If you hear an MBA candidate complain about the demands of their schooling and job, you may be tempted to play the world’s smallest violin for them. But it is a big effort to land a place at a business school. A myriad of exams and interviews awaits those who seek a spot on the most prestigious programs. Most applicants enter the hyper-competitive process whilst working full-time. The selective nature of admissions means that for those who gain entry, thousands more are denied. At Stanford’s Graduate School of Business last year, 8,116 people applied for a seat on its full-time MBA course. It admitted just 489, giving it an acceptance rate of 6% — the lowest among the top US MBAs. This measure matters for two reasons.
One is that recruiters at the most sought-after employers tend to target hiring campaigns at the most selective schools, as they know candidates there have been well-vetted. If you want to work for a leading firm, attending an elite school may help you get your foot in the door—though it is not enough on its own.
Bain & Company looks at the highest 15-20 ranked schools, says Keith Bevans, Bain’s global head of consulting recruiting. “To be in a top program, you need to have great work and leadership experience,” he says. “We also know that those top-ranked schools are very selective, so we know that all their students are strong candidates [for jobs].”
Second, MBA applicants often evaluate business schools based on how “elite” they appear. There is a tacit acknowledgement among schools that a low rate can benefit their application volumes.
While demand for the US MBA degree has fallen in recent years, according to data from the Graduate Management Admission Council, applications have risen at most of the top-ranked programs. At Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, applications to the full-time MBA are up more than 20% from five years ago.
This “flight to quality” has kept average acceptance rates low. The fact that schools are enrolling more women, and there are now more admissions test options, may also have contributed to the buoyant application volumes at the top US schools.
Each year, the Financial Times ranks the world’s best MBA courses based on a variety of metrics, such as salary increases and career progress. Here are the average acceptance rates for the 10 US business schools ranked the highest by the FT:
Student Reviews
Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Supportive atmosphere
The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.
Diversity
The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.
Happy to school
All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.
Good schooling
Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.
Beautiful School, Nice Classes
DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable
Amazing experience
I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.
whirlwind of growth and change
An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.
One of the best for Business students
Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.
The university campus is awesome
I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.
Program Flexibility and Vibrant Campus Life
Duke University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university offers a diverse range of majors and research opportunities, supported by world-class faculty.
What I particularly liked about Duke was its strong sense of community and the wealth of extracurricular activities available to students. The campus is beautiful, with top-notch facilities and a supportive atmosphere that fosters both personal and academic growth.
Overall, I would highly recommend Duke University for its excellent educational offerings and strong alumni network. If you're looking for a place that challenges you academically while offering numerous opportunities for personal development, Duke is an excellent choice.
