Duke MQM video essay — what do they expect?

Question

The application has a video essay requirement and I’m not sure how formal it needs to be. Should the answers be structured like an interview, or more personal? Do they judge mainly on communication skills, or also on content depth?

Aarushi S · Accepted Answer

The Duke MQM video essay is mainly about showing who you are, how clearly you speak, and whether your goals make sense for the program. It&rsquo;s not meant to be super formal like a job interview, but you should still be structured in your answers.
They&rsquo;ll want to see that you can explain your background, motivation, and career plans in a simple, clear way. Content counts, but they aren&rsquo;t looking for technical deep dives &mdash; more about whether you come across as confident and genuine. The best approach is to be professional but still natural, as if you were explaining your story to a mentor. Practice with short, timed answers so you don&rsquo;t run out of time when the real recording starts.

V Gupta · Answer

What catches most applicants off guard is how casual the MQM video essay feels compared to an interview. It isn&rsquo;t about grilling you, but about showing the real person behind the application.
&bull; Expect questions like &ldquo;why Duke MQM?&rdquo; or &ldquo;tell us about a challenge you faced.&rdquo; They&rsquo;re looking for short, clear stories. &bull; Communication skills matter most &mdash; the ability to structure an answer quickly and speak naturally is more important than technical jargon. &bull; Content depth helps, but it&rsquo;s better to be authentic than over-rehearsed. They&rsquo;d rather see enthusiasm and confidence than memorized lines. &bull; Dress smart casual, look into the camera, and avoid reading notes &mdash; admissions can tell. &bull; One unique thing to remember is Fuqua&rsquo;s focus on teamwork, so framing an example around collaboration leaves a strong impression.