The following is a summary of a Duke Fuqua MBA admissions interview provided by a recent applicant:
Due to weather restrictions, I did not want to gamble with traveling to Fuqua on the days they offered for my interview, so I elected to Skype instead. My interviewer was an AdCom member, and was one of the nicest and most authentic people I have had the pleasure of speaking with in any interview, ever, to be quite honest. I felt at ease immediately. I was offered admission and a significant scholarship a few weeks later.
Caveat: Though I spoke with an AdCom member, I should add that she was also an alumna. She had read my entire application and was very familiar with it, but I’m not sure that would be the case in an interview with an alumnus/a who did not also work for AdCom.
My interview was structured around a distinct list of questions, but was very fluid and conversational. I had prepared for the questions that I faced, but was as thoughtful, candid and forthcoming as possible. I genuinely felt that my interviewed valued my candor and personality.
Here’s what I remember of the questions:
– Tell me about yourself / run me through your resume.
– Why an MBA / why now?
– Why Fuqua?
– Tell me about a time that you were a leader. What is your leadership style?
– Tell me about a time that you worked on a team.
– Tell me about a time that you failed.
– Have you had any mentors? What have they taught you?
– How would your friends describe you? Your colleagues?
– What are your strengths and weaknesses?
– Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you handled it?
– What would you say to AdCom to sell yourself to them in a minute?
The interview was really enjoyable. Above all else, I would recommend being yourself here. From my experience, they aren’t looking for bullsh*tters and can see through it. I was really impressed with the level of curiosity in this interview, and with the lack of ego.
