We recently welcomed 447 new members of Team Fuqua to our Daytime MBA Class of 2023! In a strange year of COVID, home-based standardized tests, and all virtual interactions, it was exciting to welcome this class to Durham (in person!) and to get to meet these amazing people. It’s a record-setting group for Fuqua, with incredible diversity across all dimensions and impressive records of achievement. Check out the class profile to see what this new class looks like—spoiler alert: we have a higher percentage of women than ever before, and our highest average GMAT score ever.

And as it is every year for our Admissions team, we now turn our attention to meeting the next Duke MBA class—the soon-to-be Class of 2024! So for those of you that are planning to submit an application this year, here are some things that have changed and some advice on how to approach the application and the overall school research and admissions process.

Essays

While we have retained the same essay questions for this year’s application, we have increased the length of the response for the second long essay from 300 to 500 words. We wanted to be sure applicants had the space needed to be able to explain not just what activities or groups they want to be involved in, but why they want to be involved with them. So take advantage of the additional space! Do your research and reach out to our students, talk to our alumni, schedule an admissions chat, and attend an event to learn more about Fuqua. We want students that will thrive in our community, so it’s helpful when applicants learn as much about us as possible and articulate why they believe Fuqua is the right choice for them.

Interviews

As in the past, we are offering both applicant-initiated interviews during our Open Interview period and interviews by invitation, which are sent out on our published deadlines. We have reserved two weeks, from August 9–20, for reapplicants (those who applied last year) who may be ready for their interview earlier than new applicants. Everyone is able to schedule an official admissions interview during the Open Period, no matter which application round you choose. All you have to do is start an online application, select an interview time, and upload a resume. You don’t need to complete the full application to have your interview!

Transcripts and Test Scores

At Fuqua, we only require unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores at the time of application. Official documents and reports are required after admission. So don’t let waiting for an official document slow you down. We do accept the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment, and each test is given equal weight and consideration, so choose the test that fits you best!

Reapplicants

For students who are reapplying, our team is able to “clone” or replicate your application from last year. This means you can save some time and won’t need to re-enter your information into the online application. Simply send us a cloning request, and we’ll move all of your information from last year, including your recommendation letter, into this year’s application. Once we’ve done that, you can update any information you would like. I would encourage reapplicants to update your information to reflect what you’ve learned and how things have changed since your last application. And as mentioned before, consider taking advantage of the designated reapplicant interview week in August.

Events

Finally, while we are all looking forward to returning to a closer version of normal, we have made the decision to keep all events and interviews virtual through the end of 2021 to ensure safety and accessibility for applicants. Our campus visit program will remain virtual as well, with options for virtual tours, student meet and greets, and admissions conversations through Zoom. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming prospective students back on campus starting in 2022!

If you are looking for more information, or a little inspiration, we invite you to connect with us on social media, or review prior blog posts for student advice and shared experiences. We are looking forward to getting to meet and know our next class!