Beat The GMAT

prasath · Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:16 am

Hi all,
Iv been having issues on writing the 2nd essay for Duke Fuqua. The essay topic: Discuss a person, event, or experience that has significantly shaped your life and explain why.

What is the adcom expecting from this essay? last year they made it very clear that the goal of the essay was to get a sense of who the candidate is rather that his/her professional achievements.
What do you all think. Any Duke applicants/consultants out there pls provide some suggestions..
Thanks in advance.
Prasath

Back to top

Bryant@VeritasPrep · Mon Oct 05, 2009 6:12 pm

Remember that the overall goal of the committee is to try and know you inside and out through your application. This essay is designed to provide a peek into what makes you tick--what has shaped you into the person you are today. So, make sure that whatever you choose to write about, it provides this kind of personal insight and does not digress into a theoretical or philisophical commentary. Be anecdotal and personal. They want to know what you are passionate about and how you came to the point of recognizing leadership potential in yourself. Good luck.

Back to top

mjjking · Tue Oct 13, 2009 4:00 am

Hey I am applying to Fuqua R1 too! I wanted to apply EA, but couldn't make it (tests, work, etc... many reasons) but I will apply only to Duke this year. it's my number 1 choice.
My stats:
gmat 720, gpa 4, italian, 18 months we in quality management 8 months in non-for-profit management, worked abroad. Let's hope for the best folks!

Back to top

pranav · Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:37 am

Looks like this year, they are open to essays from the professional field.
Since the 1st essay would highlight the professional side of the applicant, i think it would be wise to write an essay based on pesonal experience / outside work activities.
If writing about a person, show how the qualities of the person have helped you achieve something.
If writing about event, you can cite examples where you rose to the occasion to ensure that the event was successful.
And in experience, show how the experience has shaped you to be a better person or view things in better perspective or achieve something.

Hope this helps.
Even i am applying in R1 to Duke.
All the best for the apps.