I am a 2006 MBA graduate of the Tuck School of Business. During my time at Tuck, I was involved in a number of campus activities including acting as an Admissions Associate. While at Tuck and during my time as an Alumni Interviewer, I have interviewed dozens of applicants on behalf of Tuck. My tips are based on my own experiences interviewing aspiring business school applicants.
Importance of Interviews at Tuck
Tuck offers interviews with the expectation that they should not be drill sessions, but should be conversations so that Tuck can get to know the applicant on a personal level and the applicant can get to know Tuck so remember to ask your interviewer questions. Applicants will be evaluated on criteria such as leadership, self-awareness, interpersonal skills and ability to get involved in the Tuck community. Applicants who do well in the interview will showcase these skills and qualities in the interview. They will have high energy and show a passion for what they are talking about. In addition, if you are an international student, your ability to communicate in English will also be evaluated.
Interviews at Tuck are either applicant initiated on-campus or Admissions initiated after an initial review of your application. Interviews are considered one data point in the application and will not make or break your application. It is to your benefit to schedule your interview after you have done your campus visit/tour. If you cannot schedule your interview for after the visit, try to visit the night before and talk to students. Many applicants lament that they have a better understanding of Tuck after they have had the chance to visit and talk with students.
Interview Process
The majority of on-campus interviews are given by Second-Year students. These students are chosen for their leadership on campus and their commitment to Tuck. This means these students love Tuck and have had a great experience and will want to talk about how great Tuck is. They are also a great resource to you! You should dress for your interview, regardless of location, in business dress. I know this can be a challenge in the cold weather in Hanover, but presentation counts.
Important Questions
You should expect to answer some variation of “Why Tuck?” “Why do you need an MBA?” and “What are your short-term/long-term goals?” A great way to do well on your interviews is to complete your essays before you interview. You don’t have to submit your application before you interview, but by completing your essays, you’ll have thought through a logical, cohesive “story” you are telling to the Admissions Committee. Remember though that even if you have applied already, the interviewer will only see you and your resume.
Top Mistakes
During the interview, applicants tend to make mistakes in three main areas. First, applicants answer questions with what they think the interviewer wants to hear, rather than what is true for the applicant. Second, applicants do not have logical cohesive answers for the three questions above. Lastly, applicants do not answer the question that is being asked. Sometimes an interviewer might slightly change a question to encourage a more honest answer. For example, an interviewer might ask “What don’t you like working about in teams?” instead of “Tell me about a time you worked in teams?” After the interview, it is perfectly acceptable to send a thank you email. In the email you might want to reiterate what your strengths are and why you are interested in Tuck. However, in your note make sure you spell the interviewers name correctly and don’t use a form note. Since interview write-ups are due quickly after the interview, your note should be sent within 24 hours.
Interview Preparation
Mock interviews are a great resource to help you. Many of those applying to business school have not interviews in years and by doing a mock interview, you can refresh those interviews skills that have made you successful already. In addition, for international applicants mock interviews will allow you candid feedback on your English communication skills. Mock interviews can help you understand how to incorporate your career experiences, your outside activities and your career goals to a total stranger.
Tuck Interview Tips:
If you are considering applying to Tuck this year here are some tips. First, get to know Tuck. Seems obvious, but Tuck is very serious about this point. Next, talk to alums, read the website and visit the school without interviewing if you can. Second, present the best application you can, when you can. If you need more time on your essays, it might be better to wait. Lastly, stay calm and be yourself.
Tuck for Me
My time at Tuck exceeded my expectations. Tuck offers a small environment, supportive students, professors that know you by name and an administration that encourages and expects students to get involved. Tuck’s small size and the approachable attitude of the administration, allows students to shape the program to meet his or her personal and professional needs.
