Dartmouth Tuck has officially announced its essay questions for the 2023-2024 application cycle!
Located in New England’s Upper Valley, Dartmouth Tuck offers small-town charm while providing the resources of a larger area. If you are looking to attend a smaller MBA program but still want access to a cosmopolitan mix of cultures and global connections, Dartmouth Tuck may be a great choice for you.
In the most recent reported class profile data, Dartmouth Tuck admitted applicants with an average GMAT score of 726 and an average undergrad GPA of 3.52. Information on the class of 2024 also notes that 45% of students identify as female and 43% of students are international (including dual citizens and permanent residents).
This year, Tuck has announced two deadlines for each application round. Those who apply before the first deadline are guaranteed an interview. Personal MBA Coach welcomes this change as it encourages applicants not to submit at the last minute (which is something we advise for all of our clients). We recommend that those who have Tuck high on their list take advantage of the interview guarantee.
The upcoming Tuck application deadlines are:
Round 1 with Interview Guaranteed/Regular Deadline: September 1, 2023/September 25, 2023
Round 2 with Interview Guaranteed/Regular Deadline: December 1, 2023/January 4, 2024
Round 3 with Interview Guaranteed/Regular Deadline: March 1, 2024/March 25, 2024
The 2023-2024 Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application Summary
Before sharing its essays, Tuck shares the following statement:
Tuck classes are diverse by design, but our students share four common characteristics that form the basis of our admissions criteria. Tuck students are smart, accomplished, aware and encouraging; no two candidates are equally strong across all criteria, and you may demonstrate different strengths in different ways.
Once again, Tuck asks applicants to answer three required essay questions. This year, Dartmouth Tuck changed the wording of all three essays.
Please see below for Personal MBA Coach’s tips on how to answer the Dartmouth Tuck MBA essays.
Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application Essay 1:
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)
There is a lot to fit into this short 300-word essay. While candidates will share their goals in the short answer questions, they may want to use this space to elaborate on these goals. If you need help thinking through your goals, we have published a blog with our general tips.
Next, candidates should reflect upon the skills they will need to succeed in this desired career and SPECIFICALLY how Tuck will help them. Be sure to do your research into everything Tuck has to offer and discuss what you will take advantage of on campus and how. Tuck has a unique program, and it is more than just being close-knit. As always, avoid vague statements here.
Finally, be sure to explain to the Tuck admissions committee why NOW is the right time for you to pursue an MBA. Perhaps you have reached a plateau that you need an MBA to overcome. Or, maybe you recently had an experience that confirmed you are ready to change careers. Regardless of your personal circumstances, be sure to at least briefly discuss that here.
Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application 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)
For this question, candidates should reflect upon what makes them unique. For some candidates, this uniqueness may be obvious and directly tied to their demographic or socioeconomic background. If this applies to you, be sure not only to share this background but also talk about how it has shaped your values.
For other candidates, this uniqueness may be less obvious, and candidates are urged to reflect upon their personal story when determining what to share. In prior years, Personal MBA Coach has suggested that applicants consider hobbies, passions, skills and aspirations for Tuck’s second essay. While these topics are all still fair game, we urge applicants to dig deeper this year. Take the time to reflect on how these experiences have shaped you.
Finally, notice the call to discuss your contributions to Tuck. This means you should discuss the role you will play within the class of 2026 and how you will specifically improve life at Tuck.
Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application Essay 3:
Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community. (300 words)
Recognizing that actions speak louder than words, Tuck has previously asked for an example of how applicants have demonstrated the school’s values (telling applicants that Tuck students are encouraging, collaborative and empathic).
While Tuck is again asking for an example of how applicants have supported someone else, the focus this year has been narrowed, asking only about inclusion. Columbia Business School also added a DEI focused question this year, so this change is not surprising.
With only 300 words, select a story that is easy to set up. You do not want to use many words explaining the situation; instead, you want to SHOW your actions. This question is yet another opportunity for candidates to allow the Tuck admissions directors to assess what studying and living with them would be like.
If you do not have an obvious example here, it is ok to think of inclusion broadly. Personal, professional, volunteer, or other extracurricular examples would all work well.
Dartmouth Tuck 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)
Tuck also has an optional question that should be answered only by those candidates with unique circumstances. Read our advice on how to address optional essays here.
Dartmouth Tuck Reapplicant Essay:
How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 words maximum)
Are you tackling Dartmouth’s essay as a reapplicant? Check out our top tips for getting started with the reapplication essay.
Ready to apply to Dartmouth Tuck’s MBA program? Schedule a consultation today to find out how our Comprehensive Packages can help you maximize your chances of success at Tuck!
