Tuck Questions

[reed.parker]

Hi,

I have a couple questions.

1. I am curious if there is any advantage to applying to Tuck's Early Action round. I understand that it is non-binding, unlike Columbia's early action round. The Tuck website states that this round is for people who feel that Tuck is their number one choice, do they give some preference (easier to get in?) to applicants who apply in this round?

2. My post MBA goal is to work with one of the Big 3 Consulting firms (McKinsey, Bain, BCG) in San Francisco, my home-town. I know there are many other factors that go into choosing a school and getting a job, however I am trying to get more information regarding brand, reputation, and career placement of these schools. I am targeting top 5 schools, however I am trying to find a few schools that may be a little safer but still in the top 10 or 15. I am considering Tuck, Haas, Michigan and Duke. I have checked out their career websites and employment reports. However, unlike the Top 5, these schools seem to be a little less explicit regarding exactly how many students they place at each company. I am wondering how you would judge these 4 schools in terms of brand, reputation and most importantly how would you rank them in giving me the opportunity to work with one of the Big 3 consulting and getting me back to San Francisco.

3. What other schools outside of the Top 3-5 would give me the best chance to get into one of the Big 3 consulting firms?

Thanks in advance!

[mbamission]

Hello Reed,

Thank you for your inquiry. While there may be a statistical advantage to applying to Tuck in the first round, I would not go so far as to say that it will be easier to get in if you apply in the first round. When deciding whether to apply in the first round, you should consider whether you are ready to submit the best application that you can and whether you feel that Tuck is really your first choice. You will likely be applying with candidates who truly feel that Tuck is their first choice and if you appear to have lukewarm feelings about the school, which may counteract any statistical advantage that might exist for early applicants. You might also consider applying in their Early Action round. The deadline is earlier than the Round 1 deadline and this option is designed for applicants who consider Tuck to be their first choice. If you are accepted in December, you are not required to attend, but you will need to make a decision in January.

For your second question, I have no doubt that students from all of the schools you mentioned have been hired by the consulting firms in which you are interested. The main factor determining whether you will be hired by one of these firms is you, rather than your choice of Tuck, Haas, Michigan or Duke. The choice of office location is something you will likely discuss with each firm once the interview process is underway. I do not believe that students from a particular school enjoy an advantage in working at a consulting firm in a particular city.

Sincerely,
Akiba Smith-Francis
MBA Mission

646-485-8844

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