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)
A simple why MBA, why Tuck essay question.
To answer why MBA - you must first think in terms of your career aspiration and how an MBA will help you achieve them. What skills and knowledge gaps are preventing you from reaching your goals and how they can be fulfilled by an MBA.
The second part is about the focus on Tuck and you need to conduct in-depth research about the program to be able to answer this question credibly and convincingly.
To research the Tuck MBA, explore both online and offline modes including the Tuck website, and social media pages, speak with current Tuck MBA students and alumni and attend online events, MBA fairs, and coffee chats - to learn as much as possible about the business school.
Think about how the Tuck MBA curriculum, campus resources, and network with the Tuck MBA class would propel you towards your goals and aspirations. The objective here is to demonstrate explicitly that your application is a reflection of your committed and specific interest in Tuck.
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)
World's best business schools want to attract smart, capable, and intellectually curious achievers who add to the school's diversity.
As highlighted by the Tuck admission team: "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.
You can review all the four admission criteria here.
For this Tuck MBA essay, you need to talk about your unique background, interests, and passions and how with those you will add value to the Tuck community. Select themes and anecdotes to share that present your strengths and uniqueness while making connections with Tuck's admissions criteria. And do it in a way that makes it interesting and attractive for the Tuck MBA admissions team to be excited about your profile. You want them to be able to visualize you as part of the Tuck's close-knit community.
Go for it!
Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community. (300 words)
This is quintessential Tuck, where you cultivate a habit of kindness towards others. You actively encourage, celebrate, and support others. Tuck candidates exhibit emotional intelligence and layer compassion onto encouragement. Tuck wants to see how you show empathy for the diverse experiences of others and generously invest in others.
First think about what "sense of inclusion" means to you. It could have different meaning for different people in different contexts. So first clarify that and then select the story and example.
Pick an example that is compelling, moving, and presents you in a strong position. If you are writing a professional story, try to get it also mentioned in the LOR by your recommenders to enhance the credibility and impact of your story.
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.
Although the Tuck admissions team gives the example of weaknesses, don't be misled into talking only about the negatives. You could as well write about certain impressive contributions or qualities that you could not capture in the other essays. If showing certain aspects of your personality, career, or life adds value to your MBA application, you should write this essay. But do not write this essay if you think the quality of the rest of your application is sub-optimal. If that is the case, improve your other essays first.
Alternately, you could use this essay to explain shortfalls in your application that you feel are truly detrimental to your candidature. Keep your explanations credible, brief, and to the point.
Whether you decide to showcase your strengths or address your weakness, it might be better to not do both in the same space. Pick one aspect that you think will truly enhance your application.
Tuck MBA application requires you to submit a one-page resume along with details about your employment and academics. The typical MBA resume format consists of employment, education, and extracurricular details. MBA resume tips
In your Tuck application, you will be asked to provide two MBA letters of recommendation - from your current or previous supervisors. Like many top business schools in the US, Tuck MBA application constitutes of letter of recommendation questions from the GMAC MBA letter of recommendation template. MBA LOR tips
Round 1 applicants who submit a complete application, including Letters of Reference and test scores, by 5:00 p.m. EST September 1, 2022 will be guaranteed an interview invitation.
Round 2 applicants who submit a complete application, including Letters of Reference and test scores, by 5:00 p.m. EST December 1, 2022 will be guaranteed an interview invitation.
Rest of the applicants will receive interview invite only by invitation. Students typically would receive an invite 4-6 weeks after submitting their MBA applications. MBA interview tips
