Application Instructions

Do your research

Talk to family, friends, and mentors. Visit our campus and attend a recruiting event, and then decide whether this program is right for you.

Review the online application and deadlines. Consider important aspects of the timeline, including:

• When to apply if you’re an international student
• When to schedule your interview
• When you’ll receive a decision
• When your tuition deposit is due
• When to start the visa process if required

Submit your application

Ensure that your application is complete, including your resume, essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, and application fee. You can view your application status by logging into your student portal.

Interview

All candidates must have an official interview. We do not offer open interviews for Accelerated MBA candidates. Invitations are extended based on a thorough evaluation of your completed application. If invited, you will be interviewed in the location that you specified in your application and during the interview period that corresponds to your application round.

Receive a decision

You’ll be notified via email of your admission decision by midnight (Eastern Time) on the decision date for the round in which you apply. 

To reserve your place in the class, you must submit:

• A nonrefundable tuition deposit
• Official test scores sent directly from the testing agency
• Official transcripts sent directly from the institution/s you attended

Your deposit can only be made in the following ways: credit card, personal check, money order, e-check, or wire transfer. Please plan accordingly so you don't miss the deposit deadline.

Visit Fuqua

The best way to learn about Fuqua and the Accelerated Daytime MBA program is by experiencing it firsthand. We encourage you to take part in our campus visit program and our admitted student events. 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.

Access our incoming student website

Shortly after admission, you will receive access to our incoming student website. This will be your main source of information, helping you more fully understand our community and our expectations and giving you a better idea of what it will be like to be an accelerated MBA student at Duke. 

Here you’ll find all the information you'll need to transition into your new academic life:

• Program announcements
• Technical and computer information
• Academic assignments to prepare to return to school
• Relocation information
• Classmate information

Apply for a visa

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 you apply in Round 1 or Round 2 to ensure that you are able to join the program.

Legible, scanned copies of all transcripts are required for each college or university you have attended where you:

• earned (or will earn) a degree;
• studied for one semester or more;
• earned 12 or more credits (note: 4 or more credits if your university awards 1 credit for the typical class instead of 3 credits);
• and/or took a class that relates to your graduate study interests. 

If you took classes at a college or university while in high school, do not list the college or university as a separate school in your application.

For transfer credits: Follow the guidelines listed above, but please note that for any transferred credits that qualify to be reported, we need to see grades/marks.  If the grades/marks as well as the credits appear on your degree-conferring institution's transcript, then the additional transcript will not be required.

For student abroad credits: Please follow the same guidelines as for transfer credits.

Transcripts must include:

• Your name and the name of the institution
• Each course taken and the grade received
• The degree received and date conferred

If your transcripts do not state the degree and date conferred, upload a copy of your diploma in addition to the transcript. If your transcript is not in English, it must be translated, attested, and uploaded along with the originals. Those applying from outside the U.S. should see additional transcript guidelines for international students.

Two options for sending transcripts:

• Electronically to transcripts@fuqua.duke.edu
• Directly by mail in a sealed envelope to:
  Duke University
  The Fuqua School of Business Office of Admissions
  100 Fuqua Drive, Box 90120
  Durham, NC 27708-0120

If you do not submit your official transcripts on time, or if you misrepresent, falsify, or omit information, we may rescind any offer of admission or financial assistance.

When to submit copies of official transcripts

Only if you are admitted to the program, will you be required to submit official transcripts from each college or university you have attended for verification. The due date for official transcripts will be noted in your admitted student portal. If you have not yet completed your studies by this date, your official transcripts should reach The Fuqua School of Business no later than one week before your program begins.

You’ll need to provide your thoughts on one short-answer question and two essays as part of your application.

Instructions for all written submissions:

• Responses should use 1.5-line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point.
• Do not repeat the question in the document you upload with your application.
• Respond fully and concisely.
• Length requirements vary by question and are detailed below.
• Responses must be completed before submitting your application.

All essays are scanned using plagiarism detection software. Expressing your ideas by using verbiage from existing sources, including websites and other applicants' essays or materials, or having someone else compose your essays, without properly crediting those sources constitutes an act of plagiarism. Plagiarism, an act of theft and fraud, is considered a cheating violation within the Honor Code and will result in an application denial. Note: if you have worked with a consultant to complete your application materials, please ensure that the Honor Code policy is discussed and yours essays will not be shared with other potential applicants.

Required short-answer essay question

Instructions: Answer the following question in 500 characters only (the equivalent of about 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 (300 words maximum).

Submit your required resume electronically within the online application system. For employment and volunteer positions, include the location, title, date, and responsibilities, starting with your most recent position. The education section should include dates of attendance and degrees received.

Your resume should include:

• Full-time employment
• Volunteer work
• Internships
• Part-time work experience
• Education

Your recommender must complete the current recommendation forms associated with the online application—no other format of recommendation will be accepted.

• One required letter of recommendation 

Your recommendation should reflect your performance in your most recent professional setting. Volunteer activities or other service-oriented roles in which you are deeply involved may also be excellent sources for your recommendation. The most valuable recommendations come from people who know your professional skills and abilities.

Submissions by email or mail are not accepted.

Other recommendation guidelines:

• You are required to use the recommendation forms that are within the online application.
• Use your recommender's work email addresses, which they monitor more closely, during our credential verification process, rather than personal accounts like Gmail.
• Recommendations from relatives and friends are strongly discouraged.
• Academic recommendations often provide a similar perspective to your transcript and are less helpful.

The following questions are included on the recommendation form:

• Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.
• How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles?
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. 
• Is there anything else we should know? (Optional)

Bonus endorsement from Fuqua students and alumni

In addition to the required recommendation, you may provide additional endorsements from our alumni or current students.

Endorsement Form

If an endorsement is submitted on your behalf before you submit your application, you will become eligible for an application fee waiver. We are unable to provide refunds if your endorsement is received after the application fee has been paid.

Fuqua accepts GMAT, GRE, and EA scores.  Test scores are valid for 5 years, and we do not require the official score report at time of application - you need only self-report your score and provide official scores when admitted. We do not have a preference for which exam you provide, and scores can be updated after your application is submitted.

We recognize that many testing centers are not open at the moment, but both GMAC and ETS, the administrators of the GMAT and GRE tests, respectively, have now made available the option to take these tests from a home environment. Please visit the GMAC or ETS websites for more information.

Extra GMAT, GRE, and EA details:

• There is no minimum test score requirement.
• We will accept scores up to 5 years old.

Admission system test codes:

• GMAT/EA: Duke program code Q13-N5-32
• GRE: Duke program code 5156, and the 4201 Business Administration and Management Department name on your GRE exam

Need more help?

Information on registering and sending GMAT/EA scores
Information on registering and sending GRE scores

Fee

A 225 USD nonrefundable application fee, payable by VISA or MasterCard, is due when you submit your online application.

Application fee waivers

You may be eligible to receive an application fee waiver if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

You are a member of the military—active duty, active reserve, or honorably discharged/completed service (within 3 years). Either voluntary or compulsory service is valid for qualification.

You are an active participant or alumnus/alumna of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or Teach for America.

You receive Fuqua Admissions Committee approval. In your application, include the reason for your waiver request and the name of the committee member granting approval.

Before submitting your application, you register for and attend at least one of the activities listed below. Indicate the event type, location, and month of attendance in your online application. (MBA Fairs are only considered a qualifying event if you completed a sign in at the Fuqua table during the fair.)

• Campus Visit
• Open house
• Information session
• Informational luncheon
• Meet & greet
• Multi-school information session
• Virtual information session

You obtain a recommendation from a current Fuqua student or alumnus/alumna. In your application, include your recommender’s name, program (Daytime MBA, Cross Continent MBA, Weekend Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business, Master of Management Studies: Duke Kunshan University, Master of Quantitative Management: Business Analytics, or Master of Quantitative Management: Health Analytics), year of graduation (if known), and email address.

You attended one of four Diversity Events:

• The Duke MBA Workshop
• The Duke MBA Women’s Leadership Weekend
• The Duke MBA Pride Weekend
• The Duke MBA Veterans Symposium

You are a member of one of more qualifying organizations: Forté, Posse Foundation, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Riordan Fellows Program, Choctaw Nation, Graduate Horizons, JumpStart Advisory Group, or Admit.me.

You are an alumni of Duke University. In your application, include the name of your degree and the year in which you graduated.

You are a graduate of Seoul National University's Global MBA program (GMBA). In your application, include the year in which you graduated.

Instructions to apply for an application fee waiver:

1. Meet at least one of the above criteria.
2. Select an application round in the “Personal Information” section of the online application.
3. Complete the questions included in the "Application Fee Waiver Information" section.
4. Submit your application after all sections are complete. However, do NOT submit your application if you are asked for credit card information.

Following the above instructions is the only way to receive an application fee waiver. If you submit your online application without selecting the "fee waiver" option, then you will not qualify for the waiver, and no refund will be available.

Interview By Invitation

Applicants for the Accelerated MBA program will only be able to interview if invited to do so. Invitations are extended based on a thorough evaluation of your completed application. If invited, you will be interviewed in the location that you specified in your application and during the interview period that corresponds to your application round.

Interview By Invitation Fast Facts: ·

• Interviews are conducted in English.
• Interviews generally last 30–45 minutes. 
• Appropriate attire is business casual.
• Bring a one-page resume to the interview.
• Interviewers will have a copy of your resume, but no other portion of your application file.

Interviews by invitation are held by application round, and will be conducted on campus in Durham or via video-conference.

Interview Notification:

If you are a Round 1 applicant and are invited to interview, you will be notified via email by 11:59 pm (ET) on October 26, 2023. The email is not viewable on mobile phones or other mobile devices.

Interview Locations and Dates

Interview Notification

If you are a Round 2 applicant and you are invited to interview, you will be notified via email by 11:59 pm (ET) on February 2, 2024. The email is not viewable on mobile phones or other mobile devices.

Interview Locations and Dates

If you are a Round 3 applicant and are invited to interview, you will be notified via email by 11:59 pm (ET) on March 13, 2024. Please note that interviews conducted in Round 3 are only available virtually.

Virtual Interview Date Range: March 15 -25, 2024

Please mark your calendar accordingly and be prepared to interview during that time.

Virtual Interviews

As Round 3 interviews are only offered in a virtual format, please select "Virtual" as your interview location in the interview section of your application.

Interview Notification

If you are a Round 4 applicant and are invited to interview, you will be notified via email by 11:59 pm (ET) on April 19, 2024. The email is not viewable on mobile phones or other mobile devices.

Interview Locations and Dates

In service to reapplicants, we offer the ability to replicate or "clone" your application from a previous application year (2019 and later). If you are reapplying, please submit the Reapplicant Request form (login credentials required) to request that your previous application data be transferred over to the next available round of admission in the current application cycle. Please contact application-processing@fuqua.duke.edu should you have any questions or trouble logging in. You will receive a confirmation email once this process is complete, and can edit all or part of your application after it has been cloned.

When reapplying you are required to submit:

• Short-answer question
• Standard application essays
• Reapplicant essay question 
• One letter of recommendation
• One-page resume 
• Valid standardized test score 
• Online application form 

If you request to clone your application, all data submitted from the prior year will carry into your application. Cloning provides a starting point for your application, and you are encouraged to provide updates and edits as needed to your application information, work history, and essays, as well as to answer any questions that may be new to this year's application. 

Reapplicant essay question

It is not uncommon for it to take more than one try to achieve a goal. Please share with us the self-reflection process that you underwent after last year's application and how you have grown as a result.  How did it shape your commitment to Fuqua and inspire your decision to reapply?

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

Recommendations

Reapplicants may use the same recommendation letter provided from last year, and that letter will be included in the cloning process if you choose. You have the option of submitting one additional recommendation letter if you wish. 

GMAT, GRE, and EA Scores

Reapplicants do not need to resend official GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment scores to us unless the scores have expired since your last application. We will accept scores up to 5 years old.

Application fee waivers are available to reapplicants.

All applicants are required to complete the core set of application materials; however, non-U.S. applicants have additional application requirements and instructions, which are described below.

Application timing for international students

You are strongly encouraged to apply by the Round 3 deadline to ensure sufficient time for visa processing.

Transcripts and diplomas

Transcripts, diplomas, and academic records must be in English.

Transcripts must include:

• Your name and the name of the institution
• Each course taken and the grade received
• The degree received and date conferred

If your transcripts do not state the degree and date conferred, upload a copy of your diploma in addition to the transcript.

If your transcript is not in English, you must have it:

• Translated
• Attested
• Uploaded in addition to the originals

Two options for sending transcripts:

• Electronically to transcripts@fuqua.duke.edu
• Directly by mail in a sealed envelope to:

Duke University
The Fuqua School of Business
Office of Admissions
100 Fuqua Drive, Box 90120
Durham, NC 27708-0120

English as a Second Language test scores

Fuqua does not accept ESL test scores.  We will use other aspects of your application to assess language proficiency.