Dartmouth Tuck MBA Admissions Tips

GMAT

Average GMAT: 713

Interviews

Not required, but highly recommended that you interview. Interviews are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so request an interview as soon as you decide to apply. If you have not been able to interview by the deadline, the admissions committee may invite you to interview if they feel it is necessary.

During an interview you need to demonstrate why Tuck is for you. Tuck’s students tend to be passionate about their school, and you need to demonstrate this same passion in your application. Visiting the school—especially for your interview—can go a long way toward helping you make your case.

Essays

In your own application make sure that you can provide convincing proof that you too will be an active student and alumni, preferably by demonstrating loyalty to your undergraduate school or passion to some community organization.  Also show that you have done your homework on the unique Tuck experience and personalize why you want to go to school there.

Examples of essay prompts previously used by Tuck:

1. Why is an MBA a critical next step toward your short- and long-term career goals? Why is Tuck the best MBA program for you? (If you are applying for a joint or dual degree, please explain how the additional degree will contribute to those goals.)
2. Tuck defines leadership as “inspiring others to strive and enabling them to accomplish great things.” We believe great things and great leadership can be accomplished in pursuit of business and societal goals. Describe a time when you exercised such leadership. Discuss the challenges you faced and the results you achieved. What characteristics helped you to be effective, and what areas do you feel you need to develop in order to be a better leader?
3. Discuss the most difficult constructive criticism or feedback you have received. How did you address it? What have you learned from it?
4. Tuck seeks candidates of various backgrounds who can bring new perspectives to our community. How will your unique personal history, values, and/or life experiences contribute to the culture at Tuck?
5. (Optional) Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere that may be helpful in reviewing your application (e.g., unusual choice of evaluators, weaknesses in academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes, etc.). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application.
6. (To be completed by all reapplicants) How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally.

Recommendations

Recommendations should be from two people capable of commenting on your professional, leadership, and intellectual capabilities. In particular, from people who are able to speak with certainty about your leadership, maturity, team orientation, analytical skills, and interpersonal skills. If you are currently employed Tuck prefers that you choose people who know you well and who are in a position to judge your professional performance and leadership, such as a direct supervisor.

For expert help with your application, check out our MBA Admissions Consulting.