Calling all Duke (Fuqua) Fall 2009 applicants!

That corp fin assignment is still not done, but anyway...

Yes, the entire class of 430-ish is divided into 6 sections. You are in your section for the entire first semester and for one class the second semester. In other words, you take the core classes with your section. Within your section, you have your first year team, sometimes called an ILE Team. You work with that team throughout the core. Duke does its best to create diverse teams and sections, based on nationality, gender, and career background. Ditto for teams.

There are some exceptions to the "You take the whole core with your section and have the same team" rule. If you pass out of stats, for example, and you're on my team, then our team will be down one person for stats, but we'll see you again in econ. Also, some courses don't require a six-person team, so the teams split (accounting).

Either way, you will spend a lot of time with your ILE team and your section.

Can anyone give tips on the 'Leader of consequence' essay?

Thanks

Thanks Aaudetat! Now get back to that corp finance assignment!!

RF

My approach (which isn't necessarily the best one) was to treat it as a long-term career goal essay, but instead of focusing on my career, I talked more about the impact I wanted to have.

So in my first essay I talked about wanting to work in a particular business function. In the last essay, I talked about using my new career to solve a major problem in my current industry. I also included an example from my past work experience where I tried to create change.

Does that help?

RF

That helps refurb.But why do you think that is not the best approach?

I only say that because the question is so open-ended. There are so many different ways to answer it that I can't say for certain mine is the best way.

In other words, if you think you've got a great idea on how to answer it, go for it!

RF

Thanks for sharing your interview experience with us. I am very excited about my upcoming trip to Fuqua.....will let you guys know ..

Another application conundrum!

I've got essays 1-3 to fit on a single page, 11 point font, 1.5 line spacing and standard margins.

I'm having trouble fitting my fourth essay on two pages using the above format. Looking at the online application, the blurb about essay four says "2 page limit, please use a font no smaller than 10 point".

If I use 10 point, I can fit it all on (~1000 words). However, it's really small. I mean, I wouldn't want to have to read it.

Should I do more editing or submit it as 10 point font?

RF

I think it would be good to have all the essays follow the same format, font size etc..

So I should make all the essays 10 point font?

Just kidding. I agree with you. I think any benefit I get from keeping the extra content will be lost by the adcom thinking "This guy is a jerk for making me read this small print!"

RF

shrink the margins some?

I would do that if I was a line or two over the two page limit, but I'm more like 1/2 page over. I'd have to get rid of the margins all together!

RF

I think you need to edit a bit then...sorry

I attended the info session in Santa Monica last night. Only about 15 prospective students. In addition to an adcom officer, the associate dean made a surprise appearance (I think he coincidentally happened to be traveling to LA). There were also three alumni who attended.

A couple of takeaways:
1) During the presentation, they beat the "leader of consequence" bit to death. Based on this, I have no doubt that success on essay #4 is going to be CRITICAL to one's success on the application.
2) The staff and alumni were super duper friendly. I've been to probably 5-6 of these events over the last 2 years, and this was by far the friendliest group of people. The adcom was very warm and inviting and not intimidating at all. It was almost as if they were so thankful that we attended and wanted to give as much info on the program/process as possible.

As a (personal) side note, I spent a good deal of time chatting with the associate dean and the adcom member after the session. I seriously got a free 20 minute interview. My work experience is pretty interesting (especially considering what is going on with the financial/credit markets right now) and I felt like I really had a great opportunity to articulate my candidacy through my experiences. I hadn't planned to go into this whole spiel, but things just kind of went that direction. Not sure if these folks are coming to a town near you, but if there was a small turnout for the reception in LA, then you are likely to get some decent personal attention in another city as well.

Dang, sound like a good info session. To bad I was in Hanover or I would have gone.

Nice write up - I'm glad to see the interview was straightforward.

Did you move Duke up in your list at all based on your visit?

Fuqua was always tied for my top choice. I was even aiming for an EA submission but now I will have to hit Round 1. It really is a fun and exciting place.