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The Duke Fuqua MBA is routinely regarded as one of the top options for those interested in getting their MBA. Known for fewer core classes and more electives, Fuqua lets you build the education experience you want. Duke is also known for being a military-friendly school and can be a great option for any veterans looking into top MBA programs.
Location
I was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC from 2012–2020, my family lives in the Ralegh-Durham Area, and I did my DoD Skillsbridge internship at a tech startup in Durham. I know also know a couple of people at Duke from my military time. That’s all to say that I am quite familiar with the area around Duke and Fuqua.
Most people don’t think of NC and the Southeast as the place for tech, startups, and entrepreneurship. But the Raleigh Durham area has a glowing outlook.
# 1 on Forbes’ list of Best States for Business from 2017–2019
# 3 on CNBC’s 2019 list of Top States for Business (and #1 is closeby Virginia)
4 of the 15 cities on Business Insider’s 15 best US cities to launch a startup are within a 2-hour flight
During my internship, I attended a conference in Durham for startups and venture capitalists (VCs). Both the VCs and the entrepreneurs spoke about how they are starting to see tech talent starting to move to the Triangle. While Silicon Valley is definitely still the top place for tech and entrepreneurship, the steep cost of living there is making people look elsewhere for where they live. And the far cheaper cost of living in the region makes the area around Duke Fuqua starting to look like a great option.
And, honestly, the Durham/Raleigh/Chapel Hill area is awesome. There’s a ton to do and all three cities each have their own unique vibe. If you don’t want the big-city lifestyle, Fuqua should definitely be on your radar.
Key stats about Duke Fuqua MBA (Class of 2021):
- Rankings: 2019- Forbes (14), Economist (11), US News and World Report (Tied for #12 with Tuck and Ross)
- Top 3 industries post-graduation: Consulting (34%), Financial Services (23%), and General Management (21%)
- Class size: 395
- Average GPA: 80% range in 3.1–3.87
- Average GMAT: 80% range in 660–740
- Average GRE: 324 (162 V/ 162 Q, 4.8 Writing)
Unique parts of the application
The Duke Fuqua MBA application has a few unique aspects.
Their first required essay is different than the normal MBA application essays. The first is a list of “25 random things about yourself.” As they describe:
“The admissions committee also wants to get to know you–beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. You can share with us important life experiences, your likes/dislikes, hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are.”
This essay is unique amongst MBA programs and provides you an opportunity to set the tone for your whole file. While the seeming lack of direction for what they want might cause you to scratch your head on what to share, it also presents an opportunity to make your application stand out. Especially for veterans, this can be a way to show a lot more of yourself beyond just your time
Duke’s Fuqua MBA program also offers an early action application round for those who are sure that Fuqua is their pick. Only a few other schools, like Darden and CBS, in the top 20 offer a similar option.
Duke Fuqua Military-Specific Information
- Waived application fee for active duty and veterans
- Yellow Ribbon program match of $18,000 (see chart below for how this pays out)
- The Durham VA Medical Center is adjacent to Duke’s campus
Related:
Military to MBA (Part 1/7): Is It for You?