Dartmouth Tuck has officially announced its essay questions for the 2025-2026 application cycle! Although the changes in the essay questions are minor, Tuck has chosen to opt for character count instead of word count in its essays, requiring applicants to choose every letter carefully!
Again this year, Tuck has two deadlines for the first and second application rounds. Those who apply before the first deadline are guaranteed an interview. There is no guaranteed interview deadline for round 3 applicants. Personal MBA Coach welcomes this policy as it encourages applicants not to submit at the last minute (which is something we advise for all of our clients). We recommend that those who have Tuck high on their list take advantage of the interview guarantee.
The upcoming Tuck application deadlines are:
Round 1 with Interview Guaranteed/Regular Deadline: September 2, 2025/September 25, 2025
Round 2 with Interview Guaranteed/Regular Deadline: December 1, 2025/January 5, 2026
Round 3 Regular Deadline: March 25, 2026
Furthermore, please note that if you are applying to Tuck without a test score, Dartmouth Tuck has a deadline for a test waiver request.
The 2025-2026 Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application Summary
This year, Tuck again asks applicants to answer three required essay questions.
Please see below for Personal MBA Coach’s tips on how to answer the Dartmouth Tuck MBA essays.
Dartmouth Tuch MBA Application Essay Questions 2025-2026
Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application Essay 1: Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinct Tuck MBA contribute to achieving your goals and aspirations? What particular aspects of Tuck will be instrumental in your growth? (2000 characters)
There is a lot to fit into this short essay. While candidates will share their goals in the short answer questions, they may want to use this space to elaborate on these goals. If you need help thinking through your goals, we have published a blog with our general tips.
Next, candidates should reflect upon the skills they will need to succeed in this desired career and SPECIFICALLY how Tuck will help them. Be sure to do your research into everything Tuck has to offer and discuss what you will take advantage of on campus and how. Tuck has a unique program, and it is more than just being close-knit. As always, avoid vague statements here.
Finally, be sure to explain to the Tuck admissions committee why NOW is the right time for you to pursue an MBA. Perhaps you have reached a plateau that you need an MBA to overcome. Or maybe you recently had an experience that confirmed you are ready to change careers. Regardless of your personal circumstances, be sure to at least briefly discuss that here.
Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application Essay 2: Tell us who you are. How have your values and experiences shaped your identity and character? How will your unique background contribute to Tuck and/or enhance the experience of your classmates? (2000 characters)
For this question, candidates should reflect upon what makes them unique. For some candidates, this uniqueness may be obvious and directly tied to their demographic or socioeconomic background. If this applies to you, be sure you not only share this background but also talk about how it has shaped your values.
For other candidates, this uniqueness may be less obvious, and candidates are urged to reflect upon their personal story when determining what to share. A few years ago, Personal MBA Coach suggested that applicants consider hobbies, passions, skills and aspirations for Tuck’s second essay. While these topics are all still fair game, we urge you to dig deeper if possible and reflect on how these experiences have shaped you.
Next, tell Tuck how you will add value on campus. Let the Tuck admissions committee see how you are poised to leave the Tuck campus better than you found it. Be specific as you discuss the role you will play within the class of 2028 and how you will specifically improve life at Tuck.
Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application Essay 3: Describe a time when you meaningfully invested in someone else’s success without immediate benefit to yourself. What motivated you, and what was the impact? (2000 characters)
Recognizing that actions speak louder than words, in prior years Tuck asked for an example of how applicants have demonstrated the school’s values (telling applicants that Tuck students are encouraging, collaborative and empathic).
This year, Tuck is once again asking for an example of how applicants have supported someone else, however, they have removed the narrower inclusion focus.
With only 2,000 characters, select a story that is easy to set up. You do not want to use many words explaining the situation; instead, you want to SHOW your actions. This question is yet another opportunity for candidates to allow the Tuck admissions directors to assess what studying and living with them would be like. Personal, professional, volunteer, or other extracurricular examples would all work well.
Dartmouth Tuck Optional Essay: 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. (2000 characters)
Tuck also has an optional question that should be answered only by those candidates with unique circumstances. Read our advice on how to address optional essays here.
Are You Tackling Dartmouth’s Application as a Reapplicant?
Dartmouth Tuck expects reapplicants to write an additional essay. Check out our top tips for getting started with the reapplication essay.
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