Duke Fuqua MBA Admissions & Related Blogs

Leadership, teamwork, ethics, and a global approach to business are essential elements of the Duke Fuqua MBA, which is why you’ll need to make sure you express your passion for these ideals in your application essays. Impress the Fuqua adcom by positioning yourself as an innovative leader and team player, as someone who can see the big picture, work collaboratively, and shape global business.

My tips are in blue below.

Three short answer questions and 2 essays are required from all applicants.
• Responses should use 1.5 line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point.
• Do not copy the essay question in the document you upload with your application.
• Respond fully and concisely. Length requirements vary by question, and are detailed below.
• Responses must be completed before submitting your application.
• Prepare your responses carefully. The Admissions Committee considers your answers important in the selection process.
• All essays are scanned using plagiarism detection software. Plagiarism is considered a cheating violation within the Honor Code and will not be tolerated in the admissions process.

Application Tip: Check out Fuqua's selection criteria.

Required Short Answers Questions: 

Instructions: Answer all 3 of the following questions. For each question, respond in 500 characters only (the equivalent of about 100 words).

1.[/b] What are your short term goals, post-MBA?

State what you see yourself doing immediately after you earn your MBA in terms of function and industry. If location or geography are important to your goal, include them. If you know the type of companies you would like to work for, you can include that information too, but don’t say you want to work for Company X, unless Company X is sponsoring you. Without sponsorship, a "Company X" answer is probably too narrow, but saying you would like to work for a firm like Company X would work.

2. What are your long term goals?

Your long term goals should flow logically from your short-term goals. They can be fuzzier both in terms of direction and timing. But you should have them. They can, but don't have to, include larger aspirations and present a broader perspective on where you are headed. But please don't go so general and say something like "I aspire to be a good person" or "I strive to leave a lasting impact on my community." Nice sentiments, but way too vague.

3. Life is full of uncertainties, and plans and circumstances can change. As a result, navigating a career requires you to be adaptable. Should the short-term goals that you provided above not materialize what alternative directions have you considered?

What’s your Plan B? If you can’t get a job at a leading strategy consulting firm -- your first choice -- what do you want to do? If Plan A is investment banking, what’s Plan B?

First Required Essay: 25 Random Things About Yourself

Instructions: Present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be only a few words, while others may be longer. Your complete list should not exceed 2 pages.

The "Team Fuqua" spirit and community is one of the things that sets The Duke MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. When a new person joins the Admissions team, we ask that person to share with everyone in the office a list of "25 Random Things About Yourself." As an Admissions team, we already know the new hire's professional and academic background, so learning these "25 Random Things" helps us get to know someone's personality, background, special talents, and more.

In this spirit, the Admissions Committee also wants to get to know you–beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. You can share with us important life experiences, your likes/dislikes, hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are. Share with us your list of "25 Random Things" about YOU.

Have some fun with this list. It certainly allows a more creative approach than permitted by most essay prompts. Note that the questions asks you to go “beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript." So you can list your Pez collection or perhaps your brief membership in a rock band or the fact that you took violin from ages 6-18 or your membership in a gospel choir or your volunteer work in a hospital, your needlepoint, your favorite recipe or photo. Gosh the list is endless. Just let it reflect you. Think of this list as an introduction to potential friends.  For more insight into this question and the  motivation behind, please read Megan Overbay's, the former Director of Admissions’, advice. Yes, it's old, but I believe you will find it helpful. And very friendly.

Second Required Essay: 

Instructions: Your response should be no more than 2 pages in length.

Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and are vital to providing you with a range of experiential learning and individual development experiences.

Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, how do you see yourself engaging in and contributing to our community, outside of the classroom?

Do your homework about Fuqua (and yourself) before responding to this question. What activities and groups appeal to you? How do you see yourself participating? Making a difference? Then look at Duke's multi-faceted definition of "Consequential Leaders." Which do you most identify with? Imagine how you would participate and sometimes lead. While you can reference similar activities in the past, keep the focus of this essay on what you would do at Fuqua.

One approach to responding to this question: Address a letter to a close friend or colleague and tell her how you would contribute to this very participatory culture. That letter could morph into this essay.

Optional Essay Question:

If you feel there are circumstances of which the Admissions Committee should be aware, please explain them in an optional essay (such as unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance).
• Do NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area of the application.
• The Optional Essay is intended to provide the Admissions Committee with insight into your extenuating circumstances only.
• Limit your response to two pages.

Why isn’t your current supervisor writing your rec? Why is there a six-month gap on your resume? Why did your grades dip during the first semester of your senior year? What are your responsibilities while working for a family business after having left a prestigious investment bank, and why did you make the change? Answering any of those questions (but not all) could be the topic of your optional essay.

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Duke Fuqua 2016-17 MBA Application Deadlines:



If you would like professional guidance with your Duke Fuqua MBA application, please consider Accepted’s MBA essay editing and MBA admissions consulting or our MBA Application Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the Duke application. 



By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted and co-author of the definitive book on MBA admissions, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools

Related Resources:
• How To Earn A Spot On Team Fuqua [Podcast]
• Culture, Location, and Support: A Duke MBA Speaks
• 2016-17 MBA Application Essay Tips

This articleoriginally appeared on blog.accepted.com.

Applying to a top b­-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get
accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where apply, writing your
application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.
Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help you get accepted!

Leadership, teamwork, ethics, and a global approach to business are essential elements of the Duke Fuqua MBA, which is why you’ll need to make sure you express your passion for these ideals in your application essays. Impress the Fuqua adcom by positioning yourself as an innovative leader and team player, as someone who can see the big picture, work collaboratively, and shape global business.

My tips are in blue below.

Three short answer questions and 2 essays are required from all applicants.
• Responses should use 1.5 line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point.
• Do not copy the essay question in the document you upload with your application.
• Respond fully and concisely. Length requirements vary by question, and are detailed below.
• Responses must be completed before submitting your application.
• Prepare your responses carefully. The Admissions Committee considers your answers important in the selection process.
• All essays are scanned using plagiarism detection software. Plagiarism is considered a cheating violation within the Honor Code and will not be tolerated in the admissions process.

Application Tip: Check out Fuqua's selection criteria.

Required Short Answers Questions: 

Instructions: Answer all 3 of the following questions. For each question, respond in 500 characters only (the equivalent of about 100 words).

1.[/b] What are your short term goals, post-MBA?

State what you see yourself doing immediately after you earn your MBA in terms of function and industry. If location or geography are important to your goal, include them. If you know the type of companies you would like to work for, you can include that information too, but don’t say you want to work for Company X, unless Company X is sponsoring you. Without sponsorship, a "Company X" answer is probably too narrow, but saying you would like to work for a firm like Company X would work.

2. What are your long term goals?

Your long term goals should flow logically from your short-term goals. They can be fuzzier both in terms of direction and timing. But you should have them. They can, but don't have to, include larger aspirations and present a broader perspective on where you are headed. But please don't go so general and say something like "I aspire to be a good person" or "I strive to leave a lasting impact on my community." Nice sentiments, but way too vague.

3. Life is full of uncertainties, and plans and circumstances can change. As a result, navigating a career requires you to be adaptable. Should the short-term goals that you provided above not materialize what alternative directions have you considered?

What’s your Plan B? If you can’t get a job at a leading strategy consulting firm -- your first choice -- what do you want to do? If Plan A is investment banking, what’s Plan B?

First Required Essay: 25 Random Things About Yourself

Instructions: Present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be only a few words, while others may be longer. Your complete list should not exceed 2 pages.

The "Team Fuqua" spirit and community is one of the things that sets The Duke MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. When a new person joins the Admissions team, we ask that person to share with everyone in the office a list of "25 Random Things About Yourself." As an Admissions team, we already know the new hire's professional and academic background, so learning these "25 Random Things" helps us get to know someone's personality, background, special talents, and more.

In this spirit, the Admissions Committee also wants to get to know you–beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. You can share with us important life experiences, your likes/dislikes, hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are. Share with us your list of "25 Random Things" about YOU.

Have some fun with this list. It certainly allows a more creative approach than permitted by most essay prompts. Note that the questions asks you to go “beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript." So you can list your Pez collection or perhaps your brief membership in a rock band or the fact that you took violin from ages 6-18 or your membership in a gospel choir or your volunteer work in a hospital, your needlepoint, your favorite recipe or photo. Gosh the list is endless. Just let it reflect you. Think of this list as an introduction to potential friends.  For more insight into this question and the  motivation behind, please read Megan Overbay's, the former Director of Admissions’, advice. Yes, it's old, but I believe you will find it helpful. And very friendly.

Second Required Essay: 

Instructions: Your response should be no more than 2 pages in length.

Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and are vital to providing you with a range of experiential learning and individual development experiences.

Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, how do you see yourself engaging in and contributing to our community, outside of the classroom?

Do your homework about Fuqua (and yourself) before responding to this question. What activities and groups appeal to you? How do you see yourself participating? Making a difference? Then look at Duke's multi-faceted definition of "Consequential Leaders." Which do you most identify with? Imagine how you would participate and sometimes lead. While you can reference similar activities in the past, keep the focus of this essay on what you would do at Fuqua.

One approach to responding to this question: Address a letter to a close friend or colleague and tell her how you would contribute to this very participatory culture. That letter could morph into this essay.

Optional Essay Question:

If you feel there are circumstances of which the Admissions Committee should be aware, please explain them in an optional essay (such as unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance).
• Do NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area of the application.
• The Optional Essay is intended to provide the Admissions Committee with insight into your extenuating circumstances only.
• Limit your response to two pages.

Why isn’t your current supervisor writing your rec? Why is there a six-month gap on your resume? Why did your grades dip during the first semester of your senior year? What are your responsibilities while working for a family business after having left a prestigious investment bank, and why did you make the change? Answering any of those questions (but not all) could be the topic of your optional essay.

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Duke Fuqua 2016-17 MBA Application Deadlines:



If you would like professional guidance with your Duke Fuqua MBA application, please consider Accepted’s MBA essay editing and MBA admissions consulting or our MBA Application Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the Duke application. 



By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted and co-author of the definitive book on MBA admissions, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools

 

 

Related Resources:
• How To Earn A Spot On Team Fuqua [Podcast]
• Culture, Location, and Support: A Duke MBA Speaks
• 2016-17 MBA Application Essay Tips

This articleoriginally appeared on blog.accepted.com.

Applying to a top b-school?
The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their
dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your
interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.
Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help you get accepted!

Looking for the best possible admissions advice?

How about admissions advice from the admission committee members themselves?

Linda Abraham, founder of Accepted and host of the Admissions Straight Talk podcast has a collection of highly enlightening interviews with directors of admissions and adcom members of top business schools!

Listen in as Linda asks her adcom guests pointed and to-the-point questions about the school, the admissions process, how to get in, and…how to get rejected.

Listen, enjoy, and apply successfully!

Columbia Business School
Emily French Thomas, Director of Admissions

Yale School of Management
Bruce DelMonico, Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions

USC Marshall
Keith Vaughn, Former Assistant Dean of Admissions

Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business
Shari Hubert, Associate Dean of Admissions and Doreen Amorosa, Associate Dean and Managing Director of Career Management


UCLA Anderson
Jessica Chung, Associate Director of Admissions 

MIT Sloan
Dawna Levenson, Director of Admissions

Rotman School of Management
Niki da Silva, Recruitment & Admissions Director

Tuck School of Business
Dawna Clarke, Director of Admissions

Univ. of Michigan’s Ross School of Business
Diana Economy, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, and Terry Nelidov, Managing Director of the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise

The Fuqua School of Business
Liz Riley Hargrove, Associate Dean for Admissions

HEC Paris
Philippe Oster, Director of Communication, Development and Admissions

Johnson at Cornell University
Ann Richards, Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Financial Aid

For a varied menu of thought-provoking and informative conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, MBA students, and more, check out the Admissions Straight Talk Podcast:

Subscribe:







This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com.

Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.

Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help you get accepted!

Hey everybody! We’re back with another installment of “Ask the AdCom,” where we share a wide range of tips and advice from admissions team members from a dozen top business schools. Since AdCom members are human, too, we know our readers will enjoy seeing  a different side of what makes these guys tick.

This fun space is not really about the application process but more about real-life topics, like what’s a good book to read, what mobile apps are amazeballs, what are the can’t-miss courses, and all the fun stuff happening at b-school that makes lifelong memories for students.

So dig in…We hope you enjoy their insights!

Today’s question is: What’s a great place to eat around campus?
Allison Jamison, Admissions Director (Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business), says: There are a ton of great restaurants around Durham!  Durham was recently named the Foodie Capital of the South by the New York Post.  Depending on your mood, you can enjoy the gourmet eatery Parker & Otis, or a gourmet wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Toro.  If North Carolina barbecue is on your list, don’t miss The Pit – amazing food and a rooftop view of Durham.  For Mexican fare, try Nana Tacos, or try Spanish food at Mateo.

Morgan Bernstein, Executive Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions (Berkeley-Haas School of Business), recommends: Chez Panisse, Alice Waters’ famous Berkeley restaurant; Comal for upscale Mexican, great margaritas & an outdoor patio; and Dumpling Express for homemade Shanghai soup dumplings on the go.

Isser Gallogly, Assistant Dean, MBA Admissions (NYU Stern School of Business), just can’t decide, since: NYU Stern is located in the heart of Greenwich Village.  You can find every cuisine imaginable just steps from our building.

 John Roeder, Assistant Dean Graduate Admissions (SMU Cox School of Business), says: Campisi’s Egyptian Restaurant is a classic Dallas Italian restaurant that dates back to the early 50s.  The name is misleading as it has nothing to do with Egyptian food.  The story is that when the Campisi family moved into the location near SMU, they spent all of their money on renovations to the space and chose to leave up the sign for the previous tenant “The Egyptian Lounge”. Walking into the place is like stepping back in time to 1950s Dallas.  The pizza is amazing and just about every big name in Dallas can be found there at one time or another.

Kelly R. Wilson, Executive Director of Admissions (CMU Tepper School of Business), recommends: The Porch at Schenley Park, and Joe’s hot-dog cart.

Rodrigo Malta, Director of Admissions (UT McCombs School of Business), says: For a casual spot near campus, Torchy’s Tacos or Verts (started by MBA Alums!). There was a nice article on Poets and Quants about Verts earlier in the year.

Melissa Fogerty, Director of Admissions (Yale School of Management), says: We recently welcomed the newest admissions officer to our staff with a lunch at Prime 16 Tap House & Burgers on Temple Street in New Haven, and it’s my new favorite if you plan to do nothing productive for the rest of the day! Their fantastic burger selection covers everything from the Honey Truffle Burger to the Cajun Patty Melt. Finish off your meal with Truffle Parmesan Fries and a draft from their rotating selection of local beers.

Shari Hubert, Associate Dean, MBA Admissions (Georgetown McDonough School of Business), recommends The Tombs – it’s a Georgetown landmark founded by one of our alumni.

Judi Byers, Executive Director of Admissions and Financial Aid (Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management), asked students and alumni for suggestions, and they recommend:

• Peter Su MBA, ’17: Saigon Kitchen, Taste of Thai Express and Haihong
• Sydney Chernish, MBA ’16:  For a sit-down meal, I love Aladdin’s Natural Eatery. They serve epic salads and every kind of pasta you can imagine. I also like Collegetown Bagels (CTB), an Ithaca icon that is just a few blocks from Sage Hall, which serves delicious bagel sandwiches.
• Najeen Riazi, MBA ’17: Carriage House Cafe.  Not even a contest.  Brie-stuffed French toast.
• Daniel Greenhaw, MBA ’16: Coal Yard Cafe and Maxie’s.

******

Look out for the #AskAdCom in our social media channels, and we’ll see you again next week when we check in to Ask the AdCom where’s a good place to study on campus.



***

If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Contact us to learn more. Visit the website for Stacy Blackman Reviews, and check out the company’s e-publications for more in depth school-by-school guidance.

Leadership, teamwork, ethics, and a global approach to business are essential elements of the Duke Fuqua MBA, which is why you’ll need to make sure you express your passion for these ideals in your application essays. Impress the Fuqua adcom by positioning yourself as an innovative leader and team player, as someone who can see the big picture, work collaboratively, and shape global business.

My tips are in blue below.

Three short answer questions and 2 essays are required from all applicants.

• Responses should use 1.5 line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point.
• Do not copy the essay question in the document you upload with your application.
• Respond fully and concisely. Length requirements vary by question, and are detailed below.
• Responses must be completed before submitting your application.
• Prepare your responses carefully. The Admissions Committee considers your answers important in the selection process.
• All essays are scanned using plagiarism detection software. Plagiarism is considered a cheating violation within the Honor Code and will not be tolerated in the admissions process.

Application Tip: Check out Fuqua's selection criteria.

Required Short Answers Questions:

Instructions: Answer all 3 of the following questions. For each question, respond in 500 characters only (the equivalent of about 100 words).

1. What are your short term goals, post-MBA?

State what you see yourself doing immediately after you earn your MBA in terms of function and industry. If location or geography are important to your goal, include them. If you know the type of companies you would like to work for, you can include that information too, but don’t say you want to work for Company X, unless Company X is sponsoring you. Without sponsorship, a "Company X" answer is probably too narrow, but saying you would like to work for a firm like Company X would work.

2. What are your long term goals?

Your long term goals should flow logically from your short-term goals. They can be fuzzier both in terms of direction and timing. But you should have them. They can, but don't have to, include larger aspirations and present a broader perspective on where you are headed. But please don't go so general and say something like "I aspire to be a good person" or "I strive to leave a lasting impact on my community." Nice sentiments, but way too vague.

3. Life is full of uncertainties, and plans and circumstances can change. As a result, navigating a career requires you to be adaptable. Should the short-term goals that you provided above not materialize what alternative directions have you considered?

What’s your Plan B? If you can’t get a job at a leading strategy consulting firm -- your first choice -- what do you want to do? If Plan A is investment banking, what’s Plan B?

First Required Essay: 25 Random Things About Yourself

Instructions:Present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be only a few words, while others may be longer. Your complete list should not exceed 2 pages.

The "Team Fuqua" spirit and community is one of the things that sets The Duke MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. When a new person joins the Admissions team, we ask that person to share with everyone in the office a list of "25 Random Things About Yourself." As an Admissions team, we already know the new hire's professional and academic background, so learning these "25 Random Things" helps us get to know someone's personality, background, special talents, and more.

In this spirit, the Admissions Committee also wants to get to know you–beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. You can share with us important life experiences, your likes/dislikes, hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are. Share with us your list of "25 Random Things" about YOU.

Have some fun with this list. It certainly allows a more creative approach than permitted by most essay prompts. Note that the questions asks you to go “beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript." So you can list your Pez collection or perhaps your brief membership in a rock band or the fact that you took violin from ages 6-18 or your membership in a gospel choir or your volunteer work in a hospital, your needlepoint, your favorite recipe or photo. Gosh the list is endless. Just let it reflect you. Think of this list as an introduction to potential friends. For more insight into this question and the motivation behind, please read Megan Overbay's, the former Director of Admissions’, advice. Yes, it's old, but I believe you will find it helpful. And very friendly.

Second Required Essay:

Instructions: Your response should be no more than 2 pages in length.

Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and are vital to providing you with a range of experiential learning and individual development experiences.

Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, how do you see yourself engaging in and contributing to our community, outside of the classroom?

Do your homework about Fuqua (and yourself) before responding to this question. What activities and groups appeal to you? How do you see yourself participating? Making a difference? Then look at Duke's multi-faceted definition of "Consequential Leaders." Which do you most identify with? Imagine how you would participate and sometimes lead. While you can reference similar activities in the past, keep the focus of this essay on what you would do at Fuqua.

One approach to responding to this question: Address a letter to a close friend or colleague and tell her how you would contribute to this very participatory culture. That letter could morph into this essay.

Optional Essay Question:

If you feel there are circumstances of which the Admissions Committee should be aware, please explain them in an optional essay (such as unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance).

• Do NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area of the application.
• The Optional Essay is intended to provide the Admissions Committee with insight into your extenuating circumstances only.
• Limit your response to two pages.

Why isn’t your current supervisor writing your rec? Why is there a six-month gap on your resume? Why did your grades dip during the first semester of your senior year? What are your responsibilities while working for a family business after having left a prestigious investment bank, and why did you make the change? Answering any of those questions (but not all) could be the topic of your optional essay.

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Duke Fuqua 2016-17 MBA Application Deadlines:


If you would like professional guidance with your Duke Fuqua MBA application, please consider Accepted’s MBA essay editing and MBA admissions consulting or our MBA Application Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the Duke application.


By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted and co-author of the definitive book on MBA admissions, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools

Related Resources:

• How To Earn A Spot On Team Fuqua [Podcast]
• Culture, Location, and Support: A Duke MBA Speaks
• 2016-17 MBA Application Essay Tips

This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com.

Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.

Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help you get accepted!

Hey everybody! We’re back with another installment of “Ask the AdCom,” where we share a wide range of tips and advice from admissions team members from a dozen top business schools. Since AdCom members are human, too, we know our readers will enjoy seeing  a different side of what makes these guys tick.

This fun space is not really about the application process but more about real-life topics, like what’s a good book to read, best place to study, where you can find a killer meal near campus, and all the fun stuff happening at b-school that creates those lifelong, cherished memories for MBA students.

We hope you become inspired, too!
Today’s Question is: What are some fun student clubs?


Kelly R. Wilson, Executive Director of Admissions at CMU Tepper School of Business, says the most popular student clubs are the Culinary Club, Brewmeisters Club, Poker Club, Robber Barons, Tepper Cares, and the Soccer Club.

Melissa Fogerty, Director of Admissions at Yale School of Management: The Design & Innovation Club, one of the largest clubs at the SOM, introduces students to design frameworks, ideation strategies, and the value of rapid prototyping and experimentation. Through workshops, club members put their D&I and integrated MBA curriculum into action by completing real world, hands-on client projects for organizations like SYPartners and IDEO.

Their fun social events include drink and draw, game nights, Closing Bell (Thursday night happy hour), and #openEVANS. They also facilitate relationships and career opportunities with design organizations and design thinking leaders through job treks, Mock Madness, career coaching, and visiting speakers from Disney Imagineering, Dalberg Design Impact Group, PepsiCo, Citi Ventures, and others.

One of SOM’s longest-running traditions is the Internship Fund, which has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in stipends to students interning in the nonprofit and public sectors and each year subsidizes approximately 10% of the class. In 2016, 96% of the Class of 2017 supported the Internship Fund by participating in the Internship Fund Auction, Fit for Thought (a student-run Evans Hall gym), and Student Fundraising Week.

The popular, themed Internship Fund Auction is attended by over 300 students, faculty, and staff, and past auction prizes have included skydiving with a professor, a trip to a Guatemalan coffee farm and nature preserve owned by SOM alumni, a week in the Virgin Islands, cooking lessons with a professional chef, golf with Dean Snyder, and a behind the scenes look at NBA Entertainment.

Allison Jamison, Admissions Director at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business: The Wine Club is a very popular student club that hosts an Around the World event every term.  Students say it’s a great way to meet and get to know other classmates through this event in which hundreds of students participate.

There is also Fuqua Vision, our version of “Saturday Night Live,” which hosts a spoof show each term, and the Culinary Club, that hosts potlucks for those who like to cook.  The Latin American Student Association (LASA) is famous for its barbeque parties, and the Improv Club is cited by our international students as being a great way to break through communication barriers and learn some good jokes.

Morgan Bernstein, Executive Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions at UC Berkeley-Haas School of Business: We have a number of industry-specific clubs that support students in their job searches. Some of our social- and community-focused clubs include Q@Haas for LGBT students and allies; the Haas Beer Club, the Wine Industry Club, and Culinary Club which take advantage of the Bay Area’s foodie community; an Investment Club & even a Golf Club. Women in Leadership offers a fantastic community, and the Haas Partners Club welcomes students with partners and families.

John Roeder, Assistant Dean Graduate Admissions  at SMU Cox School of Business: The Cox Wine club is a popular club at Cox.  It is an educational and social origination focused on increasing students’ knowledge, respect, and enthusiasm for wine, spirits & craft beers through formal tastings, education, and networking events alongside industry professionals. Most students will be involved in intramural sports as a way to de-stress on throughout the semester.

Judi Byers, Executive Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Cornell’s Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management polled students for their recommendations:

• Peter Su, MBA ’17: Johnson on Tap, Greater China Business Club
• Sydney Chernish, MBA ’16: As former club president, my vote is for the Wine Club. We meet bi-weekly for education about wine production, tasting and the industry.
• Najeen Riazi,MBA ’17: Wine Club for the Luxury Champagne tastings, Johnson on Tap for the social aspect, and Hispanic American Business Leaders (HABLA).
• Daniel Greenhaw, MBA ’16: Johnson on Tap

Rodrigo Malta, Director of Admissions at UT McCombs School of Business: Some of our most popular social clubs include the Graduate Wine Club, The MBA Brew Club, and one that is uniquely Austin – The MBA Live Music Association!
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It seems like most of the recommended clubs included a “spirited” theme, right? Cheers to that! Look out for the #AskAdCom in our social media channels, and we’ll see you again next week when we check in to Ask the AdCom about popular annual activities on campus.

If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Contact us to learn more. Visit the website for Stacy Blackman Reviews, and check out the company’s e-publications for more in depth school-by-school guidance.

If you got some bad news in R1 and want to maximize your chances in R2- consider getting a Ding Analysis from us! Here's what one of our clients said about using us for this package:

I applied to 4 schools in Round 1 and so far have been denied to 2, HBS and Booth. While I knew that my GMAT was below the average, but within the 80% range, I felt that there were likely other reasons beyond the stats that were holding me back. While I had theories, there was no way to truly confirm them and so I began looking online for the next best thing.

I also was considering a full Consulting package to help bring together disparate parts of my application in a cohesive way. The Ding Analysis in my view was a way to affirm my theories and serve as a trial run for a consulting package. I wanted to ensure that I would be getting value beyond the affirmation of my own theories. The fact that I could roll in the Ding Analysis cost was a large contributor to my purchasing the consulting package as it allowed me to hedge in essence.

The Ding Analysis itself was very helpful. Not only did it affirm what I had suspected, it also clued me into areas of my application that I hadn't considered improving. While I wouldn't have gone with every last suggestion, there was plenty of detail both in the report itself and in the phone conversation for me to leverage for a more effective app. Primarily though, it convinced me that while I could have made changes on my own moving forward, the value i would ultimately receive in a consulting package would likely be money well spent, particularly considering the razor thin line that can occur between an admit and a deny.

The Ding report provides a check against your own thoughts from a reputable source, additional ideas and suggestions for improvement, and frank feedback on where you went wrong. If you're considering applying again, and unsure of the mistakes you might have made, this is for you. Stratus has a structured program (very important to me) and informed consultants and, in the end, this was my deciding factor.

Here's a link to 5% off any service and a way to do a free consult to find out how we can help you in Ding Analysis or any other way for R2!
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This interview is the latest in an Accepted blog series featuring interviews with MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. And now for a chat with Noelle Kelly...

Accepted: We'd like to get to know you! Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad?

Noelle: I was born and raised in Goldsboro, NC, a small town in the Eastern part of the state, and attended the same high school that my parents attended. My grandparents lived nearby, so it was great having them close as I grew up. I studied Biomedical Engineering at Duke University and graduated in 2012. I thought I would pursue a career in medical device manufacturing, but I quickly learned that I was more interested in a career in business.

Accepted: What's your favorite non-school book?

Noelle: I love The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy and Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist.

Accepted: If you could meet any famous person - past or present - who would it be and why?

Noelle: I would love to meet Dr. Maya Angelou. I had the pleasure of hearing her speak at the Duke Chapel when I was an undergraduate. Her words and legacy have been so inspiring to people everywhere - particularly women of color. I would love to receive her guidance on achieving happiness and prosperity while building up the communities around me as I transition to a new phase of life.

Accepted: Where are you currently going to b-school? What year?

Noelle: I decided to return to Duke in 2015 to attend The Fuqua School of Business. I will graduate in May 2017 with a certificate in Health Sector Management.

Accepted: Why did you choose that program? How were you a good fit?

Noelle: Fuqua offered the opportunity for me to pursue my passion for healthcare through its renowned Health Sector Management Certificate program, to learn in a supportive environment anchored by our six paired principles of consequential leadership, and to develop strong relationships with a host of amazing classmates, faculty, and administration. Furthermore, I was thrilled to return to my alma mater and my home state of North Carolina. It was tough for other schools to compete.

Accepted: Looking back at the application process, what would you say was your greatest challenge?

Noelle: Figuring out how to best present myself in my essays was definitely my most challenging part of the application process. I struggled with how much of my personal experience and background I should include. Ultimately, after sharing my essays with family, friends, and co-workers, I found the best balance for me to share my personal journey while also appealing to each school's culture. Getting feedback from those who know me best was instrumental in helping me strike the right balance.

Accepted: The GMAT... How did you prepare for it? How would you advise others to focus their study time?

Noelle: I first took the GMAT the summer after graduating from Duke before I started my first job. I would HIGHLY recommend this approach to those who can take the time to do this. Finding the time to study while you're working is possible, but it can be difficult. The score from my first attempt was pretty strong, but I wanted to try to improve it. I spent a few months studying after I started work and improved my score slightly, but not as much as I had hoped. I made the decision during the summer before I applied to stick with the score I had and to focus my efforts on the other parts of my application moving forward. My advice is to quickly identify the areas where you need additional help with the GMAT, focus on improving in those areas (including getting a tutor if you need to), and then do several practice exams under real practice settings.

Accepted: Can you share your top three tips for success for those just starting out on their MBA journey?

Noelle:

1. Enjoy it! Business school is a gift you have chosen to give to yourself. There will definitely be times when you are stressed, overwhelmed, and challenged beyond what you imagined. But there will also be times when you can't believe how lucky you are to have made friends with such amazing people, to travel across the world with your classmates, and to pursue the career you have always wanted. Whenever you are feeling stressed, try to take time to remember why you made the decision to get an MBA and how incredible this opportunity truly is.

2. Spend some time thinking about how you want to spend your time in business school before you get there. Decisions about which student organizations to join, where to study abroad, and what concentration to pursue will come up quickly. You will definitely learn more when you get to campus, but having some ideas in mind before you start school can help save you some time.

3. Get out of your comfort zone! Business school is such a great time to get to know a diverse group of people and to experience things that you never thought you would encounter. This could mean taking more challenging courses in your concentration area, going on a trek to a new country, or even pursuing a new career that wasn't even on your radar when you first got to school. You never know what may come of these amazing two years...take a chance and find out!

You can follow Noelle's journey connecting with her on LinkedIn. Thank you Noelle for sharing your story and advice with our readers. We wish you continued success.

For one-on-one guidance with your b-school application, check out our MBA Application Packages.

Do you want to be featured in Accepted’s blog? If you want to share your med school journey with the world (or at least with our readers), email us at bloggers@accepted.com.


Related Resources:

• The GMAT: Low Scores, Retaking & Strategies for Success [On-demand webinar]
• Duke Fuqua 2016-17 MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines
• What I Wish I Knew Before Entering the Duke MBA

This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com.

Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.

Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help you get accepted!

This interview is the latest in an Accepted blog series featuring interviews with MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. And now for a chat with Amir Zur...

Accepted: We'd like to get to know you! Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad?

Amir: I was born and raised in Herzeliya, Israel, a suburb 15 minutes away from Tel-Aviv. When I turned 18, I was recruited to the Israeli Intelligence Force and served as a Project Manager for three years. For undergrad, I studied Computer Science at the Interdisciplinary Center, a private college in my home town. Before business school, I was working for a startup company as a senior product manager.

Accepted: If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?

Amir: Innovator, problem-solver, modest.

Accepted: If you could meet any famous person - past or present - who would it be and why?

Amir: It will sound like a cliché but I would want to meet Michael Jordan. I grew up playing basketball and obviously, MJ was my idol. Not only because his performance on the court but also because his attitude off the court. MJ recently received the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award for exceptional meritorious service in the US, and there are countless reasons why.

Accepted: Where are you currently in b-school? What year?

Amir: I am a second year student at Duke University – The Fuqua School of Business.

Accepted: Why did you choose that program? How were you a good fit?

Amir: For me, I was looking for a school that combines the following: collaborative culture, strong network and quality education. When I traveled to the US before applying, I visited several campuses and Fuqua just clicked for me. The students, with support for the admissions team, planned a two-day itinerary filled with activities on and off campus which included a tour, networking with students and professors, visiting class and getting to know the greater Duke community. I know that most schools are collaborative, but Fuqua stood out for me because of how much of the school’s operations is led by students. Everything at Fuqua, from interviewing the next entering class, to clubs and conducting thorough recruiting plans for first year students, is led by the students. This, in my eyes, creates an entrepreneurial environment where anything is possible – and this is exactly what I felt when I first visited campus.

In addition, I was amazed by how responsive Fuqua alums were when I reached out to them. If I remember correctly, I reached out to approximately 15 alums before applying to Fuqua. All of them responded relatively quickly and were willing to spend as much time as needed to answer all my questions. Speaking with them fortified my belief that Fuqua is the right place for me, and that has proven itself a year later when I was recruiting for an off-campus product manager role.

Accepted: What are some of your most rewarding extracurricular activities (both before entering Duke and current activities)? How have those activities helped shape your career?

Amir: At Fuqua, I took on several leadership roles and I participate in several extracurricular activities:

1. Jewish Business Association president – leading the JBA was a goal of mine even before arriving to Fuqua as I really wanted to expose my classmates to the Jewish culture and Israel – a startup nation. This leads me to my second point.

2. Last year, as a JBA cabinet member, I led the Startup Nation 2016 Conference. Every year the JBA hosts a “Fuqua Startup Nation Conference” to expose the Duke academic and business community to the unique Israeli business environment, to promote Israeli companies, and to incubate business relations between Duke MBA students and Israeli companies. We had a successful conference with over 150 attendees.

3. iTrek leader – This year during spring break I will be co-leading 90 students to Israel for a 10 day trip. The iTrek is known to be among the best trips at Fuqua.

4. Fuqua Blogger – I love to write, so when I arrived at Fuqua, I volunteered to write for the Fuqua Blog team.

5. Venture scholar for G51-Amplify, a research/VC firm from Austin, TX. Fuqua offers several opportunities to get involved and help different organizations solve real-life problems. I chose the mentored study program where students are paired with startups or VCs to gain more working experience. My long-term goal is to start my own company, and looking at things from the VC perspective was something that I wanted to learn. Therefore, I started working with G51, where I evaluate early-stage startup companies and deliver my recommendations to the venture partners.

All these experiences have helped me grow on both personal and professional levels, as I had to constantly challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone and prioritize my time efficiently. I've become more culturally aware and gradually strengthened my communication, critical-thinking and leadership skills.

Accepted: Looking back at the application process, what would you say was your greatest challenge? How would you advise other applicants who may be experiencing similar challenges?

Amir: For me, these aspects were most challenging:

1. Researching the program that is right for me and understanding the differences between MBA programs

2. Connecting my background and story to the programs and differentiating myself from others

In my eyes, research is fundamental for almost anything. Most MBA programs use similar value propositions and offer the same curriculum, so how can one choose the right school for him/her? To overcome that, I started networking with current students and alums. Even if I didn’t have any connections in a certain program, I emailed the admissions committee and they connected me with students and alums. Hearing about their experiences firsthand was invaluable, and I highly suggest any candidate to speak to as many students/alums as possible.

Next, understanding the values of each school and how to connect one’s background is important. There are thousands of applicants that apply to each program every single year. Why should they pick you? Why are you special? Telling your story is easy, but telling it with the right context is hard. Each candidate should ask himself how the school’s values fit with his/hers background. How can I give back to the program and surrounding community? And most importantly, will this program help me to find my dream job post-graduation?

Accepted: Lastly, can you share your top three GMAT tips for MBA applicants?

Amir:

1. Practice makes perfect, the more questions you solve the better you’ll be.

2. Be mentally strong. A lot of students are stressed before/during the exam which directly impacts their total score and confidence (don’t be afraid to take the GMAT more than once).

3. Remember, the GMAT is just one part of the application, and admission teams are looking for diverse candidates with unique backgrounds and fit.

You can connect with Amir via LinkedIn. Thank you Amir for sharing your story with us. We wish you much success!

For one-on-one guidance with your b-school application, check out our MBA Application Packages.

Do you want to be featured in Accepted’s blog? If you want to share your med school journey with the world (or at least with our readers), email us at bloggers@accepted.com.




Related Resources:

• 9 Secrets to Standing Out in Your MBA Application, free guide
• What I Wish I Knew Before Entering the Duke MBA
• Duke Fuqua 2016-17 MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines

This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com.
Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.

Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help you get accepted!

FROM Fuqua Student Blogs: 4 Lessons from My Microsoft Internship

MBA internships are great opportunities to apply skills gained during your first year and learn additional skills that will make you a well-rounded future business leader. Landing a Microsoft internship as a product marketing manager (PMM) was my ultimate dream and one that came true this past summer. I learned a tremendous amount during those 12 weeks, and I want to share four key lessons I learned: 1. Be multidisciplined. As a PMM, be prepared to play several different roles. I had the opportunity to work cross-functionally and influence key stakeholders on my new ideas. There were several times I had to switch roles, adapt to unexpected challenges, and appreciate the needs and values of my stakeholder to accomplish the end goal. So be ready to design, consult, sell, execute, and lead. Showing the organization you can jump into any role to get the job done, is a perfect way to succeed in your internship. 2. Ideation is cool. Implementation is even better. Managers love interns because we bring fresh ideas and insights. On the other hand, what makes you stand out more during the internship is how well you can execute a strategy. As a PMM, I created and executed a marketing strategy to drive adoption of a Microsoft product across various industries. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and realized that I am creative and a great executor. Take your internship to the next level by executing your strategy and executing it well. https://blogs-dev.fuqua.duke.edu/duke-m ... -event.jpg Microsoft’s Signature Event 3. Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Have you ever heard the saying “your network is your net worth?” Well, it’s actually a very powerful phrase that can take you far in your next career. Microsoft has over 120,000 employees who believe in collaboration and building on the works of others. During my internship, I learned the importance of leveraging the right contacts. I conducted several informational meetings with counterparts inside and outside my team to learn more about other organizations and Microsoft’s culture. It was during those moments I learned the implications of my project for my team as well as others. 4. Enjoy the summer! Believe it or not, a 12-week internship goes by pretty fast. While you may want to focus on preparing for meetings, networking with full-time employees, and delivering your final brief, don’t forget the summer is yours. This is the time to meet interns from other business programs, explore the city, and take on new experiences. While in Seattle, I hiked five different trails, dined at more than 20 new restaurants, and gained a tremendous amount of new memories and friends. https://blogs-dev.fuqua.duke.edu/duke-m ... 8x1024.jpg Enjoying the Seattle area’s outdoors The post 4 Lessons from My Microsoft Internship appeared first on Duke Fuqua Student Blogs.

FROM Fuqua Student Blogs: My Favorite Fuqua Memories

I left Fuqua last May ready to rejoin the working world, armed with a new degree and a great deal more knowledge about business, marketing, and health care. The education exceeded every expectation I had of business school. However, as I think back to what the last two years have meant, my experience transcended more than just the academic coursework. As it turns out, my favorite Fuqua memories are about the people, culture, and drive that make this place special. 6. Health Care Club Week-In-Cities Trips I’ve written before about my passion for health care and decision to pursue the Health Sector Management (HSM) Certificate, but fall break of my first year truly solidified that passion. I joined a group of 12 other fresh-faced HSM students to travel to San Francisco and visit companies like Verily, Intuitive Surgical, and Genentech. Seeing the application of classroom principles was exciting, but so was taking my new friends wine tasting in Napa Valley and posing for touristy photos by the Golden Gate Bridge. https://blogs.fuqua.duke.edu/wp-content ... entech.jpg The Health Care Club’s Week-in-Cities trip to Genentech in San Francisco 5. Beer Club Oktoberfest It’s no secret that I love craft beer—I was even cold-called multiple times in Professor Aaron Chatterjee’s strategy classrooms when we studied the Boston Beer Company. As co-president of the Fuqua Beer Club, I got to attend and plan beer-themed events with my classmates, and our Oktoberfest event was my favorite. Selling out of 250 tickets, we toasted German culture with the European Business Club and savored bratwurst while catching up with friends.   https://blogs.fuqua.duke.edu/wp-content ... erfest.jpg Our Oktoberfest event at Ponysaurus Brewing 4. First-Year Case Competitions I had no idea what a case competition was when I started school. Once I was initiated, I quickly realized that getting to collaborate with a team of students on real-world business problems and then present our ideas to senior leadership of companies is an experience that makes business school unlike most other graduate school programs. Two of my favorite competitions were with Cisco Systems, where I eventually interned, and (no surprise) AB-InBev on a case that involved craft beer. My teammate, Reece, and I even got to fly to New York to present to the AB-InBev team. https://blogs.fuqua.duke.edu/wp-content ... ies-NY.jpg My husband, Pavel and my teammate, Reece with me in New York when Reece and I were finalists in the AB-InBev case competition 3. Serving as a COLE Fellow Getting to mentor two teams, each made up of six first-year students, as a Coach K Center on Leadership and Ethics (COLE) fellow was one of the highlights of my second year. Each student brought a different set of experiences and beliefs to their team, and it was inspiring to see the two teams work through the issues and demands of their first year. They taught me more about teamwork and success than any other Fuqua experience and challenged me to be a better leader. I’m so proud of what they accomplished individually and I’m excited to keep in touch with all 12 as they progress in their careers! https://blogs.fuqua.duke.edu/wp-content ... s-COLE.jpg Our group of COLE fellows with Duke Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski 2. C-LEAD Team Dinners Objectively speaking, I had the best Consequential Leadership (C-LEAD) team in the Class of 2018. While there is no way to verify that statement, I really did luck out with the five students I was paired with. They gave me the encouragement to break out of my shell, the support when recruiting got tough, and really became like a second family. Every term we would get together for dinner and spend hours laughing and talking. At our last dinner, we couldn’t bring ourselves to say goodbye, and instead made the promise to “get lunch before everyone left,” knowing full well that was impossible. https://blogs.fuqua.duke.edu/wp-content ... s-team.jpg My C-LEAD team and husband enjoying our last dinner together at Pizzeria Toro before graduation 1. Spring Break Student Trips I was lucky enough to go on “Treks” both years at Fuqua. My first year, I joined 80-plus students in Japan, and my second year our group of 95 toured around Israel and Petra, Jordan. These trips were loud, exhausting, and jam-packed with cultural and historical information, but being led through a new country by my Japanese and Israeli classmates made the experience truly unlike any other. Fuqua is lucky to have such a rich, diverse group of international students and these trips reflected that. Our inclusive culture was also highlighted by these trips—my husband, Pavel was able to come on both and we made some of our best Fuqua friends in Japan. https://blogs.fuqua.duke.edu/wp-content ... -Japan.jpg With some of my Section 6 classmates wearing kimonos in Kyoto, Japan, as part of our first-year spring break trip The post My Favorite Fuqua Memories appeared first on Duke Fuqua Student Blogs.

FROM Fuqua Student Blogs: 3 Things to Know About Funding Your MBA

Here in the admissions office we get a lot of questions from prospective and admitted students about financial aid and scholarships. It can be overwhelming to navigate funding your MBA, and every school’s process (and definition of financial aid) may be different. We thought it might be helpful to lay out some of the basics for you and help you get an understanding of how things work here at Fuqua. Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring business schools, or you’ve been admitted and are trying to figure this whole thing out, we hope there’s something here that will be useful. 1. Financial Aid and Scholarships are Different At Fuqua, we think of financing in two different categories: merit-based scholarships and financial aid. The admissions team handles all scholarship funding, and the financial aid office will help you navigate other funding options, which include loans, third-party funding, and government funding. They’ll also handle your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and any need-based aid. You will be notified of merit-based scholarship decisions at the same time you receive your admission decision, while financial aid options come around a little bit later. You can apply for financial aid after the tuition budget for the following academic year has been released, which usually happens in March. You will have full access to our financial aid team who can help you navigate the loan process as an admitted student. 2. We Distribute Generous Merit-Based Funding Every Year As noted previously, merit-based scholarship decisions are done through the admissions office. Your Fuqua application also serves as your scholarship application, and these awards are decided upon by a scholarship committee within the admissions department. As a scholarship committee, we look for individuals who are outstanding in any number of ways, and we award an unlimited number of scholarships each year. About 60 percent of the class will receive a scholarship, and these range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to full-ride funding. Your scholarship award will be for the full two years of the program. These scholarships are funded largely by our alumni and include many named fellowships from the Fuquans who have gone before you. 3. You Have Access to Additional Summer and Postgraduate Funding When you consider the funding you’ll receive from Fuqua, it’s important to remember you have access to additional funding as both a current student and a recent graduate. Many students choose to intern in the nonprofit space or pursue their own ventures in the summer months between their first and second year. In a true embodiment of our school culture, students organize initiatives to raise money for classmates working in social impact whose intern salary might not offset their cost of living. Additionally, the Fuqua Summer Internship Fund enables students to work in the social sector by matching employer salary contributions up to $15,000. Fuqua graduates pursuing a career in social impact or government also have access to the Rex and Ellen Adams Loan Forgiveness Program. This program provides financial assistance in the form of loan forgiveness awards to qualifying Daytime MBA alumni who work full-time for eligible nonprofit and government organizations. Since its inception, the program has provided $2.1 million dollars to 102 Fuqua alumni. A Few Other Things to Consider Applicants and admits are often curious whether or not they can supplement their funding with paid work while they’re a student. Fuqua does offer a number of paid positions for its students including career fellows, admissions fellows, marketing fellows, leadership fellows, and teaching assistants. We recognize that pursuing an MBA can feel like a big financial output. We encourage you to keep in mind that the cost of living in Durham is very good, and our graduates average a starting pay of $120,000 which puts them in a good position to pay back any loans. We hope that helps! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if any questions come up as you navigate this process. The post 3 Things to Know About Funding Your MBA appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.

FROM Fuqua Student Blogs: 3 Resources to Help International Applicants Find the Right MBA Program

Applying to business school—oh the memories! I remember two years ago, with the GMAT out of the way, I was confident that I had just completed the hardest part of the application process. Then, all of a sudden, it hit me: I had no idea what program was truly right for me. As an international applicant from Europe, finding the right institution was daunting. I knew what I wanted to get out of the MBA experience, but I wasn’t sure which program could offer it to me. Born and raised in the French countryside, in a town of 250 people, I naturally valued small communities and their local traditions. Studying green chemistry and engineering, and later working for GE Power & Water, I focused most of my career on energy and the environment. As a result, I wanted my next school to have a strong culture, but also welcome unconventional backgrounds and career paths like mine. Finding the right MBA program was crucial for me. If you are an international applicant in the same situation, don’t fear, here are the three resources that helped me determine that Fuqua was right for me. Check Out Online Resources Look for direct feedback in blogs and forums. To help me find the right school, the internet was my first stop. Like most prospective students, l started looking at different websites to get a sense of each institution. I spent hours doing research on different programs, their cultures, and their post-graduation opportunities. First, I wanted to understand the differences between U.S. and European MBAs, then I wanted to learn about individual differences between each institution. I found the most useful websites to be forums and blogs. The direct student feedback provided tangible examples of each program’s culture and focus. Poets & Quants is just one of the many websites I used to help me make up my mind. Take Advantage of Campus Visits This is your chance to get a taste of the school’s culture. I have to admit that while these websites were great tools to get started, they were not what led me to Fuqua. My first personal experience with Fuqua was a few weeks before I decided to apply when I signed up for a campus visit. In September, I decided to visit campus, attend a class, and participate in Fuqua Friday. Over lunch, current students were all happy to share their perspectives and opinions on the program. During Fuqua Friday, a weekly school tradition, I had a first-hand experience of the strong community within the school. Students, faculty, and families all met in the Fox Center to chat about the week, all while enjoying food and drinks. This experience is what really resonated with me, as the close-knit community and culture were unparalleled at other schools. https://blogs.fuqua.duke.edu/duke-mba/wp ... tation.jpg My study team during our first days of orientation Meet Current Students and Alumni They are always happy to share their experiences. After my first campus visit, I decided to reach out to a fellow European student at Fuqua. He quickly became a close friend of mine. After a few phone conversations, I knew that the school was a cultural fit, but I wanted to learn more about the different career paths it could offer. The second-year student happily connected me by email with other students with similar career goals to mine. After my admissions interview, he took me out, introduced me to other students, and showed me his favorite spots in Durham. He genuinely embodied Fuqua’s supportive ambition. By connecting me with other students interested in energy, he made me feel comfortable that the program would help me grow in my desired field. If I hadn’t explored online resources, visited the school, and had multiple one-on-one conversations with current students, I’m not sure that I could have confidently stated my fit at Fuqua. However, after meeting students and exploring Durham, I was so excited about the prospect of joining the Fuqua School of Business. Once admitted, the decision was easy. So, if you are an international applicant just as I was a couple of years ago, and unsure what American business school is right for you, don’t be afraid to reach out to us. Ideally, come visit us and experience it for yourself. But regardless of the visit, don’t be afraid to contact current students and alumni. We are always happy to share our experiences at Fuqua! https://blogs.fuqua.duke.edu/duke-mba/wp ... 4x1024.jpg Our European Business Club information booth at Blue Devil Weekend The post 3 Resources to Help International Applicants Find the Right MBA Program appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.

FROM Fuqua Student Blogs: Gaining Entrepreneurial Experience at Fuqua

Coming into Fuqua, I had many ideas about how to spend my two years. One of them was to pursue entrepreneurship, and business school has helped me tremendously in that regard. There are a lot of avenues to explore at Duke and Fuqua that help strengthen your entrepreneurial experience, so your path just depends on your interests and goals. Here are a few examples. Coursework You can enroll in the New Ventures—a course within the Program for Entrepreneurs—where you work with a faculty advisor on your startup idea. There is the Mentored Study program where you work with a real startup or early-stage firm. There is Fuqua on Board where you sit on the board of a Durham-based organization and help it devise strategies. Experiential Learning During my first year, I participated in the Prodigy Startup Challenge. Many prospective students, especially international ones, are probably aware of Prodigy Finance. They provide third party loans toward tuition, something that I myself am a beneficiary of. The inaugural challenge was organized in New York, and it was quite an experience. My team was comprised of myself and two other first-year students, Astha and Sailesh. We were selected for the final round out of a considerable number of submissions, and the education we had at Fuqua leading up to the competition played a significant role in our success. The three of us had been working on a socially viable enterprise targeting developing economies such as India. Our idea was to provide additional income to cycle rickshaw (pedicab) drivers by making the rickshaws an advertisement medium. We worked along with Fuqua’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) on various aspects of our idea including financial analysis, market viability, and a practical approach to seeing it through to fruition. If you talk to a successful entrepreneur, you know that ideas are a dime a dozen—it’s the implementation and sales that matter. CEI has helped us and many others to make our visions reality. The Fuqua Brand Apart from these formal entrepreneurial programs, what I have learned is that the Duke and Fuqua brand name is the key that opens a lot of doors. As you might already know or come to know, relationships and access are two things that don’t come easy. Fuqua has an established name and alumni everywhere. It has helped me more than I could have imagined. If you are looking for a place where you can strengthen your entrepreneurial experience, gain crucial know-how, and build a valuable network, look no further than Fuqua. Getting the support to launch your idea is not so elusive here if you are ready to work hard. The post Gaining Entrepreneurial Experience at Fuqua appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.

FROM Fuqua Student Blogs: 3 Reasons I Chose the MSTeM Track as an International MBA Candidate

When I was in your shoes as a prospective student—browsing top B-school websites and comparing different MBA programs—I wanted to know which program could help me most in achieving my goal to work in the U.S. and to become an enabled business leader in a world of Big Data and AI. When I heard about the certificate in Management Science and Technology Management (MSTeM) during my first visit to Fuqua in 2017, I knew that would be the differentiator. I applied only to Fuqua later that year and I was so grateful to be accepted! Now that I’m halfway through my MBA journey at Fuqua and have taken two courses within the MSTeM curriculum, I want to share with you the reasons that I chose to enter and continue on this track. 1. Recruiting Advantage Companies are craving MBAs with data analytics skills to compete in a world where business decisions are more and more data-driven. If you open LinkedIn or Indeed, you could find many job descriptions with the keywords “data analytics.” It has become one of the most desirable skills in the business world across industries. I still remember that when a pharmaceutical company came to recruit on campus, the director specifically emphasized their urgent need to hire MBAs with data analytics skills, even when the position was a traditional MBA role in the general management rotational program. As an international student, having a skillset such as data analytics can make you more competitive when compared to domestic students without that experience. Among other things, this could help offset the communication disadvantage that non-native English speakers sometimes have. 2. Applying the Skills in Internships I did two internships this summer, and the data analytics skills I’ve learned so far in the MSTeM track empowered me to add more value during them. The first was working as an internal consultant at Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies in China and the other was working as a summer associate in a Raleigh-based health care private equity firm. These two roles were quite diversified and very business-oriented positions, which are not ‘traditional’ data analytics jobs. But it turns out that what set me apart was the work I did using the data analytics tools learned in Decision Models class. When I laid out the tornado chart (a tool used to do sensitivity analysis) in the presentation made to the chairman of J&J China, I saw that his eyes were shining. Later he told me that he is an MBA graduate himself but he didn’t think that an MBA intern without a related background could do that kind of data analysis. I really felt pumped at that moment. 3. Work Eligibility Benefits Believe it or not, international MBA students are facing tough challenges when recruiting in the U.S. due to employers’ limited willingness to sponsor visas. MSTeM is a tangible way to combat this. The science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) feature of the track enables international students to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT)—a program designed for people without visas to work in the U.S. legally—from one year to three years in total. This feature triples an international MBA employer’s opportunities to apply for longer-term work visas such as the H-1B. The longer OPT timeline could also reopen doors to companies that have stopped sponsoring international students. Many companies limit their sponsorships because they fear that international MBA students would have to leave the U.S. if they don’t successfully get an H-1B visa within one year, which would mean all the investment (training, time, effort, etc.) in these candidates is wasted. But with three years, many companies are thinking differently. One company I engaged with last year was willing to interview international students because it could endure people leaving after three years since the average tenure of the company’s employees in a role was around two. Due to this obvious advantage, many international students in my class take the MSTeM track as one of their areas of focus. By the way, there is no additional tuition for MBAs to take this track, and something free is always good for indebted students . The post 3 Reasons I Chose the MSTeM Track as an International MBA Candidate appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.

FROM Fuqua Student Blogs: What Do Incoming Exchange Students Think About Fuqua?

Every year, Fuqua takes in about 85 incoming exchange students from all over the world. As a Fuqua student, the diversity they bring to our school is another great thing about the experience here. I very much enjoyed talking with them about their former experiences, lectures at their home school, and career paths. Among those topics, there is one question I always ask first: Why did you choose to come to Fuqua? And at the end of term farewell party, I also ask: Did you find what you were looking for? Although exchange students stay at Fuqua only for a relatively short time, I think their experience can be a good example of what people can expect when they first come to Fuqua. Most of these exchange students came to Fuqua for academic reasons, and left with the memory of Team Fuqua, along with their learnings in and outside of class. Here are some comments from exchange students I met. Guillermo Joo Novoa SDA Bocconi School of Management I chose Fuqua for three reasons: academics, various activities beyond those academics, and location. Fuqua has a solid academic reputation, and when I came here, I was impressed by the level of participation and engagement Fuqua students have in every class. Lectures are guided by the faculty, but students interact and participate a lot in class, making it more about a discussion than just a regular lecture. Also, Fuqua offered many activities besides classes, especially great sports and training facilities that are part of the larger Duke campus. It definitely helped my training for the New York City marathon, which I successfully finished last fall! Not only fitness facilities, but Duke and Fuqua also have state of the art campus facilities that cannot be outdone by any school in Europe or South America that I’ve seen. The campus is gorgeous, and there was always something going on to keep us busy, which made all of the exchange students very impressed. It was also great to live in a small city, Durham, after living in a big one. I was able to enjoy the college experience and focus on what Duke has to offer. I can’t say enough about the people at Fuqua. Everyone from faculty, staff, and students were accommodating and collaborative. Every time I had a question about the school, events, lectures, and other activities, I found someone willing to help me. Students were welcoming, and by working with them on teams, I felt I was part of their class. In a nutshell, my Fuqua experience was outstanding and amazing. The courses and many other activities made the best of my time at Fuqua. It was the last term of my MBA, and I am pleased that I did it at Fuqua. Bette Chen University of Otago The keyword of my Fuqua experience is “fabulous.” I was amazed by the quality of guest speakers in class and the alumni network that Fuqua has. I made so many memories through Fuqua Friday, design thinking workshops, Blue Devil basketball games, and many other events. The most valuable thing I got through my time at Fuqua is the people I have met and connected with. I went there looking forward to meeting super smart and like-minded people, as Fuqua is one of the top business schools in the world. The people are brilliant, well-rounded, and well-presented. It was a great experience to be surrounded by stimulating minds. I was super impressed by the ‘student-run’ culture at Fuqua as well. Student leadership groups such as club cabinets, event committees, and others spend a great deal of time and effort to maximize not only their own but also other students’ experience. My interest in blockchain technology also led me to Fuqua. The school has a blockchain class, Innovation and Cryptoventures, by professor Campbell Harvey, and Duke University has a blockchain lab. Although I couldn’t take the course since it was not offered while I was there, I still met many students who were interested in the subject. I had an opportunity to help a couple students set up a new blockchain club at Fuqua, which was an extraordinary memory for me. Germaine Soo National University of Singapore The U.S. was my destination of choice as it has been at the forefront of thought-leadership in business management. I chose Fuqua because its strong strategy and health care focuses are relevant to my pharmacy background and the career path I aspire to pursue. Looking back at my experience at Fuqua, it was truly enriching. That includes academics, travel, and friendships, as I spent the fall semester with 50 exchange students from 15 countries. We bonded over watching American football (go Blue Devils!), Fuqua Fridays, house parties, and weekend trips to New York City, Washington, D.C., and the Great Smoky Mountains. I also hung out with several Daytime MBA students and experienced the Team Fuqua spirit first-hand. Another bonus—the cost of living in Durham is not as high as in larger cities, and I like that I can easily access other U.S. cities via the Raleigh-Durham International Airport which is only 20 minutes from campus. I also want to highlight my learning from peers, professors, and industry leaders in the classroom and beyond. I enjoyed hearing from different perspectives during the interactive classroom discussions and about work experience shared by top-notch professors with corporate backgrounds. I took several Health Sector Management electives, including one taught by Professor David Ridley. It was interesting to hear about his experience proposing a priority review voucher system that was passed by U.S. Congress as a law to encourage the development of drugs for neglected diseases. Having been at the front seat where the action was, his insights on pricing, reimbursement, and access to medicines were valuable. I also enjoyed the pearls of wisdom and life experience shared by distinguished keynote speakers, their perspectives on real-life challenges, and problem-solving approaches. I am grateful for the experience, and I will always cherish the friendships made and memories forged during my fall exchange at Fuqua. The post What Do Incoming Exchange Students Think About Fuqua? appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.

FROM Fuqua Student Blogs: Our Fuqua on Board Experience

Fuqua On Board (FOB) is a volunteer-based, year-long program where MBA students are selected from a pool of applicants and paired with a local nonprofit to serve as a non-voting board member. We worked with Durham Art Guild, a nonprofit organization that supports local artists and advocates for arts in the Durham area. Through our involvement in the board meetings, committee meetings, and other events, we had a unique learning experience. Why We Participated There were a couple aspects of FOB that were specifically attractive to us. First, we wanted to learn how a board functions and how board committees impact the overall division of work and productivity of the board. We wanted to understand how the board oversees the operation and promotes the development of the nonprofit organization through the collective efforts of its committees. Additionally, we wanted to learn the language used in board meetings and improve our understanding of standard operating procedures so we can be better prepared to serve on boards in the future. Finally, FOB provided a great opportunity for us to get connected to the local community outside of Fuqua. By participating in the program, we also had the opportunity to apply an analytical mindset and strategic thinking in a real-world setting. It is exciting to be able to help a nonprofit add value to the Durham community. Getting Involved To become involved with FOB, there is an application process that starts in late September of students’ first year. Initially, we each looked through the previous year’s board profiles to see which organizations we would be most interested in and qualified to join. The application asks a number of questions about you, your past experience, the organizations you’d like to join, and the work you’d like to do for the board. After submitting the application, there are invitation-only interviews that happen about a week later. This allows for the staff who oversees FOB to get to know applicants better and helps ensure students are matched with the best board possible. By the end of October, we were notified of our acceptance to the program and our match with the Durham Art Guild. After our acceptance, we jumped right in! There are a number of events that prepare students to take on this new board role, such as FOB Orientation/Kickoff and FOB Bootcamp. These events helped ensure we got up to speed on the basics around how boards function and what our role would be over the next year. During these events, we got to meet our board liaison and began talking about what our project would be for the Durham Art Guild. Throughout the year we also attended events hosted at Fuqua for FOB participants such as “Evaluating Organizational Performance,” “Nonprofit Financials and The Board,” and “Non-Profit Fundraising.” These additional opportunities for learning really rounded out the FOB experience. Reflecting on Our Experience FOB exposed us to the nonprofit world in Durham. It gave us the opportunity to get connected to people outside of the Fuqua ‘bubble’ and get to know their passions and struggles. Throughout the process, we were able to leverage the resources and support around us to navigate through ambiguity and identify areas of improvement. FOB allowed us to learn the fundamentals of a board and make an impact while gaining experience that we can take with us to future board experiences. It was truly rewarding when our project presentation was well received. FOB has been such a meaningful experience—one where we overcame challenges and gave back to the community. The post Our Fuqua on Board Experience appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.