MIB degree candidates may pursue a joint degree with a law school or other non-business school. LLM degree candidates may pursue a joint degree with the MALD requiring five semesters of study.
All students interested in joint degree programs must apply to The Fletcher School and the partner institution separately. Each school/department will admit students according to their own policies and qualifications. Financial aid will be determined by the school in which the student is registered.
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Can I pursue a joint degree if the other program and Fletcher have no official relationship?
Yes. In addition to the formal joint degree programs offered by Fletcher, students may design their own joint degrees programs with other professional schools (such as law or business school) or academic programs. Students interested in an ad-hoc joint degree program should apply separately to both institutions and consult with each school after admission to arrange a program of study.
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ADMISSIONS
What are the characteristics of a successful applicant?
Fletcher actively seeks to enroll a diverse class of students who have demonstrated academic excellence, have a wide range of personal, professional, and academic experience, and have a strong commitment to an international career. We seek students who, by virtue of their background, achievement, and experience, can contribute to the education of their peers and to the scholarship and practice of international relations. While each degree program will have its own specific requirements, in general, applicants must demonstrate research ability and a strong familiarity with a second language, and hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. All students must have proven English language proficiency. Fletcher students come from a wide range of undergraduate majors, including international relations and other social sciences, the humanities, business, and physical sciences and engineering. It is suggested that students take microeconomics and macroeconomics prior to enrollment.
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Is work experience required for admission?
While work experience is strongly recommended for all of our degree programs, the amount and specific type of experience will vary depending on the program you are applying to. The Committee on Admissions carefully reviews each applicant's personal and professional experience to assess readiness for graduate study at Fletcher. Voluntary positions, internships, and part- and full-time experience all play a role in preparing students for study.
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Is international experience required for admission?
International experience is not required, but it is strongly recommended. International experience includes time spent living, studying, working, volunteering, or traveling outside of the applicant’s home country.
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What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Since Fletcher students come from a broad range of educational backgrounds that utilize different grading scales, calculating an average GPA for all admitted students is impossible. Among enrolling students who attended colleges or universities using a 4.0 scale, the middle fifty percent of GPAs has fallen in the range of 3.3 to 3.7 in recent years.
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Is proficiency in a second language required for admission?
Students must pass a proficiency exam in a second language before graduation from Fletcher. Since the Fletcher course load is demanding and does not leave much time for language study, students need to have a solid foundation in a foreign language before enrolling. English is considered the second language for students whose first language is not English.
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I am still an undergraduate. Can I apply to Fletcher?
The Fletcher School accepts applications from students currently in their last year of university study. Applicants should include a transcript indicating their most recent grades. Those who enroll will be required to submit a final transcript that shows that all requirements for graduation were met.
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I already have a master's degree. Can I still apply for the MALD?
Yes. Please submit transcripts from all institutions attended.
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I have taken master's level courses at another institution. Can I transfer credit toward my Fletcher degree?
Provided you have not received the master's degree, you may petition to transfer some credits toward your degree.
Can I apply to more than one degree program at Fletcher?
No, you can only apply to one degree program at Fletcher in the same admissions cycle.
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VISITING FLETCHER/INTERVIEWS
Can I visit Fletcher?
Yes. Prospective students are highly encouraged to visit the School, sit in on classes, tour the campus, and meet with current students. Small group information sessions for prospective applicants conducted by current students are regularly scheduled on most Mondays and Fridays during the fall and spring semesters. Please check our schedule to ensure an information session is scheduled on the day you want to visit.
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Are interviews required?
The interview is highly recommended, but is not a required component of the admissions process. Personal evaluative interviews are an excellent way for applicants to share information and to learn how The Fletcher School will help them meet their academic and professional goals.
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How do I set up an interview?
To arrange an interview, please contact the Office of Admissions (617-627-3040 or via email at fletcheradmissions@tufts.edu). Because only a limited number of interviews can be accommodated each day, you should try to schedule your interview well in advance of the date you wish to visit. Evaluative interviews are generally conducted at Fletcher from September through December 15, and on a more limited basis until January 15. When you request an interview, please note the degree program to which you are planning to apply.
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Who conducts admissions interviews?
Evaluative interviews are generally conducted by carefully selected and trained current Fletcher students. The interviewer will ask about your goals and ability to succeed at Fletcher and the interviewer’s notes will become part of your application file.
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How should I prepare for my interview?
We recommend that you research The Fletcher School and its programs prior to the interview. Please come prepared to discuss your past experiences, your career goals, and why you are interested in the Fletcher program. Please dress as you would for any job interview and bring a copy of your résumé or curriculum vitae.
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How do I request a Fletcher catalog and course bulletin?
The easiest way is to submit a request from the Fletcher website. If you have difficulties accessing this form, please write to us at fletcheradmissions@tufts.edu or call us at 617-627-3040.
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Where do I find the application for admission?
The application can be found on the "Apply to Fletcher” section of our website. We strongly prefer that applicants use our online application. If you are in an area with difficult computer connections, please email the Admissions Office, fletcheradmissions@tufts.edu.
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What materials will I need to submit with my application?
Applicants to the MALD, MIB, LLM, MA, and PhD programs must submit the following materials:
Please review the Application Requirements for more detailed information about the specific program to which you are applying.
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What is the deadline for applications?
Application deadlines vary slightly depending on the program. Please refer to the specific set of deadlines for the degree program to which you are applying.
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What is the benefit of applying before the Early Notification Deadline?
Through the Early Notification process, applicants can receive an admissions decision by January 1 for enrollment the following September, giving admitted applicants extra time to plan for graduate study. The Admissions Committee uses the same criteria to evaluate applicants who meet the early and regular deadlines.
During the Early Notification review process, the Committee on Admissions will either offer applicants admission or will defer the application for later review with the regular notification pool. Students admitted through the Early Notification process who have submitted a Fletcher Financial Aid Application will be notified about their scholarship awards in late March.
Early Notification is available for September matriculation only. PhD candidates may not apply for Early Notification. Early Notification is not binding and Early Notification applicants may apply to other graduate programs.
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Does applying early increase my chances of being admitted?
The admissions committee uses the same criteria to evaluate applicants who meet the early and regular deadlines. The benefit of applying early is that you may receive your admissions decision much sooner than if your application is considered after the regular deadline. Additionally, if you are not initially offered admission, you have the opportunity to have your application reviewed twice.
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What if some materials come in after the application deadline?
Applicants are asked to note the relevant deadlines and to ensure that all required materials arrive before the deadline. The Committee on Admissions will not review an application file until it is complete.
Occasionally, because of a processing delay with the testing organizations or because a recommender submits a letter late, materials will arrive after the deadline. Provided that the applicant completes his/her portion of the application by the appropriate deadline, the Committee on Admissions will make every effort to read and review the file once the late material is received.
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Do you admit students to enroll for the spring semester?
For the MALD program, a limited number of students are admitted for January enrollment each year. The vast majority of applications are for fall enrollment, and nearly all scholarship money is awarded for the fall semester. Students applying for spring admission and financial aid may be considered for scholarship awards when funds are available. There is no January enrollment offered for the MIB, LLM, MA, or PhD programs.
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Can I submit more than three letters of recommendation?
Three letters of recommendation are required and normally sufficient. All applicants are strongly encouraged to include at least one academic recommendation and one professional recommendation. Applicants to the LLM program should include a recommendation from a law professor. If you feel that an additional letter would shed light on your credentials in a way not covered by the other three letters, you may submit it and it will be read by the Admissions Committee.
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Can I submit writing samples in addition to the essays?
We do not accept additional writing samples for the MALD, MIB, LLM, or MA program. However, a writing sample is a required part of the PhD application.
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What transcripts do I need to submit with my application?
Please submit original academic transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. If you participated in a study abroad program and those grades are not listed on your transcript, you must submit an official transcript with grades from the host institution. If you are currently enrolled in an academic program, please submit an official report of mid-year grades as soon as it becomes available. Do not postpone the submission of your application if mid-year grades are the only part of your application that remains incomplete. Send a transcript that is complete at the time you submit the application and send mid-year grades when they become available.
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Can I have the application fee waived?
The Fletcher School grants application fee waivers in extremely rare circumstances. Applicants requesting an application fee waiver must submit a letter outlining the reason for the fee waiver request with the application for admission.
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STANDARDIZED TESTS
What standardized tests are required?
For the MALD, MA and PhD programs:
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents -
All U.S. citizens and permanent residents are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Subject tests of the GRE are not required. You may substitute the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) for the GRE.
International Students -
If you are an international student and you have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in which English was the primary language of instruction, you are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Subject tests of the GRE are not required. You may substitute the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) for the GRE.
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).
For the MIB program:
All applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).
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, you are required to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), in addition to the GMAT.
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).
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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% of GRE verbal and quantitative scores achieved by the enrolling class has been in the 600 - 700 range, and the middle 50% for the GMAT has been in the 640-720 range.
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What it the minimum TOEFL?
Non-native English speakers will succeed in Fletcher's rigorous curriculum only if they have sufficient English language ability. A TOEFL score of100 on the internet-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 600 on the paper-based test is generally considered evidence of sufficient English language ability for graduate study at The Fletcher School. Occasionally we will admit a student with a score just below or above 250 but require that the student complete additional language training before enrolling.
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May I submit the LSAT?
No. Fletcher does not accept the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) as a testing credential.
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Does Fletcher accept the IELTS?
Yes. International students may submit the IELTS in lieu of the TOEFL. The minimum IELTS score is 7.0.
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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.
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Will Fletcher waive the testing requirement?
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
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REAPPLICATION AND DEFERRALS
I was not offered admission to Fletcher. May I re-apply?
Applicants who were not offered admission or who declined an offer of admission are welcome to reapply. The Admissions Office maintains applications for a period of three years. The reapplication process for those wishing to reapply within the three year timeframe is simplified. More information regarding the re-application process can be found on the application policies section of our website.
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Is it possible to get feedback on my last application?
Applicants who are intending to reapply to The Fletcher School in the future, may request feedback on a previous application. To request feedback, send an email request to the Office of Admissions at fletcheradmissions@tufts.edu.
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Can I defer my enrollment at Fletcher?
Admitted students may request a one-semester or one-year deferral. Deferrals requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be granted for a unique employment opportunity, special fellowship program, approved joint degree program, or family or medical emergency. The granting of deferrals beyond one year is extremely rare.
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How do I request an enrollment deferral?
Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to the Director of Admissions at The Fletcher School, and should be made before May 1 of the year you apply. Because students sometimes face unanticipated changes in their circumstances, deferral requests will be accepted until June 1 on a case-by-case basis. If a deferral is granted, students must submit a $500 non-refundable deferral deposit, in addition to the $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit (for a total of $1,000). Admitted students whose future plans remain uncertain, or those with insufficient funds, are advised to decline the offer of admission and reapply at a later date when circumstances may be more certain or stable.
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SCHOLARSHIP AID
How is scholarship aid determined?
Fletcher scholarship aid is distributed on the basis of both need and merit. There are no awards made based on need alone or on merit alone. Need is assessed with the Fletcher Scholarship Application.
No distinction is made between domestic and international students in awarding scholarship funds. All applicants who complete the Fletcher Scholarship Application (included with the application for admission) are eligible for scholarship consideration.
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Does Fletcher offer full tuition scholarships?
The Fletcher School is pleased to offer the Hargens Fellowship program. Hargens Fellows receive a two-year, full-tuition scholarship for study in the MALD program.
The Committee on Admissions and Scholarships will select candidates on the basis of both merit and financial need. Emphasis is placed on candidates who exhibit exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to the field of international affairs. Both international students and United States citizens are eligible. Interested candidates need not submit an additional application, as all students who submit the Fletcher Scholarship Application are considered for the fellowship.
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Are there Student Employment and Work Study
positions available?
Part-time jobs at many different work sites are available at The Fletcher School and other areas of Tufts University under the regular student employment budgets and, for those who qualify, the U.S. Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program. Information about Federal Work-Study can be obtained from the Tufts University Student Financial Services Office.
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Are there Teaching and Research Assistant
positions available?
Fletcher students may serve as teaching assistants at Tufts University in the undergraduate departments of Political Science, Economics, History, Romance Languages, German, Russian, and Asian Languages, and International Relations. These assistantships normally are awarded to second-year students. Students interested in teaching assistantships should make inquiries directly to the individual departments at Tufts University as early as possible for full consideration.
At Fletcher, a limited number of teaching and research assistantships are available to second-year and doctoral students. These hourly waged positions generally provide compensation of up to $1,800 per academic year. Professors choose their own assistants. From time to time financial support is available for specific projects submitted by students or under special research assistantships developed by faculty members.
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Do I need to submit proof of funding?
Proof of funding is not required for the application process, but international students who enroll will need to submit proof of funding as part of the visa process.
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STUDENT PROFILE
What is the international population of Fletcher?
Nearly half of Fletcher's students come from outside the U.S. At any time, seventy or more countries worldwide are represented.
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Is there diversity among U.S. students?
The Fletcher School is committed to enrolling a class that reflects the economic and racial diversity of the U.S. On average, about 25% of the U.S. citizens at Fletcher are students of color.
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What is the average age of a Fletcher student?
The average age is generally around 27. The class that started study in fall 2006
had students ranging in age from 21 to 42.
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What types of experience have students had before studying at Fletcher?
Students come to Fletcher from a wide range of professional backgrounds in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Professional experience is not limited to paid work and may include voluntary positions and internships. Any enrolling class will include students who have been government employees, U.S. Peace Corps volunteers, journalists, attorneys, management consultants, financial analysts, engineers, diplomats, teachers, and military personnel prior to enrolling at Fletcher.
Some of the organizations that students in the fall 2005 entering class worked for are: Oxfam America, the New York Stock Exchange, Time Life Japan, the United Nations, the Sierra Club, Accenture, World Teach, the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the IMF, ACCION International, the Korean National Assembly, the Provincial Court of Havana, CNN Beijing, the French Embassy to the U.S., Google, Inc., and the Greek Ministry of Development.
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