{"id":59902,"date":"2023-11-09T10:58:58","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T17:58:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=59902"},"modified":"2023-11-09T10:58:58","modified_gmt":"2023-11-09T17:58:58","slug":"tips-for-duke-fuquas-25-random-things-essay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/tips-for-duke-fuquas-25-random-things-essay\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Duke Fuqua’s “25 Random Things” Essay"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Gurufi.com helps clients brainstorm, build, write, and revise their personal statements. With 17 years of industry experience, Gurufi\u2019s Ivy League-educated consultants and editors have helped thousands of applicants earn admission to their dream schools.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Let\u2019s face it: most MBA admissions essays are pretty much the same: what have you done, how do you fit, what do you hope to do? While it\u2019s obviously smart to tailor these essays to particular schools, it\u2019s also true that once you\u2019ve written your first personal statement, you can repurpose much of that text for subsequent schools. But Duke Fuqua\u2019s \u201c25 Random Things\u201d list \/ essay is its own thing.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Now, as a consultant, I love this prompt because it forces people to break through the carefully constructed \u201cApplication Self\u201d that they deploy anytime they\u2019re trying to sell the best version of themselves and instead embrace the discomfort of moving beyond their controlled and comfortable self-presentations. That\u2019s why this prompt works\u2026 and why it\u2019s so confusing and borderline terrifying.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Here at Gurufi, we\u2019ve had great success helping people get into Duke, and in part it\u2019s because of the advice we provide them when constructing this list, both in terms of what to select and how to say it. So here are seven tips that you can use, including a list of potential questions to ask to help you create a strong, personal, and effective list that reflects your personality, values, and yes, quirks. Remember, rather than focusing solely on professional achievements, this prompt asks for a glimpse into the more personal and human sides of candidates. Understanding how to tackle this essay<\/p>\n

can set you apart in the admissions process.<\/p>\n

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  1. Embrace the 'Random' but Keep It Relevant<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    The term 'random' may suggest that anything goes, but the best essays show a strategic selection of<\/p>\n

    facts that collectively paint a picture of who you are. Random does not mean irrelevant. Each fact should offer a fresh perspective or insight into your character, values, and how you engage with the world. Whether it's your knack for remembering obscure facts, a passion for salsa dancing, or your experience volunteering across continents, each tidbit should add a new color to the portrait you're presenting to the admissions committee. A good place to start is to ask three good friends: \u201csuppose you were going to tell your mom about me. What stories about me would you include to give her a picture of who I was, what I cared about, and what I was like to be around?\u201d These replies might give you some insights into things that people find most distinctive about your and \/ or what moments from your life best exemplify your personality and character.<\/p>\n

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    1. \u201cWe, Not Me.\u201d Your Character and Team Spirit<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      During a recent conversation with Duke Fuqua\u2019s Russ Morgan<\/a>, he noted that the admissions staff often keep an informal tally of how many times applicants use \u201cme\u201d versus \u201cwe.\u201d The idea being that Duke cares deeply about collaboration and building a dynamic and interactive community, and as such want to see whether applicants view success as mostly personal as opposed to within the context of a shared goal. As such, your essay should reflect your ability to contribute to and thrive in a collaborative and collegial environment. Rather than simply stating that you work well in a team, share anecdotes that show your collaborative spirit in action. This could include a story about a time you resolved a conflict, led a group to success under tight deadlines, or went above and beyond to support a teammate.<\/p>\n

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      1. Diversity and Cultural Competency Are Key<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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        With a significant international student body and an emphasis on diverse perspectives, Fuqua<\/p>\n

        values cultural competency. Indeed, in recent years, the school has redoubled its efforts to make DEI a substantive part of its education. Your essay should highlight your experiences and comfort with diversity. Have you worked on global teams, navigated cross-cultural communication challenges, or learned a great deal from someone with a very different background? These stories can demonstrate your readiness to join and contribute to the diverse Fuqua community.<\/p>\n

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        1. Honesty and Vulnerability Can Be Strengths<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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          As a whole, your essay should have balance. This means showing successes and achievements, but also including a bit of quirkiness and also a few moments where you talk about vulnerabilities or setbacks. Admission officers are well aware that no candidate is perfect, and they appreciate honesty and self-awareness. Sharing a fear, a mistake, or a lesson learned shows maturity and depth. It reassures the admissions team that you are someone who is reflective, able to grow from experiences, and relatable. Similarly, talking a bit about passions outside of work can show that you\u2019re well-rounded and also allow you to show that you\u2019d bring some variety and spice to the incoming class.<\/p>\n

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          1. Verbs.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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            In terms of writing an interesting set of random factoids, a great exercise for revision is to highlight every verb in the text. If you find that you are repeating verbs, especially \u201cto be\u201d (and its variants: am, was, were, are, etc.) then swap those out. Verbs show what you DID, which is ultimately the most important information in these essays. Give real attention to them.<\/p>\n

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            1. Vary the Length and Depth to Create Dynamic Rhythm<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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              Since you have a maximum word count (750), use it strategically. Not every entry needs to be a deep<\/p>\n

              dive; some can be short and light-hearted, while others may require more explanation. A mix of lengths and tones will keep the reader engaged and offer a more complete view of your multi-faceted personality.<\/p>\n

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              1. I\u2019m at 17, and I\u2019m Stuck!!!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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                If you\u2019re having trouble populating your list, here are some ideas that you can explore to generate additional items.<\/p>\n

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