In this installment of our Admissions Director Q&A, we connect with Allison Jamison, Assistant Dean of Admissions at Duke University Fuqua School of Business, to learn about the ins and outs of admissions.
Allison loves working closely with Fuqua’s prospective students each year. She collaborates with the Fuqua Admissions team to find the best ways to meet and engage with individuals considering a graduate business education, and she says it is truly a pleasure for her to get to know the applicants.
Allison began working at Fuqua in 2006, and has always been very involved in recruitment efforts and strategy. You are likely to meet her throughout the year at Admissions events around the world, and if you have ever received an email from Fuqua Admissions, she likely had a hand in developing that message. Fun fact: She began her experience with Fuqua as a partner, accompanying her husband (a Daytime MBA 2007 alumnus) to Durham before later joining the Admissions team.
She earned her B.S. in commerce from the University of Virginia, and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to joining Team Fuqua, her experience was in marketing and membership for Club Corp, and later in nonprofit management.
Read on to learn more about Fuqua’s MBA program, Allison’s insights into the application process, and her favorite aspects of the program.
Clear Admit: Walk us through the life of an application in your office from an operational standpoint. What happens between the time an applicant clicks “submit” and the time the committee offers a final decision?
Allison Jamison: The application process definitely starts before an application is submitted. Prospective students engage with us through emails, virtual and in-person events, coffee chats, conversations with students and alumni, and a variety of other touchpoints. That journey looks a little different for everyone. But once an applicant clicks “Submit,” the process becomes much more structured.
First, our processing team reviews all submitted materials to ensure we have everything required. This includes the application form, self-reported test scores, transcripts, essays, extracurricular activities, and a professional recommendation. If anything is missing, our team will reach out and work directly with the applicant to complete the file. We intentionally build time into our process for materials to be collected and verified, so applicants shouldn’t be concerned if we contact them with a request for additional information.
Once an application is complete, it is ready for review. A member of the admissions team reads the entire application from beginning to end, spending approximately 45 to 60 minutes evaluating the candidate holistically. After that initial review, the application moves to what we call Interview Committee.
Interview Committees are held on a rolling basis throughout each application round. At each meeting, readers present the applications they have completed since the previous committee meeting. One important thing applicants should know is that applications are read in a random order. As a result, interview invitations are released on a rolling basis, but the timing of an interview decision is not indicative of an application’s strength. It simply reflects when that application happened to be reviewed.
During Interview Committee, the first reader presents the applicant to the full admissions team, and together we reach consensus on whether to extend an interview invitation. It’s important to note that the interview decision is not a final admissions decision. Applicants who are not initially invited to interview may still be invited later in the process, either by a second reader or during a subsequent committee discussion.
Once an interview invitation is released, the applicant is connected with their interviewer to schedule a conversation. Following the interview, the interview report is added to the application, which is then assigned to a second admissions committee member for review. The second reader reads the application in its entirety, typically spending another 30 to 45 minutes evaluating the file and adding their own assessment.
If an applicant was not previously invited to interview, the second reader may recommend an interview at that stage. This is another reason applicants should not interpret an initial interview decision as the final word on their candidacy.
After all applications have received two independent reviews, the Admissions Committee reconvenes. This time, the second reader presents the application to the full committee, incorporating insights from both reviews and the interview evaluation, if applicable. Together, the committee reaches a consensus decision of Admit, Waitlist, or Deny.
Once decisions have been finalized, our processing team updates application records, and on the published decision release date, applicants receive an email directing them to their applicant portal to view their result.
We take great care at every step of this process. Every application is read multiple times, discussed by committee, and evaluated holistically. No single component determines the outcome. Our goal throughout the process is to get to know each applicant as fully as possible and to understand both what they have accomplished and how they would contribute to Team Fuqua.
CA: How does your team approach the essay portion of the application specifically? What are you looking for as you read an essay? Are there common mistakes applicants should try to avoid? What is one key thing candidates should keep in mind as they sit down to write?
AJ: The essays are one of our favorite parts of the application because they allow us to hear the applicant’s voice. A resume can tell us what you’ve done; the essays help us understand what matters to you, what has shaped you, and how you’ll engage as a member of our community.
We’re looking for authenticity, self-awareness, reflection, and a clear sense of purpose. The strongest essays help us understand the person behind the accomplishments.
Our iconic “25 Random Things” essay remains one of our favorite questions because it gives applicants the freedom to share the experiences, values, interests, and relationships that have influenced who they are. My advice is to use that space thoughtfully. We can learn a great deal about your professional accomplishments from your resume. Use the essay to tell us something we wouldn’t otherwise know.
Our second essay asks applicants to think specifically about how they will contribute to Team Fuqua. Rather than listing every club, center, or activity that interests you, focus on the opportunities that genuinely resonate with you and explain why. The best responses demonstrate both self-awareness and a thoughtful understanding of our community.
One common mistake we see from applicants is trying to write what they think an admissions committee wants to hear. Every year we enroll students from a remarkable range of backgrounds, industries, cultures, and life experiences. The essays that stand out are the ones that feel genuine.
As AI becomes increasingly common in our personal and professional lives, applicants often ask how it fits into the application process. We recognize AI can be a useful tool for brainstorming, organizing ideas, or editing for clarity. However, the purpose of the essays is to understand the applicant behind the application. AI can help polish writing, but it cannot replicate personal experiences, self-reflection, or authentic voice. The strongest essays are the ones that sound unmistakably like the person who wrote them.
If there’s one thing applicants should keep in mind as they sit down to write, it’s this: be yourself. Authenticity is far more compelling than perfection.
CA: Could you tell us about your interview process? Approximately what percentage of applicants are invited to interview, who typically conducts interviews, and what should candidates expect in terms of interview style and format (including whether interviews are conducted virtually, in person, or if you offer both options)?
AJ: Our goal is to interview as many applicants as possible because the interview provides an important opportunity for us to get to know candidates beyond the written application. While the percentage varies somewhat from year to year, we typically interview approximately one-half to two-thirds of applicants.
Interviews are conducted by either second-year MBA students serving as Admissions Fellows or by alumni. Both groups are trained on the interview process, and all interviews are weighted equally in our evaluation process. Interviews last around 45 minutes.
Applicants may choose to interview virtually or in person, and we strive to make the experience accessible regardless of location.
The interview itself is conversational and behavioral in nature — no trick questions. Interviewers only have access to the applicant’s resume, so they are approaching the conversation with genuine curiosity. Candidates should expect questions about their professional experiences, leadership examples, career goals, and interest in Fuqua.
Most importantly, the interview is a two-way conversation. We want applicants to learn about Team Fuqua just as much as we want to learn about them. Candidates should come prepared with questions and approach the conversation as an opportunity to engage rather than perform.
One practical piece of advice: be prepared to answer “Tell me about yourself” in two or three minutes. It’s often the first question in the interview, and having a concise, thoughtful response (not over-rehearsed!) can help get the interview started off on the right foot. You have a limited time for the interview, so use your time well!
Whether the interview is in-person or virtual, applicants should be dressed professionally, be prepared (don’t read from notes!), be on time, and be familiar with the information on your resume.
CA: Is there anything in particular international students should keep in mind during the admissions process?
AJ: International students are an essential part of the Fuqua experience, typically representing approximately 40% of our Daytime MBA class. The diversity of perspectives and experiences they bring enriches every classroom discussion and team experience.
For international applicants, I encourage early engagement with the admissions process. It may be harder to visit campus if you live outside of the U.S., so take advantage of opportunities to connect with students, alumni, and admissions staff virtually. Those conversations can help you better understand our culture and community.
I also encourage applicants to think proactively about your MBA timeline. Applying earlier in the cycle can provide additional flexibility for visa processing and relocation planning. Understanding visa timelines and documentation requirements before admission decisions are released can make the transition significantly smoother.
From a career perspective, it’s also valuable to begin researching industries, companies, and recruiting pathways early. Students who enter business school with a strong understanding of the recruiting landscape are often better positioned to maximize the opportunities available to them. The career search is a team project between Fuqua and the student.
CA: Conversations about MBA value often center on jobs, salaries, and ROI. What are some of the other ways students benefit from the MBA experience that may be harder to quantify upfront?
AJ: One of the best things about pursuing an MBA at Duke is becoming part of the Team Fuqua community. I know that can sound like a marketing slogan, but Team Fuqua is a very real thing, and it’s one of the reasons our alumni remain so deeply connected to the school long after graduation.
At its core, Team Fuqua is the belief that we support, uplift, and advocate for one another. That culture shapes the student experience, but it doesn’t end at graduation. Years later, if you’re considering a career change, looking for advice, exploring a new industry, or searching for a business partner, you can tap into the Fuqua network and know that people will genuinely want to help. I often hear alumni say that the relationships they built at Fuqua have become one of the most enduring assets of their MBA experience.
Beyond the network, an MBA develops skills that extend far beyond your next job. You’ll strengthen your ability to make decisions in complex situations, think strategically, evaluate tradeoffs, and lead through uncertainty. Those capabilities are valuable in the boardroom, but they’re just as useful in everyday life, from making investment decisions to planning for your family’s future.
An MBA also exposes you to opportunities, industries, and career paths you may never have previously considered. Many students arrive with one vision for their future and leave having discovered a new passion, a new direction, or an entirely different way to make an impact. That’s one of the aspects of the MBA experience that’s hardest to quantify, but often ends up being the most transformative.
In a world where access to information and analysis is becoming increasingly widespread, the ability to exercise sound judgment, work effectively with others, and navigate ambiguity becomes even more important. Those are skills that are developed through experience and community, and they are benefits that continue to pay dividends throughout your career and your life.
CA: Are there any trends in the applicant pool, admissions process, or MBA experience that you are particularly focused on right now (e.g. AI, changing career interests, evolving student expectations, new curricular offerings, etc.)?
AJ: Artificial intelligence is certainly one of the most significant topics shaping business education today, but perhaps not for the reasons many people assume.
At Fuqua, we’re thinking about how AI is changing the practice of management itself. Our faculty are integrating AI into the curriculum, and students are learning how to use these tools responsibly and effectively across industries and business functions.
At the same time, AI has reinforced the importance of distinctly human capabilities. As intelligent analysis becomes increasingly accessible, we know that organizations continue to place tremendous value on judgment, leadership, communication, and collaboration. The ability to bring together diverse perspectives and make sound decisions remains critical.
That focus aligns closely with Team Fuqua. We believe the future belongs to leaders who can combine technological fluency with strong judgment and the ability to work effectively across teams, functions, and cultures.
Business education has always evolved alongside the business world. What’s exciting right now is helping students develop both the technical capabilities and human skills they’ll need to thrive in an increasingly AI-enabled future.
CA: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your MBA program or admissions process?
AJ: I’d highlight that our admissions process is intentionally designed to reflect what we value most as a school.
Of course we’re looking for academic readiness, leadership potential, and professional achievement. But we’re also looking for individuals who will contribute positively to our community and help create an environment where everyone can learn, grow, and succeed together.
Applicants often ask what it really means to be a member of Team Fuqua. The simplest answer is that it’s a lived experience. You’ll see it in the classroom, during recruiting, in student organizations, and throughout our alumni network. It’s a culture built around supporting, challenging, and helping one another succeed.
When prospective students visit campus, that’s often what surprises them most. They expect a top-ranked MBA program. But they don’t always expect to see how collaborative, welcoming, and genuinely invested people are in each other’s success.
I would also encourage applicants not to overlook the advantages of being in Durham. Some people hear “North Carolina” and assume we’re in a small college town disconnected from the business world. The reality is quite different. Durham sits in the heart of the Research Triangle, one of the country’s most dynamic regions for healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship, and life sciences. Students have access to a thriving business community, a growing startup ecosystem, and a region that continues to attract major employers and investment.
At the same time, Durham offers many of the qualities that make the MBA experience especially rewarding: a lower cost of living than many major cities with many of the same amenities, an incredible food and arts scene, easy access to outdoor activities, and a community where students genuinely spend time together. Our students often tell us that Durham gives them the best of both worlds. They benefit from the resources and career opportunities of a major business hub while enjoying a quality of life that allows them to fully immerse themselves in the MBA experience.
That combination of Team Fuqua and Durham creates an environment that is both professionally transformative and personally meaningful. It’s one of the reasons our students form such deep connections with one another and why those relationships continue long after graduation.
