Events surrounding the COVID-19 global pandemic are unfolding rapidly. Tuck’s top priority is the health and safety of our community, and we are all doing our part to “flatten the curve.” Our enthusiasm for getting to know applicants and prospective students remains as strong as ever, though this pandemic has impacted how we do that.
I’m dedicating this month’s blog to addressing several frequently asked questions.
Is the application process for the Class of 2022 changing?
Our criteria for a great Tuck 2022 candidate have not changed; we continue to look for applicants who are smart, accomplished, aware, and nice. Our application materials where these criteria emerge have not changed; we require a complete application to be considered for admission. Our evaluation process has not changed. The only change: we have converted all interviews to be committee-initiated virtual interviews as to comply with CDC guidance and Dartmouth College policies for social distancing.
May I still request an applicant-initiated interview?
We suspended applicant-initiated interviews for the remainder of this application cycle. Applicant-initiated interviews are not a required component of the Tuck application process. We will continue with committee-initiated interviews virtually for this cycle. My colleagues and I assure you that we value all interviews equally in our evaluation process.
May I visit campus without an interview?
No, but we hope to connect you with our community by other means. Tuck classes are being delivered remotely for the duration of the spring term and all events have been canceled, postponed, or made virtual at this time. We plan to host additional online events in lieu of these interactions and encourage you to take a virtual tour of our campus. You will still be able to connect with current students and members of our admissions team.
Will Tuck offer flexibility for Round 3 applicants?
We’ve heard from a number of you that your Round 3 application plans have been impacted, primarily due to test centers closing, which we recognize is out of your control. We also appreciate that many of you have already submitted a Round 3 application (or soon will), and in turn you will appreciate having your admission decision on May 7 as planned. To accommodate all applicants, we will maintain our Round 3 deadline of March 30, and we will also allow applications on a rolling basis thereafter in a one-time Round 4 for those who need additional time.
Tell me more about how Round 4 will work.
You can submit a Round 4 application on a rolling basis from April 1 to June 1. We’ll return decisions on a rolling basis -- as soon as possible, and typically within several weeks -- from May 11 to July 1. You will still need all required materials to apply, including test scores. You can now take the GRE and TOEFL exams at home in some countries, and we’re optimistic that there will be more temporary online testing alternatives before June 1. International applicants, especially those currently residing outside the U.S., we strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible to account for expected visa delays at international embassies.
Will you still have seats in the Class of 2022 for Round 4 applicants?
Seats are more limited as we near the end of the application cycle, but be assured that we make admission offers every year in May, June, and July. In most years, these offers are made to those who remain on our waitlist. This year, we expect to make offers both to new Round 4 applications and to those remaining on our waitlist.
May I apply without test scores? May I apply with expired test scores?
We’re happy to receive your application through June 1, but we will require a complete application including valid test scores. Acknowledging these extraordinary circumstances, we need all applicants in an application cycle to submit the same materials for evaluation. Your scores may be self-reported at the time of application and be confirmed as valid thereafter.
What are the plans for global admissions events?
We love getting to know applicants in the places you call home. It’s too early to know how long restrictions on travel and large gatherings will be in place. While we hope we can meet you in person in the coming months, we’re making plans for robust virtual programming. We expect to offer tailored virtual programming that allows you to meet members of the Tuck community who have similar interests, backgrounds, and affinities as you.
What are the plans for the fall term?
We plan to welcome the Class of 2022 with Tuck Launch in August, as scheduled. We will provide timely notice should any plans change. You can find Tuck-specific COVID-19 updates anytime at tuck.dartmouth.edu/covid19, and you can find information pertaining to the broader Dartmouth community here.
If a recession is coming, should I still apply to Tuck? Should I get an MBA?
I’ve previously shared thoughts on our Tuck 360 blog both about the value of an MBA in a recession, as well as reasons to say yes to an MBA and to Tuck. For many of us, there has never been a moment in time when wise, decisive leadership is more essential than this one. Our society depends on leaders who can harness information, articulate different points of view, and navigate environments of disruptive ambiguity. If you aspire to be such a leader, I invite you to join us.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, and we will continue to communicate as new information becomes available. My colleagues and I remain eager to get to know you better, and I invite you to reach out to our team and to me. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy, and keep in touch.
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