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We aim to provide a personal, connected, and transformative application experience that mirrors the distinct MBA experience you can expect to have here at Tuck.

Whether you’re just starting out on your MBA application journey or you’re ready to apply to Tuck, we believe the following information, resources, and advice will best prepare you to submit your application with confidence. We look forward to getting to know you throughout the application process.

Preparing to Apply

• Application Deadlines

Navigating the Application

Information for international applicants, information for consortium applicants, information for reapplicants, understanding next steps, getting to know tuck.

Before you apply, we encourage you to get to know Tuck. Explore Tuck’s many curricular, co-curricular, and career opportunities and determine what you would like your MBA experience to be. Getting to know Tuck will help you articulate how the distinct Tuck MBA will contribute to achieving your goals and aspirations and how your background will contribute to the diverse Tuck culture and community. These are questions you will need to answer in your application! 

Beyond the academic, career, and student life information across our website, we recommend reviewing the following pages and utilizing the below resources as you’re preparing to apply:

Tuck develops wise decisive leaders who better the world through business. Learn more about the core values and strategic pillars that make Tuck unique among top business schools.

Tuck students are smart, accomplished, aware and encouraging. Dive into the details and discover how you may demonstrate the criteria.

Tuck is enriched by the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and dreams of our students. Explore their personal, academic, and professional data and consider yours.

• Tuck Ambassadors

Tuck ambassadors offer insight into Tuck’s culture, network, and career opportunities. Reach out to an ambassador from your region or connect based upon career, center, or club interests.

Admissions Events

Tuck Admissions hosts numerous events year-round with students and alumni. Attend an event to connect with the Tuck community and get your questions answered.

See Our Campus

Our beautiful campus enriches life and offers unique opportunities to learn, reflect, and forge lifelong connections. Walk the Tuck grounds from anywhere, anytime with our 360° virtual tour or featured videos.

Review our policy statements: General Application Policies, Tuck Academic Honor Principle, Clery Act Notification to Prospective Students, Nondiscrimination Policy, and Data Policies.

At Tuck, our goal is to support all students in achieving their academic and career goals. Learn more about disability disclosure, resources, etc. for applicants and students.

“I encourage prospective students to reflect on what they want to get out of their business school experience and start getting to know the distinct Tuck community. Our motto is “Your time, Your Tuck.” Every Tuckie you speak to will offer a unique perspective on this special place.” ARLEEN CHIEN T'21 | Read her story

Submit complete application by

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Enrollment Deposit Due By

Sep 26, 2024 5:00pm ET

Dec 12, 2024 5:00pm ET

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Submit Application By

Receive Decision On

*Applicants who submit their complete application (including test scores and Letters of Reference) by the following deadlines (including the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management) will be guaranteed an admissions interview. Round 1: September 3, 2024 5:00pm ET; Round 2: December 2, 2024 5:00pm ET. 

One week before decisions are released all applicants will receive instructions for accessing their application decision via the application portal the following week. We officially communicate all decisions via the application portal. We may also personally contact admitted applicants to share the good news.

Each component of your application maps to our admissions criteria. Your application form provides background information. Your academic transcripts and test scores demonstrate that you are smart. Your resume demonstrates that you are accomplished. Your essays demonstrate that you are aware and encouraging. The Letters of Reference are designed to provide evidence of all four criteria. Learn more about each of these components of your application:

All applicants must complete and submit a Tuck application to be considered for admission. Applicants who wish to apply to Tuck through the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management should complete the Consortium application in lieu of the Tuck application.

In the Application Specifics section of the application form, all applicants will be asked to share their short-term and long-term professional goals in 50 words or less. Both your short- and long-term goals should be ambitious and realistic, though on the margin, we will expect your long-term goals to tilt towards the former and your short-term goals to tilt towards the latter. 

“We want your responses to be clear, concise, and matter-of-fact. Our advice to those of you trying hard to shoehorn in a supporting narrative: save the additional details for your essays or your interview, and trust that we really, truly do want you to be factual and direct.” —Patricia Harrison, Director of Admissions, Evaluation and Yield View additional advice for sharing your goals: Tuck Admissions Insights: Your Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

All applicants must self-report scores and percentiles for one of the following. Note: we accept all versions of the GMAT and the GRE General Test.

• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE)
• We do not prefer one test over the others.
• Self-report all valid scores taken within the last five years. Note: test scores must be valid as of the date you apply. If your test score(s) will expire prior to August 2024, you must release your official score report(s) to Tuck prior to submitting your application. Your official score report(s) must be released to Tuck at least 10 days before the test expiration date.
• There is no minimum score required to apply or to receive admission. If you have taken the test(s) multiple times, please report all valid scores per test. We will consider your highest total score and highest sub-scores across tests taken; however, we will not combine sub-scores from different tests resulting in a new total score.
• Applicants are not required to submit official score reports until they enroll at Tuck, unless their scores will expire prior to August 2024. Once enrolled, admitted students must have an official score report sent to Tuck within 30 days of enrolling. We will verify scores for all enrolling students.
• GMAT: Z04-NH-64

“Standardized tests are not one-size-fits-all. Remember that you have choices when it comes to testing. We encourage you to lean into the test(s) that work best for you.”   —Tim Neil, Assistant Director of Admissions, Recruitment Explore your testing options: Tuck Admissions Insights: Test Scores

GMAT/GRE Test Waivers

Upon request, Tuck may offer GMAT/GRE test waivers to applicants who demonstrate that their academic background and/or the nature of their professional work has sufficiently prepared them for the academic rigors of the Tuck MBA.

To be eligible to submit a GMAT/GRE test waiver request, you must:

• Be aligned with Tuck’s values and admissions criteria ,   
• Have a minimum of two years post-graduate professional work experience, and,
• Qualify for our English Language Proficiency test waiver if you are a non-native English speaker.

To request a GMAT/GRE test waiver, please fill out this form . Note: GMAT/GRE test waiver requests are due before submitting the application and by the appropriate deadline indicated in the GMAT/GRE test waiver request deadlines table below. GMAT/GRE test waivers are not renewable and must be requested each admissions cycle.

SUBMIT GMAT/GRE TEST WAIVER REQUEST FORM BY

Round 1/Consortium 1

Aug 04, 2023 5:00pm ET

Round 2/Consortium 2

Nov 03, 2023 5:00pm ET

Feb 02, 2024 5:00pm ET

We will ask for your resume, an unofficial copy of your degree-granting undergraduate transcript, and, as applicable, an unofficial copy of your degree-granting graduate transcript and/or any proof of professional certifications, designations, or non-degree coursework to evaluate your academic readiness for the rigors of the Tuck MBA.

GMAT/GRE test waiver requests will be reviewed as they are received, and you will receive a response via email within 10-12 business days from the date you submitted your request. For more information and guidance on whether a waiver is right for you, please visit the GMAT/GRE Test Waiver Request section of our FAQs.

If you are a non-native English speaker, you must submit scores for one of the following to demonstrate English language proficiency. Note: we accept the online/at home versions of these exams.

• Duolingo English Test (DET)
• International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language iBT (TOEFL)
• Self-report all valid scores taken. Note: test scores must be valid as of the date you apply. If your test scores will expire prior to August 2025, you must release your official score report(s) to Tuck prior to submitting your application. Your official score report(s) must be released to Tuck at least 10 days before the test expiration date. Also, if you’re reporting an IELTS score we will ask for your IELTS Academic Test Result Form (TRF) number. This number can be found on your hard-copy results document.
• If you choose to submit a DET score you must send Tuck your certified test results through your Duolingo account before you submit your application, otherwise your application will be considered incomplete. We must receive certified DET results at the time of application because of the video interview section of the test. If your Duolingo account email address doesn’t match your Tuck account email address, please email us so that we can match your scores to your application.
• Applicants are not required to submit official score reports for the IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL until they enroll at Tuck, unless their scores will expire prior to August 2025. Once enrolled, admitted students must have an official score report sent to Tuck within 30 days of enrolling. We will verify scores for all enrolling students.
• DET: Dartmouth College - Tuck School of Business
• IELTS: Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business
• PTE: Dartmouth College
• TOEFL: D507

English Language Proficiency Test Waivers

• You qualify for a waiver if you earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction.
• You do not need to seek our approval or submit documentation to prove eligibility for this waiver. You should indicate eligibility with the check box in the education section of your application.

In the Undergraduate Degree section of the application, all applicants will be asked to share the primary undergraduate school from which they received their bachelor's degree. In the Other Schools section, applicants will be asked to create an entry for each additional undergraduate and graduate school they have attended, including transfer schools, if applicable. You should not create entries specifically for study abroad programs or postgraduate non-degree coursework. In these sections you will transcribe your education information, e.g., institution, degree, major, and GPA.

In the Other Education Information section, applicants will have the opportunity to share additional education information such as completion or enrollment in postgraduate non-degree courses and professional certifications.

“The admissions committee is well versed in different grading schemes from around the world and we calibrate and assess your grades within the context of your school’s grading scale and rigor, and we are mindful of trends within degree programs and across your academic history.” —Megan Creeden, Associate Director of Admissions, Yield Delve deeper into how to share your academic experience within the application: Tuck Admissions Insights: Education Information

Upload a copy of your academic transcript for every undergraduate and graduate school you attended in the Undergraduate Degree and Other Schools sections of the application. Submit all available pages of each transcript, including any pages that detail your school’s grading scale.

• If your transcripts are not in English, upload both the original transcript and a certified translation.
• If you transferred from another school, you must also submit a transcript from that school.
• It is not necessary to provide transcripts for postgraduate non-degree courses or from study abroad institutions if your study abroad course(s) are listed on your undergraduate or graduate school transcripts. However, you will be asked to provide details (institution, term/year, course title, and grade) for any postgraduate non-degree courses in the Other Education Information section of the application.
• Tuck works with Re Vera Services LLC to verify the accuracy of all matriculating students’ applications. After enrollment, Re Vera will request official transcripts from each school you attended.

List your post-undergraduate employment history for your last four employers. In addition to general employer information, you will be asked about compensation and other details like your responsibilities and reason for leaving, if applicable.

“Our goal is to better understand your professional progression as we assess how you demonstrate the accomplished criterion.” —Kristin Roth, Associate Director of Admissions, Evaluation Review tactical guidance on what information to provide in this section: Tuck Admissions Insights: Employment History, Common Applicant Questions

Upload a resume outlining your professional, academic, and other relevant experience. We encourage you to limit your resume to one page and to activities and experiences occurring during and after your undergraduate studies.

Tuck Admissions Insights: Resume Writing Guide

This guide is an introduction to resume writing and formatting principles. Our goal is to...

Tuck Admissions Insights: Make Your Resume Shine

Advice on format, content, and more to help you craft a resume that closely reflects...

All applicants must respond to the following essay prompts:

• Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinct Tuck MBA contribute to achieving your goals and aspirations? (300 words)
• Tell us who you are. How have your values and experiences shaped your identity and character? How will your background contribute to the diverse Tuck culture and community? (300 words)
• Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community. (300 words) 

“You can find advice and essay guidance from many outside influencers and websites; however, my colleagues and I want you to hear directly from those of us who are reading and evaluating your essays.” —Patricia Harrison, Director of Admissions, Evaluation and Yield Dive into advice for each essay prompt: Tuck Admissions Insights: 2024-2025 Application Essays

All reapplicants must respond to an additional essay prompt:

• How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 words)  

The following essay prompt is optional:

• Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of references, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words)

“Rest assured, this is not a test. We will not think less of you if you do not submit an extra essay here. Most of you will likely not need to use this section at all, and for those of you who do—own your past.”  —Patricia Harrison, Director of Admissions, Evaluation and Yield Review guidance on how this section is best used and when to refrain from using it altogether: Tuck Admissions Insights: Optional Information Section

The best responses to essay prompts are clear, succinct, forthright, thoughtful, genuine, and so distinctly personal that only you could have written them. We expect that your essays are entirely accurate and exclusively yours. Using tools or professional services to create content that is not your own violates Tuck’s admissions policies and Academic Honor Principle.

You must submit two LORs unless you are a reapplicant who applied during the most recent admissions cycle. Reapplicants who applied during the most recent admissions cycle need to submit only one new LOR from a reference who did not write to Tuck on their behalf last year.

• In the application, you will be asked to enter your reference’s information. We will email each reference a unique link to our LOR form. All LORs must be submitted virtually by your reference(s) via this process.
• References who cannot write in English should write in their native language and have the LOR translated by an outside translation service. Do not translate the LOR into English for your reference.
• Your reference must be the sole author of your LOR. Drafting, writing, translating, or submitting your own LOR, even if asked to do so by your reference, violates Tuck’s admissions policies and Academic Honor Principle. You are responsible for informing your references of this policy.
• You are also responsible for notifying your references of your application deadline and ensuring your LORs are submitted on time. We review your application only if all required LORs are received by your application deadline. Otherwise, we will move your application to the next admission round. If your application is not complete by the final deadline it will be evaluated as is. If you would like to make changes to your list of references, please contact us .

What We Ask

Tuck has adopted the Recommendation Questions posed by GMAC’s Common Letter of Recommendation.

• Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (50 words)
• How does the applicant's performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Provide specific examples. (500 words)
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (500 words)
• Optional: Is there anything else we should know?

Selecting Your References

• Request LORs from people who can demonstrate that you are smart, accomplished, aware, and encouraging.
• If possible, your current direct supervisor should write one of your LORs. You will be asked to provide a brief explanation in the Other Employment Information section of your application if you cannot provide an LOR from a direct supervisor. If more than a brief explanation of recommender choice is needed, you may further clarify your choice with a few sentences in the Optional Information section of the application.
• LORs from professors who did not supervise professional work, from friends, family members, or coaches, do not enhance your candidacy.

“Once you have identified who you would like to write for you, ask them these three questions: 1) Do you have the knowledge of my outcomes and behaviors to write a compelling LOR? 2) Do you have the desire to write a positive LOR? and 3) Do you have the time to write a detailed LOR? If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” find someone else.” —Patricia Harrison, Director of Admissions, Evaluation and Yield Explore additional suggestions for selecting and preparing your references: Tuck Admissions Insights: Letters of Reference

A non-refundable application fee of $250 USD is due upon application submission. You may pay by credit card or a prepaid Visa or MasterCard gift card. Applicants in the United States may also use checking account payments through ACH transfers. Please note that processing fees apply.

Application Fee Waivers

The application fee is automatically waived for:

• Active Members of the U.S. Military
• Alumni (within the last 5 years) and Current Graduate Students of Dartmouth College
• Alumni (within the last 5 years) and Current Graduate Students of Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Member Schools
• Alumni (within the last 5 years) and Current Graduate Students of Historically Black Colleges or Universities
• Alumni (within the last 5 years) and Current Graduate Students of Tribal Colleges and Universities
• Alumni (within the last 5 years) and Current Graduate Students of Women’s College Coalition Member Schools 
• Citizens of countries on the United Nation’s list of “Least Developed Countries”
• First-Generation College Graduates
• Tuck Business Bridge Alumni
• U.S. Military Veterans  

The application fee may be waived upon request, if appropriate documentation/information is provided, for:

• Access Fellowship Recipients : Applicants must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection as an Access Fellow.
• Alumni (within the last 5 years) of academic institutions within the HALI Access Network of sub-Saharan Africa: Applicants must upload a copy of their diploma or final transcript from the HALI Access Network member school.
• AmeriCorp Alumni (within the last 5 years): Applicants must upload a copy of their official AmeriCorps Certification of Service letter.
• Forté MBALaunch Program Participants : Applicants must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating they were selected to participate in the Forté MBALaunch Program.
• Fulbright Scholars : Scholars must upload a copy of their official Fulbright Scholarship award letter indicating selection as a Fulbright Scholar.
• JumpStart Network Members : Members must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection to a JumpStart program or a copy of the official certificate of completion for completing a JumpStart program.
• Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) MBA Prep Fellows : Fellows must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection as an MBA Prep Fellow.
• McNair Scholars : Scholars must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection into the McNair Scholars Program.
• Need-Based: Applicants experiencing significant financial hardship must briefly explain why they are making this request. Responses should include all details that emphasize financial need, including current income and any extenuating circumstances impacting the ability to submit the application fee.
• Peace Corps Alumni (within the last 5 years): Applicants must upload a copy of their official Peace Corps Certification of Service letter.
• Posse Scholars : Scholars must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection as a Posse Scholar or a copy of the official certificate of completion for completing the Posse Scholars program.
• QuestBridge Students : Applicants must upload a copy of their official QuestBridge Match indicating a match with a QuestBridge College Partner .
• Rhodes Scholars : Scholars must upload a copy of their official Rhodes Scholarship award letter indicating selection as a Rhodes Scholar.
• Riordan Programs Participants : Applicants must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection into one of the Riordan Programs (the Riordan Scholars Program, the Riordan College-to-Career Program, the Riordan MBA Fellows Program).
• Robert Toigo Programs Participants : Applicants must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection into one of the Toigo Programs (Toigo MBA Program, Groundbreakers Summit, Groundbreakers RISE).
• Schwarzman Scholars : Scholars must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating they were selected as a Schwarzman Scholar or a copy of the Schwarzman Scholars certificate of completion.
• Teach For America Alumni (within the last 5 years): Applicants must upload a copy of their official Teach For America Certification of Service letter.
• Those granted asylum in the United States: Asylees must upload a copy of Form I-94 with the appropriate stamp/notification indicating asylum was granted.
• Those granted refugee status in the United States under 101(a)(42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) : Refugees must upload a copy of Form I-94 with the appropriate stamp/notification indicating refugee status was granted.
• Those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status: Those with DACA status must upload a copy of their official DACA Approval Notice.

To request an application fee waiver, please fill out this form . Note: application fee waiver requests are due before submitting the application, you must have an open application to access the form, and we will not guarantee processing of requests made within 2 business days of an application deadline. Application fee waivers are not renewable and must be requested each admissions cycle.

In addition to the transcript and reference translations and English Language Proficiency application policies above, please note that international applicants may apply in any round.

U.S. visa eligibility forms will be made available to all accepted international students after they have paid their enrollment deposit. The Dartmouth Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) will assist enrolling students with the U.S. visa process.

Tuck is a proud member of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management . Applicants who wish to apply to Tuck through the Consortium should complete the Consortium application in lieu of the Tuck application.

Consortium Application Deadlines

Consortium 1*

Oct 15, 2024 11:59pm ET

Consortium 2*

Jan 05, 2025 11:59pm ET

*Applicants who submit their complete application through the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (including test scores and Letters of Reference) by the following deadlines will be guaranteed an admissions interview. Consortium 1: September 3, 2024 5:00pm ET; Consortium 2: December 2, 2024 5:00pm ET. 

“You may have heard about the Consortium, been to a Consortium MAPS event, or perhaps you are in the process of putting the finishing touches on your Consortium application to Tuck. You may also have no idea what I am referring to! Wherever you find yourself, let this application journey be your own and know that you are in the right place.” —Amy Mitson, Director of Admissions, Recruitment and Marketing   Keep reading if you are curious about applying to Tuck through the Consortium or need guidance on your application in progress: Applying to Tuck through the Consortium?

As a reapplicant, you must submit a new application. Procedurally, applying as a reapplicant is almost exactly the same as the previous time you applied albeit for an additional reapplicant essay and, depending on when you previously applied, you may only need to submit one new Letter of Reference. Please reference the application policies above for details.

We will consider only one application per academic year. You are welcome to reapply to Tuck in the next application cycle and we look favorably upon reapplicants who have strengthened their candidacy across our four admissions criteria .

“The fact that you remain enthusiastic about Tuck and want to contribute to our community shows us that you sincerely want to be here—we appreciate that! That said, strong reapplicants take action to strengthen their candidacy, and go beyond simply resubmitting their previous application.” —Amy Mitson, Director of Admissions. Recruitment and Marketing   Discover what the reapplication process entails and what steps you can take to strengthen your application: Reapplying to Tuck

“My advice to prospective students is to tell your authentic story, reflect on how you can uniquely contribute to the Tuck community, and not to give up if things don’t work out the first time around. I am a waitlister and reapplicant. I knew Tuck was the right fit for me and persisting through the application process was unequivocally worth it.” MARK NOBLE T'21 | Read his story

Each of us appreciates the trust and faith you place in us to evaluate your candidacy. We enjoy getting to know you better through your application, and we take great care to conduct our assessment with fairness, equity, humanity, and positivity. We’re proud of our open and transparent admissions process and invite you to review the following to ensure you understand next steps:

How We Evaluate

You deserve to know how our team evaluates your application materials. Learn more about application evaluation including reader sheets, review processes, and more.

Interview with Tuck

You have two distinct opportunities to interview with Tuck. Review how interviews are scheduled, when they are scheduled, and how they are conducted.

Tuck Admissions Insights: Your Admissions Interview

Admissions interviews allow you to provide a more complete picture of who you are. Kristin Roth, Associate Director of Admissions, Evaluation, shares information on how to prepare.

We wish you the best of luck during the admissions process. If you have any questions, please explore our Admissions FAQs and do not hesitate to contact us at +1 603 646 3162 or by email .

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Tuck MBA Essays for 2024-2025

Is Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business on your shortlist of target MBA programs? Then you’ll be excited to learn that the Tuck MBA essays and deadlines for the 2024-2025 admissions season are now available!

Tuck MBA Essays

All applicants must answer the following prompts.

• Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinct Tuck MBA contribute to achieving your career goals and aspirations? (300 words)
• Tell us who you are. How have your values and experiences shaped your identity and character? How will your background contribute to the diverse Tuck culture and community? (300 words)
• Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community. (300 words)

Optional Essay:

Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of references, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words)

Reapplicants: 

How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 words)

For more information on applying for a Dartmouth MBA, please visit the Tuck School admissions site .  If you need guidance on your MBA applications or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a  complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School Kellogg MBA

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School MBA, the Wharton School

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

Admissions Officer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Asst Director MBA Admissions at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Director MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business

MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Minority Admissions, the GSB Diversity Programs, the GSB

Associate Director MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute

Director, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Professional Writer

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) NYU Admissions

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) M.S.Ed, Higher Education, U of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS)

Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure.  Ashley  holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years,  Ashley  was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...

Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and  ...

A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally.  Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.  For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...

Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS).  In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds.  Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students.  In additio ...

Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years.  Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...

Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.  In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School.  Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...

Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...

Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...

Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications.  She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...

Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford.   Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...

Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year.   Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...

Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...

Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team.  During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students.  She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...

Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS).  During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...

Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...

Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director.  Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants.

Photo courtesy of Tuck School of Business

With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change.  You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.

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Tips for Your Dartmouth Tuck Application Essays

June 24, 2024

Melisa Prevost

Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025

Known for its extremely close-knit, down-to-earth community, Dartmouth Tuck wants to learn about you and how you will embody and add to its culture. Through its application essays, Tuck asks you three questions intended to highlight a side of you that is not conveyed in the other parts of your application. Take the time to assess what is included in your resume and the short answers of the application, as well as what your recommenders might say, to identify your best stories for the school’s essays.

Essay 1: Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinct Tuck MBA contribute to achieving your goals and aspirations? (300 words)

An interesting tweak from Tuck this year — it has taken the word “career” out of this essay prompt. However, this doesn’t significantly change the way you should think of this essay. Approach this essay as you might other goals essays. Think about roughly splitting your allotted word count between outlining why you need an MBA to achieve your goals, including why now is the right time for you, and explaining why Tuck is the right school to help you achieve those goals. 

The “why MBA” element of your essay should include what you want to do after Tuck (your short-term goal) and where that will aspirationally lead you (your long-term goal). For your short-term goal, be specific — include an ideal role and company, and provide a reason you want to do this work. For example, “I want to transition within the energy sector from a corporate finance role into investment banking at a firm like Goldman Sachs so I can influence future energy investments into renewables.” From here, you might go on to explain what you need from an MBA and why now is the right time to earn yours. Consider what skills you might lack and how you want to grow as a leader.

Consider starting the “why Tuck” portion of your essay by identifying which Tuck resources will help you gain the skills you identified. Showcase your knowledge of Tuck by pinpointing specific offerings that will help you fill those skill gaps. Think about which classes, clubs, events, and conferences you can both learn from and give back to during your time at Tuck that will help you be successful throughout your career. A significant part of your learning at Tuck will be experiential, outside of the classroom, so make sure to include how you will be involved at the school apart from your coursework. 

Essay 2: Tell us who you are. How have your values and experiences shaped your identity and character? How will your background contribute to the diverse Tuck culture and community? (300 words)

With this essay, Tuck wants to understand what unique perspective you will bring to classroom discussions and the Tuck community. This is an opportunity to reveal your values and discuss how you will leverage those values at Tuck. Consider splitting this essay across your values/experiences and how you will leverage those to contribute to the school. Reflect on what is unique about you that can add to the class. 

Consider starting this essay with a story that illustrates your values and then explain to the admissions committee how and why this story illustrates who you are. Be thoughtful about how you will leverage your values through your involvement at Tuck. How will your values influence the perspective you bring to class discussions? How will you contribute through your involvement in the clubs and experiences at Tuck? Don’t be redundant from the first essay — this is an additional opportunity to showcase how you want to be involved as a Tuck student. 

Essay 3: Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community. (300 words)

Consider using the SCAR method (situation, challenge, action, and result) to present your story in this essay. Relate the actions you took to showcase how you created an inclusive environment for someone specific. Highlight the steps you took, and explain how you worked with others to create a sense of inclusion. Tuck values collaboration and working together to solve problems, so this is a great opportunity to highlight your ability to support others empathetically. It is more impactful to “show” how you built a sense of inclusion through a specific example and include what you learned from the situation than merely talking about inclusion at a high level.

Optional Essay: Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of references, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words)

The optional essay is one that should be used judiciously. If you feel your application conveys a complete, accurate picture of who you are as a deserving Tuck candidate, then you are best off not submitting an optional essay. There is little to be gained from adding to the admissions committee’s workload by asking them to read another essay that doesn’t answer something new. But if you have something that warrants explanation, this is your chance to clarify it for the admissions committee.

Reapplicant Essay: (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. (300 words)

Ideally, in the time between your previous application and now, you have assessed areas of your candidacy and career that could be improved in this application — and have taken steps to fill those gaps. Tuck wants to know not only that you bring new experiences to the table this year but also that you are not easily deterred by setbacks and continue to strive toward your goals. Outline for the admissions committee what you have done, gained, and learned since you last applied. Highlight what new skills or experiences you bring to Tuck and how you will use them to contribute to your classmates’ experiences. For more tips on writing a reapplicant essay, see Six Tips for Business School Reapplicants .

In  Stratus Admissions’ How to Get into Dartmouth Tuck School of Business , you will find information on a variety of the MBA program’s offerings such as the OnSite Global Consulting program, First-Year Project, Tuck Winter Carnival, and small group dinners. This free guide also includes class profile statistics. 

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June 20, 2024

Dartmouth Tuck MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2024-2025], Class Profile

The environment at Dartmouth Tuck is unique, and the school’s admissions committee has developed what it calls “a personal, connected, and transformative application experience that mirrors the distinct MBA experience you can expect to have at Tuck.” Yes, academics, test scores, and work experience count, but you really have to understand what Tuck offers and what the Tuck community is like to present a solid application. The school seeks to admit candidates who meet four basic criteria: smart, accomplished, aware, and encouraging. This can cover many facets, so let’s examine things more in depth.

Ready to work on your Dartmouth Tuck application? Read on.

Dartmouth Tuck application essay tips

Dartmouth tuck application deadlines, dartmouth tuck class profile.

Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinct Tuck MBA contribute to achieving your goals and aspirations? (300 words)

First, why do you think you need an MBA? What is it that you cannot do without an MBA? You should be able to answer this question easily. If not, you shouldn’t be applying yet.

Reflect on your current skills and then look at job descriptions for the post-MBA position you are targeting. Note what new skills you need to acquire. Do you have a longer-term goal that motivates your short-term one? Briefly discuss that, too. You really need to know something about the industry or functional area you wish to enter to be able to answer this question succinctly and clearly. This gives the admissions committee the assurance that you have done adequate research on your intended career path.

Next, what distinctive aspects of the Tuck MBA experience will help you realize your post-MBA goals? What do you see at Tuck that you do not see at other schools? Look at the resource centers, the faculty research, the student clubs, and the conferences held at Tuck. You will need to associate those elements of the program with your aspirations in this essay.

Tell us who you are. How have your values and experiences shaped your identity and character? How will your background contribute to the diverse Tuck culture and community? (300 words)

This is a very direct and personal question. Think about what makes you you . What are the values you have developed, and how have you exhibited those values in your work or community? Give one or two specific examples that aren’t reflected in other parts of your application or in your other essays. Your answer in this essay will give them a good idea of your fit for their program. Tuck has a very tight-knit, collaborative, and intensely loyal community, so based on your hobbies and interests, how will you be involved in the community, and what would you share with your classmates that might be special? 

Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community. (300 words)

This question asks you to discuss one experience that shows how you contributed to making someone feel valued, respected, and heard. Your example could come from a work or a social context. Keep it specific and concrete, or you will blend in with others who write in generalities. Your empathetic, helpful response to the other party’s situation is key.

A CAR (challenge, actions, result) approach will work well here:

• What was the challenge you and the other person faced?
• What specific action(s) did you take to make that person feel welcomed?
• What was the result of this experience for you and others? What did you learn about yourself and the other person? 

Essay #4 (Optional)

Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of evaluators, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words)

If you have any of the elements mentioned in Tuck’s question, by all means, address them here. You do not want the admissions committee guessing or assuming wrongly when they come across something anomalous.

If you feel your application represents your candidacy well, don’t feel compelled to submit an optional essay. If you believe, however, that your application is  missing key elements of your story , then briefly include them here. Whether it’s a challenge that you’ve faced or a hardship overcome or other context for what you’ve achieved that will help the admissions committee appreciate your candidacy, share it in this essay.

However, you don’t want to waste the adcom’s time with unnecessary text or material that’s already covered elsewhere in your application. Doing so would reveal a definite lack of judgment – or in Tuck terms, awareness.

Reapplicant Essay 

How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 words)

This is the question for reapplicants. Why should the school admit you this time around? How are you better than you were the previous time you applied? Have you reassessed your goals so that they are more feasible? Have you retaken the GMAT/GRE? Did you receive a promotion or award for work you’ve done, or did you change jobs?

Applications are due by 5:00 pm ET

Source: Dartmouth Tuck website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with Dartmouth Tuck directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

Here is a look at the Dartmouth Tuck Class of 2025 (data taken from the Dartmouth Tuck website ):

Students: 297

U.S. minorities: 32%

International: 33%

Students with partners: 31%

Students with children: 5%

LGBTQ+: 10%

First-generation college graduate: 19%

U.S. race/ethnicity (federal guidelines reporting)

• American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander: 0%
• Black or African American 5%
• Hispanic or Latinx: 6%
• Multi-race/ethnic: 6%
• Did not report: 3%

Countries represented:

• By citizenship: 40
• By birth: 22
• By professional experience: 35

Citizenship (counts dual citizens in both countries)

• U.S.A. and Canada: 68%
• Latin America: 8%
• Middle East and Africa: 4%
• Oceania: <1%
• Arts, humanities, social sciences: 40%
• Business: 28%
• Science, technology, engineering, math: 25%
• Domestic: 112
• International: 69
• Previous advanced degrees: 13%

GMAT average: 726 

GMAT range: 630-800

GMAT Verbal average: 42

GMAT Verbal range: 31-51

GMAT Quant average: 48

GMAT Quant range: 39-51

GMAT IR average: 7

GRE Verbal average: 161 

GRE Verbal range: 152-170

GRE Quant average: 161

GRE Quant range: 149-170

Percentage of applicants submitting GRE: 42%

GPA average (from U.S. schools, based on 4.0 scale): 3.49

GPA range: 2.7-4.0 

Industry experience:

• Financial services: 22%
• Consulting: 17%
• Nonprofit, government: 16%
• Technology: 15%
• Consumer goods, retail: 7%
• Health care, pharma, biotech: 6%
• Manufacturing: 3%
• Media, entertainment: 2%

Average months of work experience: 69

Dr. Christie St-John has more than 25 years of higher ed and admissions experience, including ten years in admissions at Dartmouth Tuck. She was formerly the director of MBA recruiting and admissions, director of international relations, and an adjunct faculty member at Vanderbilt University. Having also served on the board of directors of the MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance and the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management, Christie has a deep knowledge of MBA and other graduate admissions. Want Christie to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• What Is the Difference Between Round 1 and Round 2?
• Four Ways to Show How You’ll Contribute in the Future
• Admissions Straight Talk Podcast for MBA Applicants

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Dartmouth Tuck MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Learn how to craft compelling essays for your Dartmouth Tuck MBA application with this comprehensive guide.

Posted March 1, 2024

Featuring Avi L.

How an AdCom Evaluates an MBA Application

Starting tuesday, july 2.

5:00 PM UTC · 60 minutes

Table of Contents

Dartmouth Tuck School of Business is known for its rigorous MBA program and its unique approach to admissions. As part of the application process, candidates are required to submit several essays that allow them to showcase their experiences, goals, and fit with the Tuck community . In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with an overview of the Dartmouth Tuck MBA essays, offer tips on how to craft compelling responses, and provide examples from successful applicants for inspiration.

Dartmouth Tuck Application and the Role of Essays

Before diving into the specifics of the essays, it's important to understand the overall purpose of the Dartmouth Tuck application and the role that the essays play. The Tuck MBA admissions committee is seeking individuals who not only possess strong academic credentials but also demonstrate leadership potential, a collaborative spirit, and a desire to make a positive impact in the world.

When applying to Dartmouth Tuck, it is crucial to recognize that the admissions committee is not solely interested in your academic achievements. While your resume, test scores, and recommendations provide valuable insights into your qualifications, the essays offer a unique opportunity to go beyond the numbers and share your story in your own words.

The essays serve as a platform for you to showcase your personality, values, and aspirations. Through these essays, you have the chance to provide context to your experiences, explain your motivations, and convey your future goals. This is your opportunity to paint a vivid picture of who you are as an individual and what you can bring to the Tuck community.

As you embark on the essay writing process, it is important to remember that the admissions committee is looking for authenticity and a genuine connection to your story. They want to understand your journey, the challenges you have faced, and how you have grown as a result. This is your chance to demonstrate your self-awareness , resilience, and ability to learn from your experiences.

Furthermore, the essays allow you to showcase your ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Dartmouth Tuck values individuals who can articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely, as effective communication is essential in the business world. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to craft a compelling narrative and make a persuasive argument.

Moreover, the essays provide an avenue for you to highlight your fit with the Tuck community. By researching the school thoroughly and understanding its values, culture, and resources, you can tailor your essays to align with what Tuck stands for. This will show the admissions committee that you have taken the time to understand the unique opportunities that Tuck offers and how you can contribute to the community.

Lastly, it is important to approach the essay writing process with a growth mindset . Use this opportunity to reflect on your experiences, learnings, and aspirations. Consider how you have evolved as a person and how you plan to continue growing throughout your MBA journey. The essays are not just a means to an end; they are an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth.

In conclusion, the essays play a crucial role in the Dartmouth Tuck application process. They allow you to go beyond the numbers and provide a holistic view of who you are as an individual. Through the essays, you can showcase your personality, values, aspirations, and fit with the Tuck community. Approach the essay writing process with authenticity, self-reflection, and a growth mindset, and use this opportunity to craft a compelling narrative that highlights your unique qualities and potential.

Dartmouth Tuck Essay Prompts (2023-2024)

The Dartmouth Tuck MBA essay prompts for the 2023-2024 application cycle have been carefully crafted to assess your fit with the Tuck community and your potential for success in the program. Let's take a closer look at each essay prompt:

Essay Prompt 1: Why are you pursuing an MBA and why Tuck? (250 words)

This essay prompt is designed to assess your understanding of your own motivations for pursuing an MBA and your specific reasons for choosing Tuck as your business school. Take this opportunity to reflect on your career goals, the skills and knowledge gaps you hope to fill through an MBA, and why Tuck is uniquely positioned to help you achieve those goals.

Essay Prompt 2: Tuck students are nice, and invest generously in one another’s success. Share an example of how you helped someone else succeed. (250 words)

Tuck's emphasis on teamwork and collaboration is well-known in the business school community. This essay prompt allows you to demonstrate your ability to work well with others and support their success. Think about a time when you went above and beyond to help a colleague or team member achieve their goals. Share the details of the situation, the actions you took, and the outcomes that resulted from your support.

Essay Prompt 3: Tuck students are encouraged to share their individuality, background, and experiences. Please provide us with an overview of your background and the role it has played in shaping who you are today. (250 words)

In this essay, you have the opportunity to showcase the unique aspects of your background and experiences that have shaped your identity and perspective. Consider discussing important milestones, cultural influences, or personal challenges that have contributed to your personal and professional growth. Be authentic and provide specific examples to illustrate the impact of your background on your values, beliefs, and goals.

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List of Expert Tips for Each Tuck Essay Prompt

Now that we've reviewed the essay prompts, let's explore some expert tips to help you craft compelling responses:

Essay Prompt 1

• Clearly articulate your career goals and how an MBA from Tuck will contribute to your success.
• Research Tuck's resources, programs, and community to highlight specific aspects that resonate with your goals.
• Show a genuine passion for Tuck by demonstrating knowledge of the school's culture, values, and initiatives.

Essay Prompt 2

• Select an example that showcases your ability to collaborate, motivate, and support others.
• Highlight the impact of your actions on the individual you helped and the overall team or organization.
• Emphasize the values and qualities that Tuck values, such as empathy, selflessness, and leadership.

Essay Prompt 3

• Focus on key moments or experiences that have had a significant influence on your personal and professional development.
• Weave a narrative that connects your background to your current aspirations and future goals.
• Avoid generic statements and provide specific anecdotes that illustrate the impact of your background.

MBA Essay Tips: How to Write Compelling Essays

Writing compelling MBA essays requires careful thought and preparation. Consider the following tips to ensure your essays make a lasting impact:

• Take the time to self-reflect and understand your motivations, goals, and values before starting to write.
• Follow the instructions and word limits provided by the admissions committee.
• Ensure your writing is clear, concise, and free from grammatical and typographical errors.
• Use a storytelling approach to engage the reader and make your essays memorable.
• Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas by using transitional phrases.
• Seek feedback from trusted advisors, mentors, or friends to gain different perspectives and improve your essays.

Dartmouth Tuck Essay Examples From Success Admits — With Analysis

Looking for inspiration? We have compiled a selection of real Dartmouth Tuck MBA essay examples submitted by successful applicants. Each example is accompanied by an analysis that highlights its strengths and provides insights into why it was effective. These examples can serve as valuable references as you craft your own essays.

Dartmouth Tuck Essay FAQs

Still have questions about the Dartmouth Tuck MBA essays? We have anticipated some common queries and provided answers to help guide you through the application process. Here are a few frequently asked questions:

Q: How should I approach the word limit for each essay?

A: The word limits provided are there to challenge you to be concise and impactful. Use your words wisely and focus on the most relevant information.

Q: Can I reuse parts of my essays from other business school applications?

A: While there may be some overlapping themes or experiences, it is important to tailor your essays specifically to Tuck. Make sure your responses directly address the prompts and demonstrate your fit with the Tuck community.

Q: Is it necessary to visit the Tuck campus before writing the essays?

A: Visiting the Tuck campus can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and community. However, it is not a requirement. You can still write impactful essays by conducting thorough research and engaging with current students, alumni, and online resources.

In conclusion, the Dartmouth Tuck MBA essays are an essential component of the application process. Through the essays, you have the opportunity to showcase your unique qualities , motivations, and fit with the Tuck community. By following the tips provided and drawing inspiration from successful examples, you can craft compelling essays that capture the attention of the admissions committee and increase your chances of gaining admission to this prestigious program.

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Advice, tips and insights from the admissions dream team., table of contents, dartmouth tuck’s 2024 application essays focus on identity, inclusion.

• By Jonathan Masland

Last year, all three of the required essay questions on Tuck’s MBA application started by describing the traits of Tuck students. This year, the questions have been revised to focus on you. Together they offer a generous opportunity to tell who you are, showcase unique characteristics and experiences that will enrich the Tuck class and community and demonstrate inclusiveness.

While the first essay prompt remains essentially the same, with some minor rewording, changes to the other two are more significant.

This year’s Essay 2 invites you to: “Tell us who you are. How have your values and experiences shaped your identity and character? “How will your background contribute to the diverse Tuck culture and community?” Essay 3 asks, “Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community.”

“To me these really look like essays that have been revised in the light of the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action,” says Caroline Diarte Edwards, Fortuna co-founder and director. Although the ruling banned the consideration of race in university admissions, “nothing prohibits universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected the applicant’s life, so long as that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability that the particular applicant can contribute to the university,” Chief Justice Roberts wrote in the majority opinion.

“That seems to be exactly what Tuck is seeking here: they are specifically asking for candidates to tell them more about their background and how their experiences have shaped their identity and character, and they’ve added a question about inclusion,” says Diarte-Edwards. They are explicitly digging for those diversity stories.”

No matter what your background, this is a golden opportunity. Tuck, like all schools, seeks to admit a class that includes diverse perspectives and backgrounds and a set of students who will fit and thrive in Tuck’s unique culture and community. Since the first essay is a version of the classic “Why an MBA? Why Tuck?” prompt, now you can use all three essays to tell them exactly who you are and why you fit.

By sharing a story of how you advanced and supported inclusion, you will demonstrate how you will do so among your peers at Tuck.

While Tuck classes are “diverse by design,” they are seeking some shared characteristics as outlined in the school’s admissions criteria . Make sure your stories reflect some of those traits — but, as always, show — don’t tell — how you are smart, curious, engaged, purposeful, principled, etc.

The challenge is to provide a concise, compelling, story within a brief 300-word limit for each question.

For our best advice on how to respond with essays that will help you demonstrate your fit and yet memorably stand out from the crowd, see our essay tips here .

For more expert guidance on any or every aspect of your application, sign up for a free consultation and see how Fortuna’s coaches can help you.

• Posted on August 15, 2023

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