Given the competitive applicant pool, you are encouraged to apply in the round in which you can submit your "best" application.

Application Deadlines for 2013 - 2014

Next, learn more about applying early.

Our Admissions Committee considers a number of factors when evaluating an application. These factors are taken into consideration from a holistic perspective. We are looking for students:

• Who we believe will be successful in the program
• Who will add significant value to the program and the school throughout their professional, personal, and academic experiences
• Who believe diversity in thought and background are important within their community
• Who demonstrate competence, character, and purpose and have the strongest potential to be a leader of consequence

The application components provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate how you are a good fit for the program.

• Professional Experience

  There is no minimum work experience requirement. We will consider any post-undergraduate work experience for admission. You should use the application to articulate how your previous experiences will contribute to the learning environment at Fuqua, and show how you have developed leadership and teamwork skills, as well as maturity, on professional and personal levels.

• Academic Aptitude & Quantitative Proficiency

  The Daytime MBA academic environment is rigorous, fast-paced, and requires strong quantitative and analytical skills. We evaluate standardized test scores (GMAT is preferred, but GRE is also accepted), transcripts, and any applicable work experience to ensure that you will be successful in the program.

  The Admissions Committee pays particular attention to the quantitative segment of your test score to ensure that you can handle the rigor of the program, although we admit applicants with a range of test scores and there is no minimum requirement.

  We also admit applicants with a range of GPAs. We do not favor a particular undergraduate degree, and students come from a wide range of academic backgrounds.

  NOTE: A college-level calculus course with a grade equivalent to a "C" or better is required for matriculation. If you did not take a calculus course as an undergraduate student, you may take it at any accredited college or university. It must be a "for credit" course in which you earn a grade equivalent to a "C" or better.

• Fit, Passion, and Impact
  Essay Question Help from the Blog for "25 Random Things"

  • Application Essays Change to Gain Greater Insights
  • More Random Things
  • 25 Interesting Facts About Me
  • My 25 Random Things

  Bottom Line: Be Yourself

  Your application essays, recommendations, and interview are what weave fit, passion, and impact together into your "story."

  • Recommenders provide an unbiased third-party perspective on the impact that you have made personally and professionally. Application Tip: The most valuable recommendations come from people who know your professional skills and abilities. Prepare your recommenders so that they represent you well and highlight aspects of your candidacy that are not reflected in other areas of the application.
  • Your essays allow us to get to know you as a person—what drives you and inspires you. You have the opportunity here to fill in any gaps or provide additional details on key areas of your application. Application Tip: Be yourself—we want to get to know you!
  • Your interview allows you to demonstrate your interpersonal skills—a critical component to your success in the program. It will also provide additional insight into who you are, and give you the opportunity to demonstrate "fit" with our program, and the Fuqua culture and community. Application Tip: The self-reflection and research that you have done on Fuqua and the Daytime MBA program is exactly the preparation you need to do well in an interview. Learn more about the interview process and registration.
• Credential Verification

  We have retained Re Vera Services, LLC to verify the information included in applications. We do this to deter fraudulent applications and preserve the integrity of our community. If you are admitted, you will be provided with instructions on the verification process, which could take a few weeks to process. You will also be responsible for the fee for this service. Any omission, falsification, or misrepresentation in your application, including violations of GMAT, GRE, or any ESL testing policies, is grounds for automatic revocation of all offers of admission and financial assistance, or expulsion from The Fuqua School of Business.

Next, learn more about our admissions process.

Step-by-Step

From learning about the Daytime MBA program and determining "fit" to joining the incoming class at orientation, here are tips about how to approach each step.

• 1. Do your research
  Is Fuqua Right for You?

  When visiting campus, Matt Hamilton '14 felt Fuqua was right for him: "I could literally see myself there: studying and learning, hiking on the trails just outside the windows, networking and recruiting, socializing, and enjoying Fuqua Fridays with my family and friends." Read more.

  Talk to family, friends, and mentors. Attend an information session, campus visit, or other recruiting event, and decide whether the program is right for you. (The Campus Visit registration system is currently unavailable. It will be available again in July 2013.)

  Review the application and deadlines. Think through all aspects of the timeline (including interview dates, decision release dates, tuition deposit dates, etc.) before you develop a plan for completing your application in the round that works best for you.

• 2. Apply

  Access and complete the online application, which can be done over multiple sittings. Go to Application Instructions for details about the application components. NOTE: The new application will be available mid- to late-July, 2013.

• 3. Interview

  Two interview options are available: Open Interviews and Interviews by Invitation. Visit the Interview Process page for more details including registration information. Depending on when you apply and interview, you may also want to schedule your campus visit activities during this time.

• 4. Receive your decision
  The Admissions Waitlist

  We know that being on the waitlist can be stressful. Read this student blog post with answers to 3 top questions and concerns.

  Review the decision timeline and deposit deadlines for your application round. You will be notified via email of your admission decision. If you are accepted to the program, you are required to submit your nonrefundable tuition deposit (must be paid by check or money order; credit card payments cannot be accepted) and hard copies of your official transcripts by the deposit deadline to reserve your place in the class.

• 5. Visit Fuqua

  The best way to learn about Fuqua and the Daytime MBA program is by experiencing it firsthand. We encourage you to take part in our campus visit program and Blue Devil Weekend (for admitted students). Visiting campus will not only provide insight to inform your final decision to join the program, but will also provide you with information on transitioning to the Durham area.

  The Campus Visit registration system is currently unavailable. It will be available again in July 2013.

• 6. Access the Incoming Student Website (ISW)

  Shortly after admission, admitted students receive access to the ISW. It is the main source of information for admitted students and is particularly helpful if you are still undecided about joining Team Fuqua. Visit the ISW to better understand our community and our expectations and to get a better idea of what it would be like to be a full-time MBA student at Duke.

  The ISW provides information on next steps in the admissions process and includes all the information you need to transition into your new academic life. You will get:

  • Program announcements
  • Technical and computer information
  • Assignments to prepare academically
  • Relocation information

  It is important that you visit the site often for updates and guidance.

• 7. Apply for your Visa (for international students only)

  If applicable, visa application information will be included in your admission packet along with specific deadlines for submission. Visa processing can take up to several months to complete, so it is critical to apply in Early Action, Round 1 or Round 2 if you require a visa to ensure that you are able to join the program.

Next, learn more about our fee waivers and reductions.

Based on qualifying events, you may be eligible to receive an application fee waiver or reduction. Learn more below.

• Application Fee Waivers

  You may qualify for an application fee waiver if you meet one or more of the following conditions:

  1. You are active duty military, U.S. active reserve, or you were honorably discharged/completed service (within 3 years). Only voluntary service is valid. Mandatory service may not be used for qualification.
  2. You are an active participant or alumnus/alumna of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or Teach for America.
  3. You receive Fuqua Admissions Committee approval. Include the reason for waiver request and the name of the committee member granting approval.
  4. You are a member of the Forte Foundation or Management Leadership for Tomorrow.
  5. You attend one of four diversity events. You must have received an invitation to attend (where applicable) AND have attended the event in order to qualify for a fee waiver. Please indicate the event you attended and date of the event.
  • The Duke MBA Workshop for Minority Applicants
  • The Duke MBA Weekend for Women
  • The Duke MBA LGBT Weekend
  • The Duke MBA Veterans Symposium

  IMPORTANT: Please be certain that you have selected an Application Round in the Personal Information section of the application prior to filling out the fee reduction section. Allow a minimum of two business days for our staff to process your application fee waiver once you have provided the information above. You will receive a fee waiver confirmation via email when your waiver has been activated. Do NOT submit your application if asked for credit card information upon submission. We cannot issue refunds for your application fee.
  

• Application Fee Reduction

  You may qualify for a reduced application fee in two ways, by attending a qualifying event or securing an alumnus or current student recommendation.

  Event: A reduced application fee of $125 may be applied if you have registered for AND have attended a qualifying event hosted by Fuqua between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014. Within the Application Fee Reduction section of your online application, please include event type, location and month of attendance. DO NOT indicate that you qualify for the reduced fee unless you have already made plans to attend an event.

  • Qualifying events include: Campus Visits and Information Sessions. We encourage you to participate in our Campus Visit program to learn more about our culture, students, professors, and facilities. If a trip to our campus is not feasible, join us for an Information Session hosted in various locations across the world to qualify for the application fee reduction.
  • Events that do NOT qualify include: Virtual Information Sessions and MBA Fairs.

  Alumni or Current Student Recommendation: You may also qualify for a reduced application fee by obtaining a Fuqua alumni or current student recommendation. Within the Application Fee Reduction section of your online application, please include the name, program (Daytime, Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business, Cross Continent, Weekend Executive, or Global Executive), year of graduation (if known), and the email address of the person who submitted your recommendation. NOTE: The alumni and student recommendations are in addition to the two recommendations required as part of your application package.

  IMPORTANT: Select an Application Round in the Personal Information section of the application prior to filling out the fee reduction section. Allow a minimum of two business days for our staff to process your application fee reduction once you have provided the necessary information and saved the "Application Fee Waiver Information" section of your application. DO NOT submit your application prior to receiving a confirmation email that the reduced application fee has been applied to your application. We cannot issue refunds for your payment.
  
  

Next, read our application instructions.