Dartmouth Tuck Essay Advice: 2021-2022
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 720 and an average undergrad GPA of 3.48. Information on the class of 2022 also notes that 49% of students identify as female and 37% of students have international citizenship.
In a statement detailing the 2021-2022 full-time MBA admissions criteria, Dartmouth Tuck shared the following:
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, the school asks applicants to answer three required essay questions. This year, Tuck has kept essays 1 and 2 the same as the previous application cycle but has changed essay 3.
Please see below for Personal MBA Coach’s tips on how to answer the Dartmouth Tuck essays.
Dartmouth MBA Essay Tips:
Essay 1: Tuck students can articulate how the distinctive Tuck MBA will advance their aspirations. Why are you pursuing an MBA and why Tuck? (300 words maximum)
There is a lot to fit into this short 300-word essay. First, candidates need to clearly articulate their goals, including both short-term and long-term aspirations. 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.
Essay 2: Tuck students recognize how their individuality adds to the fabric of Tuck. Tell us who you are. (300 words maximum)
For this question, candidates should reflect upon what makes them unique. Hobbies, passions, skills and aspirations are all fair game here. This essay also should paint a picture of what studying and living with you would be like and at least briefly discuss the role you will play within the class of 2024 and how you will improve life at Tuck.
While Tuck no longer specifically asks candidates how they will contribute on campus, a strong answer will not completely ignore this discussion. Even though they removed this question, the mindset remains. Tuck would like to know how your uniqueness will add value on campus.
Essay 3: Tuck students are encouraging, collaborative and empathetic, even when it is not convenient or easy. Describe a meaningful experience in which you exemplified one or more of these attributes. (300 words maximum)
While Tuck changed essay 3 for 2021-2022 applicants, the overall intention of the essay remains the same. Recognizing that actions speak louder than words, Tuck is looking to learn more about how you have demonstrated the school’s values.
Naturally, the story selected should show speak to one or more of the aforementioned values, yet it should also be one 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.
Stories discussing volunteer and extracurricular work could be logical choices for this question. However, examples of how candidates exhibited these qualities in their personal or professional lives would work equally well.
Optional Essay: 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 maximum)
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 questions here.
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)
If you are reapplying, the Dartmouth Tuck application has a reapplicant essay question. Get Personal MBA Coach’s advice on how to tackle the reapplicant essay here.
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We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers.
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