Dartmouth Tuck Deadlines, Essays & Analysis (Class of 2013, Starting Fall 2011)
DEADLINES [table id=51/]
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: Please see: The MBA Goals Essay & Why MBA School X?
2. Discuss your most meaningful leadership experience. What did you learn about your own individual strengths and weaknesses through this experience?
Analysis: A typical Leadership Essay, with the added requirement of evaluating your weaknesses - what you weren't able to do, what you could have done better, or what you need to develop to achieve your goals. Think beyond just technical weaknesses or knowledge gaps (e.g., better finance skills, deeper understanding of strategy) that can be filled relatively easily through study. Instead, focus on deeper, core issues that will require significant effort and even bravery to face and improve. Perhaps you were successful in changing an operations process in your company, but you had to rely on a supervisor's influence to make it happen. Going forward, you want to develop your own persuasive abilities to be more independent, effective and efficient in a variety of situations. That more difficult kind of personal and interpersonal struggle is worthy of a two-year MBA investment.
Please see: The MBA Leadership Essay
3. What is the greatest challenge or hurdle you have overcome, either personally or professionally, and how did you manage to do so?
Analysis: Coming Soon
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: Please see: 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.
Analysis: Please see: The MBA Optional Essay
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.
Analysis: Please see: The MBA Re-Applicant Essay