This year's Fuqua Duke MBA questions are unchanged. Like in previous years, Duke is seeking dedicated, collaborative, well-rounded MBA candidates. Consider carefully what you value in an MBA program before you begin writing your Duke Fuqua essays, and include aspects of your personality. Talking to existing students should be a top priority for your research.
If you're searching for a customized Duke Fuqua application approach, get in touch with us here and we'll help you figure out what you need.
Duke’s Required Short-Answer Essay Question
Answer the following question in 100 words. What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan.
This short essay asks your goals. Duke is interested in learning about your top and backup career alternatives. Consider your background and personality when choosing goals. Additionally, show the admissions committee that you are adaptable if your first idea doesn't pan out. This is important in a world that is constantly changing.
For instance, you might be interested in working for a company like Kellogg’s because your main objective is to work in marketing for the consumer packaged goods sector. However, you might think about working in marketing for a company like Macy's if you can't find the ideal position in that field following Duke. This could be a different career route because it still enables you to pursue a marketing job while preserving flexibility in your industry.
On the other hand, you can be interested in two different things and intend to take them both into account. Your initial intention is to work for a strategy consulting firm after Duke, but if you aren't hired by your top-choice company, you might also think about co-founding a start-up as a contingency plan. Consider the variety of interests you have and start there is the key.
You only have a limited amount of room in this MBA essay, so be sure to describe your goals clearly. Support all your ideas for an MBA as well as your goals with the data from your resume, recommendations, and other essays. In conclusion, keep in mind that Duke Fuqua should be the best place to prepare for your future job.
Duke Fuqua’s First Required Essay: 25 Random Things About Yourself
The ‘Team Fuqua’ spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration.
Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU – beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are.
Your list will be limited to 2 pages (750 words maximum). Please present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer.
Although the Duke MBA essay is entirely open-ended, it cannot be completely arbitrary because if it is, you will fall into the same trap that 90% of the other MBA applicants will fall into. You can ask your friends and relatives to assist you in coming up with ideas. What makes you special and memorable? What is the first story that pops into their heads when they think about you?
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that each "item" you present to the admissions committee ought to be relevant. Sometimes, the answer will be a simple fact, an achievement you're proud of, and why. At other times, it might be far more humorous and self-deprecating. Whatever it is, it must give them a better understanding of your character and your values or beliefs.
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 to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua? Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).
You must be explicit in this essay as to why Fuqua is the ideal place for you. What do you have to offer that your classmates could find useful? Consider your prior experiences when you choose your area of focus. Do the clubs at Fuqua match your interests? What courses would be most interesting to you and help you expand your knowledge?
It's critical that you suit the program. Ideally, you should highlight character traits that Duke appreciates. Duke, for instance, is curious about your place in your local community. Thus, your application will be given a lot of weight if you are involved in the community.
Optional Essay: Tell Us More
If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area.
The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only. Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).
This essay is only appropriate in exceptional cases. Use it only to update existing information in your application. You should only compose this essay if you have a low GPA, a gap in your employment history, or problems with your recommendations. If not, omit this question.
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