Duke Fuqua Full-Time MBA Essays and Deadlines 2025-2026


Required Short Answer Questions

Answer the following question in 100 words. What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan.

Duke MBA Essay 1 – 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.

Duke MBA Essay 2: 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

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 (500 words maximum).

2025-2026 Duke Fuqua Full-Time MBA Deadlines
RoundApplication DeadlineInterview InvitesDecision Release Date
Early ActionSeptember 4, 2025September 25, 2025October 16, 2025
Round 1September 30, 2025November 12, 2025December 11, 2025
Round 2January 8, 2026February 13, 2026March 13, 2026
Round 3February 24, 2026March 19, 2026April 10, 2026
Round 4April 1, 2026April 16, 2026May 8, 2026

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