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
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 career 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:
“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
Application Deadlines
Submit complete application by
Receive admission decision on
Enrollment Deposit Due By
Enrollment Deposit Due By
Enrollment Deposit Due By
Enrollment Deposit Due By
*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 1, 2023 5:00pm ET; Round 2: December 1, 2023 5:00pm ET; Round 3: March 1, 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.
Navigating the Application
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:
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Application Form
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.
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Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
In the Application Specifics section of the application form, all applicants will be asked to share their short-term and long-term 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
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GMAT or GRE Scores
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.
Details
- 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.
- To request that official test scores are sent to Tuck, please use the following school codes:
- GMAT: Z04-NH-64
- GRE: 4887
“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
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:
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
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.
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English Language Proficiency Scores
If you are a non-native English speaker, submit scores for one of the following to demonstrate English language proficiency. Note: we accept the online/at home versions of these exams.
Details
- We do not prefer one test over the others.
- Self-report all valid scores taken within the last two years. Note: test scores must be valid as of the date you apply. If your test scores 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. 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 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.
- To request that official test scores are sent to Tuck, please use the following school codes:
- 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 have recently lived for at least three years in an English-speaking country or if you received an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution where instruction is in English.
- 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.
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Education Information
In the Undergraduate Degree section of the application, all applicants will be asked to share the primary undergraduate school from which they received a 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
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Transcripts
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.
Details
- 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.
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Employment History
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
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Resume
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.
This guide is an introduction to resume writing and formatting principles. Our goal is to...
Advice on format, content, and more to help you craft a resume that closely reflects...
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Essays
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 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)
“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
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
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.
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Letters of Reference (LORs)
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 your behalf last year.
Details
- 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 performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) (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
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Application Fee
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:
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: 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.
Information for International Applicants
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.
Information for Consortium Applicants
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
Submit complete application by
Receive admission decision on
Enrollment Deposit Due By
Enrollment Deposit Due By
Enrollment Deposit Due By
*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 1, 2023 5:00pm ET; Consortium 2: December 1, 2023 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.
“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?
Information for Reapplicants
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
Understanding Next Steps
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:
Questions?
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.
