As the application for the next class of Duke MBAs opens, I want to start with a simple message: You are welcome here. We’re proud of the diverse and global community that defines Team Fuqua.
A lot is changing in the world, but one thing that will never change is our interest in getting to know applicants for who they truly are, their unique achievements, and their dreams for the future. I believe the application process should be straightforward and create space for applicants to showcase themselves in the best way possible. In designing the 2025-2026 Daytime MBA application, the primary focus was refining the admissions process in a way that helps us get to know applicants more authentically and holistically.
You know we couldn’t change it — it’s just too good! Our iconic “25 Random Things” essay remains a core part of the application.
From surprising hobbies to meaningful moments, I encourage applicants to approach this essay as a chance to bring their story to life in their voice, showcasing the full human behind the resume. Need some inspiration? Check out how our students have approached this beloved prompt in this blog post.
We believe the richness of our community comes from the diversity of our students’ stories, strengths, and perspectives. The journey to business school likely includes challenges that aren’t always visible on a transcript or resume. That’s why we’re continuing to offer optional response space where applicants can share more about their background, lived experiences, and other personal context.
For example, we ask:
Lived experiences can include things such as growing up in a blended family, travel experiences, mission trips, frequent moves, or anything else that has shaped an applicant’s worldview. Again, answering these questions is completely voluntary, and not answering them does not detract from an application.
Applying to business school is a significant investment, both in time and money. At Fuqua, we prioritize authentic engagement and value the effort applicants make to learn more about our community. That’s why candidates who attend a qualifying recruiting event will receive a $75 discount on their application fee.
Whether you join us virtually or in person, this is one way we’re working to make the application process more inclusive and rewarding. Check out our events calendar and register to take advantage of this new benefit.
We know meaningful connections matter, especially when applying to business school. That’s why this year, we’re offering more virtual events that are smaller and more personal, designed to fit better into an applicant’s schedule while still giving them the chance to connect directly with an admissions officer.
Virtual sessions will also be shorter and more focused on specific parts of the application, in 30 minutes or less. With a live Q&A, our team will field questions in real-time, offering personalized feedback that will help candidates put their best foot forward in the application while learning what it means to be part of Team Fuqua.
Interviews are an important part of the process. They help us move beyond the page and get to know the real person behind the application. Last year, we heard from many applicants who appreciated our rolling interview invitations as it meant they could receive invitations earlier in the process. We’re happy to continue this model, which allows us to move quickly when we see great potential and gives applicants more flexibility as they plan their timeline.
Interviews also help applicants learn more about Fuqua. My advice to them: Come with questions for your interview. Your interview may be with a current MBA student or alumnus, and getting to know their authentic Fuqua experience could help you visualize yours.
Our goal is to build a relationship with applicants because that’s how we believe the best communities are formed. We’re excited to launch the Duke MBA Class of 2028 application cycle, and we can’t wait to meet the people who have an important role to play in our community.
The post Emphasizing Authenticity in Our MBA Application appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.
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How does this impact your International MBA decision?
I'd be glad to learn your thoughts on this story : Emphasizing Authenticity in Our MBA Application
A lot is changing in the world, but one thing that will never change is our interest in getting to know applicants for who they truly are, their unique achievements, and their dreams for the future. I believe the application process should be straightforward and create space for applicants to showcase themselves in the best way possible. In designing the 2025-2026 Daytime MBA application, the primary focus was refining the admissions process in a way that helps us get to know applicants more authentically and holistically.
Fuqua’s 25 Random Things
You know we couldn’t change it — it’s just too good! Our iconic “25 Random Things” essay remains a core part of the application.
From surprising hobbies to meaningful moments, I encourage applicants to approach this essay as a chance to bring their story to life in their voice, showcasing the full human behind the resume. Need some inspiration? Check out how our students have approached this beloved prompt in this blog post.
Share Even More With Optional Responses
We believe the richness of our community comes from the diversity of our students’ stories, strengths, and perspectives. The journey to business school likely includes challenges that aren’t always visible on a transcript or resume. That’s why we’re continuing to offer optional response space where applicants can share more about their background, lived experiences, and other personal context.
For example, we ask:
- Are you a first-generation college student? (A first-generation student is defined as someone whose parents or primary caregivers did not complete a bachelor’s degree.)
- Are you from a low-income family background? (This may include growing up in a household that struggled to meet basic needs or required you to contribute financially from a young age.)
- Do you have other lived experiences you’d like to share with the Admissions Committee? (Applicants may use up to 200 words to explain how these experiences might shape their contributions to Fuqua.)
Lived experiences can include things such as growing up in a blended family, travel experiences, mission trips, frequent moves, or anything else that has shaped an applicant’s worldview. Again, answering these questions is completely voluntary, and not answering them does not detract from an application.
Application Fee Discount for Event Attendees
Applying to business school is a significant investment, both in time and money. At Fuqua, we prioritize authentic engagement and value the effort applicants make to learn more about our community. That’s why candidates who attend a qualifying recruiting event will receive a $75 discount on their application fee.
Whether you join us virtually or in person, this is one way we’re working to make the application process more inclusive and rewarding. Check out our events calendar and register to take advantage of this new benefit.
Shorter, More Intimate Virtual Events
We know meaningful connections matter, especially when applying to business school. That’s why this year, we’re offering more virtual events that are smaller and more personal, designed to fit better into an applicant’s schedule while still giving them the chance to connect directly with an admissions officer.
Virtual sessions will also be shorter and more focused on specific parts of the application, in 30 minutes or less. With a live Q&A, our team will field questions in real-time, offering personalized feedback that will help candidates put their best foot forward in the application while learning what it means to be part of Team Fuqua.
Rolling Interview Invitations Continue
Interviews are an important part of the process. They help us move beyond the page and get to know the real person behind the application. Last year, we heard from many applicants who appreciated our rolling interview invitations as it meant they could receive invitations earlier in the process. We’re happy to continue this model, which allows us to move quickly when we see great potential and gives applicants more flexibility as they plan their timeline.
Interviews also help applicants learn more about Fuqua. My advice to them: Come with questions for your interview. Your interview may be with a current MBA student or alumnus, and getting to know their authentic Fuqua experience could help you visualize yours.
Our goal is to build a relationship with applicants because that’s how we believe the best communities are formed. We’re excited to launch the Duke MBA Class of 2028 application cycle, and we can’t wait to meet the people who have an important role to play in our community.
The post Emphasizing Authenticity in Our MBA Application appeared first on Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog.
More...
How does this impact your International MBA decision?
I'd be glad to learn your thoughts on this story : Emphasizing Authenticity in Our MBA Application