The Fuqua School of Business (Duke University)

Essay questions

You'll need to provide your thoughts on two short-answer questions and two essays as part of your application.

Instructions for all written submissions: Responses should use 1.5-line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point. Do not repeat the question in the document you upload with your application. Respond fully and concisely. Length requirements vary by question and are detailed below. Responses must be completed before submitting your application. All submissions are scanned using plagiarism detection software. Plagiarism is considered a cheating violation within the Honor Code and will not be tolerated in the admissions process.

Required short-answer essay questions Instructions: Answer both of the following questions. For each question, respond in 500 characters only (the equivalent of about 100 words).

Why is pursuing an MBA the right next step for you? What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first choice career plan and your alternate plan.

First required essay: 25 random things about yourself

Instructions: 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 two pages.

For context: Fuqua believes different types of people, points of view, and experiences bring out the best in everyone. And above all, we place a premium on succeeding while making a positive impact on businesses, organizations, and the world. These ways of thinking set the Duke MBA experience apart, and this concept 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.

Second required essay: The Fuqua community and you

Instructions: Your response should be no more than two pages in length. Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and are vital to providing you with a range of experiential learning and individual development experiences. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, how do you see yourself engaging in and contributing to our community outside of the classroom?

Optional essay: Tell us more If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware (such as unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance), please explain them in an optional essay. Please do not upload additional essays or additional recommendations in this area of the application, and limit your response to one page.

Essay questions

You’ll need to provide your thoughts on two short-answer questions and one essay as part of your application.

Instructions for all written submissions:

Responses should use 1.5-line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point.
Do not repeat the question in the document you upload with your application.
Respond fully and concisely.
Length requirements vary by question and are detailed below.
Responses must be completed before submitting your application.
Prepare your responses carefully.
All submissions are scanned using plagiarism detection software. Plagiarism is considered a cheating violation within the Honor Code and will not be tolerated in the admission process.

Required short-answer questions

Instructions: Answer both of the following questions. For each question, respond in 500 characters only (the equivalent of about 100 words).

What are your short-term goals, post-MBA?

What are your long-term goals? 

Instructions for Long Essay: 

Each person in the program brings unique skills, training and experiences to the overall learning environment. Share what you believe you will contribute to the cohort. 

Response should be a maximum of 250 words.

Optional essay: Tell us more

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). 

The Optional Essay is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only. You should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Essay is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only.