{"id":52962,"date":"2021-08-24T12:23:19","date_gmt":"2021-08-24T19:23:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=52962"},"modified":"2021-08-24T17:30:18","modified_gmt":"2021-08-25T00:30:18","slug":"duke-fuqua-mba-essay-tips-deadlines-2021-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/duke-fuqua-mba-essay-tips-deadlines-2021-22\/","title":{"rendered":"Duke Fuqua MBA Essay Tips &#038; Deadlines: 2021-22"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"442\" src=\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Duke-Fuqua_2021.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-52963\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Duke-Fuqua_2021.png 800w, https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Duke-Fuqua_2021-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Duke-Fuqua_2021-768x424.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Duke Fuqua MBA program that seeks\n'leaders of consequence' is known for a culture that is \"more&nbsp;\nsupportive, more collaborative, more immersive and more diverse.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fuqua has made a few minor changes to the 2021-22 application. First, the word limits for Essay 2 and the optional essay have been increased from 300 words to 500 words. <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.fuqua.duke.edu\/duke-mba\/2021\/08\/11\/allison-jamison\/this-years-application-changes-and-advice\">Allison Jamison<\/a>, Assistant Dean of Admissions, explains the reasons for the changes: \"We <em>wanted to be sure applicants had the space needed to be able to explain not just what activities or groups they want to be involved in, but why they want to be involved with them. So take advantage of the additional space!\"<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, the 25 random things essay now comes with a word limit of 750 words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fuqua continues to require one LOR.\nYou may also submit one optional LOR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reapplicants can replicate their\napplication from last year, but they can update any information they like.\nReapplicants also have the option of submitting one or two new letters of\nrecommendation if they wish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuqua.duke.edu\/programs\/daytime-mba\/admissions-facts-dates\"><strong>Application Deadlines<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"\"><tbody><tr><td>\n  <strong>Round<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Deadline<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Interview Decision<\/strong>\n  <\/td><td>\n  <strong>Final Decision<\/strong>\n  <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n  Early Action\n  <\/td><td>\n  Sept 2, 2021\n  <\/td><td>\n  Sept. 20, 2021\n  <\/td><td>\n  Oct. 14, 2021\n  <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n  Round 1\n  <\/td><td>\n  Oct. 11, 2021\n  <\/td><td>\n  Nov. 8, 2021\n  <\/td><td>\n  Dec. 15, 2021\n  <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n  Round 2\n  <\/td><td>\n  Jan. 5, 2022\n  <\/td><td>\n  Feb 2, 2022\n  <\/td><td>\n  Mar 16, 2022\n  <\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\n  Round 3\n  <\/td><td>\n  Mar. 24, 2022\n  <\/td><td>\n  Apr. 7, 2022\n  <\/td><td>\n  Apr. 29, 2022\n  <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>*International\napplicants should apply in EA, Round 1, and Round 2 to allow time for visa\nprocessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuqua.duke.edu\/programs\/daytime-mba\/application-instructions\"><strong>Essay Questions<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>You'll need to provide your thoughts on one short essay and two longer essay questions as part of your application.<\/em><\/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 the question and are detailed below.<\/em><\/li><li><em>Responses must be completed before submitting your <\/em><em>application.<\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>All submissions are scanned using\nplagiarism detection software. Plagiarism is considered a cheating violation\nwithin the Honor Code and will not be tolerated in the admissions process.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is MER's analysis of the essay\nquestions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Required Short Answer Question<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions: <\/strong><em>Answer&nbsp;the following question in 500 characters only\n(the equivalent of about 100 words).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What are your post-MBA\ncareer goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate\nplan. (500 characters, or about 100 words)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this question, you will\nelaborate on your post-MBA career goals and alternate plans if your\nfirst-choice plans do not materialize. First, please identify the position you\nhope to hold immediately after MBA, specifying role, position, industry, and\n1-2 organizations\/ companies you want to work for. Then, articulate your goal\nand explain why this goal is exciting and important to you. Please note that\nyour post-MBA plan should show a logical progression from your current skill\nset and the skills and knowledge you would acquire through an MBA degree. Also,\nmake sure that your goals are ambitious as well as realistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then think about your plan B. Duke\nadmits that 'life is full of uncertainties, and you may come across situations\nthat might prevent you from realizing your post-MBA goals. So, you must be\nprepared for plan B. Please make sure that your alternative career path is not\nan altogether different path that will not allow you to leverage your skills\nand experience to the fullest. It should be in alignment with your experience,\nskills, and knowledge gained from your MBA education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First Required Essay: 25\nRandom Things About Yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The 'Team Fuqua' spirit and\ncommunity is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a\nconcept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and\nadministration. Please share with us \"25 Random Things\" about you.\nThe Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU - beyond the professional and\nacademic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us\nimportant life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything\nthat helps us understand what makes you who you are.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Your list will be limited to 2 pages\n(750 words maximum).&nbsp; Please present your response in list form, numbered\n1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first longer response question, the iconic 25 random things about applicants, is Duke's favorite for many years. It is my favorite, as well. For years, I have enjoyed working with applicants on this question as it offers me a glimpse into the 'fun' side of their personalities. As stated in the essay prompt, the purpose of this question is <em>to get to know you\u2013beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript<strong>. <\/strong><\/em>This means that the admission committee wants you to share with them your '<em>important life experiences, your likes\/ dislikes, hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or <\/em>anything that helps them understand who you are as a person<strong>. <\/strong>Thus, the purpose of this essay is to show the admission committee your multidimensional personality.<\/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. However, 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 note that the word '<em>random'\n<\/em>allows you to include little fun things you have done or are doing in your\nday-to-day life, your hobbies\/ habits, adventure activities that have become an\nintegral part of your personality. The unique component of this essay question\nis the \"fun\" part of it. So you don't need to get too serious about\nyourself. Feel free to share something about you that draws your reader in.\nAlso, please resist the temptation of outlining your accomplishments, career\ngoals, or leadership experiences because this is NOT what the Admission\nCommittee seeks to know about you through this question. For ideas, you may\nrefer 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 Required Essay:\nThe Fuqua community and you<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a\nculture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led\norganizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and\npersonal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our\nstudent-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the\nstudent culture and the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of\nthe Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Instructions: <\/em><\/strong><em>Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This essay is primarily about your\ncontribution to the school. Duke emphasizes significantly how their students\nwill make their community more productive. Hence for this question, you must do\nyour homework and research the school thoroughly. You need to think beyond your\ncontribution to the classroom and discuss how your involvement in clubs, organizations,\nand student communities will add value to the program. In addition to\nunderstanding the school's resources (curriculum, faculty, clubs,\norganizations, and student activities) through the website, you should reach\nout to alumni and current students to gain additional insights into the\nschool's culture and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please note that it is vital to\nsupport your claims about your potential contribution to specific clubs and\norganizations by providing specific examples from your past experiences-\npersonal, professional, or community engagement - in the given area. To\ndemonstrate your 'fit' with the program, you must showcase what you have\naccomplished and how you will be a solid contributor to Duke as a student and\nan alumnus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.fuqua.duke.edu\/duke-mba\/2020\/06\/17\/allison-jamison\/changes-to-our-mba-application-for-2020-2021\">Allison Jamison's advice:<\/a> \"<em>Our second\nessay will still ask you about how you plan to engage with the Fuqua community,\nbut we would like you to limit it to the three most meaningful ways you expect\nto engage as a student. While there are so many opportunities available, one of\nthe first skills you must develop as a student is how to prioritize what's most\nimportant to you.\"<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Optional Essay: Tell us\nmore<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you feel there are circumstances\nof which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here\n(e.g., unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or\nquestionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional\nessays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information\nsection is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your\ncircumstances only.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Your response will be limited to 1\npage (500 words maximum).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As instructed in the essay prompt,\nsubmit the <a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/essay-tips\/12-reasons-write-optional-essay\/\">optional essay<\/a> only if you must explain\nextenuating circumstances. (e. g, <em>\"unexplained gaps in work, choice of\nrecommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance<\/em>\"). If\nyou have a low GPA or less than ideal GMAT, or if you cannot get a\nrecommendation from your current supervisor, or if you have an employment gap,\nyou may address these concerns in your optional essay. Your weakness may also\nbring out a positive aspect of your personality. This essay should convey that\nyou are aware that these are areas of concern in your application, but,\nwhenever possible, you have made a sincere effort to improve upon these areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do not have any of those\nareas to explain, it is best to skip this question and focus only on the\nrequired three essays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Re-applicant Essay<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>It is not uncommon for it to take\nmore than one try to achieve a goal. Please share with us the self-reflection\nprocess that you underwent after last year's application and how you have grown\nas a result.&nbsp; How did it shape your commitment to Fuqua and inspire your\ndecision to reapply?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Your response will be limited to 1\npage (500 words maximum).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a straightforward <a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/mba-topics\/helpful-tips-for-repplicants\/\">re-applicant essay<\/a>. Through this question, the Ad\nCom would like to know that your need for the&nbsp; Duke MBA is as strong as it\nwas last time. Hence you should demonstrate your continued interest in Duke\nFuqua by explaining how you have enhanced your application since you applied\nlast time. You may answer this by focusing on the areas you have improved upon\nsince you applied last. Whether you have taken extra classes, boosted your GMAT\nscore, received a promotion, led a new and exciting project, increased your\ncommunity involvement, or taken on a personal challenge, the key here is to\ndemonstrate that you are now a better and a stronger candidate since your last\napplication. Your conscious efforts to strengthen your profile and to work on\nyour weak areas to be a&nbsp; perfect fit for Duke will prove how determined\nyou are to be a valuable part of the Fuqua community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since you are allowed 500 words, you\ncan provide a detailed account of enhancements in your resume and additional\nsteps you have taken to learn more about the school and your 'fit' with the\nschool\u2019s culture.<\/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\/student-interviews\/\">MER Students Share their Success Stories<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/category\/question-analysis\/\">Essay Analysis of Other Top Programs-2021-22<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/category\/case-studies\/\">Case Studies <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/mba-topics\/aigac-virtual-conference-2021-mers-key-takeaways\/\">AIGAC Virtual Conference 2021: MER's Key Takeaways<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2011, MER (<a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/\"><em>myEssayReview<\/em><\/a>)&nbsp;has helped many\napplicants get accepted into the top 20 MBA programs, including Duke. (Poonam\nis 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 application? 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\n\n\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/question-analysis\/duke-fuqua-mba-essay-tips-deadlines-2021-22\/\">blog<\/a> was first published in <a href=\"https:\/\/myessayreview.com\/\">myEssayReview<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Duke Fuqua MBA program that seeks &#8216;leaders of consequence&#8217; is known for a culture that is &#8220;more&nbsp; supportive, more collaborative, more immersive and more diverse.&#8221; Fuqua has made a few&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":141,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,943],"tags":[844,95,2266,262,2151,297,2243,2351],"class_list":["post-52962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-myessayreview","tag-application-deadlines","tag-duke-fuqua","tag-essay-analysis","tag-essay-questions","tag-mer","tag-optional-essay","tag-poonam","tag-reaplicant-essay","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52962","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=52962"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52962\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52969,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52962\/revisions\/52969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}