What should I include in my Duke Fuqua list of 25 random things about myself?
Treat the Duke Fuqua 25 Random Things essay as a numbered list from 1 to 25 that shows who you are beyond your resume. Mix short and long points, cover hobbies, experiences and fun facts, and stay authentic. Check Duke's official page for the current prompt.
The 25 Random Things essay is a chance to show your personality rather than repeat your resume. The Admissions Committee wants to know you beyond the academic and professional achievements already on your resume and transcript.
What the Prompt Asks You to Do
| Element | What to do |
|---|---|
| Format | A list numbered from 1 to 25 |
| Length of each point | No fixed length; some can be short and others longer |
| Academic and professional achievements | Not needed here, as your resume covers them |
| Content | Important life experiences, hobbies, achievements, fun facts and personal experiences such as sport, music or dance |
Four Ways to Make Your List Work
- Show your personality: include hobbies, interests, unique experiences and fun facts that highlight your individuality.
- Vary the content: mix personal anecdotes and achievements so the list paints a well-rounded picture.
- Connect to Fuqua: where possible, relate some points to how you plan to engage with the Fuqua community or specific clubs.
- Be authentic: this is not a formal essay, so use humour or creativity where it suits you.
Prompts and limits can change between cycles, so check the official Duke Fuqua page for the latest wording.
My Advice
Draft more than 25 points first, then cut the ones that sound generic. Keep the items that only you could write, and make sure at least a few show how you would add to the Fuqua community.
Confused about SOPs, transcripts and documents?
Step-by-step application support from an expert.
More Universities & admissions questions
- When are the spring and fall application deadlines for South Korean universities that I should plan for?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?