Duke University - Secondary Essay Prompts

Access our complete list of all Secondary Essay Prompts from Duke University in Durham, NC for the 2018-2023 admissions cycles.

1 .Tell us Who You Are: Share with us your story. This is your opportunity to allow us to know how you wish to be addressed, recognized and treated.

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Max 500 words
Chance
67%

2 .Working with Others: Trust and rapport are essential in your day-to-day interactions with people. How do you cultivate a relationship with a person who may be very different from you?

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Max 400 words
Chance
33%

3 .Advocacy: Describe a situation in which you chose to advocate for someone who was different from you or for a cause or idea that was different from yours. Define your view of advocacy. What risks, if any, might be associated with your choice to be an advocate?

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Max 400 words
Chance
99%

4 .Coping with Disappointment: Not achieving a goal or one’s desire can sometimes be disheartening. What have you discovered from your setbacks and disappointments and how does this translate to your current way of thinking?

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Max 400 words
Chance
83%

5 .Leadership: What do you value most as a leader and as a contributor? What attributes do you possess as a leader and as a team member and how do you apply them on a daily basis?

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Max 400 words
Chance
96%

6 .Critical Thinking: Critical thinking involves a number of characteristics. Research experience enhances critical analysis skills. Describe any research experience or similar experience in which you utilized critical thinking. How will critical thinking be important in your future career?

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Max 400 words
Chance
99%

7 .Understanding the Need for Healthcare Changes: Potential sources of health inequities exist. Duke’s Moments to Movement (M2M) is a collective stand to address these issues. Discuss your experience with disparities in health, health care and society.

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Max 400 words
Chance
67%

8 .COVID-19 Implications: How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced your journey to medical school? Have these events changed your outlook on medicine’s role in society?

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Max 400 words
Chance
92%

9 .Further Information: Please let us know of any additional information that you would like us to consider while reviewing your application

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
No word limit
Chance
99%