Applying to Fuqua? Read this guide for the most practical strategies and tips curated by the best MBA admissions coaches in the world and Fuqua alumni to get you that much closer to your dream school.
Posted July 4, 2024
12:00 AM UTC · 45 minutes
2024-2025 Application Overview GMAT/GRE Other Application Items Fuqua Tuition and Costs Coach Recommendations Fuqua MBA Programs Full-Time Program Overview Dual Degree Programs The Fuqua School of Business Experience Fuqua FAQs Final Note
Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business is known for its diverse perspectives and emphasis on leadership and cooperation. It offers ten different degree programs and eleven non-degree programs, enrolling more than 2,000 students each year. There are many different study abroad options and other international students to provide students with global learning and engagement chances.
Fuqua is well known for its impact on many different industries, including financial services, consumer goods, energy, consulting, health care, technology, consulting, the environment, and media. It also has strong entrepreneurship and social impact sectors.
"What this place teaches you so well is how to learn and how to collaborate; and how to think about something; and how to approach something; and how to work with people who come from a very different point of view and have a different perspective than you do."
Apple CEO Tim Cook, Duke MBA ‘88
Early Action: September 4, 2024
Round 1: October 1, 2024
Round 2: January 9, 2025
Round 3: February 20, 2025
Round 4: April 3, 2025
Duke accepts scores from both the GRE and GMAT. For its executive MBA program, it also accepts Executive Assessment scores. Test scores are valid for five years and they do not require official scores at the time of application. There is no preference for either the GRE or the GMAT and there is no minimum test score requirement. Scores can be updated after the application’s submission.
Duke’s GRE/GMAT test codes:
As part of the application, Fuqua asks applicants to respond to one short answer and two longer essay questions.
Short Answer
Instructions: Answer the following question in 100 words or less.
What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan.
Essay 1
Instructions: Your list must be 2 pages or less and no more than 750 words. Respond in list form, with each point numbered 1 to 25. The points may be of varying lengths.
Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU - beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand who you are.
Essay 2
Instructions: Your response must not exceed one page or 500 words
Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are three ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua?
Optional Essay 3
Instructions: Your response must not exceed one page or 500 words
If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only.
Essay Tips and Formatting Guidelines:
Recommender Requirements
For new applicants, Duke requires one letter of recommendation and offers another optional letter of recommendation. Reapplicants can use the same recommendation letter from a previous application and have the opportunity to submit one or two new letters.
In addition to the one required recommendation, applicants may provide an additional endorsement from Fuqua alumni or current students. If this endorsement is submitted before you submit your application, you will be eligible for an application fee waiver.
Guidelines
Recommendation Form Questions
Interviews give applicants the chance to showcase different areas of their credentials. The interview will be conducted by an admissions staff member, an alumnus/alumna, or an admissions fellow. At the current time, all interviews will be conducted online. They typically last 30-45 minutes and are conducted in English. Business casual is the appropriate attire and the interviewers will only have a copy of the applicant’s resume.
From 135 top coaches
From 135 top coaches
Fuqua’s application fee is $225. It is non-refundable and payable by VISA or MasterCard. The following individuals may be eligible to receive an application fee waiver:
At the time of application submission, unofficial transcripts are acceptable and are required for each higher education institution where the applicant:
The transcripts should include the applicant and institution’s name, each course taken and the grade received, the degree received, and the date conferred. If the transcript is not in English, it must be translated, attested, and uploaded along with the originals. Official transcripts are not required until after admission and the due date will be posted in the admitted student portal.
Transcripts can be sent in via two different ways:
The Fuqua School of Business Office of Admissions
100 Fuqua Drive, Box 90120
Durham, NC 27708-0120
The resume should be one-page and can include: full-time employment, volunteer work, internships, part-time work experience, and education. Make sure that each has the location, title, date, and responsibilities, and starts with the most recent position. It should be submitted online via the application portal.
The Fuqua application includes some personal information from its applicants in order to understand all elements of their applicants in order to provide context for other parts of the application and ensure the best fit. The following are required:
Duke emphasizes that the cost of an MBA is an investment in your future. Taking time away from a career can be stressful, but it can also be an exciting opportunity. Fuqua is committed to making its MBA accessible to all qualified candidates.
Medical Insurance and Other Fees: $8,005
Educational Supplies: $848
Living Expenses: $24,048
Estimated Total Cost of Attendance: $110,826
… and many more! Click here for our full roster of world-class MBA admissions coaches.
The Fuqua School of Business offers different MBA programs for different kinds of students. The options include:
This program is for students who have already earned their master’s degree in management. The courses skip business fundamentals and provide students with many electives and experiential learning options to support students’ unique goals.
The traditional MBA program, this option gives students the business fundamentals and then dives into electives and other learning opportunities.
This program is designed for full-time working professionals from around the globe who want to expand their network and build acute business acumen.
Also for working professionals, this program is designed with maximum flexibility to give its students business skills without interrupting their lifestyles and career.
Fuqua’s top-ranked MBA program provides students with the opportunity to get out of their comfort zones, push their limits, and develop many different skills. The process begins with an intense orientation month and business program immersion through a rigorous program of three courses that emphasize leadership and management. The remainder of the academic year is divided into four 6-week terms of classes that each meet twice a week for 2 hours and 15 minutes. The structure ensures that students will have many opportunities to choose electives and customize their course study.
All first-year students are assigned to cohorts with four to five peers with whom they will do group projects. The teams are hand-picked with the goal of diversifying perspectives and skills so that students will learn from and grow with each other.
The program starts in July and lasts for 22 months. It is conducted on a cohort basis with a curriculum composed of general management, 16 different concentrations, 2 certificates, 1 track, and 5 dual-degree options. There are over 100 different elective options for students to choose from.
Throughout the first year, students will complete 14 core courses with 4 or more electives. They are broken down in the following manner:
Orientation: 3 days
Spring 1: 6 weeks
Spring 2: 6 weeks
In the second year, students are given many different elective options so that they can customize their course of study to their unique educational and career goals.
Reorientation and Consequential Leadership II: 4 days
Spring 1: 6 weeks
Spring 2: 6 weeks
Fuqua’s full-time MBA program offers five different dual degree programs that are designed to give future leaders the skills they need to solve problems at the intersection of business, law, policy, health, energy, and the environment. They include the following:
All of Fuqua’s faculty members are top-ranked and have been recognized for their excellence in teaching and in the business industry. All classes are relevant to the modern business world and aspire to challenge students. The faculty maintains an open-door policy that encourages student-faculty collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking.
The professors and classes rely on different teaching methods to provide students with a dynamic learning environment. The methods include case studies, strategic games, realistic simulations, and research centers.
Tips for Admitted Students:
About Durham, NC:
What should I know about Early Action?
Do you offer a waiver of the application fee?
What should I know about GMAT/GRE/EA test scores?
Submitting your application and test scores:
Updating your test scores:
What is your policy on deferred admission?
Deferral Fast Facts:
Does Fuqua accept transfer credits?
Do you offer an online or part-time program?
How are interviews conducted?
What if I have to cancel or reschedule my interview?
Are there additional virtual activities for me to participate in?
Virtual weekday campus visit activities may include:
Virtual open house activities may include:
Can my partner/spouse participate with me?
How are Fuqua merit scholarship awards determined?
These awards are for the 2-year MBA program duration and range from partial to full tuition. There is no funding for new awards in the second year. Therefore, students who enroll without scholarship funding the first year should not anticipate an award for the second year of the program. Merit scholarship awards are made independent of determining a student's eligibility for student loans.
Is it possible to borrow funds to meet the costs of attending Fuqua?
Visit Financing Your Degree for more information.
How do I apply for student loans?
How will I know if my FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has been sent to Fuqua Financial Aid?
As an international student, when should I apply for admission?
Do I need to submit an English as a Second Language Test score?
Fuqua does not accept ESL test scores. We will use other aspects of your application to assess language proficiency. If you are applying for the dual degree with the Nicholas School of the Environment (MBA/MEM), please note that ESL test scores are required to complete the MEM application.
Will you consider my application with a degree less than a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree?
Is there financial aid available for international applicants?
Do I need a new application, essays, and letters of recommendation?
Do reapplicants need to resend official test scores and official transcripts?
I am a reapplicant and interviewed last year. Do I need to interview again?
How does the waitlist work?
While I’m on the waitlist, can I retake the GMAT/GRE/EA?
I was waitlisted without an interview. What should I do?
May I submit additional information for the admissions committee to consider?
I have a question that has not been addressed in the waitlist FAQs. What should I do?
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