Tuck Opens MBA Application for the 2023-2024 Admissions Cycle

The Round 1 application deadline is September 25, 2023, with decisions shared on December 7, 2023. Deadlines for Rounds 2 and 3 are January 4 and March 25, 2024, respectively. Applicants will be notified of decisions for Rounds 2 and 3 on March 14 and May 2, 2024.

New for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, Tuck applicants can now guarantee an interview for all three admissions rounds if they submit their completed application—including Letters of Reference and test scores—by a given date. The guaranteed interview deadlines are September 1, 2023 (Round 1); December 1, 2023 (Round 2); and March 1, 2024 (Round 3). Applicants that do not submit their application by the guaranteed interview deadlines may be offered the chance to interview on an invitational basis.

The admissions interview is an insightful component of the application, giving candidates the opportunity to tell us, in their own voice, who they are, where they want to go, and how they plan to get there, says Lawrence Mur’ray, executive director of admissions and financial aid. We strive to interview as many applicants as possible each year and so we’re excited to offer another chance for prospective Tuck MBAs to tell their story.

This year, Tuck Admissions will offer both virtual and, for the first time since 2020, on-campus interviews. All interviews will be valued equally in the evaluation process, whether guaranteed or invitational, in-person or virtual.

Tuck is also expanding application fee waivers for the upcoming admissions cycle. Seven new groups will be eligible for application fee waivers: Alumni (within the last five years) of academic institutions within the HALI Access Network of sub-Saharan Africa; McNair Scholars; QuestBridge Students; Schwarzman Scholars; those granted asylum in the United States; those granted refugee status in the United States under 101(a)(42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA); and those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

We are always looking for ways to eliminate barriers for aspiring leaders who would thrive at Tuck but are concerned—for myriad reasons—about submitting an application, Mur’ray says. By expanding our application fee waivers, we are telling prospective applicants for whom Tuck’s mission and values deeply resonate to envision themselves at Tuck and take their shot. Because we see them here.

Once again, Tuck will accept all versions of the GMAT and the GRE General Test—including the new GMAT Focus Edition and Shorter GRE General Test exams. Tuck does not prefer one test over another. Highly qualified applicants may be eligible for test waivers in the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.

Tuck’s admissions criteria remain consistent with past years, and the essay questions continue to map directly to the four primary criteria: smart, accomplished, aware, and encouraging. This year’s essay prompts have been refined to better provide applicants the opportunity to not only exhibit how they embody the four criteria, but to also demonstrate how they will thrive in Tuck’s trust-based learning environment.

2023-2024 Tuck Essay Questions

• Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinctive 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)
• (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)
• (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)

Applicants can learn more about Tuck’s refined essay questions in this blog from Pat Harrison, director of admissions, evaluation and yield.

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

Letter of Reference Questions

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

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