FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

It is suggested that three letters be written by academics-- individuals who are in a position to judge your research potential.

Should I take the GMAT or the GRE test?

The Doctoral Program will accept a test score report from either the GRE or the GMAT. Preference to one exam is not given over the other. Scores are valid for only five years.

Is the TOEFL test required?

If you have studied for at least two years at a university in a country where English is the spoken language (e.g., United States, England) you are not required to take the TOEFL exam. All other international applicants must submit a TOEFL score.

Is there a minimum score for the GMAT or GRE test?

There is no minimum score requirement, although competitive applicants have scores in the high 90th percentile.

What is the typical GMAT or GRE score for accepted applicants?

The test scores are typically in the high 90th percentiles. However, if there is other evidence of superior potential for sucess in the Ph.D. program, lower test scores may suffice. Admitted students typically have the following scores:

Verbal: 90th percentile or greater
Quantitative: 95th to the 99th percentile

What is the average GPA for accepted applicants?

Average undergraduate GPA: 3.6

What should I do if my transcript(s) and/or letter(s) of recommendation are not in English?

Materials that are not in English must be transcribed by an official and notarized transcription agency.

How many students are admitted annually to each specialization of the program?

The respective specializations do not have individual quotas. We typically admit 2 students each in marketing and accounting and 6 students in finance. However, the actual number varies with the number of students in residence.

How many applications do you receive each year and how many applicants are usually admitted to the program?

Last year we received 300 applications and approximately 5% of the applicants received an offer of admission.

Can I complete the program in four years?

The program is designed to be completed in four years, though students are increasingly taking five years to complete the program.

Is an interview necessary for admission?

No.

What is the nature of the available financial aid?

All students admitted to the program are given full financial aid for four years as long as they continue to satisfy the program's academic requirements. The aid consists of a tuition waiver and a stipend that is comparable to stipends offered by other leading Schools of Management.

If I already have an advanced degree, can I waive some of the required courses?

A maximum of seven of the fourteen courses can be waived based on previous graduate work. But most students do not receive the maximum allowable transfer of credits. Requests for course waivers should be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies.

Am I allowed to apply to more than one area of specialization?

No. You can apply to only one area of specialization.

Do I need to submit research papers or writing samples?

They are not required. However, papers that you have written and which have been published will be considered in support of your application.

Can I work while I'm in the program?

No. Yale's Doctoral Program is a full-time, in-residence program. Part-time student status is not permitted. Nor do we offer any Distance Learning programs.

What is the application deadline?

January 2.

When will I know whether I have been accepted to the program?

In most cases, official notification that a decision has been made is delivered by e-mail. For security, such e-mail does not contain the decision itself however. Decision information will be posted in the online application. Decisions are made and communicated during the months of February and March. Official decision notification is made by the Graduate School and not individual departments or programs. Only letters or e-mail sent directly from the Graduate School may be considered official notifications of admission and financial aid. The Office of Graduate Admissions cannot give decision results over the telephone.

Can I reapply if I have been denied admission?

Yes, applications and accompanying documents are retained in the Doctoral Office for two years.

What is the re-application process?

To reactivate your application, you must complete and submit a current application form, a letter indicating your intent to reapply, and the application fee. You may update your application as you wish and provide additional documentation such as an up-dated statement of purpose or letter of recommendation. However, you do not have to resubmit earlier transcripts or test scores.

Can I check my application status over the phone or via email?

No, for purposes of confidentiality, we will not give information about your application status via telephone or e-mail. Applicants must check their status by logging into their application using their Applicant ID number or PIN.