Chat Transcript: Fuqua Admissions

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ElleBee: If we can get a recommendation from a Fuqua alumnus who knows us well, should we submit it? If so, should we submit it before or after our application is submitted?

LizAtFuqua: We prefer that your recommendations be work-related, and if you work with a Fuqua alumnus, then yes! Some of the best students who have walked the halls of Fuqua were recommended by an alum. If the nature of the relationship is not work related, you can have the Fuqua alum submit an additional recommendation via e-mail directly to me.

Midd03: With regard to scholarships, is there any disadvantage to applying to the early action round since it is binding?

LizAtFuqua: There is no disadvantage from a scholarship perspective to applying in the early action round. All admitted students are automatically reviewed for merit-based aid once the admission decision is made. It is best to apply early in the cycle if scholarship is a major consideration for you.

rossunc1: How do you view older applicants? I will be applying this fall and will turn 33 in July.

LizAtFuqua: The average age of our students is about 28/29, but it is the quality of your work experience that is important in the evaluation process, not your age. The full range of years of work experience is 0 to 20!

2010applicant: Steve, I'm curious if you came to Fuqua dead set on what it was you wanted to do once you graduated, or if your career trajectory completely changed once you were exposed to your classmates, the curriculum, etc.?

SteveAtFuqua: I came from a family business background thinking that I might return. Now, I am more dedicated then ever to following my passions, which actually takes me in a completely different direction. At Fuqua you are exposed to classmates from so many different backgrounds and you get to learn from them. I grew a lot the last two years, and I hope to stay connected to the Duke Community in some capacity.

JayP007: Hi Liz, do you have an overall sense of the volume of applications this year as compared to last year?

LizAtFuqua: Yes, this year at Fuqua we saw an increase in domestic applications and a decrease in international applications resulting in an overall decrease in applications by about 5%

Midd03: Steve, what did you like most about Durham?

SteveAtFuqua: Durham is my new home! You get to spend a great deal of time with your classmates at Fuqua. I enjoyed going to Durham Bulls games, eating out at one of the many great restaurants, or grabbing a drink with friends. Almost everyone lives close by, so we see a lot of each other. Clearly, Duke Basketball Games are a highlight!

One of the phenomenal aspects of the Fuqua culture is the relationship between first- and second-year students. I got involved in admissions because second-year [students] reached out to me and helped introduce me to the process. This is very typical of student life at Fuqua. Every Friday, we have a "week end" celebration where the whole school comes together. Faculty, deans, spouses, partners, and children all take part. Various themes and programming events, such as Fuqua Iron Chef or the International Talent Show, help facilitate interaction.

majjam: Do you have any advice for an applicant who would like to end up in a specific geographical location after graduation?

LizAtFuqua: I think there are many students who have very specific geographic goals post MBA. Our Career Management Center does a fantastic job of helping you manage your job search requirements. Students participate in a number of career-related events, such as the Week in Cities or Week on Wall Street events, which help students reach out to different companies and alumni to support their job search efforts.

nmathur: When scrutinizing any applicant, what are the most important parameters for the Fuqua admission committee?

LizAtFuqua: Honestly, there isn't any one dimension of your application that we care about more than the other. All aspects of your application are assigned equal weight. Your GMAT score is just as important as your interview and recommendations. You can interpret this to mean that you should definitely play to your strengths as they can compensate for your weaknesses.

At the core of our process, we want students who want to come to Duke, who demonstrate passion for the things they are committed to, and will make a difference at Duke.

rossunc1: How important is the GMAT? I have great grades, work experience, and extras. However, my GMAT score is average.

LizAtFuqua: Because all factors are assigned equal weight in our process, you may very well have strengths that outweigh any concern the committee has relative to your weaknesses. A very strong undergraduate record can offset an average to below-average GMAT score.

2010applicant: You mentioned that interviews will now be required for admission. Will these now only be granted after an initial review of the application?

LizAtFuqua: We will have an "open season" for interviews from mid-October through early November. During that time, anyone can schedule a campus interview without having an invitation or application on file. Once the open season is completed, an interview will only be granted after the committee has reviewed the application.

kimwood: How is the GMAT used in the admissions process? Hypothetically speaking, if an applicant had an undergrad business degree with a 3.4 GPA and a 600 GMAT score, how would you assess his or her candidacy?

SteveAtFuqua: As a student, and admissions fellow, I believe that applications are looked at holistically. It's almost impossible to tell who the student is based on two numbers. When I interviewed students, I wanted to get a sense for who they were as well as their motivations for applying to Fuqua. GPA and GMAT are a small part of that.

LizAtFuqua: I agree Steve. I always encourage applicants to use the interview as the opportunity to sell to their strengths. It is not necessary to bring up your GMAT score or blemishes in your application or during the interview, unless specifically asked to do so.

ElleBee: How many applications were received last year in the early action round? Do you anticipate an increase/decrease this year?

LizAtFuqua: Last year was the first year we offered an early action round, and we received several hundred applications

Midd03: Which peer schools do you typically see the most overlap with in terms of applications?

LizAtFuqua: We share the largest number of applications with schools that are also ranked in the top 10. We also share a good number of applications with schools that are in close proximity to Duke.

SteveAtFuqua: As we begin to wrap up, I will share my perspective on the application process. I think it is really important to take the time to reflect personally. Make sure you know what is important to you. Know your story. Articulate your passions and who you are both as a person and as a young professional. Take the time to learn how you would fit in with each school you are applying to. Again, Business school is a significant investment. You owe it to yourself to find a school that will help you grow.

nmathur: I am an international applicant. I think internationals have been worst hit by the economic downturn. Difficult education loans and the uncertain H-1B [visa] policy have added to their misery. How is Fuqua taking care of international students considering all this?

LizAtFuqua: I am very sympathetic to how tough the business school climate has been for international students. From a financing perspective, Duke has just signed two agreements for international student loan borrowers with fantastic rates—better than we've seen with our current loan programs. These loans programs will be made available to all admitted international students without a U.S. co-signer. This is great news for our international community and a tangible sign that we value the diversity of thought and people [in our program].

JayP007: Are your interviews conducted blind or does the interviewer review the applicant's profile beforehand?

LizAtFuqua: The interview will still be a blind process, meaning the interviewer will not have access to the information submitted with the application for admission.

Midd03: Typically, when do you start allowing applicants to schedule on-campus interviews?

LizAtFuqua: We will have this information available on our Web site very soon and no later than mid-August.

SteveAtFuqua: I know the processing is changing, so check the Web site and future postings. But I would like to make a comment. Student Life at Fuqua is special. If you have any doubts about it, I would suggest coming on campus and experiencing it yourself.

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