All Answers
Sr. Consultant
A low GMAT Focus Edition score doesn't automatically rule you out for Duke Fuqua, but it does make other parts of your application even more critical. If your score is in the 640–660 range, a high undergraduate GPA (like 3.6/4.0 or higher), strong leadership outside of work (for example, founding a non-profit or leading major CSR initiatives), and clear post-MBA goals can make a big difference.
There have been candidates who got into Fuqua with scores around 650 because they had 6–7 years of strong professional growth and heavily contributed to community leadership outside of work. Also, Fuqua interviews carry significant weight — a strong interview where you show genuine leadership style, teamwork experience, and alignment with Fuqua’s collaborative values can really lift your profile even with a lower GMAT.
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Business analyst
For their MBA program, the average GMAT score is around 718, with the middle 80% scoring between 660 and 760.
If your GMAT score is below this range, don't worry too much. Fuqua takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they look at your entire application—like work experience, leadership roles, and essays—not just your GMAT score. So, if your GMAT isn't high, make sure the rest of your application shines.
Keep in mind, a lower GMAT score might make things a bit tougher, but it's not the end of the road. Focus on strengthening other parts of your application to boost your chances.
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MBA Student at Yale School of Management
While the average GMAT score at Duke Fuqua is 718, having a lower score doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The admissions team considers other factors like work experience, leadership qualities, recommendations, and essays. If these areas are strong, they might overlook a slightly lower GMAT score.
It’s important to show your potential in other ways, especially in your essays and recommendations. If you can clearly explain why you’re a good fit for Fuqua, your chances can still be solid, even with a low GMAT score. Just make sure to highlight your strengths in other parts of your application.
Chartered Accountant (CA)
It’s possible to get into Duke Fuqua with a lower GMAT Focus Edition score, but you’ll need a strong overall profile. The average GMAT score for Fuqua is around 710, so if you’re below 660–670, you’ll need to show exceptional leadership impact — like leading teams of 10+ people, managing cross-border projects, or growing quickly into senior roles.
Fuqua places a big emphasis on community involvement and emotional intelligence ("Team Fuqua" culture), so applicants with strong examples of collaboration, mentorship, or social impact initiatives have a real chance even if the GMAT isn’t perfect. Essays and recommendations are a huge part of the evaluation — showing that you fit the Fuqua spirit can help balance a lower GMAT.