The start of each admissions cycle is one of my favorite times of the year. As we open the 2026-2027 MMS application and begin traveling around the world to meet prospective students, I’m reminded just how much I enjoy getting to know the talented people who are considering Fuqua. Every conversation is different, and every application tells a unique story.

That’s why we’re always looking for ways to make our admissions process more accessible while continuing to identify the people who will thrive at Fuqua. This year, we’re excited to introduce a few updates that provide greater flexibility for applicants while ensuring every student arrives ready to contribute to the collaborative, team-oriented environment that defines the Fuqua experience.

Expanding Opportunities Through Test Waivers

Over the years, I’ve met applicants who have demonstrated their academic readiness in different ways. For many, a standardized test score is an important part of their application. For others, a strong undergraduate academic record and a history of success in quantitative coursework tell a similar story.

That’s why, beginning with this admissions cycle, we’re introducing a new test waiver option for eligible applicants. Applicants who have earned a strong undergraduate GPA and demonstrated quantitative and analytical rigor through their coursework may request a waiver of the standardized test requirement. This gives qualified candidates another pathway to demonstrate their readiness for the academic rigor of a Fuqua degree without changing our commitment to a thoughtful, holistic admissions process.

If you’re considering requesting a test waiver, I encourage you to review the eligibility requirements and submission timeline on the application instructions page before applying. As with every aspect of our admissions process, the Admissions Committee reviews each waiver request individually.

Updating Our English Language Proficiency Requirement

Success at Fuqua depends on more than academic preparation. After years of working with applicants from around the world, I’ve seen how important communication is to the Fuqua experience. Our classrooms emphasize discussion, collaboration, and teamwork, so students need to engage confidently in English to succeed at Fuqua.

As we’ve continued to evaluate our admissions process, we’ve updated our English language proficiency policy for applicants whose first language is not English. This change gives applicants a more consistent way to demonstrate their ability to participate fully in Fuqua’s collaborative learning environment from day one.

Applicants who must demonstrate English proficiency may submit results from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Although Fuqua accepts all three exams, we encourage applicants to consider the Duolingo English Test. Its online format, lower cost, and convenient scheduling make it an accessible option for many applicants around the world. As an added benefit, applicants who submit Duolingo English Test scores with their application will have their application fee waived.

Getting To Know the Person Behind the Application

While we’ve introduced a few updates to this year’s application, the heart of our admissions process remains the same. We continue to take a holistic approach to evaluating every applicant, looking well beyond any single credential or data point. We’re interested in your experiences, your aspirations, the impact you’ve had in your community and workplace, and how you’ll contribute to the Team Fuqua culture.

Our goal has always been to build a class of students who will learn from one another, support one another, and make each other better. The updates we’ve made this year are designed to create more accessible pathways for applicants while ensuring every student is prepared to thrive in Fuqua’s collaborative environment. I encourage you to bring your authentic self to the application and let us get to know the person behind the résumé and the numbers.