’s the last thing that you’ve been really excited about?”

Simple, open-ended—and deceptively hard. Duke is asking what genuinely lights you up. Maybe it’s a research project, a historical podcast, an obscure musical genre, or a volunteer initiative. Don’t feel the need to make it “academic” if it isn’t, but do explain why it matters to you.

Tip: Your enthusiasm should be palpable. Make the reader feel like they want to learn more, too.

‍Option 4: Ethics and Artificial Intelligence

“Duke recently launched an initiative ‘to bring together Duke experts across all disciplines who are advancing AI research, addressing the most pressing ethical challenges posed by AI, and shaping the future of AI in the classroom.’ Tell us about a situation when you would or would not choose to use AI (when possible and permitted). What shapes your thinking?” (For more information on the Duke AI Initiative, take a look here)

Timely and challenging, this prompt is ideal for tech-savvy students or anyone interested in the ethics of emerging technologies. You don’t have to be a CS major to respond. You just need a thoughtful, reflective take on when and why you’d choose (or avoid) AI tools.

Tip: Show your ethical reasoning, not just your knowledge. Colleges want students who think about impact, not just outcomes.

Final Tips for Duke Supplemental Essays

• Choose the right prompt: Pick one that lets you show a side of yourself the admissions committee hasn’t seen yet.
• Tell a story: Even 250 words can showcase your voice and a powerful personal moment.
• Avoid repetition: Don’t rehash your Common App essay or activities list. This is bonus real estate.

Want Help Crafting Your Best Duke Application?

At AtomicMind, we help students bring their essays to life, from brainstorming to final polish. Whether you’re highlighting your voice, values, or vision for the future, we’ll help you write with depth, clarity, and purpose.

Because the real key to Duke? It’s not just proving you’re smart—it’s showing why you’d thrive in their community.

About the Author: Vicky holds a PhD in History fromPrinceton University and earned her BA in English at UCLA. She brings over twodecades of experience in education, and as Head Advisor at AtomicMind, sheguides students with insight, care, and academic rigor. Vicky is passionateabout empowering young minds to discover their passions and achieve their fullpotential.