Duke MBA Essays for the MBA Class of 2026

Duke MBA essays

Are you targeting the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University? Then let the brainstorming begin! The Duke MBA essays and deadlines for the 2023-2024 admissions season are here. Note that the prompts remain unchanged from the previous application cycle.

Duke MBA Essays

Required Short-Answer Essay Question

Instructions: Answer the following question in 100 words.

  • 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

The ‘Team Fuqua’ spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU – beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are.

Your list will be limited to 2 pages (750 words maximum). Please present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer.

Second Required Essay: the Fuqua Community and You

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 to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua?

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

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). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only.

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

New for 2023-2024:

Duke Fuqua has added a new optional section within the biographical pages of our application that allow applicants to share a little bit more about their personal stories if they wish. Applicants who may be the first in their family to attend college, those who grew up facing financial hardship, or any other unique lived experience may now use this section of the application to help our Admissions team understand how that background has influenced their life, education, or career.

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For more information on applying, please visit the Duke Fuqua MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your Duke MBA essays and application or wish to discuss your business school plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help! Meanwhile, here’s a snapshot of the expertise on our team:

With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test. Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change.  You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.

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