Duke (Fuqua) 2013 - Calling All Applicants

The Thomas center is connected to Fuqua with a covered bridge. Definitely wins points for convenient location and people who stayed there said they liked it. I don't think students hang out there -- my impression was that mostly visitors and part time/weekend students stayed there.

The Millennium has a free shuttle to/from campus and you can tell the driver to take you to Fuqua. It takes 10 min, maybe less...it's basically down the street.

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Look back earlier in the thread, around R1 interviews, there was a good discussion on this topic. In summary, wear whatever gives you the most confidence.

While I think these are completely valid/ acceptable reasons for yNow, IMO adcom will want a professional reason to be at the forefront of your yNow. With that being said, to give a professional reason on top of a completely unrelated personal one (e.g., having kids), may result in a less concise answer than preferable. If possible I would stick to a strictly professional reason, which I am sure you have. Good luck!

I'm a BC fan, and will hopefully soon be a Duke fan. That game was crazy... Not as crazy as the notre dame vs louisville game the night before, but... I was expecting duke to absolutely humiliate BC.

Done with my interview today. It was with a second year and lasted exactly 50 minutes. He was friendly and didn't throw any curveballs, but did quite a bit of cross questioning on my goals and why Duke answers. If your goal is not Healthcare, I think you should have a strong reason for Why Duke and Why not any other school. Also, my interviewer had nothing in common with me (not sure if its a good or bad thing). I was able to make him laugh on few occasions, but overall he was very professional and kept a poker face. Overall I am not sure if I did good or not. He did make a comment towards the end saying "wow, seems like you did a lot of research on Fuqua"

The questions included:
1) Why MBA? Why now?
2) Why Duke? Why not other schools?
3) Strengths
5) One thing you fear about being a Duke student
6) Post MBA plans
7) What do you do for fun?
8) Anything else you want to share with Adcom
9) Do you have any questions for me

If anyone has a chance to inteview on Fr/Sat make sure to attend Fuqua Friday. There were about 600-700 people and everybody I met was very friendly. I think this whole "Team Fuqua" thing is legit. Also, everyone had a pretty good sense of humor. The waits begins now.
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Sorry, I meant Round 2.
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finished interview 2 hours ago with 2nd year student (skype)
I think my overall performance is good.
some issue with the connexion; I cannot see my interviewer, some interruptions during discussion.
Hope to receive good news in the couple of weeks.

Questions:
Tell me about yourself?
Why mba?
Why Duke?
Short-term /long-term goal?
What preparation for mba in regard to finance,accouting (as i came from technology)?
Failure example?
Teamwork experience?
Leadership example?
Leader that inspire you?
Your leadership at Duke?

I'll field this one, since I'm an expert...









it depends

Hey guys I'm a Round 1 admit and here's where I'm at with the background check below.

Paid and filled out form 2/11

Received payment confirmation 2/14 (I called them to see where it was at and jumpstarted the process). If its been three days and you haven't received a confirmation email definitely call them.

Contacted my Employer 2/15 (Revera told my employer they are back logged with verifications so they are moving through them)

Contacted my recommender 2/20
Still waiting as of today.

I wouldn't worry about the process as it's just a formality. Just make sure that you send a heads up email to your recommender (I would include your resume as a courtesy) and your employer (unless you are doing a hold). If you request a hold you won't receive an email until the hold is released.
Hope this helps.

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I have ADHD as well. I actually did mention it in my Duke application, though I didn't mention it in any of my other applications. I briefly talked about my experiences in my 25 things essay. If you do mention it, don't make it sound like an excuse or complaint, rather talk about what you've learned or how you've grown. My blurb on it was one line and the way I framed it I don't think it will hurt me, but you never quite know. It really depends on who is reading the application and whether they are sympathetic and understand ADHD. I did get a RD 2 interview so so far I don't think it's hurt me too bad, but we'll see if I get accepted.

Of course my GMAT is strong and I didn't get any accommodations with the test, but my undergrad transcripts and GPA are pretty meager - 3.2 GPA with multiple failed classes.

But like someone else mentioned, take your meds and retake the GMAT. you'll have a hard time getting in with a 600 I'd think.

How does Fuqua compare to Darden for consulting placement? Especially m/b/b? Does anyone have any thoughts or info on this?

I would be leery of revealing that I had ADHD, especially if you're using it to say that's why you didn't do well on X, Y, or Z. The first question they'll ask themselves is "Will he be able to handle our MBA program then?" You don't want to tell them that you're not good at something without explaining how you've overcome it, and I don't see ADHD as something you just "overcome." I'd say you're better off retaking the GMAT with special conditions.

Important note: schools cannot discriminate based on disability, so it would in fact be illegal to reject you for this reason, but your low GMAT is reason in and of itself, so I wouldn't give them any more reason. That said, I am NOT AN EXPERT. I just want you to consider all sides and maybe call them yourself (without revealing your name).

Just some advice, if you're going to take meds for the test, take all of your practice test under the same conditions... Everyone reacts differently to them, and you may end up with an adverse reaction. Good luck!

Thank you for the information

I think that's because they use different metrics. I personally think US News is probably the most accruate ranking, however I don't believe that Stern is better than Duke. But, all Top 9 ranked schools look reasonable.
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I remember hearing somewhere that some schools only use your official transcript to verify your scores before they admit you. I think it means that you are on the "admitted" list and someone in adcom is just making sure that you didn't lie on the app. Given the timing, I doubt that they are just reviewing your app. Go buy yourself a drink!
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In my opinion its risky to send an update 2 business days before the deadline. I think the decisions are probably made by now. If you don't get in on Monday (knock on the wood), I think you can send one then.

btw, Congrats on Ross. Its a pretty good school also.
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Just got the call, I'm in!!!! Call came in at 5:40am EDT (5:40pm China time). Good luck everybody else!

I've never heard of any school calling to ding someone... I think you're probably in!