{"id":49103,"date":"2020-06-22T10:03:37","date_gmt":"2020-06-22T17:03:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=49103"},"modified":"2020-09-29T12:23:29","modified_gmt":"2020-09-29T19:23:29","slug":"duke-fuqua-mba-essay-tips-deadlines-2020-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/duke-fuqua-mba-essay-tips-deadlines-2020-21\/","title":{"rendered":"Duke Fuqua MBA Essay Tips &#038; Deadlines: 2020-21"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"801\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Duke-Fuqua.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Duke-Fuqua.jpg 801w, https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Duke-Fuqua-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Duke-Fuqua-768x425.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 801px) 100vw, 801px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Duke Fuqua MBA program that seeks 'leaders of consequence', has released essay questions and deadlines for the 2020-21 application season. <strong>The application for the class beginning in 2021 will be available in July.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping in mind the ongoing tumultuous times, the school has made certain\nchanges in its application requirements to make the process simple. Allison\nJamison, Assistant Dean of Admissions, explains the reasons for the changes in\nthe blog: <em>\"During this time, we learned the importance of keeping\nthings simple and removing some of the stress that comes with applying to business\nschool. With those lessons in mind, we looked at our Daytime MBA application\nand admissions process to see where we can streamline it for applicants, while\nstill capturing all of the information our team needs to find the best students\nfor Fuqua<\/em>.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;The 4 key changes in the 2020-21\napplication are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. The school &nbsp;requires only one LOR\nnow<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Reapplicants can replicate last year's submission<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Applicants can submit Executive assessment scores&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Applicants will write 1 short essay instead of 2&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more details about the changes, click <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.fuqua.duke.edu\/duke-mba\/2020\/06\/17\/allison-jamison\/changes-to-our-mba-application-for-2020-2021\">here<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuqua.duke.edu\/programs\/daytime-mba\/admissions-facts-dates\"><strong>Application Deadlines<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"\"><tbody><tr><td>\n  Round\n  <\/td><td>\n  Application Deadline\n  <\/td><td>\n  Interview Decision Sent\n  <\/td><td>\n  Final Decision Release&nbsp;\n  <\/td><td>\n  Deposit Deadline\n  <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n  Early Action\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Sep. 23, 2020<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Oct. 8, 2020<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Oct. 27, 2020<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Dec. 15, 2020<\/strong>\n  <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n  Round 1\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Oct. 20, 2020<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Nov. 10, 2020<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Dec. 18, 2020<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Feb. 25, 2021<\/strong>\n  <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n  Round 2\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Jan. 7, 2021<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Feb. 2, 2021<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Mar. 20, 2021<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Apr. 23, 2021<\/strong>\n  <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n  Round 3\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Mar. 25, 2021<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Apr. 8, 2021<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Apr. 30, 2021<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>May 14, 2021<\/strong>\n  <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuqua.duke.edu\/programs\/daytime-mba\/application-instructions\"><strong>Essay Questions<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Duke Fuqua MBA program made a few changes in the essay questions this year. The first longer response question, the iconic 25 random things remains unchanged. But, the required length of the second longer response essay has been reduced from two pages to only 300 words. Additionally, the short answer questions have also been further revised this year. Instead of two short questions, the candidates will be answering only one short answer question this year. The three essays allow applicants to cover a lot of ground about their personal and professional traits and accomplishments. The first required essay is Duke's favorite for many years- '25 Random Things about Yourself' prompt ; the second essay prompt asks applicants about their 'fit' with 'Team Fuqua', while the third one asks them about their post-MBA goal and their alternate plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Instructions for All Written\nSubmissions:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em>Responses should use 1.5-line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point.<\/em><\/li><li><em>Do not repeat the question in the document you upload   with your application.<\/em><\/li><li><em>Respond fully and concisely.<\/em><\/li><li><em>Length requirements vary by <\/em>the question<em> and are detailed below.<\/em><\/li><li><em>Responses must be completed before submitting your  application.<\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>All\nsubmissions are scanned using plagiarism detection software. Plagiarism is\nconsidered a cheating violation within the Honor Code and will not be tolerated\nin the admissions process.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is MER\u2019s analysis of the essay\nquestions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Required\nShort Answer Question: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions:\n<\/strong>Answer&nbsp;the following question\nin 500 characters only (the equivalent of about 100 words).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What\nare your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and\nyour alternate plan. (500 characters, or about 100 words)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For\nthis question, you will elaborate on your post MBA career goals as well as your\nalternate plans if your first-choice plans do not materialize. Please identify\nthe position that you hope to hold immediately after MBA, specifying role,\nposition, industry, and 1-2 organizations\/companies which you would like to\nwork for. Articulate your goal and explain why this goal is interesting and\nimportant to you. Please note that your post-MBA goal shows a logical progression\nfrom your current skill set, and skills and knowledge acquired through an MBA\ndegree. Also, make sure that your goals are ambitious as well as realistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then\nthink about your plan B. Duke admits that 'life is full of uncertainties', and\nyou may come across situations that might prevent you from realizing your\npost-MBA goals. So you must be prepared for your plan B. Please make sure that\nyour alternative career path is not an altogether different path that does not\nallow you to leverage your skills and experience to the fullest. It should be\nin alignment with your experience, skills, and knowledge gained from your MBA\neducation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First\nRequired Essay: 25 Random Things About Yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions:\n<\/strong><em>Present your response in list form,\nnumbered 1 to 25. Some points may be only a few words, while others may be\nlonger. Your complete list should not exceed two pages.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>For\ncontext: Fuqua believes different types of people, points of view, and\nexperiences bring out the best in everyone. And above all, we place a premium\non succeeding while making a positive impact on businesses, organizations, and\nthe world. These ways of thinking set the Duke MBA experience apart, and\nthis concept extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration.\nWhen a new person joins the Admissions team, we ask that person to share with\neveryone in the office a list of \"25 Random Things About Yourself\".\nAs an Admissions team, we already know the new hire's professional and academic\nbackground, so learning these \"25 Random Things\" helps us get to know\nsomeone's personality, background, special talents, and more.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>In\nthis spirit, the admissions committee also wants to get to know you\u2013beyond the\nprofessional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript.\nYou can share with us important life experiences, your likes\/dislikes, hobbies,\nachievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you\nwho you are. Share with us your list of \"25 Random Things\" about YOU.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This\nquestion about 'a list of 25 random things' about applicants is Duke's favorite\nfor many years. It is my favorite, as well. For years, I have enjoyed working\nwith applicants on this question as it offers me a glimpse into the 'fun' side\nof their personality. As stated in the essay prompt, the purpose of this\nquestion is <em>to get to know you\u2013beyond the professional and academic\nachievements listed in your resume and transcript<strong>. <\/strong><\/em>This means that\nthe admission committee wants you to share with them your '<em>important life\nexperiences, your likes\/dislikes, hobbies, achievements, fun facts or <\/em>anything'\nthat helps them understand who you are as a person<strong>\". <\/strong>Thus, the\npurpose of this essay is to show the admission committee your multidimensional\npersonality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the years, I have noticed that the candidates initially find this question a little daunting and are tempted to discuss their professional accomplishments, but when they dig deeper and begin brainstorming ideas about unique and exciting things about themselves, and the unique personal experiences that have made them who they are, they start enjoying this process of self- discovery. I advise them to do these brainstorming sessions with their family and friends and ask them what they find interesting and funny about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please\nnote that the word '<em>random' <\/em>allows you to include little fun things that\nyou have done or are doing in your day-to-day life, your hobbies\/ habits that\nhave become an integral part of your personality. The unique component of this\nessay question is the \"fun\" part of it. So you don't need to get too\nserious about yourself. You want to share something about you that draws your\nreader in. Also, please resist the temptation of drifting away to your\naccomplishments, career goals, or leadership experiences because this is NOT\nwhat the Admission Committee seeks to know about you through this question. For\nideas, you may refer to the following examples on Duke Website:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Examples of \"25 Random\nThings\"<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.fuqua.duke.edu\/duke-mba\/jnm23\/2012\/11\/13\/25-interesting-facts-about-me\/\"><em>25 Interesting Facts About Me<\/em><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.fuqua.duke.edu\/duke-mba\/dds19\/2012\/10\/19\/my-25-random-things\/\"><em>My 25 Random Things<\/em><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.fuqua.duke.edu\/duke-mba\/admissions\/2012\/10\/04\/more-random-things\/\"><em>More Random Things<\/em><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Bottom Line: Be Yourself<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Second\nRequired Essay: The Fuqua community and you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions: Your response should be no more than 300 words.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Fuqua\nprides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide\nrange of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership\ndevelopment and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to\nsociety. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral\npart of the student culture and are vital to providing you with a range of\nexperiential learning and individual development experiences.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Based\non your understanding of the Fuqua culture, how do you see yourself engaging\nin and contributing to our community, outside of the classroom? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This\nessay is primarily about your contribution to the school. Duke emphasizes\ngreatly on how their students will make their community more productive. Hence\nfor this question, you must do your homework and research the school\nthoroughly. You need to think beyond your contribution to the classroom and\ndiscuss how your involvement in clubs, organizations, and student communities\nwill add value to the program. In addition to understanding the school's\nresources (curriculum, faculty, clubs, organizations, and student activities) through\nthe website, you should reach out to alumni and current students to gain\nadditional insights about the school's culture and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please\nnote that it is vital to support your claims about your potential contribution\nto specific clubs and organizations by specific examples from your past\nexperiences- personal or professional- in the given area. In order to\ndemonstrate your 'fit' with the program, you must showcase what you have done\nin the past and how you will be a strong contributor to Duke as a student and\nas an alumnus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allison\nJamison's advice: \"<em>Our second essay will still ask you about how you\nplan to engage with the Fuqua community, but we would like you to limit it to\nthe three most meaningful ways you expect to engage as a student. While there\nare so many opportunities available, one of the first skills you must develop\nas a student is how to prioritize what's most important to you. There will also\nbe a 300-word limit on this essay. Again, we hope this change helps you to\nfocus on things that spark your interest, while also providing the Admissions\nCommittee with helpful insights into the unique contributions you will bring to\nthe class.\"<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Optional\nEssay: Tell us more<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If\nyou feel there are circumstances of which the Admissions Committee should be\naware, please explain them in an optional essay (such as unexplained gaps in\nwork, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic\nperformance), please describe them in an optional essay.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Please\ndo NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area of\nthe application and limit your response to one page.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As\ninstructed in the essay prompt, submit the <a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/essay-tips\/optional-essay-2\/\">optional essay<\/a>\nonly if you have to explain extenuating circumstances. (e. g, <em>\"unexplained\ngaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic\nperformance<\/em>\"). If you have a low GPA or less than ideal GMAT, or if\nyou are not able to get a recommendation from your current supervisor, or if\nyou have an employment gap, you may address these concerns in your optional\nessay. Your weakness may also bring out a positive aspect of your personality.\nThis essay should convey that you are aware that these are areas of concern in\nyour application, but, whenever possible, you have made a sincere effort to\nimprove upon these areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If\nyou do not have any of those areas to explain, it is best to skip this question\nand focus only on the required three essays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may be interested in our analysis of previous years\nessay questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/essay-question-analysis\/duke-fuqua-essay-tips-deadlines-2019-20\/\">Duke\nFuqua Essay Tips &amp; Deadlines -2019-20<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/essay-question-analysis\/duke-fuqua-mba-essay-questions-tips-deadlines-2018-19\/\">Duke Fuqua Essay Tips &amp; Deadlines- 2018-19<\/a><br> &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/essay-question-analysis\/duke-fuqua-mba-essay-questions-tips-deadlines-2017-18\/\">Duke Fuqua Essay Tips &amp; Deadlines- 2017-18<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/question-analysis\/duke-fuqua-essay-mba-questions-analysis-2015-16\/\">Duke Fuqua Essay Tips &amp; Deadlines \u2013 2015-16<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Free Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/essay-tips\/10-key-tips-for-creating-compelling-business-school-essays\/\">10 Key Essay Tips with Examples<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/category\/question-analysis\/\">Essay Analysis of Other Top Programs-2020-21<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/category\/student-interviews\/\">MER Students Share their success Stories<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/category\/case-studies\/\">Case Studies <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2011, MER (<a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/\"><em>myEssayReview<\/em><\/a>)&nbsp;has helped many applicants get accepted into the top\n20 MBA programs, including Duke. (Poonam is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/reviews\/myessayreview-345345505?fl=menu\">top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have questions about your\napplication? E-mail Poonam at <a href=\"mailto:poonam@myessayreview.com\">poonam@myessayreview.com<\/a> or sign up <a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/free-consultation\/\">here<\/a> for a free consultation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Duke Fuqua MBA program that seeks &#8216;leaders of consequence&#8217;, has released essay questions and deadlines for the 2020-21 application season. The application for the class beginning in 2021 will be&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":141,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[943,113,243],"tags":[2245,184,267,95,811,370,2213],"class_list":["post-49103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-myessayreview","category-applications","category-blog","tag-25-random-things","tag-admissions-consulting","tag-deadlines","tag-duke-fuqua","tag-essay-tips","tag-mba-advice","tag-myessayreview","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49103","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\/141"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49103"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49103\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49768,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49103\/revisions\/49768"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}