{"id":29838,"date":"2015-07-30T10:39:45","date_gmt":"2015-07-30T17:39:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=29838"},"modified":"2015-07-30T10:39:45","modified_gmt":"2015-07-30T17:39:45","slug":"duke-fuqua-2016-mba-essay-tips-deadlines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/duke-fuqua-2016-mba-essay-tips-deadlines\/","title":{"rendered":"Duke Fuqua 2016 MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Check<\/a>Leadership, teamwork, ethics, and a global approach to business are essential elements of the Duke\u00a0Fuqua<\/a>\u00a0MBA, which is why you\u2019ll need to make sure you express your passion for these ideals in your\u00a0application essays. Impress the Fuqua adcom by positioning yourself as an innovative leader<\/a> and<\/em> team\u00a0player, as someone who can see the big picture, work collaboratively, and shape global business.<\/span><\/p>\n

My tips are in blue below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Three short answer questions and 2 essays are required from all applicants.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Responses should use 1.5 line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point.<\/span>
\n \u2022\u00a0Respond fully and concisely.<\/span>
\n \u2022\u00a0Responses must be completed before submitting your application.<\/span>
\n \u2022\u00a0Prepare your responses carefully. The Admissions Committee considers your answers important in the selection process.<\/span>
\n \u2022\u00a0All essays are scanned using plagiarism detection software. Plagiarism is considered a\u00a0cheating violation within the Honor Code<\/a>\u00a0and will not be tolerated in the admissions process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Application Tip:\u00a0<\/strong>Check out Fuqua's section criteria<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Required\u00a0Short Answers\u00a0Questions<\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instructions: <\/strong>Answer all 3 of the following questions. For each short answer question, respond in 500 characters only (the equivalent of about 100 words).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> What are your short term goals, post-MBA?<\/span><\/p>\n

State what you see yourself doing immediately after you earn your MBA in terms of function and industry. If location or geography are important to your goal<\/a>, include them. \u00a0If you know the type of companies you would like to work for, you can include that information too, but don\u2019t say you want to work for Company X, unless Company X is sponsoring you. Without sponsorship, a \"Company X\" answer is probably too narrow, but saying you would like to work for a firm like Company X would work.<\/span><\/p>\n

2.<\/strong>\u00a0What are your long term goals?<\/span><\/p>\n

Your long term goals should flow logically from your short-term goals. They can be fuzzier and both in terms of direction and timing. But you should have them. They can, but don't have to, include larger aspirations and\u00a0present a broader perspective on where you are headed. But please don't go so general and say something like \"I aspire to be a good person\" or \"I strive to leave a lasting impact on my community.\" Nice sentiments, but way too vague.<\/span><\/p>\n

3.\u00a0<\/strong>Life is full of uncertainties, and plans and circumstances can change. As a result, navigating a career requires you to be adaptable. Should the short-term goals that you provided above not materialize what alternative directions have you considered?<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s your Plan B?<\/a> If you can\u2019t get a job at a leading strategy consulting firm -- your first choice -- what do you want to do? If Plan A is investment banking, what\u2019s Plan B?<\/span><\/p>\n

First Required Essay: 25 Random Things About Yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instructions: <\/strong>Answer the following\u00a0question \u2014 present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be only a few words, while others may be longer. Your complete list should not exceed 2 pages.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

1.<\/strong>\u00a0The \"Team Fuqua\" spirit and community is one of the things that sets The Duke MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this spirit, the Admissions Committee also wants to get to know you\u2013beyond 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Have some fun with this list. It certainly allows a more creative approach than permitted by most essay prompts. Note that the questions asks you to go \u201cbeyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript.\" \u00a0So you can list your Pez collection or perhaps your brief membership in a rock band or the fact that you took violin from age 6-18 or your membership in a gospel choir or your volunteer work in a hospital, your needlepoint, your favorite recipe or photo. Gosh the list is endless. Just let it reflect you. Think of this list as an introduction to potential friends. \u00a0 For more insight into this question and the \u00a0motivation behind, please read Megan Overbay's, the former Director of Admissions\u2019, advice<\/a>. I believe you will find it helpful. And very friendly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Second Required Essay (choose 1 of 2)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instructions: <\/strong>Choose only\u00a01 of the following 2 essay questions to answer. Your response\u00a0should be no more than 2 pages in length,<\/em> and should reflect your knowledge of the Fuqua program and experience, and the types of activities and leadership you would engage in as a Fuqua student.<\/span><\/p>\n

Choose to the prompt that will let you reveal something important to you and impressive about you. Write the essay that you will be able to draft\u00a0most enthusiastically and easily.<\/span><\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> Why Duke:<\/strong> When asked by your family, friends, and colleagues why you want to go to Duke, what do you tell them? Share the reasons that are most meaningful to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Duke? But you\u2019re not talking to the admissions committee, whom you just may be a tad less than candid with. You are talking to your family, friends, and colleagues, people you know and like (at least the friends). \u00a0The Fuqua admissions staff really wants to get to know you. Authenticity is the goal<\/a>. The admissions readers want to be able to imagine you as a part of Team Fuqua \u2014 their family \u2014 as a friend or colleague. Will you be real stiff and formal? Of course not. You will be friendly in a professional way. Don\u2019t take this as an invitation to be inappropriate, coarse, or rude. Just friendly. <\/span><\/p>\n

What appeals to you at\u00a0Duke? What about its program, culture, and professional opportunities attracts you\u00a0and would compel you to accept an offer of admission? Maybe address a letter to a close friend and tell her why you want to go to Duke. \u00a0That\u00a0letter may morph into this essay.<\/span><\/p>\n

2.<\/strong> The Team Fuqua community is as unique as the individuals who comprise it. Underlying our individuality are a number of shared ideas and principles that we live out in our own ways. Our students have identified and defined 6 \u201cTeam Fuqua Principles\u201d that we feel are the guiding philosophies that make our community special. At the end of your 2 years at Fuqua, if you were to receive an award for exemplifying one of the 6 Principles listed below, which one would it be and why? Your response should reflect the research you have done, your knowledge of Fuqua and the Daytime MBA program and experience, and the types of activities and leadership you would engage in as a Fuqua student.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Authentic Engagement:<\/strong>\u00a0We care and we take action. We each make a difference to Team Fuqua by being ourselves and engaging in and supporting activities about which we are passionate.<\/span>
\n2. Supportive Ambition:<\/strong>\u00a0We support each other to achieve great things, because your success is my success. The success of each individual member of Team Fuqua makes the whole of Team Fuqua better.<\/span>
\n3. Collective Diversity:<\/strong>\u00a0 We embrace all of our classmates because our individuality is better and stronger together.<\/span>
\n4. Impactful Stewardship:<\/strong>\u00a0We are leaders who focus on solutions to improve our communities both now and in the future. We aren\u2019t satisfied with just maintaining the status quo.<\/span>
\n5. Loyal Community:<\/strong>\u00a0We are a family who looks out for each other. Team Fuqua supports you when you need it the most.<\/span>
\n6. Uncompromising Integrity:<\/strong>\u00a0We internalize and live the honor code in the classroom and beyond. We conduct ourselves with integrity within Fuqua, within Duke, and within all communities of which we are a part.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do your homework about Fuqua (and yourself) before responding to this question. What activities and groups appeal to you? How do you see yourself participating? Making a difference? Then look at the list of six principles above. Which do you most identify with? Imagine how you would exemplify that principle in your activities. The story of that role and how would see yourself earning an award is your essay. \u00a0While you can reference similar activities in the past, keep the focus of this essay on what you would do at Fuqua and why you would earn recognition for exemplifying one of these six principles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Optional Essay Question:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you feel there are extenuating circumstances of which the Admissions Committee should be aware, please explain them in an optional essay (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, or any significant weakness in your application).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Do NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area of the application.<\/span>
\n \u2022\u00a0The Optional Essay is intended to provide the Admissions Committee with insight into your extenuating circumstances only.<\/span>
\n \u2022\u00a0Limit your response to two pages<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why isn\u2019t your current supervisor writing your rec?\u00a0Why is there a six-month gap on your resume<\/a>?\u00a0Why did your grades dip during the first semester of your senior year? What are your responsibilities while working for a family business after having left a prestigious investment bank, and why did you make the change? Answering any of those questions (but not all) could be the topic of your optional essay.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Duke Fuqua 2016 MBA Application Deadlines<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Duke<\/a><\/p>\n

If you would like professional guidance with your Duke Fuqua MBA application, please consider Accepted\u2019s\u00a0MBA essay editing<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0MBA admissions consulting<\/a>\u00a0or our \u00a0MBA Application Packages<\/a>, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the Duke application.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Linda<\/a>By\u00a0Linda Abraham<\/a>, president and founder of Accepted.com and co-author of the definitive book on MBA admissions,\u00a0<\/em>MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools<\/a>.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Related Resources:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 How To Earn A Spot On Team Fuqua<\/a>\u00a0[Podcast]
\n\u2022\u00a0Culture, Location, and Support: A Duke MBA Speaks<\/a>
\n\u2022\u00a02016 MBA Application Essay Tips<\/a><\/p>\n

This article\u00a0<\/a><\/em>originally appeared on\u00a0<\/em>blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Accepted.com<\/a>'s\u00a0<\/em>experienced admissions consultants<\/a>\u00a0can help you create the most impressive application possible with\u00a0<\/em>comprehensive packages<\/a>,<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong>or provide targeted assistance from\u00a0<\/em>picking perfect programs<\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0<\/em>designing a dazzling resume<\/a>,\u00a0<\/em>constructing engaging essays<\/a>, or\u00a0<\/em>preparing for intense interview<\/a>s<\/a>\u2026and more!\u00a0<\/em>Accepted.com<\/a>\u00a0has guided thousands of applicants to acceptances at top programs since 1994 \u2013 we know what works and what doesn't, so\u00a0<\/em>contact us<\/a>\u00a0to get started now!<\/em><\/p>\n

Accepted.com<\/em><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ~\u00a0The Premier Admissions Consultancy<\/em><\/p>\n

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Leadership, teamwork, ethics, and a global approach to business are essential elements of the Duke\u00a0Fuqua\u00a0MBA, which is why you\u2019ll need to make sure you express your passion for these ideals…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,939,775,113],"tags":[184,1048,844,90,621,227,18,1280,1896,39,784,370,147,998,887,325,282,278,934,1145,877,883,600,12],"class_list":["post-29838","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mba","category-accepted","category-admission-consultants","category-applications","tag-admissions-consulting","tag-advice-for-mba-applicants","tag-application-deadlines","tag-application-essay","tag-application-essays","tag-application-tips","tag-b-school-application","tag-how-to-write-an-applications-essay","tag-mba","tag-mba-admissions","tag-mba-admissions-essay","tag-mba-advice","tag-mba-application","tag-mba-application-advice","tag-mba-application-deadlines","tag-mba-application-essay","tag-mba-application-essays","tag-mba-application-tips","tag-mba-deadlines","tag-mba-essay-advice","tag-mba-essay-questions","tag-mba-essay-tips","tag-mba-essays","tag-the-mba-application-process","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29838","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29838"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29838\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29839,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29838\/revisions\/29839"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29838"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29838"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}