Tuck MBA Application Guide

Established in 1900, The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College consistently ranks among the top business schools in the world. It is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, exceptional faculty and distinctive approach to leadership development. Tuck’s location in Hanover, New Hampshire, offers a serene and picturesque setting while being a short drive from major business hubs. This balance allows students to focus on their studies while enjoying access to global business opportunities.

One of Tuck’s defining characteristics is its close-knit, collaborative community. With a smaller class size than many other top MBA programs, Tuck fosters deep connections among students, faculty, and alumni. The small class size allows for personalized attention and a tailored curriculum. Professors know students by name, and the academic experience is highly interactive. “Tuckies” are known for their support and camaraderie, creating a lifelong network.

Tuck’s mission is to develop wise, decisive leaders who better the world through business. Tuck faculty members continue to contribute groundbreaking research in various fields of business. Their expertise in areas like entrepreneurship, healthcare, and finance not only enriches the academic experience but also influences industry practices and policies. Tuck also has a strong commitment to entrepreneurship and has an entrepreneurship and innovation center. Recent developments include increased funding and resources for start-up ventures, as well as partnerships with local and global organizations to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

The school places a strong emphasis on global experiences, and recently they have expanded the TuckGO program, offering students more opportunities for international exposure. This includes partnerships with leading business schools worldwide and innovative virtual global courses that allow students to gain a global perspective without leaving campus.

Tuck places a unique emphasis on leadership development. The “Tuck Leadership Model” is at the core of the program, helping students develop the leadership skills needed to excel in a dynamic and rapidly changing business world.

Change is not just a slogan at Stern. Curriculum innovations in recent years affirm that the school is innovative and forward-looking, For example, Stern launched its Tech MBA to meet evolving business trends and students’ needs and interests. Soon after that, Stern added the Change: Studio to its MBA. This cocurricular program helps students become adept at understanding, impacting and driving change. 

Stern also values being “radically responsible.” The school states, “The unequivocal belief in the power of business to improve society is built directly into our culture and curriculum-rich learning opportunities as well as post-MBA jobs.” 

With its urban campus in the heart of New York City’s Greenwich Village, Stern offers proximity to Wall Street. It’s also at the epicenter of enterprise in nearby Silicon Alley, home to the second-highest concentration of tech startups in the US. Stern also has strong ties with the fashion industry, luxury brands, entertainment, and media. Immersed in this dynamic environment, the NYU Stern MBA is built around experiential learning opportunities in these industries.

Established in 1900, Stern is well into its second century but proudly stakes its claim to “excellence, unbound by tradition” as a core value. The school states, “People choose us because we are bold, nimble, fearless, hip, edgy, and innovative—a school rooted in rigor, yet on the cutting edge. “

What do these aspects of the Stern culture mean for your chances of admission? In this article, we go beyond the basic facts and school data to share tactical admissions strategies and advice from our 10+ years of coaching MBA candidates to admissions success. Read on for tips from Fortuna’s MBA insiders. Our tips will help you align your NYU Stern application with the school’s specific culture and focus. 

Strengths and Specializations

General management, leadership development, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare, marketing, strategy, sustainability, technology

Graduating Class of 2026

Number of Applicants: 2009 (in 2023)

MBA Class Size: 296

Avg. Work Experience: 5.75 years

Avg. GPA: 3.6

Avg. GMAT: 727

International Students: 30%

Female Students: 44%

Tuition: $80,620/year

Post-MBA Careers (class of 2023)

Career Sector: Consulting 46%; Finance 23%; Technology 14%; ; Healthcare/Pharma/Biotech 6%; Starting Own Business 3%

Top Recruiters: BCG, McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, Amazon, Deloitte, Barclays, Bank of America, EY-Parthenon, Danaher, Google, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs

Avg. Base Salary: $175,000; Salary Increase: 133% (Source: FT Rankings 2024)

Employment offered within 3 months of graduation: 96%

Number of applicants: 4,550

MBA class size: 352

Average age: 28

Average work experience: 5.2 years

Average GPA: 3.64

Average GMAT: 733

Admissions rate: 31%

Average GRE: V: 164 / Q: 164

International students: 40%

Female students: 47%

Tuition: $86,916/year 

Tuck Rankings

Admissions

Deadlines for 2024-2025: R1: Sep 26, 2024, R2: Jan 06, 2025; R3: Mar 26, 2025

Essay 1: Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinct Tuck MBA contribute to achieving your career goals and aspirations? (300 word limit)

Essay 2: 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 word limit)

Essay 3: Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community. (300 word limit)

Optional Essay: Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere and 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. (300 word limit)

Re-Applicant Additional Essay: How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 word limit)

Read our Tips for Writing the Dartmouth Tuck Essays.