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APRIL 30, 2003 B-SCHOOL Q&A: ADMISSIONS Talking about Tuck [Page 3 of 3] Laca: We do admit people who have been laid off from jobs. Obviously with the current economic situation, that does happen to excellent candidates. The important thing is that applicants show that they've done something constructive with the time between their job and attending business school. There are many, many ways that a candidate can improve himself or herself. Barrows: Like becoming an Olympic skier? Laca: There are some applicants who may be interested in nonprofit work, and they may volunteer. We had one applicant who was very interested in owning and operating a restaurant, and he was working as a chef. So there are many ways that one can further his or her job goal and still be a strong applicant. Q: How do you evaluate applicants who wish to make a career change? Laca: Ultimately, I think the career change has to make sense. If somebody is interested in moving from marketing to investment banking, we look for evidence of doing research, talking with people, etc. But people can pursue multiple career paths -- it's not just what you set out in your application. Many people come in thinking they'll do one thing and end up doing another. Stephanie McCaull, our associate director of admissions and formerly of career services, tells us that up to 75% of students decide to change careers while at Tuck. Q: What percentage of students are married, and what are some of the programs available for spouses? Laca: About 25% of our enrolled students are married. Tuck is a wonderful place for people who come to business school with partners. The partners are integrally involved in the community, and there are many programs -- one example is the fact that a partner can audit any class at Dartmouth with the permission of the professor for free. We have a partners' Web site where Tuck partners share their experiences with partners of prospective students. Gore: From a student perspective, we hang out with partners all the time. They are definitely part of the community here. Q: How can a prospective applicant network with current students and alumni from Tuck in an effort to learn more about the program? Laca: We strongly encourage people to talk with current students and alumni about their experience at Tuck, and admissions would be happy to connect them with either, or both. In the fall, we do Tuck events all over the world that include many Tuck alumni. We will post the schedule in late summer on the Tuck web site, and we would strongly encourage people to come visit us. Gore: I highly recommend going to one of those -- I went to a women's event and met tons of alums, current students, and prospective students. Barrows: The best way to see what the place is really about is to come visit. Just ask anyone you meet: We don't bite and are happy to talk to visitors. Q: Can a very good grade point average (GPA) in a master's program help to overcome a weak undergraduate GPA? Laca: Yes, if the rest of the application is strong. Q: Since international applicants don't have access to U.S. federal grants, what percentage receive some sort of fellowship or scholarship? Barrows: As an international student I can comment on that. The New Hampshire-based TREE loan is extremely helpful and relatively easy to apply for. Laca: The exact percentages change every year, but Tuck has an excellent international loan program that doesn't require a co-signer, so any applicant with good credit can be assured of being able to finance their educational needs. Q: How active is the Tuck alumni network in South and Southeast Asia? Does Tuck hold admissions information sessions in these regions? Laca: We are in the process of planning our travel for next year, and we are considering returning to areas in Southeast Asia. Specifically, we will most likely return to Mumbai, and we will definitely have multiple visits to other areas in Asia, such as Japan, China, Korea, and Hong Kong. In the late summer, check the Web site. We strongly encourage people to register on the Tuck site to receive mailings informing them of events in their area. Q: What advice do you have for applicants from highly specialized industries, like design engineering, who are looking to improve their applications? Laca: Applicants such as highly technical engineers should approach their application from more of a general-management perspective. It's important for them to show clear leadership and teamwork -- those are also things that are important for people in nontechnical areas. For people who are in very technical jobs, it's important to be able to showcase strong interpersonal skills. Q: What are the key specific qualities you look for in applicants? Barrows: Someone who really wants to come to Tuck. I have been interviewing prospective students this year and have been surprised that some applicants didn't say at any time that they really want to come here. Laca: As we mentioned earlier, we look for applicants who are going to be able to contribute to the Tuck community. We look for applicants who are going to be able to bring a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. A successful applicant at Tuck is going to show strong leadership potential, have clear examples of teamwork, a good academic track record, strong interpersonal skills, accomplishments, and they're going to be able to demonstrate these qualities in more than just their job. Gore: It's true that you spend a great deal of time working in study groups and on teams, so I think it's important for applicants to highlight those experiences. Laca: One thing that's consistent across successful Tuck applicants is that they have done their research, and they have clear ideas about why they want to come to Tuck and what makes Tuck unique. We sincerely appreciate everyone's interest in Tuck. Anybody who is interested in learning more about Tuck, please contact us. Our Web site is www.tuck.edu, and you can call us at (603) 646-3162. Anybody who's applying next year, please let us know if you have any questions, and you folks on the waiting list, try not to worry! For more info about B-school life, articles, Q&As, and much more about management education, check www.businessweek.com/bschools
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