BASIC INFORMATION FOR DUKE STUDENTS INTERESTED IN GRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOL The Freshman and Sophomore Years

The Prebusiness Advisor is always glad to talk with students considering entering a graduate school of business(GSB).

Frequently Asked Questions

(1) Is there a prebusiness curriculum at Duke or is there a specific major that prebusiness students should choose?

The answer to both questions is no. Students should seek to get a good liberal arts background. Within that sweeping statement four things should be noted. First, students must do all that can be done to develop communication skills. This does not necessarily mean that they should have a number of speech or expository writing courses, though these may be of value. Students might well major in history where there are ample opportunities for research and writing, or in sociology, or drama, or in another area more suitable to their interests and needs. More importantly, students should take advantage of opportunities to develop speaking, writing and research skills throughout their undergraduate career.  Second, students should sharpen their analytical and quantitative skills. Most often this is done through courses in mathematics and natural sciences. Math 31 and Philosophy 48 are examples of courses at Duke which will help in the analytical area. Third, students should also make an effort to increase their understanding of human nature. Since a large part of business dealings has to do with organizing, working with, and managing people, the more applicants know about themselves and others, the better managers they may become. Courses in psychology, sociology, religion, political science, English literature, and many more may be helpful. An example of a helpful course is one in ethics. It would be timely given the current effort to include ethical and moral concerns in discussions of business practices. Fourth, while specific courses are often not identified, business schools are more and more expecting students to be able to handle basic mathematical and economic concepts. It will be to applicants' advantage to have some understanding of calculus, statistics, microeconomics, accounting, and computer science.

(2) Are there courses available specifically related to business and management?

Through the Department of Sociology, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences offers a few management-oriented courses to undergraduates. The courses are designed to explore business functions, such as marketing and organizational behavior. Courses in accounting and finance are available in the Department of Economics.

Also, the Department of Sociology has developed specialty courses for students interested in business as well as a certificate program in Markets and Management Studies. These courses and this program approach business issues and functions within a liberal arts framework and cover areas and issues that appeal to undergraduates. Other offerings that can be related directly to business and management have been identified by the Departments of Political Science, Psychology, and Public Policy Studies. An information brochure called Business: A Liberal Arts Perspective is available in the Prebusiness Advising Office and can be accessed on the Office of Prebusiness Advising website at http://prebusiness.duke.edu.

(3) Will a double major increase the chances of getting into business school?

No. A double major is fine if desired, but it is irrelevant in terms of business school admission.

(4) Are foreign languages required for admission to business school?

If students have the desire to study a foreign language, this study can be a tool to help sharpen their global awareness, analytical skills and increase their understanding of English, but study of a foreign language per se is not necessary for admission to business school. However, with the internationalization of business, the usefulness of a foreign language has increased. Students may well be advised to have some language for their personal development which could easily translate into a professional asset or if they plan to pursue specifically a program focusing on international management.

(5) What factors are considered in admission decisions?

Of course, admissions decisions at various schools are made in different ways. In general, we can say that there are two sets of factors which are considered in the admission process. The first set of factors is the objective ones, that is, undergraduate grades and the score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). At most schools the objective factors together count for about fifty to sixty percent of the admission decision. The second set of criteria used is the subjective factors. These include demonstrated leadership ability, participation in various worthwhile activities, relevant work experience, and evidence of potential contributions to the business world. As one admissions director has summarized it in terms of this set of factors, "When considering the subjective factors, as a rule of thumb we ask ourselves the question, would we hire this person?" What he is asking simply is, are you the kind of person members of the admissions committee would want to hire if they were seeking to fill a position in business? In general, subjective factors comprise about forty to fifty percent of the admissions decision. It should be noted that because considerable weight is given to subjective factors, it is almost impossible to establish an objective grid which says that those who have a 3.6 grade point average and a 625 score on the GMAT will be accepted at a certain set of schools. Please note that the objective factors are important, but subjective factors are given serious consideration. Lastly, the personal interview is being used more and more by schools in the admissions decision. Most applicants welcome the opportunity to present themselves personally and orally.

(6) What about recommendations?

Because the subjective factors are important, recommendations can be significant if they are perceptive, identify strengths as well as weaknesses, and are well written. Letters are generally required from employers where there has been significant work experience. Additional ones can be provided by the Prebusiness Advisor and faculty members.

(7) When should the GMAT be taken?

The GMAT may be taken after the junior year or the fall of the senior year if applying to schools during the senior year. Students, in general, seem to perform better after the junior year and since there is no reason to take it before this time, prospective applicants should not plan to take it early. The junior year can be spent becoming familiar with the GMAT. Good, quality study is a necessity.

Students who plan to work before business school may take the GMAT while still in college provided it will be taken seriously. One advantage to taking the GMAT before leaving Duke is that you will still be in "student mode" and perhaps feel less anxiety about the GMAT than a student who has been away from the classroom for a couple of years. Test scores are reported for a five-year period and are, in most cases, accepted by schools during that time.

(8) Should the GMAT be taken once for practice?

No, definitely not. Whenever any GMAT scores for a person are reported, all scores for a five-year period are reported. Since some schools may average scores, it is better to plan to take the test only one time. If a low score is made, then take the test again. There is nothing to lose. The Prebusiness Advisor will discuss the matter with those considering a second try.

(9) What about work experience?

During the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of business schools preferring that applicants have full-time work experience. Not only is it of value to the applicant in terms of admission, but work experience also makes the business school experience itself more meaningful. Schools usually like to see two years of experience though some are now asking for three - four years.

There remain, however, schools open to students applying directly from college, and a few are actively seeking applications from college seniors. In reviewing these applicants, attention is given to summer work experience and other engagements that may help in clarifying careers in business and offering an orientation to business. The decision about when to go to business school, in the end, becomes an individual matter. Individuals should know their strengths and weaknesses, needs and career plans, and then make a decision as to whether to go directly to graduate school or work prior to doing so.

(10) What about deferred admissions?

Occasionally, students applying directly out of college may be offered admission on a deferred basis, but this option is not being offered as frequently as in the past. Some schools do not offer deferred admission as such, but most, once they have accepted applicants, will entertain requests for deferrals. Special note should be taken that deferred admission is not requested in the initial application, but may be given once admission is offered.

(11) When should inquiries be made?

Students who plan business school either directly after college or after work should do three basic things as they begin their senior year: (1) write to business schools or visit Web sites to obtain catalogues and application forms; (2) decide when the GMAT will be taken; (3) consult with the Prebusiness advisor.

Applications for fall admission are generally completed and sent to the schools in mid fall though there are later deadlines. Specific deadlines are published by the schools.