Sep 22, 2026

Get to Know the Tuck Admissions Associates Program

By Kristin Roth
Associate Director of Admissions, Evaluation

Our admissions interviews are conducted by a select group of trained second-year students known as Tuck Admissions Associates (TAAs). Our TAAs serve two important roles: they are trained evaluators who help the Admissions Committee learn more about you, and they are ambassadors who can share their own experiences as Tuck students. As you prepare for your interview, be ready to share how you demonstrate Tuck’s criteria for admissions and to ask questions about the Tuck experience.

Who are the TAAs?

Nearly a third of Tuck’s first-year class applied to become a T’27 TAA. Following a rigorous selection process, we selected 59 students to conduct interviews during their second year.

How are TAAs selected?

First-year students go through a multi-step evaluation process in order to be offered a position as a TAA. Applicants:

• Submit a resume and cover letter,
• Interview with a graduating TAA,
• Conduct a mock admissions interview, and
• Observe and evaluate a mock interview.

This process allows us to assess not only how prospective TAAs interact with applicants but also how they listen, exercise judgment, evaluate evidence, and communicate their assessments.

What do you look for in a TAA?

We look for students who are curious and empathetic, who listen closely and ask thoughtful follow-up questions, and who can evaluate applicants fairly and consistently using Tuck’s admissions criteria. TAAs also need to communicate what they learn clearly in writing so the Admissions Committee has an accurate representation of the interview.

Because TAAs also answer applicant questions and share their experiences, we look for students who are engaged across Tuck’s academic and community life and who can speak thoughtfully about the breadth of the Tuck experience while drawing on their own individual path.

How are TAAs trained?

Incoming TAAs participate in a series of training exercises throughout the year, including a half-day introduction to admissions interviewing, practice interviews and evaluation writing, and training on recognizing and mitigating evaluation bias.  

TAAs are trained to conduct consistent, criteria-based interviews, ask thoughtful follow-up questions, evaluate the interview holistically, and write evidence-based reports for the Admissions Committee. 

Training doesn’t end when interviewing begins. TAAs sit down with an admissions officer after completing their early interviews to get feedback and ask questions. Throughout the school year, TAAs meet regularly to debrief and discuss the interview process and consistent evaluation practices. 

What parts of my application do TAAs see?

TAAs have access to your resume only, and they review it before your interview to identify questions that help them gather evidence of our admissions criteria. They do not read your essays, recommendations, or any other part of your application. This means that the interview is a fresh opportunity for you to tell your story in your own words.

Whether you interview through our guaranteed interview process of following an invitation from the Admissions Committee, your TAA approaches your interview with the same lens: focusing on your story and gathering evidence of our admissions criteria. 

What happens after my interview?

After the interview, your TAA uses their notes to complete a detailed interview report addressing our admissions criteria, your communication skills, and your professional impression. The report becomes part of your application and is considered by the Admissions Committee alongside the other information you have submitted. 

As you prepare to interview with Tuck, know that the student on the other side of the conversation is excited to learn more about your story. Your TAA wants to understand the experiences and choices that shaped you, learn how you might contribute to Tuck and beyond, and give you the opportunity to learn more about what makes Tuck special.