MBA: Tuck Admissions Chat (Jan. 28, 2002)

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Chat Transcript:

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:07:03 PM)

Let's start.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:07:15 PM)
First I want to welcome you to Accepted.com's Tuck Admissions Chat.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:07:23 PM)
I also want to welcome Sally Jaeger, Tuck's Director of Admissions, Mary Beth Keiller, a Tuck 2000 alum and Associate Director of Admissions, and Eric Knapp, a Tuck second-year student. And last but not least, I want to welcome Cindy Tokumitsu and Paul Bodine, two of Accepted.com's editors.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:07:34 PM)
Eric worked for Brown Brothers Harriman & Co for 5 years prior to matriculating at Tuck. Brown Brothers is a large, private bank providing international trade settlement and financial services to institutional investors. Eric worked in multiple roles including: operations management, client relationship management, and project management. Eric was graduated from Princeton University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. At Tuck, Eric is a member of the Student Board and a co-chair of the Consulting Club. During the summer between first and second year, Eric was a summer associate with Booz-Allen & Hamilton.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:07:47 PM)
Thanks to everyone for joining.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:08:31 PM)
Final request: We would like to avoid the brief summary of qualifications (or even the long laundry list) followed by the question, "Can I qualify?" Or "What are my chances?" This isn't the forum for that kind of question.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:08:38 PM)
Other than that limitation, this is your chance to ask questions about Tuck's program and admissions policies. But I would like to take advantage of my position as host and ask the first questions.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:08:55 PM)
How can applicants differentiate themselves from other candidates?

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:10:35 PM)
LA - they can highlight their professional and personal experiences, especially as they relate to the MBA and the Tuck community. It is important to remember that quality is most important, not quantity.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:10:46 PM)
The next question is for all of you starting with Eric. If you were to choose 3 attributes you would like to see in Tuck students, what would they be?

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:11:58 PM)
passion about tuck, willingness and desire to work closely with others in academic and extracurricular teams, clear sense of what they hope to do post-MBA

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:12:25 PM)
Mary Beth and Sally, how would you answer that question?

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:12:48 PM)
LA -- 3 attributes I would say would be enthusiasm, sincerity (be yourself in your application & interview) and adding to Erik's comment -- a clear reason why an MBA & why Tuck

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:12:56 PM)
It's your turn now. Please post your questions by typing a "?" and the question.

asdfer (ID=56) (Jan 28, 2002 9:12:58 PM)
thanks

matt24 (ID=36) (Jan 28, 2002 9:13:03 PM)
wanted to know how much more difficult round 3 is than round 1 and 2. I know that historically, Tuck has given a smaller total number of admits, but I'm also assuming that the total applications for the round is smaller. To sum up, approx. how much lower is the acceptance rate for round 3 than previous rounds. And how can an applicant maximize their chances for R3?

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:14:27 PM)
Matt24 - Round 3 is more challenging than 1 and 2 - it is a simple fact of numbers that the majority of our applications come in the first 2 rounds hence most of our offers are made in those rounds.

dbrother (ID=54) (Jan 28, 2002 9:14:48 PM)
How has the economy or other factors affected the number of applications received?

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 9:15:27 PM)
How do you evaluate "passion" for Tuck? A campus visit ? Is there any quantitative criterion of evaluating passion?

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:16:29 PM)
I think with the amount of turmoil, it has a lot of people questioning what their career goals are. For many this leads them to pursue an MBA to ensure that they are better positioned, and much more valuable to their firms in the event of a downturn. The skills one learns as an MBA are always useful in good and bad economies.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:16:31 PM)
You want passion from engineers and investment bankers?

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:16:47 PM)
Matt24-I think the best thing to do to maximize your chances for admission is to present the best application possible. Make sure you have solid reasons for Why MBA and Why Tuck. Make sure you have interviewed and if you can come and visit campus prior to submitting your application, I think it will definitely help you with the Why Tuck. There is always room for qualified applicants.

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:17:07 PM)
I never worked for lucent

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:17:22 PM)
LA- we want passion from everyone...

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:17:37 PM)
AC -- no, there is no quantitative criterion for evaluating passions. The best indicator is the applicant's knowledge of Tuck overall. Do your homework, talk to alums if you can, great if you can come visit.

ShallowVain (ID=58) (Jan 28, 2002 9:18:08 PM)
Is there a moderator in the room?

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 9:18:16 PM)
How flexible is Tuck in letting students design their own concentrations?

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:18:41 PM)
Linda Abraham is the moderator

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:18:41 PM)
My comment was tongue in check. They happen to be a large part of the MBA applicants and neither group is known for "passion". They are both known for calculations. Nonetheless, I believe when you are talking about passion, you are talking about the solid, strong reasons a successful individual must have to justify leaving the work force for two years, paying tuition, and going back to schools.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:19:32 PM)
Yes, SV, I am the moderator, but this is not a moderated chat.

dbrother (ID=54) (Jan 28, 2002 9:19:41 PM)
I am wait-listed to interview in DC, but would prefer to combine an interview with a campus/class visit. However, I did not see 'campus' as an interview location. Please advise on the best way to schedule this.

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:19:47 PM)
LA - absolutely. You don't want anyone to make this decision lightly. It is a very big deal. people who are passionate tend to be much more engaging and fun to work with.

ShallowVain (ID=58) (Jan 28, 2002 9:19:54 PM)
Wonderful Linda. Is there going to be a prelaw chat?

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:19:59 PM)
AC - there are no concentrations at Tuck - we are a general management program with a core curriculum in 1st year and all electives in the second year. You can focus your program any way you would like it to go with a combination of electives, independent study, study abroad, etc.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:20:06 PM)
We don't have any scheduled at this time.

asdfer (ID=56) (Jan 28, 2002 9:20:14 PM)
Is it true that taking additional coursework can counterbalance a less than stellar undergraduate GPA? How much is enough?

ShallowVain (ID=58) (Jan 28, 2002 9:20:29 PM)
Shoot... well thank you anyway :)

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:20:40 PM)
dbrother contact the admissions office - sarah kreter at 603 646 3162 to schedule a visit and interview. We would love to have you come visit.

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 9:20:41 PM)
Due to pressing professional reasons I am unable to visit Tuck. I do have an interview scheduled with a Alumni. Does that put my application at a disadvantage for a lack of passion?

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:21:27 PM)
Letters of rec. Do you expect busy recommenders to fill out your specific form? Do you look negatively on letters sent by the recommender to all the schools an applicant is applying to and merely attached to your form?

dbrother (ID=54) (Jan 28, 2002 9:21:34 PM)
thanks

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:21:42 PM)
asdfer-- yes, absolutely. Taking additional coursework can show the admissions committee that you can handle the MBA courseload. As far as how much...that depends on your undergraduate major (liberal arts or other) and GPA

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:21:55 PM)
AC - the alum interview carries as much weight as an on-campus interview. I mentioned the campus visit because you can come anytime and visit classes and spend the day with a student host.

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 9:22:30 PM)
Thanks

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:22:49 PM)
How are 2002 graduates faring in job placement?

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:24:15 PM)
LA-we would like the recommenders to fill out our form but realize these are very busy people. We do not look negatively on letters of recommendation that are in letter form but address our questions. We do not like to receive generic letters of recommendation attached to our form - there are reasons why we ask the questions we ask on our form and hope that the recommender will address them in some format.

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 9:24:17 PM)
How does Tuck differentiate itself from other top business schools?

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:25:18 PM)
So far, we are doing well. Things are a bit down from last year, but given the events of 9-11, a lot of people have decided to change their original plans. Tuck has always faired very well due to the strength of our alumni network. We have alumnus mentors who are "sponsoring" second years to help them with their searches and to open additional doors and network on their behalf. Also given our smaller size, we have a reverse economy of scale that gives students more access to firms than you would see (on a % of the class basis) from other larger top schools.

dbrother (ID=54) (Jan 28, 2002 9:26:21 PM)
What are some compelling reasons to consider a general management style vs. case method style program. (I believe I prefer the Tuck format but have read about about highly touted 'case' programs like HBS and Darden.)

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:26:23 PM)
Eric, is Tuck recruiting harder hit by the recession because of its dependence on management consulting firms?

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:26:35 PM)
AC -- our small size, location in a beautiful rural setting, quality of teaching (MBA only -prof's focus on teaching), access to professors, strong & very dedicated alumni community, innovative core curriculum and last but not least, our wonderful, strong sense of community here.

Bill (ID=46) (Jan 28, 2002 9:26:45 PM)
How many applicants did you receive for round 1, and how many did you accept. Applications are up 100% at Chicago, what is the percentage increase at Tuck?

ec (ID=57) (Jan 28, 2002 9:26:57 PM)
How well is Tuck linked to Venture Capital firms?

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:27:43 PM)
MaryBeth in what sense is the curriculum innovative?

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:28:34 PM)
dbrother: the general mgmt program does not mean that Tuck does not use cases as well. The professor provide a mix of both case method and lectures. As far as why general mgmt, I think general mgmt provides a great grounding in business issues w/out making the student pick a 'major' or concentration

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:28:36 PM)
LA - I don't think Tuck is hit any harder than other schools. Yes, we have had firms limit full-time recruiting to only their summer interns, but those summer interns from Tuck are generally receiving offers. I also think the WSJ #1 ranking broadened the spectrum of recruiters so that people who may have originally been singularly focused on consulting are branching out to pursue careers that they probably would have originally pursued after being a consultant for 2-3 years.

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:28:37 PM)
Bill - We experienced a 63% increase in applications for the first round. Our admit rate was 17% for the first round.

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:30:14 PM)
LA - more on recruiting...our career services office is also working closely with 2nd years (and 1st years) to have intimate relationships with students so that they know exactly what each student is doing, AND what they're interests are. If something comes up, they are pretty quick to act on it and seize opportunities for the students.

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 9:30:26 PM)
Is there a fixed percentage of intake scheduled for every deadline? How much of an advantage is it to apply in first round vs. second round?

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:31:42 PM)
ec - we have a good relationship with many VC firms throughout the country. The Foster Center for Private Equity is one of our 5 research centers and very active. We also are connected with the Dartmouth Entrepreneurial Network (DEN) made up of Tuck, Thayer School (engineering) and Dartmouth grads. You have access to VCs who visit campus as visitors to class and speakers sponsored by the Foster Center.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:31:55 PM)
Sally since your overall acceptance rate was14% last year, you appear to anticipate accepting a lower percentage for your later rounds, or a sharp drop in applications, correct?

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:32:12 PM)
LA -- we recently revamped our first year core curriculum (last year). In addition to the great core courses of finance, accounting, marketing, it also includes something called the Tuck Leadership forum which enables students to add 'practice to the theory' by working with local businesses -- or better yet, exploring their own business ideas!

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:32:51 PM)
AC-there is no fixed percentage rate for intake for the rounds - there is little to no difference in applying in the first or second round.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:33:12 PM)
MaryBeth, so they consult with local business, and does "local" include Boston?

ec (ID=57) (Jan 28, 2002 9:33:45 PM)
SJ-Tuck has a strong commitment to entrepreneurship, even in the first year curriculum. As a result, how well are Tuck alums prepared for careers in Venture Capital? In my research, I found a recent alumnus who works for a VC firm here in NC. He is also a Kauffman Fellow, which is a program I would definitely apply to after Tuck.

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:33:51 PM)
LA -- actually I'm going to have Eric answer this since he lived it!

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:34:05 PM)
sounds good.

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:34:54 PM)
LA - our admit rate typically declines in later rounds - last year our admit rate for the last round was about 3%.

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:35:25 PM)
LA local includes lots of companies. For the leadership forum several companies submit proposals to Tuck for students to pursue consulting style projects in lieu of something entrepreneurial. As I do not know if the firms want us to give out names, I can say that the firms have included large consulting firms, as well as large retail food chains, among others. We've also done work with manufacturing firms in the upper valley. It's a very flexible process.

matt24 (ID=36) (Jan 28, 2002 9:35:28 PM)
Sally - what was the admit rate for the 3rd round in % terms

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 9:35:31 PM)
How much does Tuck value diversity? It somehow never made it to the list of most wanted qualities!!

Paul_Bodine (ID=53) (Jan 28, 2002 9:36:56 PM)
What rough percentage of Tuck students would you say are earning MBAs to make career changes?

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:37:04 PM)
Eric, so it's clearly not just the local dry cleaners in Hanover. (I have never been to Tuck. I am told it is in a rural location.)

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:37:30 PM)
We absolutely value diversity! It's a given that we expect everyone to have, the others we mentioned are above and beyond that. We look at diversity as professional, gender, geographic, ethnic, you name it. Hope that helps.

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:37:31 PM)
ec-more and more Tuck graduates have been going into VC as the opportunities have increased - they have found themselves well prepared. If you are interested, send me an email tomorrow and I can put you in touch with some of our alums in VC.

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:37:51 PM)
dry cleaners, yikes :-) way tooo hot in there :-)

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:38:29 PM)
Paul -- career changers are always a high percent. Rough guess, 1/2 if not more are career changers.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:38:55 PM)
Do you have any advice for wait-listed applicants?

cindy tokumitsu (ID=55) (Jan 28, 2002 9:38:56 PM)
How do international students fare in the relatively rural environment? Have you initiated any change in procedures for international students due to 9/11?

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:39:20 PM)
Paul - I think part of the sign of a good general mgmt MBA career is that you literally could change your career into almost anything, and be able to add value...that's what it's all about.

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:39:37 PM)
matt24 - 6% last year. Please remember that every year is different! It might be a higher percentage this year - one can never predict from year to year.

ec (ID=57) (Jan 28, 2002 9:40:37 PM)
SJ-Yes, I am interested in that information. I will send you an email

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:40:51 PM)
LA -- wait list candidates should keep us informed of anything new to their candidacy, i.e. if they have a new position/responsibility at work, new activities outside of work, etc -- anything that will shed more light onto their candidacy. Definitely communicate with us here at Tuck regarding these changes.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:41:12 PM)
Do you resent it or appreciate it when applicants who are wait-listed, write and say "I have heard from School X and have to respond to them by Date Y. Is there any possibility you could give me an answer before Date Y. I would prefer to attend your school."

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:42:27 PM)
LA -- we understand that people have to make choices, and we try to accommodate them as best we can on a case to case basis.

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:43:28 PM)
cindy-international students do extremely well in this relatively rural environment. What is important is that they have thoroughly investigated Tuck and know what we are all about and have chosen to attend Tuck because of our environment - location, size, etc. Post 9-11, we haven't made any change in procedures for international applicants and did not cancel any of our international travel. We will support our admitted international applicants as best we can in their visa applications.

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 9:43:54 PM)
How do you view mid-career applicants pursuing MBA? Is there any thing like too much or too less experience?

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:44:22 PM)
How do you evaluate re-applicants? Are re-applicants at a disadvantage or advantage? When you review the new application, do you have the evaluation from the previous year's app?

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:45:29 PM)
Eric, what has been the best aspect of your Tuck experience to date? What would you like to see improved?

dbrother (ID=59) (Jan 28, 2002 9:45:37 PM)
Tuck seeks 'humane' leaders, something that immediately caught my eye--and not something I hear other schools talk about. It also seems to fit with other Tuck attributes, such as 'collegial.' I have only average 'connectivity' to my world, but would consider a Tuck education as best able to expand this. How does the fact that I don't have 5 or 6 examples of community involvement affect my candidacy? It would seem that an expressed interest in rounding-out my qualifications as a leader in this area should be compelling enough.

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:46:13 PM)
We evaluate everyone as an individual, too much experience - doubtful, as long as they have clear reasons as to why they want to pursue an MBA at Tuck. Too little experience - yes. There will always be people who could use more relevant work experience that will make them better students, AND help them get more from their MBA experience. That being said, however, there is no precise formula for what is too much and/or too little experience. Again it always comes back to the individual applicant. Hope that helps.

cindy tokumitsu (ID=55) (Jan 28, 2002 9:46:30 PM)
In interviewing applicants, does the interviewer read through the application before conducting the interview?

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:47:08 PM)
LA - reapplicants are evaluated based on their past application and their new application - we do have the old app with the new one if they applied in the past 3 years. We will look at what has changed and see if weaknesses have become strengths. We offer feedback during the summer for denied applicants and use that conversation in the evaluation process as well. We like reapplicants - they are not at a disadvantage.

ec (ID=57) (Jan 28, 2002 9:47:34 PM)
SJ-More on the social side, how do you find the adjustment to Tuck for MBA students with families? Particularly those students that are married with 2 or more children.

Paul_Bodine (ID=53) (Jan 28, 2002 9:48:51 PM)
Does the Industry Knowledge series comprise a formal course or is it more of a lecture series for leading executives

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:49:08 PM)
Mary Beth, as an alum looking back, what do you see as memorable in your Tuck experience?

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:49:25 PM)
dbrother: no, it is not necessary to have 5-6 examples of community involvement. It goes back to Sally's comment on quality vs. quantity. It is better to have deep commitments --whether they be in the community or at your place at work -- than see someone w/ a series of small commitments.

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:49:33 PM)
cindy - it is up to the individual interviewer to decide whether they want to read through the file prior to the interview. I don't do that - I want to get to know you during our conversation and have always felt that knowing too much about a person prior to meeting them detracts from the conversation.

matt24 (ID=36) (Jan 28, 2002 9:49:56 PM)
SJ - thanks for the info. Can you elaborate on why so much more difficult in later rounds? - - -is it perceived as a lack of focus on the part of the applicant or do you prefer to get most of the class selected as soon as possible? I do believe your earlier comment that good candidates are admitted, regardless of when they apply, but as I prepare to send my 3rd round application, it seems the deck is stacked against me. Is 3rd round used mostly to fill in the spaces with applicants that may add diversity to the class? thx

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:49:57 PM)
The entire experience has been phenomenal. I've developed close relationships with professors, and members of the administration. I don't think I could do that in a larger setting, and I'm not the only one who has managed to do this. The close relationships I've developed with literally everyone in my class of 210 as well as members of the classes above and below me will prove invaluable in my lifetime, too. It's a great place to learn from smart people (professors and students), and a place where the students feel empowered to be active participants in the MBA program. Things to improve??? that's tough. Right now, I'd like to see some more snow (skiing hasn't been so great this year)...all kidding aside, let me think about this while we are here, and I will post something later. Honestly, I've been more than impressed with my time here.

dbrother (ID=59) (Jan 28, 2002 9:50:25 PM)
I was active military (USAF) for 5 years and worked 6 years in sales before attending undergraduate. I have 5 years post-undergraduate experience with a Big 5 firm. My less conventional path did not scare off PricewaterhouseCoopers (my current employer)--indeed, my atypical experience (and maturity) has helped my career. How do you view the less well-traveled road I have taken (on its face)?

ec (ID=57) (Jan 28, 2002 9:50:48 PM)
Eric-Please respond to my last question as well

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:50:50 PM)
Eric, thanks for your thorough and enthusiastic reply.

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:51:15 PM)
ec - let me go find it, give me a couple of seconds

ec (ID=57) (Jan 28, 2002 9:51:25 PM)
:)

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:52:55 PM)
ec-the adjustment for married students is probably a bit more difficult than for single students but we have a great Partners Organization that is incredibly active and starts right at the beginning of the year to work with incoming partners and families. 32% of the first year class is married and among them they have 35 children - I can certainly pass on the names of some of our students who are married with children so you can speak directly with them and their partners. Send me an email tomorrow if you are interested.

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:53:37 PM)
Paul - I am married (got married 3 weeks before we arrived). It was definitely an adjustment, though hard to say if it was adjusting to married life or school. Most of those with children live in sachem village and the adjustment is seamless. With such a close knit community, everyone knows what the students are going through and has the resources of the other partners to fall back on. It's hard work, but not impossible. The biggest adjustment is to thinking academically once again. Hope that helps.

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 9:54:31 PM)
dbrother: the less well-traveled road is always interesting! military backgrounds, as well as taking some time before college is not so unusual and definitely valued if it has enabled you to define where you want to go. On another note, we have a GREAT military club here and those folks would be more than happy to talk to you about their experiences at Tuck.

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 9:55:01 PM)
Talking to various schools and their students, I am yet to come across anyone saying that he has faced any arrogant or hot head individual. Surprisingly during my 10 years of work experience (that too in 3 countries) I am yet to come across an environment free of such "ills"? How is that any and every business school manages that? Or is it that business schools do not have an honest dark side to them?

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 9:56:46 PM)
matt24-history tells us year after year that those who apply in the earlier rounds are most likely to matriculate - also, the earlier rounds are larger so we will admit more applicants. No, the deck is not stacked against you - but, on the other hand, your chances applying in the third round are not as great as they are in the first two rounds. I cannot emphasize enough that if you submit a strong and compelling application regardless of what round, there is a place for you.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:56:47 PM)
Mary Beth and Sally, what makes an application sparkle for you?

ec (ID=57) (Jan 28, 2002 9:56:54 PM)
SJ-I noticed the 32% on the Class profiles and that is one of the reasons I am applying to Tuck. That's two emails!

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 9:58:25 PM)
Matt, to state the obvious, the reality is also that if you don't apply in the third round, your chances of attending in Fall 2002 are -0- .

dbrother (ID=59) (Jan 28, 2002 9:58:44 PM)
We have home equity that will help us (wife 2 small boys) get through school living expenses, but we also have 401(k) savings--which I hope I won't have to exhaust before I can qualify for school/other funds (outside loans). Any rules of thumb?

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 9:59:07 PM)
AC - sure. Inevitably a hot head or two make it through the process...however, given our group work up here, it is VERY DIFFICULT for someone to remain arrogant here and find others that want to work with them, so they inevitably soften.

ec (ID=57) (Jan 28, 2002 9:59:51 PM)
dbrother-Home equity is what it's all about. I like that.

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 10:00:12 PM)
LA - someone who articulates clearly why they want an MBA and why Tuck - they need to take their past experiences and move to the MBA and tell us how all of that is going to take them where they want to go - passion, dreams, leadership, honesty - I love reading an application and feeling like I've really learned something about the applicant.

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 10:00:22 PM)
LA -- what makes it sparkle? I like to see some passion/enthusiasm behind the essays -- it is ok to let your personality & emotion shine through in the essays. Beyond that, great recommendations help as well. I know that is obvious, but my advice to an applicant would be to choose someone who knows you well, not someone who's title looks good on the form.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 10:00:45 PM)
It's not as obvious as you think, Mary Beth.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 10:00:51 PM)
I keep telling applicants that.

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 10:01:14 PM)
LA- I wouldn't say the chances of attending Tuck in fall 2002 are nil if you apply after the third round but they are significantly reduced!

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 10:01:33 PM)
How much does GMAT score factor in the application review?

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 10:01:35 PM)
Sally, my point is that at this point the choice is to apply in the later rounds or not apply this year. So if he doesn't apply, his chance is 0. Sorry I wasn't clear.

Paul_Bodine (ID=53) (Jan 28, 2002 10:01:47 PM)
Do you think the average GMAT for your next year's entering class will be significantly higher than this year?

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 10:03:06 PM)
LA - ah, I get it - in my frenzy to answer, I didn't read carefully!

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 10:03:18 PM)
Paul - I don't think it will be significantly higher. Right now, the average admitted score is higher than last year's.

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 10:04:03 PM)
dbrother - are you asking about financial aid?

dbrother (ID=59) (Jan 28, 2002 10:04:11 PM)
yes

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 10:04:18 PM)
AC -- GMAT's are really just one piece of the puzzle in the application review -- we look at the overall picture of the applicant. With that being said, if an applicant is not confident in his/her GMAT score, he/she may want to consider retaking the test to improve the score.

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 10:04:31 PM)
Is there a different pool and/or criteria from which the international candidates are evaluated?

Paul_Bodine (ID=53) (Jan 28, 2002 10:05:05 PM)
Do most of your applicants answer the optional essay or a smaller number?

JC (ID=60) (Jan 28, 2002 10:05:27 PM)
What is the average GMAT for this year's applicant?

kate (ID=47) (Jan 28, 2002 10:05:27 PM)
?It has been well publicized that apps are up this year. However, do you feel the quality of applicants are up as well?

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 10:05:27 PM)
AC - other than the TOEFL score, the international applicants are given the same considerations as any domestic applicants

AC (ID=51) (Jan 28, 2002 10:05:29 PM)
Is there such a thing like good GMAT score for the TUCK school?

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 10:05:54 PM)
JC - average GMAT so far is 705

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 10:06:02 PM)
Let's take two more questions.

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 10:06:09 PM)
kate - quality of apps is also up too.

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 10:06:41 PM)
dbrother - financial aid is based on a number of factors. You must file the FAFSA and our financial aid form. Aid is a combination of loans and scholarship. We will do whatever we can to help you finance the Tuck education without divesting of all your investments.

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 10:06:42 PM)
kate - or at least they've done a lot of homework to put together great applications

cindy tokumitsu (ID=55) (Jan 28, 2002 10:06:49 PM)
Do you accept additional recommendations from waitlisted applicants?

JC (ID=60) (Jan 28, 2002 10:07:18 PM)
?WHAT IS THE AVERAGE GPA

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 10:07:53 PM)
jc - average GPA is 3.43

SallyJaegerTuck (ID=49) (Jan 28, 2002 10:07:53 PM)
cindy - absolutely - we ask you to submit anything that will strengthen your file and additional recommendations are something that we find very helpful.

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 10:07:59 PM)
Paul -- it's about 50/50. It is there to provide the applicant the space to explain something about his/her candidacy that cannot be captured elsewhere in the app. Applicants should not feel compelled to answer this essay though just because it is there! Only answer it if there is something additional that you would like us to know.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 10:08:02 PM)
Thank you again all for participating this evening. Special thanks to Sally Jaeger, Mary Beth Keiller, and Eric Knapp for joining us this evening and to Cindy Tokumitsu and Paul Bodine for their assistance.

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 10:08:08 PM)
We look forward to seeing you at future chats. Here is a list of currently scheduled chats:

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 10:08:22 PM)
February 4: Chicago; February 13: Carnegie Mellon

Paul_Bodine (ID=53) (Jan 28, 2002 10:08:27 PM)
Thank you to Tuck!

ericknapptuck (ID=48) (Jan 28, 2002 10:08:30 PM)
Thank you. Best of luck to everyone who is applying!

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 10:08:31 PM)
Please check /chat/schedule.aspx#mba for exact times and details.

cindy tokumitsu (ID=55) (Jan 28, 2002 10:08:40 PM)
Thank you, everyone from Tuck, and good luck to the applicants!

MaryBethKeillerTuck (ID=50) (Jan 28, 2002 10:08:41 PM)
Thanks everyone!

Linda Abraham (ID=52) (Jan 28, 2002 10:08:43 PM)
Have a very good evening! Good luck with your applications!