Applying to Business School
Advice from the Office of Admissions at the Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Applying to business school can be nerve racking and if you are thinking about doing it there are plenty of questions you might be asking yourself. Shari Hubert, Associate Dean of Admissions at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, and an MBA herself, remembers thinking through a long list of questions when she was planning to apply to business school.
“I recall my decision to apply to business school and wondering, where do I begin? What are they looking for? When is the best time and round for me to apply?” said Hubert. The list of questions goes on and on, and doesn’t end until you finally get a decision on your application.
She now sits on the other side of the table, leading teams in admitting students from around the world across seven-degree programs at Fuqua. Shari has been part of several panel discussions to talk about the components of a business school application, what the admissions team is looking for in a candidate, and what it takes to get an acceptance letter. Applicants come to these events in hopes of figuring out what the magic formula is to getting into business school. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula.
As Shari can attest, admissions teams know there is a lot more to a person than test scores, which is why schools are taking a holistic approach when evaluating applications. Each application is read carefully and in its entirety to make sure the admissions team has a complete picture of the applicant. The key to giving the committee a complete picture of you, is to be yourself.
There are several places within the application where you can be yourself, beginning with the essays. Every school and program will have different prompts, but what the admissions committee wants to know is what are your career goals and why do you feel their school is the best fit for you. In this section, you want to be genuine, authentic, and show that you have done your research on the school. Do not be afraid to share that you have visited campus, or spent time with a current student to learn more about the school’s culture.
Your resume also offers prime real estate to highlight your achievements. Most schools require a one-page resume that explains your work and volunteer experience. In your resume, it is important not to describe your job, but to highlight what you did in your role. Your resume should answer two questions: What do you bring to the program that will allow you to make a unique contribution to your cohort? Will your experiences and the program you are applying to translate well for your future aspirations?
Another area where you can stand out is in your letters of recommendation. You may think you do not have much say in this component, but you do. You will want to pick recommenders who can speak about your strengths and best represent you to the admissions committee. Many times people worry about titles, but the admissions committee wants to hear from people who know you best and have had meaningful interactions with you.
Many people will stress about their grades or GMAT/GRE scores, which is normal because you cannot change those numbers or grades. Most business schools do not have minimum test score requirements, but they are looking for evidence that you can handle the rigor of the program. If you feel your academic background and tests are not a strong reflection of your academic aptitude, consider taking additional course(s) such as statistics, finance, and/or accounting. Your success and willingness to take extra courses will demonstrate your aptitude to the admissions committee.
There are many ways to approach your application, which is why Shari put together a helpful video to explain the different components of an application and offer insight into the admissions process. While it is focused more on Fuqua’s Daytime MBA program, this advice can be used when approaching any school’s application.
If you are considering Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, you should understand that our goal is to attract and nurture a new kind of leader who has the power to bring out the strength in others and move teams forward toward a common purpose. Our community is made up of students and faculty from around the world who thrive in an environment with differing viewpoints. We bring them together to inform a leadership style that inspires entire organizations to do better while doing what is best. Our admissions process is designed to allow you to get to know us, as much as we get to learn about you. Each program has different admissions requirements, but each has a team of admissions officers who are happy to help you put your best foot forward.
We are currently accepting applications for all of our programs, ranging from degrees for full-time students to working professionals, so be sure to apply now and continue your education at Duke!
