Duke (Fuqua) Daytime MBA Program - Research Part 2

Well, posting the second part of my research about Fuqua took me some time. Writing an application process is a rigorous and time consuming job. Even after going through so many round of modifications and checks, one feels anxious to hit the submit button. I've submitted my application for early action round on 16th Sep'14. So here is rest of the part of my research.

Things I liked most about Fuqua -

1. Fuqua's Alumni - The word "wow" fall short in describing the culture of this great institute. I'm just amazed seeing the support Fuqua Alumni provide to prospective students. I had pleasure to talk to one of the most kind people. Every single alumni is ready to take time out of your busy schedule and guide you in the process.

2. Team Fuqua Philosophy - Collaboration is in the gene of Fuqua teaching philosophy. If you want to grow in a team setting then this is the right school for you. You will be able to develop relationship for life. Only other school, which I know,shows this kind of  development is TUCK.

3. International student body - Fuqua has the highest international student ratio ( approx 40%), higher than any other b-school. One will have various opportunity to learn about different culture, perspective and ideas from such a big international student body.

Fuqua is an amazing school for people like me, who  is seeking a vivid international experience and eclectic culture. I just fall in love with this school and the philosophy it runs on. Every time I open it YouTube channel, Dean  Boulding's video "Be Consequential" make me lust for the opportunity to be part of this great culture.

You can have a look into the first part of my research here.

If you want to know anything specific of my application progress or want to learn about my research, do drop me a message.

My Strategy to write an effective application

 

Writing a strong application always requires lot of hard work, dedication and concentration. As we are getting close to round 1 deadline pressure to stand out of the crowd, to convince ad-com of your story and, at the same time, to write a compelling application is enormous. With my rigorous work load I'm not able to give much time to application so I decided to follow a strategy. With this strategy whatever the little time I'm having I'm able to make most efficient use of it. I call it RAD (Research, Analyse and Draft).

1. Research - I collect all the material available about a school to better understand the application process. This involves breakdown of essay, videos from admission counsellors and ad-com and conversation with current students and alumni.

2. Analyse - The problem with doing extensive research is that we get lots of advice and expert opinions, which actually are good, however, not every advice or strategy works for everyone. Such as, I was not much involved in extra-curricular activities during my under-grad and have only one story to showcase my involvement in my under-graduate study. If I were to formulate story to show that I had great achievements in extra-curricular activities during under-grad that will come superficial from me. The story will not have the same soul as I portrayed in my other stories.

3. Draft - Yes I said draft, not writing actual essay. Drafting the structure of whatever you are writing is very much necessary. By drafting you can formulate the link between your one story to another, decide on importance of your story and structure your thoughts to convey the holistic picture of yourself. Draft is very necessary as one can't write everything one has accomplished or achieved. Every prospect of your application comes with restrictions and you have to respect them while delivering the best of you in those limitations. Draft is also a great point to brainstorm about your application and revise the structure of your idea that you're formulating to write.

This strategy helped me to structure my thought and see a holistic picture of my accomplishments. I hope it may be of some help to all of you out there.

If you want to know anything specific of my application progress or want to learn about my research, do drop me a message.