The Fletcher School

The Fletcher School experienced a historic increase in applications for the 2002-2003 academic year.  Reflecting renewed interest in public service and international affairs in the aftermath of September 11, as well as new application opportunities offered by Fletcher’s admissions office, the School received a record of more than 1800 applications.

“This was the first year that Fletcher offered an Early Notification option to applicants and many applicants took advantage of the new program.  Also, this year we were

Under the Early Notification Program, applicants apply by November 15 (rather than the traditional January 15 deadline) and may receive admissions offers in January.  Since the program does not obligate students to enroll, the Early Notification Program primarily serves students who want additional time to plan their studies. 

While these new Admissions Office programs benefited students, many of the applicants were inspired by the year’s events.  “We had a large number of applications from people who either had previously worked in international affairs, or who studied international relations as an undergraduate, and who decided that they wanted to return to the field with their skills refreshed,” Hurley said.

Jodi Kusik, Associate Director of Admissions, said, “Reading applications this year was fantastic since so many people had such great experience.  Of course, it also made it extremely difficult to decide which applicants to admit.”

Though more than the average number of applicants were from the U.S., the incoming class will maintain Fletcher's commitment to a diverse community, as 45% of the students are international students representing 47 countries, 47% are women, and 17% of the United States citizens are students of color.  In total, 28% of the applicants were offered admission, and approximately 190 students will arrive at Fletcher this August to begin their studies. 

The class will also bring a great deal of personal and professional experience to the Fletcher community.  Several incoming students have already been featured in the recent media for events ranging from the juxtaposition of a marriage ceremony amid increasing violence in the Middle East, to a triumphant commencement speech at a local institution of higher education. 

While reviewing the results of the admissions cycle, the School’s faculty and staff are actively preparing for the arrival of the incoming class.  Information on upcoming orientation activities can be found on the web site at http://fletcher.tufts.edu/orientation2002.