Short-answer essay questions:
Why is pursuing an MBA the right next step for you?
What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first choice career plan and your alternate plan.
For each question, respond in 500 characters only (the equivalent of about 100 words).
First required essay: 25 random things about yourself.
Fuqua believes different types of people, points of view, and experiences bring out the best in everyone. And above all, we place a premium on succeeding while making a positive impact on businesses, organizations, and the world. These ways of thinking set the Duke MBA experience apart, and this concept extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. When a new person joins the Admissions team, we ask that person to share with everyone in the office a list of “25 Random Things About Yourself.” As an Admissions team, we already know the new hire’s professional and academic background, so learning these “25 Random Things” helps us get to know someone’s personality, background, special talents, and more.
In this spirit, the admissions committee also wants to get to know you–beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. You can share with us important life experiences, your likes/dislikes, hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are. Share with us your list of “25 Random Things” about YOU. (Your complete list should not exceed two pages, 1.5-line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-points)
Second required essay: The Fuqua community and you
Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and are vital to providing you with a range of experiential learning and individual development experiences.
Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, how do you see yourself engaging in and contributing to our community outside of the classroom? (Your response should be no more than two pages in length, 1.5-line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-points)
Optional essay: Tell us more
If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware (such as unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance), please explain them in an optional essay (limit your response to one page).
Other Application components:
Resume:
Submit a one-page resume that includes details about your full-time employment, part-time work experience, education, Internships and volunteer work.
Recommendations:
Two recommendations are required from first time applicants. Atleast one of these should be from someone in your current organization. supervisors from your volunteering work can also provide recommendations.
The following are the recommendation questions, part of the GMAC common LOR:
- Comment briefly on the context of your interaction with the applicant.
- How do the applicant’s performance, potential, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles?
- What do you perceive as the applicant’s areas for growth?
- Describe the applicant’s awareness of these areas and his/her response to constructive feedback.
- Please include additional comments you feel will be helpful to the admissions committee.
In addition to this, applicants can provide an extra recommendation from current students or an alumnus
Interview:
Fuqua allows applicants two ways to interview. During the OPEN INTERVIEW period ( Sep 12 to Oct 8), any applicant applying to Fuqua can interview on campus, regardless of the round they are applying in, and whether their application is complete or not. If you are applying in the early application deadline and stay in the USA (except the West coast), then you are expected to interview on campus. If you have not initiated an interview during this period, then you will be asked to interview on being given an invitation only.
Reapplications:
The reapplicant essay is:
Please share with us the self-reflection process that you underwent after last year’s application and how you have grown as a result. How did it shape your commitment to Fuqua and inspire your decision to reapply? (Two pages, 1.5 line spacing)
Reapplicants have to submit one recommendation only, but this should NOT be from a previous recommender