Tip #1: Length of each item
When you are writing random things about yourself, follow the list form with sentences varying in 10 to 20 words. Even though the admission team encourages using only a few words if the reveal is self-explanatory, we would recommend a format like:
<unique achievement/event> <additional context><what you felt>
25 Random Things Example: I went to the last Formula 1 race at Indianapolis. It is true - you can only experience sports in its truest form at a Stadium among real fans.
Tip #2: Avoid professional achievements
The resume is a good place to highlight professional achievements. So unless an achievement is not covered in the resume, or you won’t get a chance to mention them in the essays, avoid them in the list.
Tip #3: Include Volunteering
Most applicants highlight their volunteering experience in the resume under additional information, but with the 1-page length, only one or two IMPACT can be captured in the resume. The additional context in the random list would help the admission team understand what you went through during volunteering.
Resume: “Helped rebuilt 2,000 homes in Haiti following the 2010 Earthquake.”
25 Random Things Example: “Went without food for.... Full IMPACT Example with Sample Career Goals and Fuqua Community & You Samples in F1GMAT's Duke Fuqua MBA Essay Guide”
Tip #4: Mention Adventure Trips
Duke Fuqua favors applicants who had some form of adventure trips. If you went with the goal of experiencing the adventure through trekking, kayaking, river rafting, canoeing, or mountain biking, mention it in the random list.
Although Marathon is not exactly an adventure, it takes immense preparation and focus on completing one.
If you were a pudgy person and the marathon helped you get in shape, use the event as a backdrop to highlight your personal transformation.
Include humor to avoid self-loathing. Inspire the reader with statistics on transformation if humor is not your forte.
25 Random Things Example: “From nicknamed Tommy Boy....Full Funny & Transformational Example with Sample Career Goals and Fuqua Community & You Samples in F1GMAT's Duke Fuqua MBA Essay Guide”
Tip #5: Include Travelogue
If you are not big on adventure trips and experiencing different cultures, cities, and landscapes for photography or to experience the food, weather, and language - include your travelogue as a separate entry. Duke Fuqua has a clear bias in favor of applicants who are adaptable to any culture or travel conditions. Capture at least one unique experience from each city. Avoid the trivial experience that the essay reviewer is likely to experience in tourist spots.
25 Random Things Trekking Example: “As a teenager, during hiking, I got lost......Full Example with Sample Career Goals and Fuqua Community & You Samples in F1GMAT's Duke Fuqua MBA Essay Guide. Download here “
Tip #6: Add Humor or Quirky Experience
When we analyzed 25 Random Thing of accepted Duke Fuqua Applicants, there were always 20-30% entries that were inherently funny, quirky, or the applicant put a funny spin to it. Use the strategy for your list, as well.
25 Random Things Example: “I was part of an improv ..... Full Funny Example with Sample Career Goals and Fuqua Community & You Samples in F1GMAT's Duke Fuqua MBA Essay Guide.”
