WHY DUKE SUPP- Pratt School of Engineering- puzzles

If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering as either a first year or transfer applicant, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke. (Please limit your response to no more than 150 words.)

My earliest childhood memories all contain puzzles: Sudoku, Rubik's Cubes, tangrams- thinking puzzles. They were pleasantly time-consuming and offered the reward of a Lemonhead from my parents. I grew up with the belief that the greatest power given to mankind was that of problem solving.

I later joined Science Olympiad and discovered that searching for solutions was just as enjoyable as asking questions. Even so, I struggled to visualize myself as an engineer, deciding that creation should be reserved for those with bigger notions than my own. However, Duke's reassurance that engineering was an opportunity for anyone with an idea and the ambition to craft reality encouraged me. Furthermore, a unique focus on research would maximize the undergraduate experience. At Duke I could challenge myself and accomplish more than I can currently dream of. Engineering involves an infinite number of puzzles and at Duke I could begin by solving one.

Feedback appreciated!

I'd suggest bridging the gap further between the Science Olympiad and your early memories of puzzle solving. You refer to the puzzle aspect in the beginning and end, but the center portion seems to jump a bit for someone who might not make those immediate connections.

I think you're being a little too vague. I'm working on my Duke Supplement as well and I got pretty much negative feedback for doing the same. :/ I suggest you include things particular to Duke that really interest you.

I think you lack more specific things about Duke. List some details about Duke will help