Tuck MBA Recommendation Questions

The Dartmouth Tuck MBA recommendation questions for the 2025-2026 admissions season are now available. Tuck School of Business recommenders and applicants can read on to understand how candidates are evaluated and exactly what recommenders are asked.

First-time applicants must submit two letters of reference. Reapplicants who applied in the most recent admissions cycle need to submit only one new letter from a reference who did not previously write to Tuck on their behalf. One recommendation should come from a direct supervisor, but if that is not possible, you can provide a brief explanation in the Other Employment Information section of the application.

Before they even view the school’s recommendation form and questions, Tuck recommenders receive a detailed email emphasizing how their letters will materially influence admissions outcomes and defines strong references as follows:

• demonstrates the applicant’s qualifications for admission with descriptive examples, stories, and anecdotes. Tuck is seeking clear evidence that the applicant is smart, accomplished, aware, and encouraging, their four admissions criteria.
• provides examples of the applicant’s strengths and growth areas. They count on the recommender to help illustrate how Tuck, given their distinctly immersive learning community, can help the applicant grow.
• reflects the recommender’s expenditure of time, effort, and thought on behalf of the applicant. It is expected that the recommender alone will compose and submit the reference letter.

Accordingly, Tuck has eliminated maximum word counts for its MBA recommendation questions, allowing recommenders to answer each prompt in as much detail as they wish.

Of note, Tuck uses the Common Letter of Recommendation from GMAC – check out our analysis of these questions and tips for responding to them.

2025-2026 Dartmouth Tuck MBA Recommendation Questions

Please respond to all of the following questions in the space below. If you have written your reference letter in a Word document, please copy and paste your letter into the space below.

1. Provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.
2. How does the applicant’s performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Provide specific examples.
3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
4. Is there anything else we should know?

Clear Admit Resources

For more guidance on addressing the Tuck MBA recommendation questions and crafting a supportive letter, check out the Clear Admit Recommendation Guide. This 39-page PDF publication offer strategic guidance and is available for immediate download.