Tuck in BW' NEWS & INTERVIEWS

baobaobear

MAY 27, 2003

B-SCHOOL Q&A: PLACEMENT  
Dartmouth's MBA program director Steve Lubrano says graduates can't afford to let geography limit their job searchDartmouth's Tuck School of Business (No. 10 in BusinessWeek's latest MBA program rankings) is renowned for its tight alumni network -- and Steve Lubrano is living proof of its power. The '87 Tuck grad worked with nine classmates at Dallas real estate developer Trammell Crow before buying several MailBoxes, Etc., franchises. By 1993, he was back in idyllic Hanover, N.H., working for his alma mater in the career services office. In an impeccable feat of timing, he moved out of the career services office in 2000 to become assistant dean and director of the MBA program. On May 2, Lubrano spoke with BusinessWeek Online's Brian Hindo about the MBA job market. Here's an edited version of their conversation:

Q: Can you give me some sense of what the job market is looking like, especially compared with last year?
A: Yeah, it's really tough. Nothing comes easy. I think the silver lining is, students are looking at what they want to do rather than what they think they ought to do because they have an MBA. That has led to stronger focus, which I think will lead to greater retention in the jobs they do select. Historically, it used to be pretty easy to attend a place like Tuck, get an interview with a consultant or a banking outfit, and just take the job, even though it might not be quite right. They're not doing that this year.

Last year at this time, I think we were about 61% placed for second-years. Currently, we're about 57%. It's only four percentage points down. For first-years, we were at 62% placed for internships last year. As of today, we're at 76%. So the numbers are comparing pretty well to last year, but certainly aren't as good as three or four years ago.

Q: How are you doing in terms of companies coming to campus?
A: We've booked 100 firms recruiting on campus. We've had 177 correspondence opportunities for the first-years and more than 320 correspondence opportunities for the second years. Back in 1996, about 55% to 60% of our students found their jobs through on-campus recruiting. Now, with consulting and banking hiring down, students are less inclined to look at firms that know their personnel needs 12 months ahead.

Q: What are some examples of companies that are doing "just-in-time" hiring?
A: Real estate is one. Students need to be very targeted, because it tends to be a very local play. There aren't any national real estate firms in Hanover, N.H. We've got a student who's looking at the luxury condo business down in Florida. That means he goes back and forth to Florida every other week in order to interview aggressively. And these companies aren't making simple hiring decisions. The companies need a lot of face time, a lot of exposure with the prospective hires. That's the price you need to pay to find a job you want. I would far prefer that a student do that rather than take an easy job for a year or two and grow tired of it.

We also see a significant hiring increase in pharma, biotech, and in health care services. Bristol-Myers is going to take six of our students, which for us is a huge number. Wyeth, Guidant, and Johnson & Johnson are looking. Those are all firms that two, three years ago had a tough time capturing any student mind share.

We also see growth in classic, general management jobs, if you will. General Electric hired three of our students for its leadership development programs. John Deere is doing the same thing. Three years ago, to find five students that would go to Moline, Ill., from Hanover -- that was a tough sell. Now students are less inclined to eliminate a company for geographic reasons if everything else is pumping on all cylinders.

Q: How is the banking industry?
A: It's down a little. But all the firms are recruiting on campus, or at least they're looking at students. UBS, for instance, never had much of a presence at Tuck, but this year it's our No. 1 recruiter, hiring at least 14 students between both classes. This has a lot to do with the fact that the chairman of UBS is a Tuck alum, and that's wonderful. The cool thing is that they're hiring for banking, sales and trading, fixed income, and equities. They even have a kid working in the operations group. That means they've taken a comprehensive look at their talent and their recruiting needs.

Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns, Prudential -- they all have a presence, but they're not hiring double digits. They're hiring one, two, three students. And that's fine. Frankly, I think with what's going on out there, students are lucky that such companies are even looking.

Q: Consulting has always been a big draw for Tuck students. What's going on with hiring in that industry?
A: We're seeing a slight uptick in consulting now, a little bit later in the season. I think that bodes well for next year.

Q: Have you had to do anything extra to entice companies to come to Hanover to recruit?
A: Well, I wish I had a corporate airplane like Cornell does. But the notion that in order to find talent at Tuck you need to be in Hanover is just wrong.

Students aren't looking only at on-campus recruiting, although that's the most efficient method. In an ideal world, what I'd like to see is not a student with 15 offers, but rather a student who thinks carefully about what he or she wants, knows why, who goes after an employer and gets the interview. If that firm is in Poughkeepsie or Cleveland or Seattle, all you need to do is pick up the phone, articulate the reason why you're right for the job, and get on the plane. We tell students not to limit themselves to on-campus recruiting. You leverage the alumni database; you leverage the board of overseers; you reach out aggressively to executive education contacts.

baobaobear

Q: What kind of advice have you given to career changers who are having a hard time in this market?
A: It's a lot easier to change your career from a place like Tuck than it is to do from an existing job or from being unemployed. We've got access to databases and resources and electronic job search channels that you couldn't afford if you weren't affiliated with a school. Furthermore, you're surrounded by 240 classmates, all of whom have connections to previous employers or friends of friends who will provide you with opportunities that you wouldn't have in another environment.  

You've got access to faculty, as well, and 9,000 living alumni. Not to mention a group of folks in career services who provide the kind of career coaching you don't find anywhere else.

Q: How are international students faring in the job hunt?
A: The percentage of international students with jobs in both classes is almost the same as in the greater population. So, I guess I don't buy the notion that they are currently at a disadvantage, only because the numbers don't indicate that. But it is harder? Sure, it's harder. It's like the kid who wants a job in Florida real estate who has to fly down there every other week. That wasn't normal three years ago.

My advice to international students is: Don't compare yourself to all the other MBA applicants -- you know, on the basis of analytical ability, teamwork, drive for success. There's some company that's going to want the kid who speaks four languages. Find out who it is.

Q: The late '90s boom provided plenty of lucrative job opportunities for MBAs, but it also ratcheted up student expectations. How have you dealt with imparting the new job market realities to MBA students?
A: Expectations are a funny thing to manage. Consider: You're a smart MBA applicant. You've just gotten into your three schools of choice. You got an 800 on the GMAT. And you probably have never failed in your life. Then somebody says, 'Hey, you know what, the market's real tough, so be prepared. You think, "Are you kidding me? I'm capturing the world, buddy. I can do anything. All your tales of doom don't apply to me." I'm not sure that the reality of the tough market hits until you experience it.

Q: What specific job skills do recruiters want in MBAs?
A: When I first took the job in career services, I asked all of our primary recruiters: "What can we teach these people that would make them more attractive to you? What are we not teaching that we need to?"

Most of recruiters looked at me like I had three heads, and said: "Don't worry about it, because we're going to teach them things when they come here. But we want you to teach them to be leaders, to know how to solve a problem, to drive for results."

Q: In that case, it sounds like interpersonal skills would probably be of greater importance than hard, quantitative skills.
A: When MBAs take a class that's a little softer -- about how to manage people or how to motivate people -- these future bankers are scratching their heads thinking, "Come on, this is intuitive, of course I know this stuff.' Then 10 years later, when they're managing people and they're not valuing companies anymore, they come back and they say, 'Can I get a copy of that book again? Because I need to remember how to motivate people, how to manage people, how to lead people through conflict."

baobaobear

APRIL 30, 2003

B-SCHOOL Q&A: ADMISSIONS

Talking about Tuck

Admissions Director Kristine Laca （白女）and two MBA students answer questions on getting into the No. 10 B-school
Kristine Laca, who's winding up her first year as admissions director at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business (No. 10 in BusinessWeek's latest B-school rankings, joined BusinessWeek Online for a live chat on Apr. 23. Laca was accompanied by Tuck second-year student Michael Barrows and first-year Katie Gore. The three fielded questions -- about everything from getting off the wait list to getting a job after graduation -- from a live audience and from BusinessWeek Online Management Education Reporter Brian Hindo. Here's an edited transcript of the chat:  

Q: What was application volume at Tuck like this cycle?
Laca: Similar to all of the top business schools, we're hearing that the application volume is down this year. The volume continued to be very strong with U.S. applicants, but we saw a slight decline in international applicants, which could be due to the economy or the current political situation.

Q: How did your new November early-action round affect things, if at all?
Laca: We had a great experience with early action this year. We were very excited to see so many applicants making Tuck as their first choice, and the caliber of those applicants was very good. From the standpoint of affecting the overall process, we looked at early action as another one of the rounds, so there was not an effect.

Q: Michael and Katie, can you each tell us something that surprised you about Tuck?


Barrows: What surprised me most was how cooperative everybody was and is. There's a great atmosphere among the students.


Gore: I would say that I'm surprised by how many of my classmates have jobs for the summer.

Q: What's the procedure for re-applicants?
Laca: Any applicant considering reapplying to Tuck should call us for a feedback conversation. We're happy to provide feedback for all applicants. Historically, Tuck looks very favorably on applicants who have been able to strengthen their applications in ways that would address any of our concerns. We're in the process of developing next year's application, and there will be special instructions for reapplicants.

Q: What percent of reapplicants are successful their second time around?
Laca: I don't know, but I do know that we do look very favorably upon reapplicants.

Q: For reapplicants who change their recommendation sources, will the admissions committee also look back at last year's recommendations?
Laca: Yes. We look at previous applications for reapplicants.

Q: What's the classroom experience like? Tuck's campus is somewhat self-contained -- does it ever get claustrophobic?
Gore: I love the classroom experience at Tuck. I feel like I've had a great chance to really get to know faculty as well as most of the students in my class. Our classes have 60 people, and we rotate sections each term, so I've gotten a great feel for my class and all of their interesting experiences.

Barrows: [Claustrophobia] wasn't really an issue for me. As the first term is so intense, it created a great sense of team spirit in the class. We all come to Tuck knowing it will be different than most of our previous urban experiences. There are a lot of advantages to being in Hanover, N.H. -- especially because of the sense of community it instills in the class.

Gore: I agree that I haven't found it claustrophobic.

Q: Is it possible to visit the campus some time in early May, or would that be too late?
Laca: People are welcome to come and visit us anytime. They just need to contact admissions. Our Web site has all of our contact information, and we strongly encourage people to come visit Hanover. I think Tuck is the kind of place that one needs to visit to fully appreciate.

Q: When do you advise applicants to visit the campus?
Laca: One of the best times is in the fall. Not only is it beautiful in Hanover, but it gives applicants an opportunity to attend classes that are part of the first-year core, as well as second-year electives.

Q: How important is the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score in an application?
Laca: The GMAT is just one of the many things that we look at. I often tell applicants that it's most important to look at the range of accepted GMATs rather than just the average GMAT. The range at Tuck usually is between about 530 and 800, and last year's average was 695.

We are looking at a holistic application, and the GMAT is just one data point. We obviously want to make sure that every student will be successful academically. The GMAT is one of many indicators that help predict academic success. We're looking at many things in every application -- we look for clear examples of leadership, of teamwork, of strong interpersonal skills and academic success.

Q: What percentage of applicants with GMAT scores above the median are rejected?
Laca: I would strongly encourage applicants to not be so fixated on GMAT! While it's something we look at, it isn't the be-all, end-all of the application. There are times when applicants take the GMAT multiple times in hopes of improving their score by 10, 20, or 30 points. The reality is, that small margin will not make that application successful or unsuccessful.

Each applicant should concentrate on providing a clear, holistic picture of who they are as an applicant, and that includes what they've achieved, what they could bring to a classroom, what they hope to do. Ultimately, we're looking for people who will be contributing members to Tuck and to society.

Q: How would you recommend applicants from the high-tech industry distinguish themselves from the rest of the application pool?
Laca: All applicants -- not just applicants from the high-tech industry -- should think about clear ways that they can help set their application apart. Oftentimes, this can be done in essays and the interview.

Q: Can full-time work during undergraduate years compensate for lack of post-graduate work experience?
Laca: It would depend on the scope of the work. It's unusual, but we have seen rare instances in which it can compensate.

Q: What's Tuck doing to ensure its graduates have jobs upon completion of their MBA?
Barrows: A lot. The career-services team is spending a lot of time on the road cultivating new relationships. Also, the strength of the alumni network is proving a real asset. There are also more student trips going out to visit companies.

Ultimately though, in the current climate we all have to take a lot of responsibility for our own career path and be a little creative. The size of the school means there's a lot of personal attention, and the alumni are also very approachable. Just two weeks ago I was able to meet the former deputy CEO of Boeing (BA ) at Tuck, and that may well turn into something fruitful going forward.

Gore: I've been really impressed with how much career services has done to help us with the job search. For summer internships, we always had people there to help us practice interviews, give us advice, provide contacts, etc.

One of the great things about Tuck is that members of the career-services staff know each person individually, so they have their eyes peeled for YOU. I was looking for jobs in health care, and I had a ton of great opportunities. I ended up deciding on Genentech (DNA ) out in San Francisco, which came to Tuck to recruit.

Q: In this tough job market, has the Tuck career center made a concerted effort to look into industries that haven't traditionally hired MBAs?
Barrows: It's a tough market, but not all doom and gloom. The career-services team has done a great job talking to "nontraditional" recruiters, and the current climate gives people a chance to explore all sorts of industries and roles. And again, the alumni network is an invaluable aid in our search, as are the large numbers of visiting executives.   

Gore: We get weekly e-mails from career services about new opportunities starting in the fall, and companies from several different industries are coming to campus. I know career services has doubled its efforts and is often on the road making connections with companies. Several of our classmates are pursuing nonprofit careers, entrepreneurial ventures, and some "bread-and-butter" operational companies.

Q: What's the job search like for international students?
Barrows: There are some additional considerations for us international students. It can be harder for companies to provide sponsorship for overseas students in the current climate, but many of the larger firms still sponsor us.

Q: What can you tell applicants about the admissions interview process? Are admissions interviews by invite only, and what types of questions can people expect?
Laca: Tuck offers an interview to anybody who comes to campus. We strongly encourage people to visit Tuck. For us, the interview is a critical part of the application. We want to really get to know the person behind the application, and that's why we take so much time to interview each of the applicants. We also offer interviews with alumni all over the world for those who can't make it to the campus.

The interview is very conversational. It's an opportunity for us to learn about the applicant as well as for the applicant to ask us questions about Tuck. One of the most important questions that we ask is about their interest in Tuck. Ultimately, we want to make sure that all applicants understand the level of commitment to the Tuck community.

Q: Are the alumni interviews done blind, or will interviewers have seen the candidate's application?
Laca: All interviews are done with only the résumé. So none of the interviewers have read the application before the interview. That way, everybody is on a level playing field.

Q: What's the housing market like in Hanover? What are housing options on campus?
Gore: For first-years, most single students live on campus. I live in one of the dorms, and I was a little dubious about going back to dorm life, but honestly it has been great! For couples in the first year, there are several graduate student housing options available. Sachem Village is a popular choice for many first-years and their partners and/or families. And dogs.

Barrows: In the second year everyone lives off campus. There are a lot of legacy houses that get passed down from class to class. Usually there are three to six people in a house. The rental market is a little tight, and you can expect to pay around $600 a month, plus utilities, for a room in a shared house.

Q: When will decisions about wait-listed applicants come out? Do you plan on ranking wait-listed applicants at any time?
Laca: We have already admitted some people from the wait list, and it's an ongoing process. We try to respond to our wait-listed applicants as quickly as possible. All of our applicants on the wait list are considered individually, and we encourage them to have ongoing dialogue with us, so it's very difficult to say that there's a specific ranking.

Q: What percentage of the class is already filled? What percentage will be made up from the wait list and applicants from the final admission round?
Laca: We always see strong applicants in the later rounds, and historically we haven't had a lot of spaces available. So this year we planned to have more spaces available so we would be able to admit more people from the later rounds.

This is great news for people who are on the wait list, as well as people who applied in the later round. The applicant pool this year was incredibly strong and very competitive. There's still room in the class.

Q: How many folks are on the wait list? What are general tips for wait-listed candidates to stand out from the pack?
Laca: We don't comment on the number. However, I can tell you that there's a small number of people on the wait list. The most important thing is that they are connecting with Susie Chun, who is overseeing the wait list. We've sent letters out to all of our wait-list people, telling them how to do that.

Q: In the third and final admission round, do you tend to favor domestic applicants vs. international ones?
Laca: No, I don't think we favor one or the other. We're ultimately looking to fill the best class possible, and that can be with domestic or international applicants.

Q: How do you view candidates who have taken a road less traveled, such as professional athletes or entrepreneurs?
Laca: This is a great question. We LOVE candidates who have unique experiences and backgrounds. Today we just enrolled an Olympic skier.

Barrows: I got in -- and I'm NOT an Olympic skier!

Laca: That hardly means that the average non-Olympic skier should not apply, but ultimately we do look for things that will help set candidates apart.

Q: What are some specific examples of the type of leadership skills you seek in applicants?
Laca: We look for applicants who have the ability to set goals, attain goals, to provide vision to a team, to successfully motivate. It doesn't have to be leadership in the workplace, but we oftentimes will find excellent leadership examples in the community, in the university -- and also at work.

Q: How do you determine an applicant's "fit" with the B-school?
Gore: I think that's a great question, because fit is very important here. As Kristine has said, coming to visit Tuck is a great way to get a sense of that.

I came up here on a snowy day in the middle of exams in December, and several students went out of their way to talk to me. I was immediately impressed by the community, and how genuinely nice everyone was. I left knowing that I would be a better person if I had a chance to spend two years at Tuck.

Barrows: I strongly encourage any prospective student to come visit. Tuck is a unique place. You really have to want to come here and be able to express that desire coherently. Qualities that stand out are the close team spirit, the willingness to help others and the motivation to succeed, but not at any cost. I'm impressed with the ethical standards of my classmates and the faculty.

Q: What can applicants do who have been laid off?
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!

wangyu73cn

2005

B-SCHOOL Q&A: ADMISSIONS

Talking about Tuck

Admissions Director Kristine Laca and two MBA students answer questions on getting into the No. 10 B-school
Kristine Laca, who's winding up her first year as admissions director at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business (No. 10 in BusinessWeek's latest B-school rankings, joined BusinessWeek Online for a live chat on Apr. 23. Laca was accompanied by Tuck second-year student Michael Barrows and first-year Katie Gore. The three fielded questions -- about everything from getting off the wait list to getting a job after graduation -- from a live audience and from BusinessWeek Online Management Education Reporter Brian Hindo. Here's an edited transcript of the chat:  

Q: Michael and Katie, can you each tell us something that surprised you about Tuck?

Barrows: What surprised me most was how cooperative everybody was and is. There's a great atmosphere among the students.


Gore: I would say that I'm surprised by how many of my classmates have jobs for the summer.

Q: What's the procedure for re-applicants?
Laca: Any applicant considering reapplying to Tuck should call us for a feedback conversation. We're happy to provide feedback for all applicants. Historically, Tuck looks very favorably on applicants who have been able to strengthen their applications in ways that would address any of our concerns. We're in the process of developing next year's application, and there will be special instructions for reapplicants.

Q: What percent of reapplicants are successful their second time around?
Laca: I don't know, but I do know that we do look very favorably upon reapplicants.

Q: For reapplicants who change their recommendation sources, will the admissions committee also look back at last year's recommendations?
Laca: Yes. We look at previous applications for reapplicants.

Q: What's the classroom experience like? Tuck's campus is somewhat self-contained -- does it ever get claustrophobic?
Gore: I love the classroom experience at Tuck. I feel like I've had a great chance to really get to know faculty as well as most of the students in my class. Our classes have 60 people, and we rotate sections each term, so I've gotten a great feel for my class and all of their interesting experiences.

Barrows: [Claustrophobia] wasn't really an issue for me. As the first term is so intense, it created a great sense of team spirit in the class. We all come to Tuck knowing it will be different than most of our previous urban experiences. There are a lot of advantages to being in Hanover, N.H. -- especially because of the sense of community it instills in the class.

Gore: I agree that I haven't found it claustrophobic.

Q: Is it possible to visit the campus some time in early May, or would that be too late?
Laca: People are welcome to come and visit us anytime. They just need to contact admissions. Our Web site has all of our contact information, and we strongly encourage people to come visit Hanover. I think Tuck is the kind of place that one needs to visit to fully appreciate.

Q: When do you advise applicants to visit the campus?
Laca: One of the best times is in the fall. Not only is it beautiful in Hanover, but it gives applicants an opportunity to attend classes that are part of the first-year core, as well as second-year electives.

Q: How important is the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score in an application?
Laca: The GMAT is just one of the many things that we look at. I often tell applicants that it's most important to look at the range of accepted GMATs rather than just the average GMAT. The range at Tuck usually is between about 530 and 800, and last year's average was 695.

We are looking at a holistic application, and the GMAT is just one data point. We obviously want to make sure that every student will be successful academically. The GMAT is one of many indicators that help predict academic success. We're looking at many things in every application -- we look for clear examples of leadership, of teamwork, of strong interpersonal skills and academic success.

Q: What percentage of applicants with GMAT scores above the median are rejected?
Laca: I would strongly encourage applicants to not be so fixated on GMAT! While it's something we look at, it isn't the be-all, end-all of the application. There are times when applicants take the GMAT multiple times in hopes of improving their score by 10, 20, or 30 points. The reality is, that small margin will not make that application successful or unsuccessful.

Each applicant should concentrate on providing a clear, holistic picture of who they are as an applicant, and that includes what they've achieved, what they could bring to a classroom, what they hope to do. Ultimately, we're looking for people who will be contributing members to Tuck and to society.

Q: How would you recommend applicants from the high-tech industry distinguish themselves from the rest of the application pool?
Laca: All applicants -- not just applicants from the high-tech industry -- should think about clear ways that they can help set their application apart. Oftentimes, this can be done in essays and the interview.

Q: Can full-time work during undergraduate years compensate for lack of post-graduate work experience?
Laca: It would depend on the scope of the work. It's unusual, but we have seen rare instances in which it can compensate.

Q: What's Tuck doing to ensure its graduates have jobs upon completion of their MBA?
Barrows: A lot. The career-services team is spending a lot of time on the road cultivating new relationships. Also, the strength of the alumni network is proving a real asset. There are also more student trips going out to visit companies.

Ultimately though, in the current climate we all have to take a lot of responsibility for our own career path and be a little creative. The size of the school means there's a lot of personal attention, and the alumni are also very approachable. Just two weeks ago I was able to meet the former deputy CEO of Boeing (BA ) at Tuck, and that may well turn into something fruitful going forward.

Gore: I've been really impressed with how much career services has done to help us with the job search. For summer internships, we always had people there to help us practice interviews, give us advice, provide contacts, etc.

One of the great things about Tuck is that members of the career-services staff know each person individually, so they have their eyes peeled for YOU. I was looking for jobs in health care, and I had a ton of great opportunities. I ended up deciding on Genentech (DNA ) out in San Francisco, which came to Tuck to recruit.

Q: In this tough job market, has the Tuck career center made a concerted effort to look into industries that haven't traditionally hired MBAs?
Barrows: It's a tough market, but not all doom and gloom. The career-services team has done a great job talking to "nontraditional" recruiters, and the current climate gives people a chance to explore all sorts of industries and roles. And again, the alumni network is an invaluable aid in our search, as are the large numbers of visiting executives.   

Gore: We get weekly e-mails from career services about new opportunities starting in the fall, and companies from several different industries are coming to campus. I know career services has doubled its efforts and is often on the road making connections with companies. Several of our classmates are pursuing nonprofit careers, entrepreneurial ventures, and some "bread-and-butter" operational companies.

Q: What's the job search like for international students?
Barrows: There are some additional considerations for us international students. It can be harder for companies to provide sponsorship for overseas students in the current climate, but many of the larger firms still sponsor us.

Q: What can you tell applicants about the admissions interview process? Are admissions interviews by invite only, and what types of questions can people expect?
Laca: Tuck offers an interview to anybody who comes to campus. We strongly encourage people to visit Tuck. For us, the interview is a critical part of the application. We want to really get to know the person behind the application, and that's why we take so much time to interview each of the applicants. We also offer interviews with alumni all over the world for those who can't make it to the campus.

The interview is very conversational. It's an opportunity for us to learn about the applicant as well as for the applicant to ask us questions about Tuck. One of the most important questions that we ask is about their interest in Tuck. Ultimately, we want to make sure that all applicants understand the level of commitment to the Tuck community.

Q: Are the alumni interviews done blind, or will interviewers have seen the candidate's application?
Laca: All interviews are done with only the résumé. So none of the interviewers have read the application before the interview. That way, everybody is on a level playing field.

Q: What's the housing market like in Hanover? What are housing options on campus?
Gore: For first-years, most single students live on campus. I live in one of the dorms, and I was a little dubious about going back to dorm life, but honestly it has been great! For couples in the first year, there are several graduate student housing options available. Sachem Village is a popular choice for many first-years and their partners and/or families. And dogs.

Barrows: In the second year everyone lives off campus. There are a lot of legacy houses that get passed down from class to class. Usually there are three to six people in a house. The rental market is a little tight, and you can expect to pay around $600 a month, plus utilities, for a room in a shared house.

Q: When will decisions about wait-listed applicants come out? Do you plan on ranking wait-listed applicants at any time?
Laca: We have already admitted some people from the wait list, and it's an ongoing process. We try to respond to our wait-listed applicants as quickly as possible. All of our applicants on the wait list are considered individually, and we encourage them to have ongoing dialogue with us, so it's very difficult to say that there's a specific ranking.

Q: What percentage of the class is already filled? What percentage will be made up from the wait list and applicants from the final admission round?
Laca: We always see strong applicants in the later rounds, and historically we haven't had a lot of spaces available. So this year we planned to have more spaces available so we would be able to admit more people from the later rounds.

This is great news for people who are on the wait list, as well as people who applied in the later round. The applicant pool this year was incredibly strong and very competitive. There's still room in the class.

Q: How many folks are on the wait list? What are general tips for wait-listed candidates to stand out from the pack?
Laca: We don't comment on the number. However, I can tell you that there's a small number of people on the wait list. The most important thing is that they are connecting with Susie Chun, who is overseeing the wait list. We've sent letters out to all of our wait-list people, telling them how to do that.

Q: In the third and final admission round, do you tend to favor domestic applicants vs. international ones?
Laca: No, I don't think we favor one or the other. We're ultimately looking to fill the best class possible, and that can be with domestic or international applicants.

Q: How do you view candidates who have taken a road less traveled, such as professional athletes or entrepreneurs?
Laca: This is a great question. We LOVE candidates who have unique experiences and backgrounds. Today we just enrolled an Olympic skier.

Barrows: I got in -- and I'm NOT an Olympic skier!

Laca: That hardly means that the average non-Olympic skier should not apply, but ultimately we do look for things that will help set candidates apart.

Q: What are some specific examples of the type of leadership skills you seek in applicants?
Laca: We look for applicants who have the ability to set goals, attain goals, to provide vision to a team, to successfully motivate. It doesn't have to be leadership in the workplace, but we oftentimes will find excellent leadership examples in the community, in the university -- and also at work.

Q: How do you determine an applicant's "fit" with the B-school?
Gore: I think that's a great question, because fit is very important here. As Kristine has said, coming to visit Tuck is a great way to get a sense of that.

I came up here on a snowy day in the middle of exams in December, and several students went out of their way to talk to me. I was immediately impressed by the community, and how genuinely nice everyone was. I left knowing that I would be a better person if I had a chance to spend two years at Tuck.

Barrows: I strongly encourage any prospective student to come visit. Tuck is a unique place. You really have to want to come here and be able to express that desire coherently. Qualities that stand out are the close team spirit, the willingness to help others and the motivation to succeed, but not at any cost. I'm impressed with the ethical standards of my classmates and the faculty.

Q: What can applicants do who have been laid off?
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.

[此贴子已经被作者于2005-9-4 13:14:09编辑过]

jetrong

Thank you!

snowstone

Thanks! helps a lot.