ARINGO conducted an interview with Shari Hubert, Associate Dean of Admissions at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Here are the highlights, the complete interview can be found here: https://aringo.com/school-information-the-fuqua-mba/

Any recent changes in the programs or in the admission process?

I think the most relevant for those interested in the Daytime MBA, is that we have just announced a new certificate in data analytics in our Daytime MBA program, called Management Science and Technology Management (MSTeM). This certificate will require the completion of eight electives. It will be the third certificate we offer to our Daytime MBA students – along with Health Sector Management and Financial Excellence. (We also offer 11 different concentrations to allow our students to deepen their knowledge or skills in a particular area during their MBA program, should they wish.) In addition to the great analytic skills our students will gain by pursuing this certificate, because of the STEM designation, international students who complete this certificate and go into a job that is relevant to the field of study can get 36 months of work authorization, even prior to applying for the H1B. There are no additional costs to the certificate and it can be completed within the 2 years that you’re fulfilling your MBA.

What kind of candidates is the school looking for? Who will especially enjoy this school? who will be a good fit to the school?

Our students very much contribute and are accountable for their respective transformations from day 1.
We look for applicants who really understand our culture, can see themselves thriving here and demonstrate that they have taken the genuine time to get to know us throughout the application process, and therefore really want to be part of our unique community.
We intentionally seek to bring in a diverse student population – truly representative across experiences, backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, nationalities and various demographics – with the intention of broadening our collective perspective and facilitating more innovative thought and discussion. We look for what students have contributed and will contribute to those they interact with or impact in some way.

Is there anything you’d like our candidates to know regarding the admissions process?

Our responsibility is to create a class that is engaged. We want to be transparent to ensure each candidate knows what we are looking for because we are trying to identify applicants who are going to align with our institutional values.
We look at the application as a mosaic. Your professional work experience, letters of support, leadership and community involvement—we are looking at all off these together and none is greater than the other. It is truly holistic.
Try to avoid the trite and superficial in completing your essays, and I would also focus less on your professional accomplishments in the Random 25 essay, as we can read those through your resume or another part of the application form.
Some people have a difficult time getting to 25 we know, but we recommend including context around how does that fact drive your ability to be a better, different, or a more unique Fuqua MBA. We want the insights behind the random facts, but also how they shape who you are today.
I encourage applicants to talk to their friends and family to get ideas of what might be appropriate or interesting to share, as these individuals tend to really know you – the good, bad and ugly.
_________________