Fuqua (Duke) Class of 2016: Calling all applicants!

Good luck on next application season.

Mostly likely R1 for me

I'm in for EA... can someone plz explain the EA process to me... i've read that we have to be absolutely sure while applying for EA... does the applicant have to submit a large chunk of the fee, if accepted ??

Yes, 3K due before december; only apply EA if Fuqua is your first choice.

Also, EA at Fuqua is binding. They ask you to withdraw all other applications if you are admitted.

whoa... thazz a huge deal... thanx for the info guyz

Just a note to those who really want to get ahead of the game. I talked with the admissions team and they said the essays from 2013 will for the most part remain unchanged. They REALLY enjoyed the 25 random things essay and are looking to do it again this year. The ones they told me that will more than likely be on the 2014 application are (don't quote me on this):

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

1. 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.

Please 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.

I'm glad they're keeping that one, it was by far my favorite essay question of the app season

I really enjoy the 25 things as well - I was hoping that one stayed.

Good stuff, this gives us a partial head start on the Fuqua app. I know it's not 100% certain that the 25 things will be part of the app this year but the link below shows how a few Fuqua bloggers tackled the question.

https://blogs.fuqua.duke.edu/duke-mba/tag/25-random-things/

Well, hate to be 'that' guy, but 25 things question can be pretty nightmarish for re-applicants.

I wonder if you'd have to come up with a new 25. 25 random things I can do, 50... I dont think so

Does anyone know when it will be officially posted?

Also, is the early action round easier to get into than the normal rounds?

I would say that it is slighty easier to get in, just because of the fact that you are already showing a strong interest in school and have all the 450 spots available. With that said, I doubt that chances are significantly higher. If you are ready by EA and have Duke as your number 1 choice, then you should absolutely go for it.

Will I be able to hear back from other schools (Round 1) before I have to submit the Duke EA deposit? My top 3 choices are Duke, Chicago, and UCLA... although I'm not necessarily sure in that order. Each has pros and cons and each is an amazing school.

Only apply EA if Duke is your first choice. Otherwise apply R1.

This is just my opinion, but Duke is EXTREMELY big on an applicant being a "fit". With that being said, in my opinion, if Duke is truly your #1 choice and you make that explicit in your essays, interviews, etc., then EA will give you a leg up. If you're lukewarm to Duke or if you're just doing EA as a "safe" option, they will pick up on this and EA will just be a "slight" advantage. Also, if you're serious about Duke EA, then visit the campus before then. I'm not sure if you can apply to EA without a campus visit, but the admissions people did tell me they question the seriousness of all EA applicants who have NOT visited the campus beforehand (barring some extraordinary circumstance like you're from out of the country).

In other words, EA in my opinion will benefit you the most if Duke is truly you're #1 option and if you're willing to crawl naked on broken glass to go there (that got me a few chuckles from current students). Otherwise, go for R1 and keep your options open.