FAQ - NYU Stern

Everything You Need To Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Qualifications and General Questions

What type of individuals study for the Ph.D.?
The Stern Ph.D. Program seeks to admit students from a diverse range of backgrounds and who have a passion to learn and ask interesting questions, who demonstrate a high level of academic ability, and exhibit the motivation to develop into top quality researchers.

Do you have a part-time program?
We do not have a part-time Ph.D. program. Doctoral students must enroll on a full-time basis and may not hold outside employment. Students must also be in residence for the duration of the program.

How long does the Ph.D. program normally take to complete?
The program typically takes five years to complete.

Will a prior master's degree or MBA reduce the time it takes to complete the Ph.D. program?
Generally not. MBA/masters coursework does not overlap with our Ph.D. courses. However, masters coursework could fulfill some electives a student would need to take. The time it takes to complete a Ph.D. is determined less by completing coursework than by completing the dissertation.

Can I get an MBA while I'm doing my Ph.D.?
No. The Ph.D. and MBA curricula are entirely different and Ph.D. students may not pursue an MBA degree at the same time.

Do I need a Master's degree or prior work experience?
A Master's degree is not a requirement for admission. Students who will have earned a bachelor's degree by the time of Fall semester enrollment may apply. Previous work experience is also not a requirement for admission.

Do I need to satisfy any prerequisites?
All applicants are expected to satisfy prerequisite coursework, including calculus, matrix/linear algebra, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and probability and statistics. In some departments, a course in psychology is also recommended. Applicants must include proof of completion for prerequisite coursework in their application (e.g. through transcripts or certificates). Applicants may receive a pending acceptance prior to the completion of all prerequisites, however, it is expected that the outstanding courses will be completed prior to matriculation. Applicants should satisfy their prerequisites at any regionally accredited college or university that offers the course needed. Online courses will also be accepted, as long as the college or university that is offering the course is accredited by a regional accrediting agency.

Financial Aid

How much does the program cost?
All admitted students who are not funded elsewhere receive a full tuition scholarship, health insurance and a living stipend, for up to five years. Students are only responsible for paying a small portion of their registration fees (currently $275 per semester). Funding is guaranteed for five years provided that the student is in good standing. There is no separate application for financial aid.

Do Ph.D. students have to work to earn a living stipend?
Our living stipend is provided in the form of a fellowship. Students are not expected to secure jobs as teaching assistants or research assistants. However, all students are required to teach one Stern undergraduate class in their fourth year, and some may need to teach again in the fifth year, as part of their funding package. The main criteria for receiving a fellowship is meeting all program requirements and maintaining good academic standing.

Admissions Process

When should I apply?
All application materials are to be submitted through our online application unless otherwise indicated, by our December 15 deadline.

When are admissions decisions made?
We make admissions decisions starting in late February through mid April.

Does every department accept new students each year?
Yes. Each area of study – accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management, marketing, operations management, and statistics – looks to enroll new students each year.

How many people apply, and how many people get in?
We receive anywhere from 900-1300 applications a year, across all areas combined. We admit approximately 50 applicants, and, on average, enroll 20-24 new students each year.

Do you accept transfer Ph.D. students?
Yes. Transfer applicants should apply the same way as other applicants. If you are admitted, depending on your prior coursework, you may be waived out of some courses and the time to complete Stern's Ph.D. program could be reduced. Transfer students must take Stern's comprehensive exams.

Do I need to find a faculty adviser in order to apply?
No. Admission decisions are made by departmental faculty committees and the Doctoral Office based on applicants' potential for academic success and research potential in their field of study. Admission decisions are not made based on fit with one particular professor but rather with the department as a whole. Students work with several different professors on research for the first few years and select an adviser around the third year.

Is the admission process any different for international students?
The admission process is the same for international applicants and U.S. applicants. The only exception is that international students whose native language is not English must also submit the TOEFL or IELTS score (unless they are eligible for a waiver as described here, TOEFL/IELTS waivers). Our current students come from over 20 different countries. We sponsor international students on the F-1 or J-1 visa after a student has been admitted to our program.

How do I re-apply?
People who applied in the past and wish to re-apply should submit an entirely new application, along with supporting documents. Please note that applicants may apply a maximum of three times to the Stern Ph.D. Program.

Can I request feedback on my application if I do not receive an offer of admission?
No. The admission committee cannot offer individual feedback on application decisions.

How much is the application fee? Can the fee be waived?
Our application fee is $100 and is paid online at the time you submit an application.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must apply for the fee waiver BEFORE submitting your application for admission and BEFORE submitting the application fee. We are not able to refund the application fee if you choose to pay the fee before a waiver is approved. Please apply for the fee waiver as soon as you start your application for admission. Please submit your request at least four weeks before the December 15th deadline. We cannot guarantee waivers will be processed if asked after this period.

NYU Stern's Ph.D. program will offer a waiver of the admissions application fee under certain circumstances to an applicant who meets each of the following conditions:

You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or you have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status; and
You are applying to NYU Stern's doctoral program; and
You have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher; and
You have not yet submitted your online application for admission; and
You meet one of the following three criteria:

Your family has financial hardship as reflected by your receiving a Pell Grant during your senior year of undergraduate study; or
You have been offered a GRE Fee Reduction Certificate from Educational Testing Service (ETS); or
You participated in one of the following programs:

NYU MS in Quantitative Economics (MSQE)
NYU Pathways to the Ph.D.
Peace Corps
U.S. Military

If you meet all of the conditions stated above, start your online application. Then, email phd@stern.nyu.edu. In the subject line, please write "NYU Stern Fee Waiver Request for YOUR NAME." In your email, be sure to:

Clearly state how you meet each of the conditions stated above, including documentation (i.e. a copy of your official or unofficial transcript to verify your GPA, and documentation of participation in one of the cited programs OR documentation of financial need.)
List the department to which you will apply, and the degree you are seeking.
Provide the email address that you used when establishing your online application for admission.

Please allow up to 10 days for your fee waiver request to be reviewed. You will receive a reply by email. Please do not submit your application until you hear back from us. We are not able to refund the application fee if you choose to pay the fee before a waiver is approved.

Please note applicants to the Pre-Doctoral Program should email phd@stern.nyu.edu to request a fee waiver. In the subject line, please write "NYU Stern Pre-Doctoral Fee Waiver Request for YOUR NAME."

Do you have an interview process?
We do not have a uniform interview process. Some departments may invite finalists for an interview over the phone or in person before making an offer of admission, but this is not always the case. Interviews are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Can I start the program in the spring semester?
We admit for the fall semester only. The application deadline is December 15.

Can I apply to more than one PhD program at NYU Stern?
Yes, applicants are eligible to apply to up to two programs within the PhD admissions cycle. However, a separate application must be submitted for each program. Each application will be reviewed independently, and you are required to meet the specific requirements of each program.

Testing Requirements

Do I have to take the GRE or GMAT?
Yes, all applicants to the full-time doctoral program must take the general test of the GRE or the GMAT. We will not waive the GRE or GMAT requirement based on life experience, educational background, country of residence, employment status, or other factors. In addition to the GRE General Test and GMAT, the GRE At Home and the GMAT Online exam are accepted.

Do I have to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
You are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if your native language is not English. TOEFL/IELTS scores must be within the last two years to be considered valid. We accept the TOEFL iBT, as well as the TOEFL iBT Home Edition if you are unable to take the traditional TOEFL iBT test in a test center. If you take the Home Edition, you may be required to take some English coursework prior to enrolling.

How can I waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement?
Please refer to our admissions instructions regarding TOEFL/IELTS waivers.

When should I take the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS?
To ensure that your test scores arrive on time, we recommend you take the tests no later than 4 weeks before the application deadline date.

What is the correct institution code number for the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL?

Test	Testing Agency	School Code
GRE	Educational Testing Service (ETS)	2582
GMAT	Pearson Vue	5TF-HW-82
TOEFL	Educational Testing Service (ETS)	2586
IELTS	International English Language Testing System	For the IELTS Academic, search for: Account Name: New York University Stern School of Business (PhD Program) Address: 40 West 4th Street, Suite 826 City: New York State: NY

I sent my test scores to a different NYU school. Can you obtain them?
No, we are not able to obtain test scores if you sent them to any other school or program at NYU.

May I email or mail my test scores to you?
No. We require that official test scores be sent to us directly from the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS program. We will not accept any scores sent by email attachment.

May I send my official test scores to you before I submit my application?
Yes, we will match them to your application after it is submitted.

For how long are my test scores valid?
GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years from the date taken. TOEFL and IELTS scores must be within the last two years to be considered valid.

I sent you my test scores with a previous application. Will you have them on file?
If you sent your official test scores to the Ph.D. Program within the last two years, they will remain on file. We will add them to your current application, after it is submitted.

I have taken the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS more than one time. Do you accept my best score?
We receive all test scores from the testing agencies. We provide all scores, including your best score, to the admissions committee. It is up to the committee how they review and use the scores.

Should I submit the GMAT or GRE?
Either test score is equally fine to submit, except for applications to the Accounting department, which prefers the GMAT. All applicants are required to submit an official GMAT or GRE score report that is less than five years old.

What is the minimum GMAT / GRE requirement?
We do not have a GMAT or GRE cut-off score. Standardized tests are just one of many application components we look at. However, you can view average scores of admitted students on our Key Facts & Figures page.

Transcripts

What degree must I have in order to enroll in the Graduate School?
You must receive your undergraduate degree (U.S. baccalaureate or equivalent) from an institution of recognized standing before enrollment in the Ph.D. Program.

What transcripts are required as part of my application?
You are required to upload copies of your official transcript from each institution that you list in your online application. Your uploaded transcripts must be an official transcript issued by your college or university, and should include the front and back of each page of the transcript. All transcripts must be legible, and should include the institution's name, degree conferred, and degree conferral date (if applicable).

Do you need transcripts for coursework I completed in a study abroad program or summer session or for other transfer credit?
Yes, you are required to upload copies of your official transcript from each institution you list in your online application.

I haven't received my baccalaureate so my transcript is incomplete. What should I do?
If you are currently completing your baccalaureate, you should upload a transcript showing your academic record through your most current term of study.

Can I mail you a copy of my transcript?
No, you must upload your official transcript through our online application.

Do you need an updated copy of my transcript if I am offered admission and enroll?
Specific instructions will be provided if you are offered admission.

My transcripts are not written in English. What should I do?
All applicants must ensure that certified English translations accompany all documents written in languages other than English. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records. We must have your transcripts in both the native language and in English for us to evaluate your credentials. Please be sure to include the translations with the transcript documents you upload to your online application.

What is the deadline for sending you my transcripts?
The transcript deadline is the same as the application deadline, December 15, 11:59 PM ET.

Do I need to calculate my GPA if it is not shown on my transcripts?
Yes, please make sure to report your GPA using a 4 point grading scale.

How do I report my GPA if I attended a school outside the U.S.?
International applicants may opt to use the GPA Calculator provided by World Education Services (WES).

I am a current NYU student or I was previously enrolled at NYU. Am I required to upload an NYU transcript to my online application?
Yes, all applicants are required to upload a transcript to their online application. However, if you are a current or previously-enrolled NYU student, you do not need to request your NYU official transcript. Rather, you may upload the Albert version of your transcript which is available in the Student Service Center.

Letters of Recommendation

How many letters of recommendation are required and who should write them?
Two letters of recommendation from persons who know your academic qualifications are required. Recommenders should be chosen from people most familiar with your former studies, research interests, or work, including at least one instructor in the institution you last attended. We prefer recommendations from instructors familiar with your work in the field in which you expect to study. If you have been out of school for some time, a letter from an employer or supervisor should be provided.

Must all of my recommenders submit their letters online?
Yes. We ask that you request your recommendation letters through the online application and require that your recommenders use the online system. It is easy for the recommender, greatly facilitates the processing of your application, and ensures the program receives all materials together at the same time. We understand that in very exceptional circumstances a recommender may find that he or she is not able to use the online system (e.g., no access to the internet). Even so, you must still request your recommendation letters through the online application. Ask the recommender to send their letter to the NYU Stern Doctoral Office in a sealed envelope with his/her/their signature written across the flap; please contact us for our mailing address. Please note that we will not accept the letter by email or fax.

Can some of my recommenders submit the letters online, and others mail their letters?
Only in exceptional circumstances. Please refer to the reply to the question above.

I have more than two recommenders. Will they be accepted?
The Ph.D. Program requires two letters of recommendation. Most applicants find this number is sufficient and you should not submit additional letters unless there are strong reasons for doing so.

Should I wait to submit my application until all letters of recommendation are complete?
No. Submit your application as soon as you have completed it. The letters of recommendation will become a part of your application as they arrive.

Do I have to submit my online application before my recommenders can access the system?
No. We encourage you to request letters from your recommenders early, even before you submit your application. When you request a recommendation, your recommender will receive an email with information on how he or she can access the system to submit a recommendation on your behalf. Then, as soon as they submit the letter, it will become a part of your application record.

If my letters of recommendation are sent before I submit my online application, will there be a problem?
No, there will not be a problem. The letters will become part of your application record as they are submitted.

Can I add or change my recommenders after I have submitted my online application?
Prior to submitting your application, you may add a new recommender to your listing by clicking on the "Add Recommender" link. You may delete a recommender by using the "edit" link to "exclude" their name.

Can my recommenders email or fax their recommendation letters rather than use the online system?
No. We do not accept recommendation letters by email or fax.

How do I know if my recommender has received my request for them to write a recommendation?
You can check the status of your recommendations for each recommender by going to your Application Status page and looking at the "Recommendations" link under "Important Links."

My recommender hasn’t completed their recommendation. What should I do?
You can send your recommender a reminder through your application.

My recommender says they never received the notification email asking them to write a recommendation, or they accidentally lost the email. What should I do?
The most common reason why the registration email is not received by a recommender is because the notification email is blocked by a "spam" filter as part of their email software. Please ask your recommender to double-check their email messages and their spam folder for an email from support@applyyourself.com. If they cannot find the email message, or they accidentally lost it, you can resend the registration email message to your recommender. You do this on your Letters of Recommendations page.

Do you accept recommendations or other documents from a credentials service or a career services office (e.g., Interfolio or my undergraduate institution)?
No, we do not accept letters of recommendation via Interfolio and other credentials services.

How do I know if you received my recommendation from a specific recommender?
You can check the status of your recommendations for each recommender by going to your Application Status page and looking at the "Recommendations" link under "Important Links."

Pre-Doctoral Program

What is the NYU Stern Pre-Doctoral Program?

The Pre-Doctoral Program at NYU Stern is designed for students interested in pursuing a PhD in business disciplines. It provides research experience, mentoring, and academic preparation to help students develop their skills before entering a full-time PhD program.

How do I apply to the Pre-Doctoral Program?

You can apply directly through the NYU Stern PhD admissions portal. Visit [this page](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/programs-admissions/phd/academics/pre-doctoral-program) for more information specific to the pre-doctoral program.

Is there an application fee for the Pre-Doctoral Program?

No, applying to the NYU Stern Pre-Doctoral Program is completely free of charge.

Are GRE, GMAT, or other test scores required for admission?

No, test scores including the GRE and GMAT are not required for admission to the Pre-Doctoral Program. However, submitting these scores is encouraged as they may strengthen your application.

What are the key differences between the Pre-Doctoral Program and the full-time PhD program?

The Pre-Doctoral Program is a preparatory experience aimed at students who are not yet ready to apply for a full-time PhD program. Participants gain research experience and academic training to better position themselves for future PhD applications.

What academic background is required for applying to the Pre-Doctoral Program?

Applicants typically have strong backgrounds in fields such as economics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, or business-related disciplines. However, students with other academic backgrounds who have a passion for research are also welcome to apply.

How long is the Pre-Doctoral Program?

The program typically lasts one to two years, depending on the student's progress and goals.

What kind of research opportunities are available through the Pre-Doctoral Program?

Students work closely with faculty members on cutting-edge research in a variety of business disciplines, including finance, economics, marketing, and data science.

What should I include in my application?

A typical application should include:

A statement of purpose
A resume or CV
Academic transcripts
2 Letters of recommendation
Test scores are optional but encouraged.

When is the application deadline?

All application materials are to be submitted through our online application unless otherwise indicated, by our December 15 deadline.

PhD | FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Jump to:

Qualifications and General Questions

Financial Aid

Admissions Process

Testing Requirements

Academic Transcripts

Letters of Recommendation

Pre-Doctoral Program

Qualifications and General Questions

Financial Aid

Admissions Process

Testing Requirements

Transcripts

Letters of Recommendation

Pre-Doctoral Program

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