2018 MBA Essay Questions: Duke Fuqua

2017 Duke Information

They kept the questions the same again last year – which is kinda good, since they’re decent questions, but it’s kinda disappointing, given how all the other schools are working so hard to innovate. Our 2017 Duke Essay Guide explains strategies on how to answer them. It could be said that Duke was an early adopter of the more innovative form of bschool essay, with their 25 Random Things list, and we do concede that that’s a great question which applicants tend to have fun with, and which can reveal a lot about a person. But…. keeping the status quo is kinda communicating that Duke is fine with how things are going, and it just seems like they’re a little bit stalled out and stagnant right now. Granted, they hit #3 on the BusinessWeek rankings in 2016, so who is the ‘Snark to say?

Duke’s second essay question is quite similar to what Wharton is asking, and it’s also got a lot of parallels with Columbia essay 2 as well as with the MIT pre-interview “mission” essay. Duke was the first to start with this type of question, so you can see how they’ve put an emphasis on culture for a long time.

2016 Duke Information

Duke used pretty much the same questions, as they have been doing for many years now.

In 2016, they cleaned up the “culture/contribution” prompt which made it easier to tackle for Class of 2019 applicants compared to what previous crops of BSers had to deal with.

We’ve done lots of posts on the Duke essays over the years, so that’s an advantage, too!

2016 Early Action and Open Interviews

The most important thing to know about Duke right now? That they offer OPEN INTERVIEWS on campus in late summer, for a rather short window of time. It’s HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that everyone – regardless of which application round you’re aiming for – makes plans for a trip out to Durham for this opportunity. We discuss the reasons why in our Duke app guide.

Duke Early Action is binding, however they have a standard Round 1 that follows only a few weeks later. If you’re not fully convinced that Fuqua is the place for you, then stick with Round 1 – but if you are ready to commit, then Early Action can be a real advantage.
[end discussion of early-season 2016 info]

2015 Duke Information

Last year’s questions (these are old)

Excellent!!! Duke has kept its same questions for 2015 except that they’re giving you more space in the important Career Goals short-answer questions. YAY DUKE!! Our Fuqua strategy guidecovers everything you need to know on tackling these questions and the essays.

Three short-answer questions – just 250 characters each — NOW 500 CHARACTERS EACH! THAT’S HUGE! You’ll be able to actually pitch a complete career path now.

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

Two essays, up to two double-spaced pages each:

You really need to read the full questions as posted on their website .

1. [T]he 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.
2. Choose one:
   • When asked by your family, friends, and colleagues why you want to go to Duke, what do you tell them? Share the reasons that are most meaningful to you.
   • [A very involved question asking you to understand the 6 Fuqua Values and then:] At the end of your 2 years at Fuqua, if you were to receive an award for exemplifying one of the 6 Principles listed below, which one would it be and why? Your response should reflect your knowledge of Fuqua and the Daytime MBA program and experience, and the types of activities and leadership you would engage in as a Fuqua student.

Very minor changes to the wording of that option #2 question: They deleted the phrase “should reflect the research you have done.” Hmmm. Interesting, Duke!

For the career goals, Duke is pretty much the only school that invites you to present a “Plan B.” For most other applications you’ll want to stick with just ONE set of goals. It’s tough enough to convey those in the limited space the schools allow!! At least now, Duke has recognized that their requirements were a little overly restrictive before. You have a fighting chance this year, Brave Supplicant! You’re applying at like the best time ever. 😉

Also, that second question sure does have traces of Berkeley-Haas lingering around it! Unsurprising. Both of these schools have a distinct focus on culture, and both want you to understand what that culture is about before applying. The risk with the second option for essay 2? You could come across a little stilted if you try too hard. Check out the Duke Essay Guide to learn more.

Duke 2015 Deadlines

• Early Action (binding): September 15, 2015 (two days earlier than 2014)
• Round 1: October 14, 2015 (almost a week earlier than last year)
• Round 2: January 5, 2016 (same day as last season)
• Even though Round 3 is closed, they’re accepting apps on a rolling basis until April 25 (with decision coming on May 6 – are they saying that they would really be able to admit you in that little time?!?? we don’t suggest trying now)

[end discussion of Fuqua’s last year questions]

2014 Duke Information

Duke won our informal Best MBA Questions contest for two years in a row (2012 and 2013) – their essay questions are awesome! We’ve therefore been thrilled that they’ve kept them exactly as they are for so long – including this year! They keep resisting the urge to make changes just because all the other schools are changing. Bravo, Fuqua! 😀

[end discussion of Duke’s 2014 application]