Sydney Schuit, Tuck MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: Calabasas, California
Undergraduate Institution and Major: UCLA, English
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years, retail
Why business school? Why now?
There were two main drivers for me to attend business school: 1) the post-MBA job/industry I’m targeting usually requires an MBA, and 2) as I started advancing in my career, I felt like there were subject matters (such as accounting) that I didn’t grasp as well as I would have liked. In terms of why now, I viewed the decision as a “now or never” moment. I had a good job, loved my team, and was financially comfortable, so I knew I could put off school for a while. However, if I was ever going to get into a new industry, I had to force myself out of my comfort zone and return to school now.
Why Tuck? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Tuck was always on my short list of schools for several reasons. I attended an incredibly large school for undergrad, in a big city, so I knew I wanted something quite different for grad school. Cultural fit was also important to me, and I found Tuck’s collaborative, supportive, and outdoorsy vibes attractive. Lastly, Tuck has an incredibly tight-knit community for partners, and I wanted my significant other to feel good about his new home too.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I’m a certified yoga instructor, so I’d like to think I’ll bring some zen to the classroom.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
Although people say you cannot forget how to ride a bike, I definitely did. Through sheer determination, I relearned how to ride at 23 years old.
Post-MBA career interests?
Brand manager at a consumer packaged goods company, such as General Mills or Colgate-Palmolive.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
For the ladies out there, I did the Forte Foundation’s MBALaunch program, which gave me access to a network of peers and MBA admissions representatives, a set plan of attack, and other valuable information.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had taken the GMAT earlier. I started studying at the beginning of the year, and didn’t have time to visit campuses in the spring when classes were in session. This meant that I had a very small window of time in the fall to visit campuses before applications were due.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I’d be lying if I said anything other than the GMAT. Unfortunately, the test is a necessary component of your application, and you just have to power through. My main advice is to try all different types of prep materials and studying tactics to find what works for you, and not to let one bad score define you.
What is your initial impression of Tuck’s students/culture/community?
I just got back from a 2-week trip with some students, so I’m a little biased when I say that I adore them! I think the culture is best demonstrated by this story: when I was deciding among schools, I reached out to a student with a significant other and asked if we could meet up to ask a few questions. Instead, she invited us over for a home-cooked meal at her apartment and made us feel incredibly welcome. This is one of the many reasons I was sold on Tuck.
One thing you have learned about Tuck that has surprised you?
How willing people are to help, regardless of the need. If you need a ride to the doctor, help moving a heavy box, or even babysitting, at least one person will respond eagerly right away. I didn’t time the shipping of a package to my new apartment well, and someone I didn’t even know yet volunteered to drive over to my apartment to pick it up so that it wasn’t left outside for a few days.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Everyone talks about how rigorous the first-year core curriculum is at Tuck, so I’m anxious to see how I will manage with that and the pressures of recruiting.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m so excited to meet people and participate in the bountiful social calendar, which includes things like ice hockey, Winter Carnival, and plenty of costumes.
Clear Admit Resources
As you work on your Tuck MBA essays and application, we encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s Dartmouth offerings:
- Dartmouth Tuck School of Business Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to Tuck
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to Tuck
