Standardized Tests

What standardized tests are required?

For the MALD, MA, MIB and PhD programs:

  • All MALD, MA, MIB, and PhD applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Text (GMAT). Subject tests of the GRE are not required.

  • International Students -
    In addition to the GRE or GMAT, if your native language is not English and you have not earned a university degree (undergraduate degree, or graduate degree lasting two or more years) in which English was the language of instruction, you are required to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic). A score of 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) (with sub-scores of 25 on each section), 7 on the IELTS (with sub-scores of 7 on each section), or 68 on the PTE is generally considered evidence of sufficient English language ability for graduate study at The Fletcher School.

For the LLM program:

  • U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents -
    No standardized tests are required.

  • International Students -
    If you are an international student and your native language is not English and you have not earned a university degree where English was the primary language of instruction, then you are required to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
What is the average GRE/GMAT score? How much weight is placed on testing?

The Fletcher School's Committee on Admissions views standardized test scores as part of the applicant's total application, but not the most important part. The Admissions Committee does not have a minimum requirement for GRE or GMAT test scores. In recent years the middle 50% GRE verbal score has been in the 77th - 96th percentile range, the middle 50% GRE quantitative score in the 61st - 84th percentile range, and the middle 50% GRE analytical writing in the 49th - 92nd percentile range. For the GMAT, the middle 50% has been in the 73rd - 92nd percentile range.

What is the minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL? IELTS? PTE?

Non-native English speakers will succeed in Fletcher's rigorous curriculum only if they have sufficient English language ability. The scores listed below are generally considered evidence of sufficient English language ability for graduate study at Fletcher. Occasionally we will admit a student with a score just below the listed minimum but require that the student complete additional language training before enrolling. Minimum acceptable scores are as follows:

  • TOEFL: 100 (with sub-scores of 25 on each section)
  • IELTS: 7.0 (with sub-scores of 7 on each section)
  • PTE: 68
May I submit the LSAT?

No. Fletcher does not accept the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) as a testing credential.

I took the GRE/GMAT several years ago, may I still submit it?
Fletcher cannot accept GRE/GMAT scores that are more than five years old.
Will Fletcher waive the testing requirements?

Fletcher’s Office of Admissions knows that test fees can be high and standardized tests are not offered in every country. Nonetheless, we expect all applicants to submit test scores with their applications.