Duke University's Fuqua School of Business (Fuqua Full-Time MBA Profile) in Durham, N.C., accepted 24 percent of its 3,506 applicants in 2010.Fuqua Admissions Director Megan Lynam (MeganLynam), herself a Fuqua MBA grad, says her team is looking for well-rounded individuals with great leadership potential.Recently, during a live chat event, she fielded questions from Bloomberg Businessweek reporter Francesca Di Meglio (FrancescaBW) and an audience of prospective students about how to shine in the application process. Here are edited excerpts from their conversation.
sabindj: When is the next round of applications for the full-time MBA program?
MeganLynam: Our full-time program begins each August. We are in the process of finalizing our application deadlines for the next recruiting year. These [dates] will be posted in the next month, and our application will be available in mid-July. We are also still accepting applications for our Cross Continent MBA program, which begins in August, and our Master of Management Studies (MMS) program, beginning in July, if you would like to learn more about those programs.
rianagia: I am currently an undergrad at Penn State, and I'm graduating a year early. I am applying to grad school right out of undergrad. I was hoping to get some advice as to my chances for admission without any work experience.
MeganLynam: The Master of Management Studies program is actually a perfect program for someone considering a master's degree in business. It is a one-year, pre-experience program that builds your foundational skills in business to jump-start your career.
SSmith: How much access do students have to professors? Are there specific programs to foster these relationships?
MeganLynam: The engagement of professors with the student body is one of the reasons that I personally selected Fuqua. Our faculty members are incredible researchers, but they are also completely dedicated to their students. It is not uncommon to find them walking the team rooms the night before a big exam or assignment to lend support and guidance. They are also involved in student activities. For example, they act as judges in our annual Brand Challenge and Fuqua Idol contests.
CrystalBrown: What kind of student is happy here? And what kind isn't?
MeganLynam: Fuqua students are engaged, collaborative, and excited to learn from their faculty and fellow classmates alike. There is a strong sense of stewardship here as well. We want students to get involved in clubs, activities, student government, to learn by doing, to give back to the school and to others with their time and energy, and to leave a legacy here and beyond. On the flip side, a person who would not fit in well here is someone who is highly individualistic, or does not value diversity, and avoids team interaction.
Espy0301: Are students able to choose more than one concentration?
MeganLynam: Absolutely. Students are able to select up to two concentrations. Some students will pursue two, some one, and some will not complete a concentration at all. Our goal is to prepare you for your first job after the MBA, but also for your full career. Careers, these days, rarely follow a linear path. Thus, we have defined a flexible curriculum that allows you to focus on the global context for business and business fundamentals in the initial terms, while having the opportunity to customize the remaining year and a half of your studies.
CLTaft: Are there any online information sessions coming up about the Cross Continent program?
MeganLynam: The window of time to apply for the Cross Continent program is actually quite short. We would be delighted to connect with you personally to share more information about the program. Please contact us at crosscontinent-mba-info@fuqua.duke.edu.
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