Frequently Asked Questions

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General Questions

What are the Daytime MBA application deadlines for entrance in Fall 2011? 
Early Action - September 30, 2010
Round 1 - November 1, 2010
Round 2 - January 4, 2011
Round 3 - March 8, 2011
When should I apply for admission? 

Given the competitive applicant pool, you are encouraged to apply as early in the admission cycle as possible. Candidates whose ability to enroll is dependent upon receiving merit-based scholarship assistance and international applicants should apply during Early Action, Round 1, or Round 2. Candidates who applied the previous year are strongly encouraged to reapply for admission during the Early Action Round or Round 1.

The Duke MBA Early Action option is ideal for applicants who have completed their MBA research and have decided that The Duke MBA is the best program for them. Applicants admitted in the Early Action round must submit the $3,000 tuition deposit along with official transcript(s) by December 17, 2010. In addition, any applications submitted to other schools must be withdrawn upon an offer of admission from The Duke MBA.

What are the minimum requirements for the GMAT?  
We admit applicants with a range of test scores. There is no minimum requirement. However, if you feel that you have not scored your personal best, or that the results are not representative of your ability, you may re-take the exam.
If my GMAT score is below your average GMAT score, should I still apply?  
Yes. The GMAT is important in the evaluation process, but it is not the only indicator of achievement. Other important aspects of the application that are assessed by the admissions committee include a candidate's academic performance, work experience, recommendations and essays.
Can I take the GMAT more than once?  
Yes, you can take the GMAT more than once. If you submit multiple test scores, you must indicate on your application which score you would like for us to use.
Do you accept the GRE in lieu of the GMAT? 

Joint degree applicants may submit either a GMAT or GRE score to fulfill the testing requirement.

For all other applicants, though GRE scores may be accepted on an individual basis, the Office of Admissions strongly encourages you to submit a GMAT test score to complete your  application. If you have already taken the GRE and would like to know more about our GRE policy, please email application-processing@fuqua.duke.edu.

The average age of your class is 29. Does that mean that I won't be admitted with less work experience? 
We are seeking quality, not quantity of work experience. Depending on the career path you have chosen thus far, it may take more or less time for you to gain the experiences that will enable you to add value to the classroom. The learning that occurs in an MBA program is not limited to what is delivered by the faculty, but rather the discussion that the subject matter generates in the classroom. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, functions, and industries, and sharing their experiences is what promotes learning in the classroom. We encourage you to look carefully at the experiences that you have had thus far and to highlight in your application how you will augment the classroom and community.
How does the admissions committee perceive non-traditional backgrounds? 
We seek diverse perspectives that will add value to the classroom and the community – non-traditional backgrounds push our boundaries in the classroom and allow students and faculty to think differently. If you are applying with a non-traditional background, we encourage you to focus on clearly defining your goals and the role of a Duke MBA in reaching them, as well as providing the Admissions Committee insight into your experiences and career progression as we may be less familiar with your industry.
How do I differentiate myself to the Admissions Committee?  
You know yourself better than anyone. Spend time thinking about yourself and your experiences. What do you bring to the table? How would you contribute to Fuqua’s community and classrooms? Spend time getting to know our school – visit campus, reach out to students and alumni. Communicate in your application why it is not just an MBA, but a Duke MBA that is the right fit for your goals, your background, and your preferred learning environment.
When do students matriculate each year? Can you start at other times during the year? 
Full-time Duke MBA students begin their program in July or August, depending on whether they elect to take or are required to take pre-term courses.
What is your policy on deferred admission? 
We encourage applicants to apply for admission in the year in which they wish to matriculate. However, if circumstances prevent an admitted applicant from enrolling in that year, the applicant may request a deferral by writing to the Associate Dean of Admissions outlining all details surrounding the request. Requests for deferral are considered after May 1, on a case-by-case basis for students who have already submitted their tuition deposit. Deferrals are granted on a very limited basis and will only be granted for one year. If a deferral is granted, applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deferral fee of $1,500 and will be reconsidered for any merit-based scholarships the following admissions cycle prior to matriculation. If a scholarship is awarded in the year the applicant applies, this award is not guaranteed for matriculation the following year.
Does The Fuqua School of Business accept transfer credits?  
No, we do not accept transfer credits.
Is it possible to obtain an exemption from any of the courses? If so, can a student graduate early? 
A student may take an exemption exam for most of the core courses. The exemption exams are offered at the beginning of each semester. A student may also be given an administrative exemption based on prior course work. Exemption from a course does not reduce the total number of credits needed to complete the degree. Students have the ability to substitute an elective in place of the required course.
How many credits and courses are required to complete the two-year Daytime/full-time MBA program?  
The requirement consists of at least 79 credit hours for regular Daytime MBA students and at least 65 credit hours for joint-degree students.
When does the college level calculus course requirement need to be fulfilled?  
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. You may take the course during the spring/summer after being admitted into our MBA program. The requirement must be satisfied prior to matriculation in the summer.
What undergraduate major do I need?  
We do not require or favor a particular undergraduate major. Students come from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Can you recommend some additional courses that I can take prior to coming to your business school?  
Our program is heavily quantitative in nature. A college-level calculus course with a grade equivalent to a C or better is required to matriculate.  In addition, we recommend the following preparatory courses: statistics, financial accounting, macro or micro economics, and corporate finance.
Can I take individual courses at your school of business?  
No, you must be enrolled as a full-time student in one of our programs to take Fuqua courses.
Do I qualify for your business school based on my criteria provided in an email? 
We cannot evaluate your qualifications until we receive an application for admission from you. We look at a candidate's overall strengths and weaknesses and compare that profile against the larger applicant pool. Criteria considered include leadership (both personally and professionally), essays, recommendations, academic transcripts and GMAT and TOEFL/PTE/IELTS scores.
What type of work experience do you look for in your admissions process?  
We will consider any post-undergraduate work experience presented for admission. However, the applicant must articulate the value of the experience as it relates to contributing to the learning environment at The Fuqua School of Business and how the experience has developed leadership, teamwork and maturity, both professionally and personally.
What are your methods of payment for the application fee?  
The non-refundable $200 application fee must be paid by credit card (Visa or Mastercard). The fee is paid when you submit the application online to the office of admissions.
Do you offer a waiver of the application fee?  

The Fuqua School of Business is committed to breaking down barriers to business education. Fuqua recently introduced a new Application Fee Reduction policy. Please click here to learn more.

Applicants may also qualify for a waiver of the application fee if they meet any of the following conditions:

  • Active duty, active reserve, or recently separated (within 3 years) member of the United States military.
  • Active participant or alumni of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or Teach for America.
  • By referral or recommendation by Fuqua alumni or current student.
    • Include the name, program, year of graduation (if known), and the e-mail address of the person who submitted your referral or recommendation.
  • Member of the Forte Foundation or Management Leadership for Tomorrow.
  • Fuqua Admissions Committee approval
    • Include the reason for waiver request and the name of the committee member granting approval.

If you submit an application for a waiver, please allow a minimum of two business days for information processing PRIOR to submitting your application. You will receive a fee waiver confirmation via e-mail if your wavier is activated.

We cannot issue refunds for your application fee. If you are applying for an application fee waiver, do not submit your application if asked for credit card information.

How do I apply to your Joint Degree programs?  

All applications for joint degree programs are due by the Early Action, Round 1 or Round 2 deadlines. See the When to Apply section for deadline details.

Applicants are evaluated by each program according to that program’s respective admission criteria.

The Duke MBA online application should be completed for all joint degree programs except for the JD/MBA program (see below). If the applicant is not yet an admitted or matriculated student in the joint degree program (the non-MBA program), the applicant must also complete the entire application process for that non-MBA program.

For JD/MBA program: The application for the JD/MBA program is hosted by the Law School Admission Council at www.lsac.org . Prospective students applying to both programs concurrently, as well as students who are already in one of the programs and are applying for the other program, should complete only the JD/MBA application, and not the independent MBA or LAW applications. Applicants must take and report their scores for both the LSAT and the GMAT.

For MBA/MF or MBA/MEM programs: To apply to these joint degree programs, you ONLY need to fill out the Daytime MBA application as both The Fuqua School of Business and The Nicholas School of the Environment utilize the same application form. Please fill out the portion of the application specifically devoted to the MBA/MF or MBA/MEM joint degree. 

For all other joint degree programs, an applicant must submit separate applications to each program. To learn more about the joint degrees offered at Duke University and to obtain contact information for the programs we partner with, please visit our Joint Degree page .

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Interviews and Campus Visits

Where may I have an interview? 
The Open Interview period takes place on Duke's campus in Durham only, from September 16 - October 16, 2010. After the Open Interview period, interviews are by invitation only and are based upon a thorough review of each applicant's file. If invited, you will have the option to interview in Durham or in a number of cities around the world. Visit the Interviews and Campus Visits page for details.
Where can I get directions and lodging information for my visit to Fuqua? 
Information about traveling to and staying in Durham will be included in the confirmation e-mail you will receive once you schedule your interview and visit. In addition, the Visit section of our website includes travel information to assist you with planning your trip.
When should I schedule an interview?  

Applicants may schedule an interview during our Open Inteview period, which takes place in Durham from September 16 - October 16, 2010. We encourage you to schedule your interview as soon as possible, due to space limitations. 

After October 16, 2010, interviews are by invitation only. Please visit the Invitation-Only Interviews section for more details including a schedule of interview dates and locations.

Visit our Interviews and Campus Visits page for more details.

What if I cannot complete an interview during the timeframe specified for the admissions round for which I am applying? 

Applicants should take interview dates into consideration when selecting an application round. All applicants invited for an interview are required to schedule and complete their interview during that round.

Should unexpected circumstances prevent an applicant from interviewing as scheduled, contact the Office of Admissions immediately at +1.919.660.7705 or admissions-info@fuqua.duke.edu. We will do our best to accommodate you, but if this is not possible, your application will be moved to the next admissions round.

How do I schedule an interview? 

An online scheduling system is available for the Open Interview period as well as our Campus Visit program. Please visit the Interviews and Campus Visits page for details.

During the Invitation Only period, applicants selected for an interview will receive an e-mail with detailed instructions on scheduling the interview at the location specified on the application.

I am a reapplicant who interviewed last year. Do I need to interview again? 
Yes, we strongly recommend that you schedule another interview during our Open Interview period, if it is possible for you to travel to Durham. As a reapplicant, an interview is a great way to update the admissions committee on recent job promotions, personal achievements, and ways in which you are a stronger candidate this year.
How can I prepare for my interview and what should I expect during the interview? 

During the interview you will be asked a variety of questions that will give you the opportunity to present your background and interests to a member of the admissions committee. It is important to relax and be yourself during the interview, which typically last 30 - 45 minutes. At the conclusion of your interview, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Fuqua experience.

Appropriate attire is business casual. Please bring a one-page resume to the interview and allow adequate time for parking and checking in, as will be outlined in your confirmation e-mail.

Are there additional activities for me to participate in during my visit?  

Yes, we offer a variety of activities in Durham and in other select locations to enable you to learn more about the Fuqua culture. Activities may include class visits, guest lectures, tours of Fuqua facilities, and opportunities to interact with current MBA students and/or alumni.

Activity options are outlined in the online scheduling system, when you register for a visit.

Can I request to visit a specific class?  
Unfortunately, we are unable to take specific class requests in advance. Because Fuqua uses an integrated curriculum and operates on 6-week terms, the core and elective classes change frequently. The class you visit will depend upon the time and day of your visit.
Can I schedule more than one class visit and/or interview? 
No. Both interviews and class visits are very limited. We would like to offer as many visitors as possible the opportunity to participate in these activities, so you may only sign up for one class visit and one interview.
Can my partner/spouse visit Fuqua with me?  

Yes, if you are visiting the Durham campus. Within the online scheduling system, please indicate whether you plan to bring your partner. A representative of the Fuqua Partners Organization will then contact your partner via e-mail with information for the day of your visit.

Due to limited space, we kindly ask that partners refrain from attending a class visit. Partners are welcome to wait in the admissions lobby during your class visit and interview.

What if I have to cancel or reschedule my interview?  

If you are unable to attend your scheduled interview and need to cancel or reschedule, please do so within our online scheduling system. Visit the Interviews and Campus Visits page for more details.

For cancellations within 48 hours of your visit, please cancel your visit online and contact us at +1.919.660.7705 or admission-info@fuqua.duke.edu.

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International Applicants

Do I need to submit an English or a Foreign Language Test? 

All international citizens who did not earn an undergraduate degree from a school whose primary language of instruction is English must submit test results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.

The TOEFL/PTE/IELTS requirement is waived for international applicants holding non-technical master or PhD degrees from colleges and universities located in the United States. Official scores must be reported directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for the TOEFL, from Pearson Vue for the PTE, or directly from the testing center for the IELTS. Allow at least four weeks for requested scores to reach the  office of Admissions.

Will you consider my application with a degree less than a four-year bachelor's degree from the U.S.A.? 
Generally, we will accept international bachelor's degrees. Most of the degrees we see are at least four years. Three-year degrees are fairly common in all U.K.-based systems. Level exams frequently are equal to the first year of college; therefore, a three-year degree from England, Scotland, Wales and Australia are usually equivalent to a four-year program. In India, the bachelor's of commerce degree is three years, and is usually considered the equivalent of a U.S. business degree.
Is there financial aid available for international applicants? 

Each year a limited number of merit-based scholarships are awarded to incoming American and international students. It is important to apply early to ensure consideration for available funds. Every admitted applicant will automatically be reviewed for merit-based scholarships. There is no separate scholarship application. Scholarship notification typically occurs within a week following admission notification. The awards are for the two-year duration of the MBA program and range from partial tuition to full tuition. Funding is limited and will not be sufficient to cover all tuition and living expenses.

In addition, we are pleased to offer The Graduate Student Loan Program for Fuqua International Students through Coastal Federal Credit Union. This loan offers a very competitive rate and does not require a co-singer from the U.S. For more information about this loan, visit the Financial Aid page .

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Recommendations

Who should write my letters of recommendation? 
We require two letters of recommendation. The most valuable recommendations come from the people who know your professional skills and abilities. The admissions committee is not impressed by the title or prominence of your recommenders, but rather the extent to which they know you and have worked closely with you. We encourage you to submit at least one recommendation from someone who knows you well in your current position and can critique your professional performance, such as a current supervisor. We understand that your direct supervisor is not always an option. In such cases, please consider a vendor, client, or recent supervisor relationship. Another source for a strong recommendation may come from a supervisor in a community organization where you have a leadership role.

Academic recommendations are rarely able to provide the insight needed into your team and leadership performance unless you have worked closely with a professor on a project. Even in such a case, a professional recommendation would be preferable. Finally, recommendations written by relatives or family friends are discouraged by the Admissions Committee.
Can I submit an extra letter of recommendation?  
No, unless it is a peer or alumni recommendation. There are separate forms for these recommendations and, if submitted on your behalf prior to the time when you submit your application, you are eligible for an application fee waiver. Please allow at least two to three days for processing.
Can recommendation forms from the previous year's application be used for the current year? 
The Duke MBA's recommendation form changes from year to year. Please be sure to use the current form located in the online application. We require use of our online recommendation form since it is the most efficient way to submit a recommendation.
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Financial Aid

Who is considered for merit scholarship awards?  
Every admitted applicant is considered for a merit scholarship. If selected to be a scholarship recipient, the admitted applicant will receive notification of the award in the mailed admission packet.
How are merit scholarship awards determined?  
Merit scholarship recipients are selected by the Admissions Merit Scholarship Committee.

The criteria for selection include prior academic achievement, demonstrated qualities of leadership, involvement in the community, extracurricular activities and professional accomplishments. These awards are for the two-year duration of the MBA program and range from partial tuition to full tuition.

The Duke MBA merit scholarships are awarded on a two-year basis to enable applicants to plan for the entire cost of a Duke MBA education. There is no funding for new awards in the second year. Thus, students who enroll without scholarship funding should not anticipate an award for the second year of the program.

The merit scholarship awards are made independent of determining a student’s eligibility for student loans and work-study employment.
Does The Fuqua School of Business offer other scholarship or grant assistance?  

Merit scholarships are the only form of gift assistance offered by The Fuqua School of Business. No other grants or scholarships are available.

There are a limited number of award programs available to First Year students who were not offered a merit scholarship upon admission. Based on academic standing and achievement, the Financial Aid Committee will select and invite students to apply for consideration at the end of the first spring semester. These modest awards are generally made during the summer or early fall.

Is it possible to borrow funds to meet the costs of attending Fuqua? 
A variety of student loan programs are available to both domestic and international students enrolled at The Fuqua School of Business. Students are eligible to apply for a combination of federal and alternative student loans to meet their cost of tuition, fees, books, and related living expenses as estimated in the cost of attendance.
How do I apply for student loans? 
Upon admission, all students requesting loan assistance must complete and submit the Fuqua Financial Aid Application to the Financial Aid Office. This application is available to admitted students in the Financial Aid section of our Incoming Student Website.

Students (U.S. Citizens and Permanent U.S. Residents) requesting federal loan assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is generally available during December and should be completed as soon as your federal tax information is available. You may complete the FAFSA form prior to receipt of your admissions decision.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid may be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Title IV code for The Fuqua School of Business is E00160.

Once admitted and as the result of the FAFSA and the student’s data is complete, a Financial Aid award notice will be sent. The award notice will outline the available loans and information regarding the recommended lender for both federal and alternative student loan programs. Detailed information about the loan process will accompany the award notice.

All International students at the Fuqua School are eligible to apply for The Expanded MBA Loan. This loan program was established to make loan funds available to all admitted international students without the need of a U.S. co-signer. International students will be eligible to apply for funds equal to the total cost of attendance per academic year. This amount may be increased for approved miscellaneous expenses that may include spouse and child living expenses, Global Academic Travel Experience (GATE) courses, and exchange expenses.

The Expanded MBA Loan application for each academic year is generally updated and available on the Incoming Student Website during the month of May.

Most of the student loan applications are completed and processed electronically.

The Expanded MBA Loan application is not an electronic process.
How will I know if my financial aid application is complete? 
Approximately one week after you submit your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which is the result of the FAFSA that indicates receipt and initial processing of this application. Our Financial Aid Office receives an electronic copy of the SAR. The FAFSA data for admitted students is reviewed for accuracy and completeness. If additional information is needed, you will receive a written request from The Fuqua School of Business. If no additional information is required or after requested information is received and reviewed, you will receive a Financial Aid award notice as stated above.

Usually, our Financial Aid Office starts to review financial aid applications and send out award notices during March.
When should I start contacting lenders to apply for a loan? 
Usually, students contact lenders after they have received their award notice. However, since alternative student loan programs are credit-based programs, students who anticipate borrowing alternative student loans may consider contacting lenders earlier to make certain that they are creditworthy loan borrowers.

Most of the student loan applications are completed and processed electronically. Therefore, paper applications are unnecessary to obtain.

Generally, students will visit a lender’s website to apply for a loan and electronically complete the promissory note. Subsequently, lenders will transmit the students’ loan request to our Financial Aid Office, which is certified and processed electronically.

The Expanded MBA Loan application for each academic year is updated and available on the Incoming Student Website during the month of May.

The Expanded MBA Loan application is not an electronic process. Students must print out the loan application, complete and submit it the Financial Aid Office.
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Reapplicants

Who is considered a reapplicant? 
Reapplicants are individuals who applied in the previous year only. Individuals who applied prior to the preceding year are considered new applicants.
Do reapplicants need to complete a new application? 
Reapplicants do need to submit a new online application. You may log in using your username and password from last year; however, you will need to re-enter all of your information. You will need to begin a new application and complete all fields.
What essays do reapplicants need to answer?  
Reapplicants are asked to answer the same essay questions as new applicants, plus one additional essay for reapplicants only. Applicant and reapplicant essays are in the How to Apply section of this website.
Are reapplicants required to submit new letters of recommendation?  
Reapplicants should submit one additional letter of recommendation with their new application. The Duke MBA does retain applicant files for one calendar year, so the prior year's letters of recommendation will still be on file with The Duke MBA Office of Admissions.
As a reapplicant, will the Admissions Committee still be able to see my application from last year, along with my new application?  
Yes. Applicant files are retained for one year, and thus the Admissions Committee will have your application from the prior year when reviewing your new application.
Do reapplicants need to resend official test scores and official transcripts?  
Reapplicants do not need to resend offical GMAT and/or TOEFL/PTE/IELTS scores to Fuqua, unless the scores have expired.
I am a reapplicant and interviewed last year. Do I need to interview again?  
We strongly recommend that you schedule another interview during our Open Interview period, if it is possible for you to travel to Durham. As a reapplicant, an interview is a great way to update the admissions committee on recent job promotions, personal achievements, and ways in which you are a stronger candidate this year.
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