Hi all! Could you help me with my Why Duke essay? It's due by the end of the day in order for me to get an interview. I feel like it might be too long... 400 words for two paragraphs... Any suggestions?
If you are applying to Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something in particular at Duke that attracts you?
While going through the college search adventure, I never considered going to North Carolina or even leaving New England for that matter. When my grandfather offered to fly me down to visit Duke, I reluctantly accepted; however, as soon as I stepped foot on campus, I found Duke very easy to fall in love with. Towering gothic spires, a park-like setting, and incredible student vitality were great, but as I learned about the available resources, I became even more excited. Ever since my mother passed away, I have known that, someday, I want to be an oncologist, a career in which I can positively impact others. There are multiple opportunities at Duke that can help me on my path towards oncology. Duke Engage would give me a way to integrate two of my passions, community service and medicine, into one practical course of action while exposing myself to the outside world and learning about new cultures alongside my education. The Pre-Health Volunteer Program would place me at the world class Duke Medical Center where I could continue to work in a hospital environment similar to my involvement with Dana-Farber in Boston and help those in need. The opportunities here are abundant and appear an assumed part of student life.
My second visit confirmed my first reactions. Nick, my overnight host, filled in many blanks. We walked around the exquisite Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and audited courses of particular interest. Professor Stephen Craig in Chemistry 110DL and Professor Lewis Blake in Math 111L were welcoming and entertaining. I had previously been in touch with Dr. Craig with questions about the chemistry program, and his enthusiastic response and attitude showed me the concern professors had for individual students. I learned about the Focus programs, and am especially interested in the Global Health area which could help me broaden my future mind past the walls of whatever hospital I might work. The multiple certificates offered, like Genome Theory and Study of Ethics, would expand my horizons and give me a more interdisciplinary education. Programs such as these would solidify my life in the college community while also furthering my personal goals. Duke would offer me a marvelous world, one where I would actively participate and develop into a responsible citizen in our ever-changing global society. I hope to be a Blue Devil and call Duke home for the next four, maybe more, years.
Thanks for reading and your help!
