Tuck Interview Guide: Prepare and Win

Tuck interview preparation starts with understanding what Tuck values.

A tight-knit community, enthusiastic alumni, an intense and rigorous core curriculum, a beautiful, natural location — these are some of the things that make Dartmouth Tuck a unique MBA program.

After a decade of experience leading Tuck’s careers services team, I can attest that Tuck’s administration, students, alumni and faculty all work hard to attract and admit students who will contribute to this special MBA experience. 

To ensure that fit with the Dartmouth Tuck community, the tuck interview is a critical part of the application process at Tuck. This is where you make that final great impression and seal your bid for admission. Targeted preparation is crucial. 

Book a free consultation to learn how Fortuna’s admissions experts can help you ace your interviews. 

Tuck Interview Format: What to Expect

Most interviews are conducted by a select group of trained second-year students, Tuck Admissions Associates (TAAs), and occasionally by members of the admissions committee. Interviews will last between 30 and 45 minutes. They’ll start with some standard questions: 

• Take me through your resume.
• Why an MBA and why now? 
• Why Tuck?

As you prepare for your tuck interview, make sure you have those answers down cold but also think about think how you would answer these questions. 

What are your career goals and aspirations?

The essence of an MBA is career transformation: the learning, experience, credentials, access to job opportunities, and the professional network (students and alumni) that help realize your career goals. Be ready to describe briefly and clearly what these career goals and aspirations are. You should capture both your immediate goals post-MBA and your mid- to long-term goals too. 

How do you plan to contribute to Tuck?

The ideal Tuck student gives back more to Tuck than he or she receives. Tuck is looking for applicants that will make Tuck and the world a better place. Be thoughtful and clear in how you plan to give back, and consider the following:

• What is unique to you that you can share?
• What drives or motivates you? 
• What will benefit your career goals as you contribute at Tuck?
• What are the areas of Tuck where you would like to be most active (clubs, research centers, academics, student leadership, career services & admissions, etc.)? Note: you may get bonus points if you share that you plan to be a dedicated member of Tuck Tripod Hockey.

Tell me about a time when you…  

Tuck Interview Questions to Prepare

You will be asked behavioral style questions, also known as “story” questions. This is to see how you would fit into the Tuck community based on what you share. It is critical that you select suitable stories to tell and that you practice telling these stories prior to the Tuck interview. Below are examples of recent questions asked in Tuck interviews:

• Tell me about a time you encountered something you felt was unjust and what you did in response.

• Tell me about a time at work when something did not go as planned and your response. 

• Tell me about a time when you gave feedback to someone.

“What questions do you have for me?”

Your tuck interview is also a chance for you to learn more about Tuck’s unique culture and experience. Don’t pass up this opportunity to ask questions – and be prepared to ask some. Although it’s useful to prep a few in advance, be sure to ask about things you really want to know. Interviewers can tell when you ask questions that are not authentic. 

You will most likely be interviewed by a second-year student;  capitalize on this by asking about your interviewer’s motivations and experiences. Ask dynamic questions that arise naturally out of the interview; this shows that you are really listening and engaged. 

See my related Fortuna blog for more tips on pre-interview preparation, how to interview, post-interview follow-up and more insights about Tuck and its culture. 

Get Ready to Shine

How to Practice Effectively

Practice is critical, and professional feedback makes your practice pay off. Fortuna Admissions coaches have insider insights into what interviewers ask and what business schools are looking for, so we excel at interview prep.

Reach out now for a free 30-minute consultation to learn more about how Fortuna experts can guide you through this high-stakes element of the application process and help you put your best foot forward on interview day.

Jonathan Masland is a Director at Fortuna Admissions and former Dartmouth Tuck Executive Director of Career Services. For more free advice from Fortuna Admissions in partnership with Poets&Quants, check out these videos and articles. For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for a free consultation.