Admissions FAQ

About the PhD Program

Can I pursue the Simon PhD Program part-time?

The Simon PhD Program is a full-time program and does not offer a part-time option. Students are encouraged to focus on their academic responsibilities rather than pursue outside employment, allowing them to dedicate sufficient time to meeting program requirements and preparing for careers in academia. 

How long is the program?

The program typically takes five years to complete.

Is residency in the Rochester area required?

Students are required to reside in the Rochester area throughout their doctoral studies. In certain circumstances, an exception to the residency requirement may be granted following close consultation with faculty and program staff. Full-time residency allows students to engage fully in the School's research community.

What is the cost of the program and what financial aid is available?

Admitted PhD students qualify for a full-tuition scholarship, an annual fellowship for five years of study, and student health insurance for the duration of the program. Students also receive a dedicated research budget and access to PhD facilities, including recently renovated offices and a computer lab.

Visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page for a complete overview of available financial support and resources.

Can I transfer credits from another PhD program?

Admitted students may work with faculty in their academic area to determine whether coursework completed at another institution can fulfill certain Simon PhD Program requirements. If a required course is waived, students must take additional coursework to maintain full-time enrollment.

About Admissions

What are the minimum test scores and GPA for admission?

The Simon PhD Program does not have minimum test score or GPA requirements.

Can I apply to more than one area of study?

Applicants who are interested in multiple areas of study should choose their primary area of interest and indicate their additional interests in their optional statement.

Could you evaluate my chances of admission?

We cannot provide individual assessments of applicants' chances of admission. Admissions decisions are made by faculty in each area of study after all applications have been reviewed. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Is an interview required for admission?

The faculty admissions committee may contact applicants to schedule an interview, but interviews cannot be scheduled at an applicant's request.

Can I get a waiver for the GMAT or GRE?

A valid GMAT or GRE score is required to apply and this requirement cannot be waived. GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years from the date of the exam.

Can I get a waiver for the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test?

To qualify for a waiver, applicants must have completed three or more academic years (at least six semesters, nine quarters, or nine trimesters, excluding summers) of post-secondary education taught entirely in English and must have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction.

If you qualify for the waiver, please indicate this in your application. You will be required to upload supporting documentation confirming that your prior degree was taught entirely in English.

Can I get a fee waiver?

The non-refundable $50 USD application fee can be waived for applicants with a GMAT Exam (10th Edition) score of 720 or above, or a GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) score of 675 or above, or a combined GRE verbal and quantitative score of 329 or above. If your GMAT or GRE score qualifies you for the fee waiver, the waiver will be applied automatically to your application at the time of submission.

If your test scores do not qualify you for a fee waiver, please complete the Fee Waiver Request Form

Can I apply without a master's degree?

Yes, we admit students with a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Many of our students enter the program directly after completing their undergraduate degrees, while others have graduate degrees or professional experience.

May I submit additional materials with my application?

Our application includes a section where you can upload an authored journal article, master's thesis, or unpublished manuscript. These materials are optional.

Can I visit the Simon PhD Program?

Due to the volume of requests for visits and meetings with faculty, we regret that we are unable to accommodate individual requests. Invitations for visits and meetings may be extended to applicants after all applications are reviewed. You are welcome to contact the PhD Office with any questions about the program. We encourage you to attend one of our online events.

Are there prerequisites for the PhD Program?

There are no specific prerequisites for the PhD Program beyond the completion of an undergraduate degree. However, a strong academic record is essential. Successful applicants typically have a strong background in quantitative subjects such as mathematics and economics.

What do you look for in applicants?

Each applicant is evaluated individually based on their complete application. We look for students with the greatest potential for success based on a review of all applications received during a given admissions cycle. We offer the following suggestions: 

• Prospective students should demonstrate clearly defined career objectives. 
• A strong quantitative background is essential. 
• English communication skills are an important factor in admissions decisions. 
• Letters of recommendation that provide a thorough assessment of your abilities are helpful to the faculty admissions committee when evaluating your application. 
• Any additional information you submit should demonstrate your fit for the program.

Do I need to contact a faculty advisor during the application process?

Students are admitted to the Simon PhD Program without a faculty advisor or sponsor. We encourage our students to work with several faculty members during their first few years of study to find the best research fit before choosing an advisor. As such, it is not necessary to contact a faculty member during the application process.

I have a special circumstance I would like to explain to the admissions committee. How can I do that?

Please use the optional statement to share any additional information or circumstances you would like the faculty admissions committee to consider.

What suggestions do you have for organizing my application process?

We recommend the following steps: 

• Schedule your exams (GMAT or GRE, and any required English proficiency tests) several months ahead of the application deadline. 
• Submit your application before the deadline. 
• Check your application status online and check your email regularly.

Can I reapply?

Yes. If you have previously applied, you must submit a new application. 

What are the application requirements for the PhD program?

Application requirements include unofficial transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores, English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if required), three letters of recommendation, and two essays. Applicants may also submit an optional statement.

Have additional questions about the application process? Contact us at admissions@simon.rochester.edu.