Admissions FAQs

Admissions and COVID-19

Where can I get information on Tuck/Dartmouth’s COVID-19 policies?

COVID-19 updates for Tuck are available here. COVID-19 updates for Dartmouth are available here.

Are campus visits possible?

Yes, we are welcoming visitors to campus on scheduled days. Browse and register for upcoming visit days here. COVID-19 visitor policies for Dartmouth are available here.

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GMAT/GRE

Does Tuck prefer the GMAT or the GRE?

Tuck accepts either the GMAT or the GRE, including the Online/At Home versions of these exams. We do not prefer one test over the other. If you are considering which test to take, we suggest trying practice exams of each and taking whichever test you think best reflects your abilities.  

Does Tuck waive the GMAT/GRE test requirement?

No, we do not waive the GMAT/GRE requirement for any applicants. Regardless of educational or professional experience, all applicants must submit valid test scores.

Does Tuck accept the Online/At Home versions of the GMAT/GRE?

Yes, we do!

I have taken the GMAT and/or GRE several times. Which score does the admissions committee consider?

We consider your highest total score and highest sub-scores across tests taken; however, we will not combine sub-scores from different tests resulting in a new total score. If you have taken the test(s) multiple times, please report all valid scores taken within the past five years. Even if your scores have not improved, it is helpful for the Committee to see all of your test results, which show progression and determination to strengthen your candidacy.

When do I need to take the GMAT or GRE?

We require that you submit valid self-reported GMAT or GRE scores at the time of application, so you should plan to take the test in enough time to receive a score to self-report. Applicants are not required to submit official score reports until they enroll at Tuck, unless their scores will expire prior to August 2023. If your test score(s) will expire prior to August 2023, you must release your official score report(s) to Tuck prior to submitting your application. Your official score report(s) must be released to Tuck at least 10 days before the test expiration date.

May I take and submit a new GMAT/GRE score after the deadline? Will it still be considered?

We cannot guarantee consideration of scores sent after the application deadline; however, we may be able to consider new scores if review of your application is still in progress. Please note that we cannot confirm whether we have reviewed your application after it has been submitted.

Am I eligible for your program based on my GMAT score and/or GPA? Do you have a cut-off score for the GMAT or GRE?

There is no minimum score required to apply or to receive admission. We admit candidates with a wide range of scores. Please see our class profile for last year's class average and range. If you feel that your GMAT or GRE score is not reflective of your academic aptitude, we encourage you to take the exam again in an effort to improve your score.

How much does the GMAT or GRE score count?

Tuck seeks applicants who are smart, curious, and engaged. Test scores are just one indicator of this criterion. Our holistic evaluation looks at many factors when determining your ability to thrive in our rigorous learning environment. We do not assign a particular weight to your test scores or any other part of the application. Different students demonstrate their ability in different ways.

Do you have a cut-off score for the GMAT or GRE?

Tuck does not have a minimum GMAT or GRE score requirement—admitted students have a range of scores. But if you feel that your GMAT or GRE score is not reflective of your academic aptitude, we encourage you to take the exam again in an effort to improve your score.

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Transcripts

Do I have to have a business background to apply to Tuck?

No. Tuck seeks qualified applicants from all backgrounds, including those who do not have traditional business experience. While not required, if you do not have previous exposure to quantitative concepts in your educational or employment background, you may find it helpful to take classes in the following areas to help prepare for the rigors of Tuck's curriculum: microeconomics, financial accounting, statistics, finance, and Excel.

Do I need to submit transcripts from every college or university I have attended?

You will be required to scan and upload a copy of the academic transcript(s) issued by the institution(s) from which you obtained your undergraduate (bachelor’s or first) degree; any advanced/graduate degrees; and any transfer institutions. If your transcript(s) are not in English, upload both the original transcript and a certified translation.

It is not necessary to provide transcripts for postgraduate non-degree courses or from study abroad institutions if your study abroad course(s) are listed on your undergraduate or graduate school transcripts. However, you will be asked to provide details (institution, term/year, course title, and grade) for any postgraduate non-degree courses in the application.

Do you convert GPAs?

We are well versed in the different academic paths our candidates take and are able to assess that you have challenged yourself and performed well relative to expectations in your academic environment. We therefore will not convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale, nor should you. Please report your GPA using the scale employed by the degree granting institution.

How can I improve quant proficiency before applying/how can I prove quant proficiency if I do not have a quant background?

If you do not have previous exposure to quantitative concepts, you may find the following classes helpful in preparing for the rigors of Tuck's curriculum: microeconomics, financial accounting, statistics, finance, and Excel.

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Letters of Reference

How many references may I submit?

You must submit two Letters of Reference (LORs) unless you are a reapplicant who applied during the most recent admissions cycle. Reapplicants who applied during the most recent admissions cycle need to submit only one new LOR from a reference who did not write to Tuck on your behalf last year. We discourage you from submitting additional letters as they are not likely to enhance our evaluation of your candidacy.

Who should I select to write my letters of reference?

Request Letters of Reference (LORs) from people who can demonstrate that you are smart, accomplished, aware, and encouraging. If possible, your current direct supervisor should write one of your LORs. You will be asked to provide a brief explanation in the Other Employment Information section of your application if you cannot provide an LOR from a direct supervisor. LORs from professors who did not supervise professional work, friends, family members, or coaches do not enhance your candidacy.

Your reference must be the sole author of your LOR. Drafting, writing, translating, or submitting your own LOR, even if asked to do so by your reference, violates Tuck’s admissions policies and Academic Honor Principle. You are responsible for informing your references of this policy.

References who cannot write in English should write in their native language and have the LOR translated by an outside translation service. Do not translate the LOR into English for your reference.

You are responsible for notifying your references of your application deadline and ensuring your LORs are submitted on time. We review your application only if all required LORs are received by your application deadline. Otherwise, we will move your application to the next admission round. If your application is not complete by the final deadline it will be evaluated as is. If you would like to make changes to your list of references, please contact us.

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Application Process/Application Specifics

May I transfer to Tuck after completing a year at another school?

No. The first year core curriculum is the foundation of learning in the Tuck MBA program, upon which the entire academic experience is built. Additionally, the deep relationships our students develop with classmates, faculty, and staff is an essential part of Tuck’s personal, connected and transformative MBA experience. 

I hold a three-year bachelor's degree. Is that acceptable for admission to Tuck?

Yes, we will give equal consideration for admission to applicants with three-year bachelor’s degrees.

Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree to be considered for admission?

While we do not require that candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in order to be considered for admission, we do give very, very strong preference to applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, and an offer of admission to an applicant without a bachelor’s degree will be extraordinarily rare. However, a lack of a bachelor’s degree is not automatically disqualifying for candidates who can otherwise demonstrate unusual and extraordinary proficiency across our four admissions criteria.

May I apply to Tuck if I already hold an MBA from another school or country?

We do not typically admit applicants who have already earned an MBA. If you hold a similar graduate degree that is not an MBA, include in your response to essay 1 the reasons why you need an MBA in addition to your prior degree. We consider the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from Indian universities to be the equivalent of an MBA and typically do not admit applicants who have already earned this degree.

Does my age preclude me from being considered for admission?

Our admission review process is age blind, so your age will not impact your application in any way.  

May I apply to Tuck directly and also via the Consortium?

No. The admissions committee will consider only one application per candidate per year.

Do I need to have full-time work experience to apply?

Typically, Tuck does not offer admission to applicants who do not have full-time work experience prior to starting the program. On average, Tuck students have five years of full-time work experience before enrolling at Tuck, and most students have at least two. Given the broad range of experience in each class, it is the quality, not the quantity, of an applicant's experience that is relevant in the evaluation process.  

How do I apply as a Joint- or Dual-Degree applicant?

Tuck offers several joint- and dual-degree programs. You must apply separately to each school. We will assist admitted students with planning specific curricular details. See our overview of Joint and Dual Degrees for additional information.

Is it better to apply in an early round or a later round?

Apply as early as you are ready. The admissions committee will admit as many well-qualified applicants as possible in early rounds. However, it is important not to rush your application. We encourage you to take the time necessary to submit a thoughtful, well-prepared application. Regardless of the round in which your application has been submitted, the admissions committee will give full and fair consideration to your candidacy. We recommend submitting your completed application a day or two prior to the published deadline, which may help to alleviate the anxiety that may accompany last-minute submissions.

Does Tuck offer a pre-qualification process?

No. We are not able to assess qualifications until we know more about you through the application process.

Do you offer spring entry?

No. Students may begin the Tuck MBA program only in the summer term. Tuck offers only a full-time, two-year program.

Does Tuck offer application fee waivers?

We understand that we live in a dynamic global economy and the process of applying to business school can be a financial challenge. Application fee waivers may be available for those facing a financial burden and are granted on a case-by-case basis. To be considered for an application fee waiver, please fill out this form. Note: you must have an open application to access the form and we will not guarantee processing of requests made within 2 business days of an application deadline.

I submitted my application earlier than the deadline. Will I receive a decision sooner?

Regardless of when you submit your application, all decisions for the round in which you applied will be released on the same day. They are not released on a rolling basis. Once the submission deadline has passed and application reading has begun, we cannot update you on the status of your application or where it is in the process.

Can I receive my application decision early?

No, all decisions for the round in which you applied will be released on the same day.

I've not heard anything about my application; can I receive a status update?

No, once an application has been submitted, we cannot provide updates as to where it is in the review process or provide an early decision. However, you can access your Status Page to monitor receipt of your LORs and if you do not hear from us regarding missing or late materials you can assume your application is complete.

How can I submit an update/updates to my application?

We ask that you submit significant updates for your candidacy by accessing your Status Page and navigating to the Applicant Update Form. Here you will be able to submit any new information and/or materials, such as an updated resume, job updates, MBA Math Transcript, updated transcripts, new certifications, and/or new test scores. Your updates are automatically added to your application. Note that we cannot guarantee that we will review information sent to the admissions office after your application has been submitted.

Can I defer admission?

We grant a limited number of one-year deferrals on a case-by-case basis for exceptional, unforeseen circumstances. To be considered for a deferral, you must submit a written request. If granted, an additional non-refundable deposit is required.

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Waitlist

How many applicants are placed on the waitlist?

The size of our waitlist varies from year to year. In recent years, we have extended waitlist offers to more than 100 candidates. This size fluctuates as candidates are admitted from the waitlist, update us about their plans for the upcoming year, or decide to remove themselves from consideration.

How many applicants were offered admission from the waitlist in the past few years?

The number of applicants admitted from the waitlist varies from year to year and depends on the applicant pool, enrollment from previous rounds, and the quality of applications from later rounds. Our waitlist offer means that we consider you a candidate for admission to Tuck in an upcoming round.   

How long do candidates typically remain on the waitlist?

The admissions committee will re-review your candidacy in each subsequent application round, at the end of which you may be offered admission, your waitlist status may be extended, or you may be released and encouraged to reapply next year. Offers of admission to waitlisted candidates may also be extended on a rolling basis, and as late as August.

Will I receive feedback on my application while I am on the waitlist?

We provide feedback to all candidates who accept our waitlist offer. We will reach out to you with suggestions on how to strengthen your candidacy or ask you to provide additional information if we had any unanswered questions while reading your application. Following our suggestions will not guarantee admission, but it may strengthen your candidacy in a competitive pool.

Do I need to confirm my desire to remain in consideration for admission?

Yes! In your decision letter you will receive detailed instructions on how to accept your waitlist offer. You will need to follow those instructions to secure your spot on the waitlist. If your waitlist status is extended in a subsequent round, you will need to re-affirm that you wish to remain on the waitlist. All forms must be submitted by the date communicated to you in the waitlist offer letter.

How can I submit an update/updates to my application while on the waitlist?

We ask that you submit significant updates for your candidacy by accessing your Status Page and navigating to the Waitlist Update Form. Here you will be able to submit additional information and/or materials. Your updates are automatically added to your application.

Will I receive communication from the admissions committee while I am on the waitlist?

We provide feedback to all candidates who accept our waitlist offer. We will reach out to you with suggestions on how to strengthen your candidacy or ask you to provide additional information if we had any unanswered questions while reading your application. While no other formal communication is planned, we will continue to review your candidacy in each subsequent round. We welcome hearing from you if and when you have updates to your candidacy. 

Will I be able to re-interview while on the waitlist?

We may extend committee-initiated interview invitations to individual candidates, asking them to interview or re-interview. Invitations to interview will be extended on a case-by-case basis. Candidates may not self-initiate an additional interview.

What is the process for applying for financial aid if I am waitlisted?

Our financial aid colleagues will work individually with all candidates who are admitted from the waitlist. There is no required action to take before then. If you have additional questions, please email the Financial Aid team.  

Does Tuck rank the waitlist?

Tuck does not rank candidates on the waitlist. We will review your application in each subsequent round relative to the larger applicant pool.

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International Applicants

What should international applicants keep in mind regarding student visas and immigration status?

Unless otherwise specified, all international Tuck students will be sponsored for F-1 student visas. Some students may be sponsored for J-1 student visas, such as students who will be sponsored by their employer. Dartmouth’s Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) is the definitive resource for everything international applicants need to know regarding preparing for study at Tuck. The office provides support services to guide admitted students through the visa process as well as up to date information regarding important immigration news and White House Executive Orders.

As uncertainty regarding US immigration persists, what should international applicants keep in mind when applying to Tuck?

We at Tuck affirm both our unwavering support of our international students and our commitment to global engagement. Over 40% of Tuck students are international students, and their diversity of experiences, ideas, and dreams enrich learning and the lives of their classmates in countless ways.

Tuck remains committed to maintaining a talented, diverse, and globally-engaged student body no matter the current policies on immigration. We will stay up to date on developments that could impact our international applicants and the broader Tuck community. More information is available through Dartmouth's Office of Visa and Immigration Services.

Do I need to take the DET, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT exams?

You qualify for a waiver if you have recently lived for at least three years in an English-speaking country or if you received an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution where instruction is in English. You do not need to seek our approval or submit documentation to prove eligibility for this waiver. You should indicate eligibility with the check box in the education section of your application. For more information, please see our overview of application materials.

Is there an optimal application round for international candidates?

International applicants may apply in any round. U.S. visa eligibility forms will be made available to all accepted international students after they have paid the enrollment deposit. Verification of financial support is required for all enrolling international students. The Dartmouth Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) will assist enrolling students with the U.S. visa process.

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Interviews

What is a guaranteed interview?

All Round 1 applicants who submit their complete application, including test scores and Letters of Reference, by September 1, 2022 (or October 1, 2022, if applying to Tuck through the Consortium), and all Round 2/Round 2 Consortium applicants who submit their complete application by December 1, 2022, will be guaranteed an interview.

For applicants who are not able to apply by the early deadlines, interviews are offered by invitation only. We will review your application and invite you to interview if we believe it will help us learn more about how you demonstrate our admissions criteria.

When will I be invited to interview?

We release invitations to interview on a rolling basis. While we aim to send most invitations early in the application cycle, it is possible to receive an invitation to interview in the days prior to the decision notification date. The timing of your interview invitation does not reflect the committee’s level of interest in your application.

How will my interview be scheduled?

We will send you a link to the interview schedule. You will choose a day and time that works with your availability. All interviews will be conducted virtually.

Can I update my resume after I register for an interview?

Yes, by accessing your Status Page and navigating to the Applicant Update Form. Here you will be able to submit an updated resume. Your new resume will automatically be added to your application.

Who will my interviewer be?

Most interviews are conducted by a select group of trained second-year students, Tuck Admissions Associates (TAAs), and occasionally by members of the admissions committee. We'll provide you with your interview details, including virtual platform information and the name and email address of your interviewer, via email 2 hours prior to your interview time.

What information will my interviewer have about me?

Your interview will be a blind interview, meaning your interviewer will not have access to your application. The only document your interviewer will see is your resume.

What questions will I be asked during my interview?

We will ask questions that will help us assess your qualifications for our four admissions criteria: smart, accomplished, aware, and encouraging. You can learn more about the questions we ask and how to best prepare for your admissions interview on our blog.

How long will the interview last?

A typical interview lasts between 30–45 minutes.

Is there a dress code for a virtual interview? What should I wear to my interview?

We suggest candidates wear business-appropriate attire for interviews.

I am a reapplicant. Can I interview again?

If you submit your complete application by one of the guaranteed interview dates, even if you interviewed previously, you would qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you submit your application after the guaranteed interview dates, you may be invited to interview, or we may refer to your previous interview.

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