Duke Fuqua MBA Essays 2026-2027: Prompts and Word Limits
The Duke Fuqua Daytime MBA essay prompts for the 2026-2027 cycle, quoted from the school, with word limits.
Essay overview
For the 2026-2027 Daytime MBA application, Fuqua requires one short answer and two essays, with one optional essay and one additional essay for reapplicants. Responses use 1.5-line spacing and a font size of at least 10 point, and applicants should not repeat the question in the uploaded document. Fuqua scans essays with plagiarism-detection software and may use AI-detection tools; it permits AI tools for editing and clarity but not for generating content.
2026-2027 prompts and limits
| Question | Prompt (verbatim) | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Required short answer | What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan. | 100 words |
| First required essay: 25 random things about yourself | The 'Team Fuqua' spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us "25 Random Things" about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU - beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are. | 2 pages (750 words maximum), in list form numbered 1 to 25 |
| Second required essay: The Fuqua community and you | Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua? | 1 page (500 words maximum) |
| Optional essay: Tell us more | If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). | 1 page (500 words maximum) |
| Reapplicant essay | It is not uncommon for it to take more than one try to achieve a goal. Please share with us the self-reflection process that you underwent after last year's application and how you have grown as a result. How did it shape your commitment to Fuqua and inspire your decision to reapply? | 1 page (500 words maximum) |
Notes from Fuqua
Fuqua states that the optional essay is for circumstances only, and applicants should not upload additional essays or recommendations there. Some points in the 25 Random Things list may be brief while others are longer.
Sources
- 1. Duke Fuqua, Application Instructions, Daytime MBA (2026-2027 cycle)