Tuck Application

[plohani]

Hi Stacy,

I have 700 on GMAT with a 3.8 GPA. I have 2 years of work experience and I am applying to MBA/MPP dual degree at Tuck/Harvard.

I am having bit of an issue with one of the essays for Tuck -What is the greatest challenge or hurdle you have overcome, either personally or professionally, and how did you manage to do so?


I do have a tentative idea in mind but I am not sure if it will be considered too old. I was a valedictorian in my high school back home but was rejected by all the schools but one when I applied to the US for my undergradudate degree. This was very depressing and required me to analyze where my application strategy went work. However, with the rejections behind me, I joined my school in the US and within a year I was awarded the prestigious Presidential Scholarship ( only international student to receive it yet ). Instead of sulking over my "not so great" application experience I made the best out of the situation and learned a lot about my own determination and resilience in the process... So my question is - would this be too old of a challenge that I have overcome?

I would really appreciate your help!

Thanks,
plohani

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear plohani,

If you have only been out of college for 2 years, then this example is from about 5-6 years ago. I would not say that makes it too far back, but a more recent example (within the last 3 years) is often preferred. Nevertheless, you need to write about the example that best fits the question for you. If you feel this challenge/hurdle is the greatest one you have faced, then you should write about it. In my opinion, I think the tough part of using this example will be defining what the challenge was. You still got into one of the schools you applied to and still came to the US. When setting up the scenario, you will need to be clear on establishing what your challenge was for the reader to feel you truly answered the question.

Good luck,
Lisa