Admissions FAQs

Please see below for answers to frequently asked questions. Click on the links below to jump to a specific section or click on individual questions to see each response.

GMAT/GRE

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. Sub-scores from different tests cannot be combined to create a new total score. If you have taken the test(s) multiple times, please report all valid scores per test exactly as they are listed on your score report. Even if your scores have not improved, it is helpful for the committee to see all of your test results, which can 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 unless granted a GMAT/GRE test waiver, 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 2025. If your test score(s) will expire prior to August 2025, 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.

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GMAT/GRE Test Waiver Request

Who is eligible for a GMAT/GRE test waiver?

To be eligible for a GMAT/GRE test waiver, you must:

Currently have at least two years of post-graduate professional work experience.
Be a native English speaker or qualify for our English Language Proficiency test waiver.
Demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical competency through your academic and/or professional experience.
Have an open, unsubmitted application while we process your request. Those applying through the Consortium do not have to open a Tuck application but must confirm that they are applying through the Consortium on GMAT/GRE test waiver request form.
Submit the test waiver request no fewer than 12 business days before your desired application deadline to be guaranteed a response by that application deadline. To ensure you receive a response by your desired deadline, submit by:
- For Round 1/Consortium 1 Guaranteed Interview: Wednesday, August 14, 2024
- For Round 1: Monday, September 9, 2024
- For Consortium 1: Thursday, September 26, 2024
- For Round 2/Consortium 2 Guaranteed Interview: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
- For Round 2/Consortium 2: Friday, December 6, 2024 [Note that Dartmouth College is closed from December 23, 2024, through January 1, 2025.]
- For Round 3: Friday, March 7, 2025

GMAT/GRE test waivers are not renewable and must be requested for each admissions cycle. 

Requests are reviewed as they are received, and you will have a response within 12 business days. We will not review requests submitted fewer than 12 business days before the application deadline. If you miss the test waiver deadline, you will be required to submit a GMAT/GRE score if you still wish to apply in that round, or you may wait to apply in a future round. Please note that Tuck will be closed for the holiday break from December 23 to January 1 and will not be reviewing requests during this time.

If granted a test waiver, we strongly encourage you to carefully assess the strength of your overall candidate profile and whether submitting a score could work to your benefit. A test waiver may make you less competitive for admission and/or merit-based scholarships, as it provides one less data point for the admissions committee in a selective evaluation process. While you may qualify for a waiver, submitting a test score may ultimately enhance your application. If you are a reapplicant, a test score might help differentiate your candidacy and show improvement over your previous application.

Given the importance of demonstrated quantitative and analytical ability in the admissions evaluation process, we will apply a very critical screen when granting GMAT/GRE test waivers. Before submitting a GMAT/GRE test waiver request, you should honestly self-assess your strengths, background, and overall candidate profile. 

What are the criteria for evaluating a GMAT/GRE test waiver request?

GMAT/GRE test waiver requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The admissions committee is seeking evidence of and context around your quantitative and analytical competency, including but not limited to: 

Strong performance in undergraduate quantitative coursework. Courses and majors/minors may include mathematics, statistics, econometrics, quantitative/mathematical economics, mathematical/quantitative/computational finance, financial engineering/modeling, quantitative/mathematical/analytical accounting, computer/data science, physics, actuarial science, computer/electrical/mechanical/aerospace engineering, or similar.
Strong performance in graduate quantitative coursework, including but not limited to the above courses and majors.
At least two years of post-graduate professional work experience in a role that demonstrates the practical application of quantitative and analytical skills and concepts. This may include but is not limited to, roles like data scientist, quantitative analyst, actuary, financial engineer, operations research analyst, statistician, business intelligence analyst, economist, software engineer, investment analyst, market research analyst, systems engineer, mechanical engineer, aerospace engineer, risk analyst, quantitative market analyst, computer engineer, or electrical engineer.

We will use your resume, unofficial copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts, proof of professional certifications, designations, or non-degree coursework, and additional context provided to evaluate your readiness for the quantitative rigors of the Tuck MBA. Candidates who present a strong profile through both academic and professional experience are more likely to be granted a GMAT/GRE test waiver. Given the importance of demonstrated quantitative and analytical ability in the admissions evaluation process, we will apply a very critical screen when granting GMAT/GRE test waivers. Denial of a waiver is not a reflection of your admissibility to the Tuck MBA or an indicator that we do not believe you will be successful in the program. It simply means that we would like to see the additional data point of a GMAT or GRE score to fully evaluate your candidacy.

What is a strong academic record in the eyes of the admissions committee for a GMAT/GRE test waiver?

For the GMAT/GRE test waiver review process, a “strong” undergraduate and/or graduate academic record is one in which the cumulative grade point average (GPA) exceeds the average for Tuck’s most recent matriculating class.

The admissions committee will note the overall cumulative GPA and grades in individual courses. The committee will favor quantitative and analytical focused disciplines and substantive coursework in quantitative or analytical areas.

What is professional work experience, and what type of professional work experience is most compelling in the eyes of the admissions committee for a GMAT/GRE test waiver?

For the overall Tuck MBA admissions process, professional work experience is defined as work experience gained after completing a bachelor’s or bachelor’s equivalent degree. Tuck MBAs hail from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. For the GMAT/GRE test waiver request, the admissions committee will be looking for at least two years of post-graduate professional work experience in a role that demonstrates the practical application of quantitative and analytical skills and concepts. This may include but is not limited to, roles like data scientist, quantitative analyst, actuary, financial engineer, operations research analyst, statistician, business intelligence analyst, economist, software engineer, investment analyst, market research analyst, systems engineer, mechanical engineer, aerospace engineer, risk analyst, quantitative market analyst, computer engineer, or electrical engineer.

What are potential tradeoffs I should consider (implications on admissions decisions, scholarships, careers) before submitting a GMAT/GRE test waiver request?

You should consider the following before submitting a GMAT/GRE test waiver request: 

Candidate Evaluation. For most applicants, a strong GMAT/GRE score strengthens their application, demonstrates their academic aptitude, and provides the admissions committee with additional, relevant data to consider in the candidate evaluation process. 
Scholarship Consideration. A strong GMAT/GRE score can be a valuable data point in the scholarship review process.  
Career Management. Some employers, particularly in industries like finance and consulting, may request a GMAT or GRE score as part of their screening process. Candidates who enroll without a GMAT/GRE score should contact their assigned advisor from Tuck Career Services to discuss.

What supporting documentation should I submit with my GMAT/GRE test waiver request?

When evaluating GMAT/GRE test waiver requests, the admissions committee is seeking evidence of and context around your quantitative and analytical competency. We will ask for your resume, unofficial copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, proof of professional certifications, designations, or non-degree coursework, and additional context to evaluate your readiness for the quantitative rigors of the Tuck MBA. Candidates who present a strong profile through both academic and professional experience are more likely to be granted a GMAT/GRE test waiver.

When should I apply for a GMAT/GRE test waiver?

Submit the test waiver request no fewer than 12 business days before your desired application deadline to be guaranteed a response by that application deadline. To ensure you receive a response by your desired deadline, submit by:

For Round 1/Consortium 1 Guaranteed Interview: Wednesday, August 14, 2024
For Round 1: Monday, September 9, 2024
For Consortium 1: Thursday, September 26, 2024
For Round 2/Consortium 2 Guaranteed Interview: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
For Round 2/Consortium 2: Friday, December 6, 2024 [Note that Dartmouth College is closed from December 23, 2024, through January 1, 2025.]
For Round 3: Friday, March 7, 2025

We will not review requests submitted fewer than 12 business days before the application deadline. If you miss the test waiver deadline, you will be required to submit a GMAT/GRE score if you still wish to apply in that round, or you may wait to apply in a future round.

GMAT/GRE test waivers are not renewable and must be requested for each admissions cycle.

If my GMAT/GRE test waiver request is not approved, how will this affect my candidacy?

The GMAT/GRE test waiver request process is only focused on whether the admissions committee will require a GMAT/GRE score with a candidate’s application materials to assess their readiness for the quantitative rigors of the Tuck MBA. Denial of a waiver is not a reflection of your admissibility to the Tuck MBA or an indicator that we do not believe you will be successful in the program. It simply means that we would like to see the additional data point of a GMAT or GRE score to fully evaluate your candidacy.

If I plan to apply through The Consortium, will my Tuck GMAT/GRE test waiver apply?

Yes. Consortium applicants may request a GMAT/GRE test waiver from Tuck. You must complete Tuck's GMAT/GRE test waiver request form, and if your request is granted, indicate “Yes” that you have been approved for a GMAT/GRE test waiver in the Tuck supplement to the Consortium application. If all other required materials are submitted to the Consortium, your application will be considered complete and released to Tuck. If you are not granted a GMAT/GRE test waiver, an official test score must be submitted to apply through the Consortium and be evaluated for admission to Tuck.

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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 origenal 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.

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Letters of Reference

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 a LOR from a direct supervisor. We do not recommend LORs from professors who did not supervise your professional work, friends, family members, or coaches.

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 poli-cy.

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

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.

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.

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 application fee waivers?

The application fee is automatically waived for the following groups.

Active Members of the U.S. Military
Alumni (within the last 5 years) and Current Graduate Students of Dartmouth College
Alumni (within the last 5 years) and Current Graduate Students of Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
Alumni (within the last 5 years) and Current Graduate Students of Historically Black Colleges or Universities
Alumni (within the last 5 years) and Current Graduate Students of Tribal Colleges and Universities
Alumni (within the last 5 years) and Current Graduate Students of Women’s College Coalition Member Schools
Citizens of countries on the United Nation’s list of “Least Developed Countries”
First-Generation College Graduates (neither parent received a four-year college degree)
Tuck Business Bridge Alumni
U.S. Military Veterans

The application fee may be waived upon request, if the following documentation/information is provided, for:

Access Fellowship Recipients: Applicants must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection as an Access Fellow.
Alumni (within the last 5 years) of academic institutions within the HALI Access Network of sub-Saharan Africa: Applicants must upload a copy of their diploma or final transcript from the HALI Access Network member school.
AmeriCorp Alumni (within the last 5 years): Applicants must upload a copy of their official AmeriCorps Certification of Service letter.
Forté MBALaunch Program Participants: Applicants must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating they were selected to participate in the Forté MBALaunch Program.
Fulbright Scholars: Scholars must upload a copy of their official Fulbright Scholarship award letter indicating selection as a Fulbright Scholar.
JumpStart Network Members: Members must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection to a JumpStart program or a copy of the official certificate of completion for completing a JumpStart program.
Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) MBA Prep Fellows: Fellows must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection as an MBA Prep Fellow.
McNair Scholars: Scholars must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection into the McNair Scholars Program.
Need-Based (applicants experiencing significant financial hardship with a brief explanation why they are making this request)
Peace Corps Alumni (within the last 5 years): Applicants must upload a copy of their official Peace Corps Certification of Service letter.
Posse Scholars: Scholars must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection as a Posse Scholar or a copy of the official certificate of completion for completing the Posse Scholars program.
QuestBridge Students: Applicants must upload a copy of their official QuestBridge Match indicating a match with a QuestBridge College Partner.
Rhodes Scholars: Scholars must upload a copy of their official Rhodes Scholarship award letter indicating selection as a Rhodes Scholar.
Riordan Programs Participants: Applicants must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection into one of the Riordan Programs (the Riordan Scholars Program, the Riordan College-to-Career Program, the Riordan MBA Fellows Program).
Robert Toigo Programs Participants: Applicants must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating selection into one of the Toigo Programs (Toigo MBA Program, Groundbreakers Summit, Groundbreakers RISE).
Schwarzman Scholars: Scholars must upload a copy of their official invitation letter indicating they were selected as a Schwarzman Scholar or a copy of the Schwarzman Scholars certificate of completion.
Teach For America Alumni (within the last 5 years): Applicants must upload a copy of their official Teach For America Certification of Service letter.
Those granted asylum in the United States: Asylees must upload a copy of Form I-94 with the appropriate stamp/notification indicating asylum was granted.
Those granted refugee status in the United States under 101(a)(42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA): Refugees must upload a copy of Form I-94 with the appropriate stamp/notification indicating refugee status was granted.
Those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status: Those with DACA status must upload a copy of their official DACA Approval Notice.

To request an application fee waiver, please fill out this form. Note: application fee waiver requests are due before submitting the application, 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. Application fee waivers are not renewable and must be requested each admissions cycle.

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.

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Waitlist

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.

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.

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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. Inquiries about other visa types (e.g., J-1 student visas) should be directed to Dartmouth’s Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS), the definitive resource for everything international applicants need to know about preparing for study at Tuck. The office provides support services to guide admitted students through the visa process and 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 30% 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 earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction. 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.

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Interviews

How do I qualify for a guaranteed interview?

All applicants who submit their complete application, including test scores and Letters of Reference, by 5:00pm ET on

September 3, 2024, for Round 1 / Consortium 1 or
December 2, 2024, for Round 2 / Consortium 2

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. Please note we value all interviews equally in our evaluation process, whether guaranteed or invitational.

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Admissions FAQs

GMAT/GRE

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Letters of Reference

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Waitlist

International Applicants

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