Anusha Vadapalli, Dartmouth Tuck MBA Class of 2025
Anusha Vadapalli, Dartmouth Tuck MBA Class of 2025Age: 30
Hometown: Vijayawada, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: JNTU Kakinada, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Assistant Manager at Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL); 8.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After undergrad, I worked in the oil & gas industry for nearly eight years. During COVID, I got the time to self-reflect and learn more about renewable and sustainable initiatives. I wanted to expand my horizon and realized business school would give me the chance to grow my knowledge base and skill set. Also, I am planning to work abroad and wanted to meet highly motivated people and get greater exposure, which is possible at a business school.
Why did you choose Dartmouth Tuck? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
First thing is the Tuck community. People here are amazing and will go the extra mile to help you. While I was deciding among schools, I got nearly 100 percent response rate from Tuck alumni, which shows the strength of the alumni base and community. Coming from a non-business background, I wanted a school with smaller class size to maximize my learning experience and be given the chance to form lifelong, meaningful relationships. The final factor was Tuck’s location—I love small towns and who wouldn’t like to live in a winter wonderland?
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I feel that coming from the oil & gas industry, a niche industry, will provide a different perspective in the classroom.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I will watch Friends anytime, given the chance. I have watched the whole series at least 10 times!
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to current students, alumni, and the admissions team. Get to know the school, whether it is a good fit for you, and if you fit into the school culture. Both are important factors in the application and decision process. Also, there is not a standard profile schools are looking for, so don’t compare yourself to other prospective students. Put forward your profile and application with confidence.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I feel I should have started GMAT testing earlier in the process. It took me lot of time to get my desired score. So, if you want to apply to b-school, start GMAT preparation early.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I initially doubted whether I should apply to business school, given my age and work experience. But now I can confidently say that schools don’t pay much attention to your age if you have clear goals and a compelling application.
What is your initial impression of the Dartmouth Tuck students/culture/community?
Tuck students are smart, intelligent, and willing to help. Also, professors want you to learn and conduct office hours and student lunches to help you, which I have truly benefitted from.
What is one thing you have learned about Dartmouth Tuck that has surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised by the level of engagement of Tuck Partners in the community.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
There are a lot of events, such as academics, guest speakers, recruiting activities, and more. Prioritizing these per one’s goals is important in order to not get carried away.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited about experiencing American Thanksgiving for the first time!
