Graduate Application Requirements

The crucial requirements for admission is a history that demonstrates the applicant has the potential and desire for graduate study. All students must have completed a four year bachelor's degree (or equivalent) before beginning the program. In the portfolio approach to admission, the following factors are all considered:

• Academic Credentials
• GMAT Scores
• TOEFL Scores
• Work History
• References
• Personal/Interview
• Potential for Leadership
•  Essay Questions

Academic Credentials

Copies of transcripts from every institution you have attended must be submitted with your application. Official transcripts must be in sealed envelopes. In instances where an educational institution will not release transcripts directly to the student, they may be sent to the Graduate School, University of New Hampshire, Thompson Hall, 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824-3547. A grade point average (GPA) will be calculated based on academic coursework taken at all institutions you have attended. The recent average GPA for admitted applicants was 3.2.

GMAT Scores

The GMAT is required for admission to the Full Time MBA program. The recent average GMAT score was 560. To register for the exam or for more tools to help you prepare for the exam, please visit the Graduate Management Admissions Council homepage.

References

Three letters of recommendation must be submitted with your application. References should detail your strengths, weaknesses, and potential for academic and managerial success.  Personal references are not recommended.

Interview

Interviews will be held at the discretion of the admissions committee.  If you are selected for an interview you will be notified by the Graduate & Executive Programs Office. 

Essay Questions

The essay questions are a crucial component of your application to the Whittemore School. Through your answers to the specific essay questions you will offer the admissions committee members insight into your reasons for pursuing a graduate business degree. It is important that we are able to accommodate your academic needs and that your interests are in line with our curriculum objectives. There is no minimum or maximum requirement for the essays, however we expect that you will convey your responses in a clear and concise manner.

Work History  

Two years of work experience is recommended but not required for applicants considering the full-time MBA program.  

Potential for Leadership

An effective leader is an active listener as well as a dynamic speaker, a participant as well as an organizer, and a manager as well as an innovator. We believe leadership skills can be taught, but it takes a unique person to apply these skills. At the Whittemore School, you will have the opportunity to participate as a team member throughout your academic career. Your individual strengths and weaknesses will be balanced within your team and allow you to develop these skills. Obviously, leadership skills are difficult to measure. The admissions committee works to create a class that brings together many individuals from diverse backgrounds to create an atmosphere that promotes critical thinking, collaboration, computer literacy, international awareness, and creative reasoning.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

International students are required to submit verification of English proficiency as demonstrated by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language. 

The minimum TOEFL requirement is 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test. International applicants are required to submit official TOEFL scores less than two years old. While we have established minimum scores for admissions purposes, competitive applicants seeking financial aid from the Whittemore School, have on average, had TOEFL scores of 650 on the paper-based test and 280 on the computer-based test.

As admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis it is in an applicants best interest to apply early. 

Applications for Admission

• Request an Application
• Print Application Forms
• Apply Online

International Students who live outside the US must submit a pre-application prior to submitting a formal application. 

All applications and supporting documents should be mailed to:

The Graduate School
Thompson Hall
Room 109
105 Main Street
Durham, NH 03824-3547