Chat Transcript July 2, 2009, 10:24AM EST

Chat Transcript: Fuqua Admissions

Associate Dean Liz Riley Hargrove and 2009 graduate Steve Misuraca field questions about the application process at Duke's elite MBA program

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Duke's Fuqua School of Business (Duke Fuqua Full-Time MBA Profile) was thrust into the spotlight in 2007 for a cheating scandal that had lots of people beginning to question the ethics of those in business programs. But Fuqua redeemed itself by taking tough action against the 34 accused students, and ultimately put the scandal behind it. Today, Fuqua remains what it has always been: a highly competitive MBA program with innovative programs such as the international MBA introduced last year on six global campuses.

The message from the admissions committee seems to be that to get into the program, you have to turn in a thoughtful and balanced application that shows strength in all areas. Recently, Liz Riley Hargrove (LizAtFuqua), associate dean for Admissions at Fuqua, and Steve Misuraca (SteveAtFuqua), a 2009 graduate of Fuqua's Daytime MBA Program, fielded questions from BusinessWeek reporter Francesca Di Meglio (FrancescaBW) and an audience of prospective applicants during a live chat event. Here are edited excerpts of their conversation:

2010applicant: When do you expect to publish deadlines and essays for the upcoming application season?

LizAtFuqua: We've just finalized the new application deadlines, and they will be posted on the Web very soon! For those interested in applying this year, I am happy to highlight a few changes: (1) Interviews will be required for admission; (2) Applicants will have the opportunity to choose a regional hub for an alumni interview. You can still visit the Fuqua campus, and we encourage you to do so, however because the interview is now a required component of the process, we are utilizing our alumni to help us interview candidates.

FrancescaBW: Steve, how difficult was it to graduate into this economic crisis? What kind of support did Fuqua provide to you and your classmates?

SteveAtFuqua: Clearly, the environment is challenging. From the moment you step on campus as a first-year [student], you begin forging relationships with your classmates, professors, and administrators. These relationships help in many ways and give you support from many different angles.

JayP007: I am considering applying in the early-decision round. Is it always an advantage to apply in this round if I know Fuqua is one of my top choices, or is this round comparable to future rounds?

SteveAtFuqua: I would always suggest applying when you have the strongest application. Know the program and how you might contribute. If you feel ready in round one, go for it!

jbr: Anecdotal information indicates that there may be an increased number of applicants to MBA programs due to changes in the economy in the past year. Please comment on trends you have observed in regard to shifting demographics of your applicant pool.

LizAtFuqua: These are certainly interesting times. This year at Fuqua, we had a significant increase in applicants from our domestic pool and a decrease in applications from our international pool. We suspect the credit crisis and lack of loan options [for international students] earlier in the admission cycle was a contributing factor. From what I've heard from my peers, the results at other schools are very similar.

2010applicant: Steve, as a recent grad, what do you think separates Fuqua from other business schools that you considered?

SteveAtFuqua: No doubt about it—the people! I was fortunate to visit a number of schools for various welcome weekends. Every time I visited Fuqua, whether for a class visit, an interview, or when I was admitted for Blue Devil Weekend, I felt like Fuqua was a place where I belonged. Students, faculty, and the deans are so welcoming. The campus—everything from the clubs to the classroom dynamic—is significantly student-driven. Students really take an ownership in the culture.

abidshab: What is the average work experience and GMAT score for students applying to Fuqua?

LizAtFuqua: Fuqua students average five years of work experience and have GMAT scores in the 80% range of 640 to 750.

goesto11: Steve, how would you rate Fuqua's faculty? Did you feel like their research was applied to the classroom?

SteveAtFuqua: The faculty was amazing. I felt that my teachers were personally invested in my development. Professors helped me with projects I worked on outside the classroom.

wxyz: Do you still have a 6% oversubscribed 2011 class, and do you expect to admit any applicants from your waiting list between now and late July?

LizAtFuqua: The summer months prove to be challenging when managing the enrollment. Right now the class is still oversubscribed but not quite at the level that it was several weeks ago. Based on historical perspective, I think the class size will be slightly larger than anticipated but not of the size that would impact the quality of the experience or access to resources.

goesto11: Liz, how do you define Fuqua's reputation? What is the one thing Fuqua hangs its hat on?

LizAtFuqua: At Duke, we are seeing individuals who want to be leaders of consequence, or LOCs (as we like to say). Their characteristics encompass someone who is both an effective leader and a contributing team player, someone who is both smart and real, someone who has analytical skills and strategic mindset as well as a global perspective. That's the Duke difference!

SteveAtFuqua: As far as reputation, opportunities at Fuqua are endless, both inside and outside the classroom. I was fortunate to participate in the mentored study program where I worked as a consultant for Duke Athletics. I had friends who participated in the GATE program (Global Academics Travel Experience), where they visited places like Dubai, South Africa, China, and India. As I mentioned before, the leadership opportunities at Fuqua are endless and truly help you grow as a student and young professional. You gain relevant experience working with and leading your very talented peers in a number of different settings.