Fuqua School at Duke University Releases MBA Essay Questions & Deadlines for 2013-14 Application

Fuqua School of Business at Duke University released its MBA Essay Questions & Deadlines for the 2013-14 application season for the class entering in Fall 2014.

Fuqua School of Business Full-time MBA Application Deadlines for 2013-14:

Required Short Essays (250 characters each only)

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 long-term goals that you provided above not materialize what alternative directions have you considered?

Required Essays

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.

2. 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.Your response to this essay question should be no more than 2 pages in length. Please respond fully and concisely using 1.5 line spacing.

Optional Essay

1.  If you feel there are extenuating circumstances of which the Admissions Committee should be aware, please explain them in an optional essay (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, or any significant weakness in your application).
   • 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.

Re-Applicant Essay

1. It is not uncommon for it to take more than one try to achieve a goal.  Please share with us the self-reflection process that you underwent after last year’s application and how you have grown as a result.  How did it shape your commitment to Fuqua and inspire your decision to reapply?
   • Responses should be no more than 2 pages, using 1.5 line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point.
   • Make sure you address any gaps in your application and that you show progress.
   • You can access the re-applicant essay in the online application.

The essays are available on the school’s website here.