Several members asked me how to approach the "Why Duke? " essay question. Here are my thoughts...
1. Avoid any generic statements like - Teamwork, Collaboration etc. You are the consumer. Act as one. Don't try to write what they already know. Show them how you are making an informed choice.
2. Find things in your profile that can be enhanced/improved at the Fuqua School. Fuqua has many unique characteristics that can help you achieve your goals or in general have a great b-school experience.
Examples: 6 week terms, Wednesday "off", Fuqua Fridays, year long courses at Duke for e-ship. Make sure you are clear about what you want to do and how Fuqua can help you. This really depends on what you want out of b-school.
3. What do you plan to do out of class? Does Fuqua provide ample opportunities for you to have a good time? NCAA basketball ? Special Olympics ? Fuqua Vision ? Talk about non-academic things that appeal to you and how you will have a good time at Fuqua.
4. What do you plan to learn at Fuqua? How ? Which professors ? Which courses ? Any special programs ?
I wrote my essays before I visited Duke. When I went there for my interview, I talked to about 10-15 students about what I want to do and what they felt Fuqua has to offer. Needless to say, I was highly enthusiastic during my interview. On the other hand, my Wharton interview wasn't great since I could never really convince myself that I will be happy in that environment (which is great BTW but not for me). Ultimately, I got DINGED.
FIT is everything - don't try to reuse the "Why" part from other applications. It will significantly weaken your candidacy.
batchgmat wrote:
lhotseface wrote:
Good luck and let me know if you need help with your essays or "Why Duke?".
lhotseface,
Got a few questions regarding Duke. Sending you a PM right now. Thanks! (I am applying R2)