Avoiding Application Pitfalls: Fuqua

In researching my next MBA Podcaster segment (working title: Avoiding Application Pitfalls), I'm talking to several schools to get their take on the most common mistakes MBA applicants make during the application process. Liz Riley Hargrove, Associate Dean of Admissions at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, sees a LOT of applications. She manages the admissions process for all of Duke's MBA programs, from the regular daytime program to various Executive MBA programs.

Riley Hargrove said one of the most common mistakes she's seen applicants make in her years of reviewing applications is not allowing enough time for the entire application process. Application committees can tell if an application was rushed, Riley Hargrove said. She advises applicants to make sure you have enough time to prepare yourself academically, visit the schools you're applying to, write and revise your essays, and prepare yourself for interviews.

But how much time is enough time? Riley Hargrove said at a minimum, allow several months. "I'm always happy to see applicants who have given themselves at least a year lead time," she said.

And you thought the GMAT was your biggest hurdle!

Check back with MBA Podcaster in the next month or so for the full story.

(Updated! Listen to the completed show here: http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/MBA-Application-Pitfalls.asp?iEpisode=83)