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Duke Fuqua asks new applicants for just one letter of recommendation, submitted through the online application's own form. There is no option to email or post a letter separately, and no second letter is required unless you choose to add one.
Who should write your Fuqua recommendation
Fuqua wants a recommender who can speak to your most recent professional setting, so your current or most recent supervisor is usually the strongest choice. A manager from a volunteer or service role can work just as well if that is where your most relevant leadership shows up. Fuqua is explicit about who to avoid: relatives and friends are strongly discouraged, and academic recommenders tend to add less value because they often describe the same strengths your transcript already shows. Ask your recommender to use a work email address when they submit the form.
The four questions your recommender answers
Fuqua's recommendation form is short and specific. Your recommender will be asked to:
- Give a brief description of their interaction with you
- Compare your performance to other well-qualified people in similar roles
- Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback they have given you
- Add anything else they think the admissions committee should know (optional)
The second and third questions are where a well-briefed recommender adds the most value. A generic answer to "how do you compare to peers" reads as filler; a recommender who can name a specific project, team or outcome makes the letter credible.
Optional endorsements
Beyond the required letter, Fuqua lets you submit additional endorsements from Duke MBA alumni or current students through a separate Endorsement Form. These are optional and do not replace your one required recommendation. Fuqua's own pages describe the benefit of an early endorsement differently in different places, as either an application fee waiver or a discount, so confirm the current terms directly with Fuqua's admissions office before counting on either.
Reapplying to Fuqua
If you are reapplying, Fuqua allows you to reuse last year's recommendation letter rather than asking your recommender to start over. You can also submit a new letter if your recommender has changed or if your current manager can speak more directly to your growth since your last application.
How MBA Center helps
We help you choose the right recommender, brief them on what Fuqua's four questions are actually asking for, and review the overall shape of your file so the letter reinforces the story your essays are telling rather than repeating it. Recommendation counselling →
Applying to several schools at once? Read how MBA admissions consulting at MBA Center covers your whole application, recommendations included.
