Dartmouth Tuck Deadlines, Essays & Analysis (Class of 2012, Starting Fall 2010)

DEADLINES

ESSAYS AND ANALYSIS

Overview: You really can’t get any more straightforward than this. Along with Wharton, consider Tuck a great “foundation” application that you can build on/adapt in some way for almost every other school.

Please respond fully but concisely to the following essay questions. Compose each of your
answers offline in separate document files and upload them individually in the appropriate
spaces below. Although there is no restriction on the length of your response, most applicants
use, on average, 500 words for each essay. There are no right or wrong answers.
Please double-space your responses.

1. Why is an MBA a critical next step toward your short- and long-term career goals? Why is
Tuck the best MBA program for you? (If you are applying for a joint or dual degree, please
explain how the additional degree will contribute to those goals.)

Analysis: The MBA Goals Essay & Why MBA School X?

Take note of the words “…best program for you?” You can’t just use a generic template and expect to convince Tuck. I often ask my clients, “If you could only pick one reason for choosing Tuck (or any other MBA program), what would it be?” That tends to generate more thoughtful and personal answers.

2. Tuck defines leadership as “inspiring others to strive and enabling them to accomplish
great things.” We believe great things and great leadership can be accomplished in pursuit
of business and societal goals. Describe a time when you exercised such leadership.
Discuss the challenges you faced and the results you achieved. What characteristics helped
you to be effective, and what areas do you feel you need to develop in order to be a better
leader?

Analysis: The MBA Leadership Essay

The details of your success are incredibly important here, not only because they help illustrate the “characteristics that helped you be successful”, but also because they serve as a counter-point to the areas you still need to develop. When describing your development areas, avoid the temptation to repeat courses and programs from the “Why Tuck?” section of the goals essay. That won’t provide any new information and it won’t show the kind of self-awareness and personal insight that they are looking for.

3. Discuss the most difficult constructive criticism or feedback you have received. How did
you address it? What have you learned from it?

Analysis: The MBA Failure Essay

4. Tuck seeks candidates of various backgrounds who can bring new perspectives to our
community. How will your unique personal history, values, and/or life experiences contribute
to the culture at Tuck?

Analysis: The MBA Personal Essay

5. (Optional) 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.

6. (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.