Tuck Launches 2021-2022 MBA Application, Looking Ahead to the Class of 2024

Tuck Admissions has also made the decision to discontinue the Round 4 application deadline which was introduced during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, now returning back to three application rounds.

The Round 1 application deadline is September 27, 2021, with decisions being released December 9. Tuck is continuing its guaranteed interview policy for early Round 1 applicants who complete the application, including Letters of Reference and test scores, and submit by September 1, 2021. This policy is also being extended to Round 2 applicants who will be guaranteed an interview if a full application is received by December 1, 2021. The final Round 2 deadline is January 3, 2022. The deadline for Tuck’s final round, Round 3, will be March 28, 2022.

As is standard to pre-pandemic years, campus visit programs and tours for prospective applicants will begin in September and will be offered in person. One slight difference: through at least Round 1, all interviews for 2021 – 2022 applicants will be conducted virtually.

“We are looking forward to getting to know our newest applicants,” says Amy Mitson, co-executive director of Tuck Admissions. “There is something truly special about being able to experience campus and meet members of the Tuck community in person, but we also realize not all will be able to travel to Hanover to interview this year.”

“We found this past year that virtual interviews gave us great insight into candidates, and as the world has gotten very accustomed to Zoom, candidates have become more comfortable with the virtual format,” adds Pat Harrison, co-executive director of Tuck Admissions.

Tuck will also return to three application rounds, discontinuing Round 4 which was implemented in the spring of 2020 when safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic prevented some applicants from being able to take the GMAT/GRE. Tuck continued Round 4 during the 2020-21 cycle as a courtesy but found that not many applicants needed the additional time to apply.

Tuck’s admissions criteria remain consistent with last year, anchored by four common characteristics that describe the school’s students: smart, accomplished, aware, and encouraging.

In the 2021-22 application, there will be three required 300-word essays, plus optional and reapplicant essays, if applicable. The essays offer applicants the opportunity to demonstrate how they are strong across the criteria. A new prompt for essay 3 will give applicants an opportunity to reflect on the qualities of encouragement, collaboration, and empathy. Broadening essay 3 gives applicants greater flexibility in how they demonstrate the encouraging criterion.

2021 – 2022 Tuck Essay Questions

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)
2. Tuck students recognize how their individuality adds to the fabric of Tuck. Tell us who you are. (300 words)
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)
4. (Optional) Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere and 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. (300 words)
5. (To be completed by all reapplicants) How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 words)

Learn more about Tuck’s essay questions from Pat Harrison, co-executive director of Tuck Admissions, who offers a few pointers.

Letter of Reference questions will remain the same this cycle, aligning with GMAC’s Common Letter of Recommendation Questions.

Letter of Reference Questions

1. Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.
2. 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?)
3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
4. Is there anything else we should know? (Optional)

Learn more about applying to Tuck