Frequently Asked Questions

Please select from one of the topical categories below for a list of questions related to that information.

• Applying to TDI -- Requirements
• Application and Admissions Process
• Costs and Financial Assistance
• Classroom Life
• Where We Live and Work
• Where is TDI Located?
• Student Activities
• Address and Directions

What materials do I need to submit to apply?

What types of individuals seek a degree at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice (TDI)?

Students in the MS and MPH programs at The Institute are seeking leadership roles in the health care and public health arenas. Typically, one third of the students are pre-medical or recent college graduates, one-third are mid-career professionals (i.e. nurses, administrators, consultants, attorneys, physical therapists, etc), and one-third are practicing physicians. Students in the PhD and post-doctoral programs are typically interested in a career as independent researchers or academics in health services research and policy with an emphasis on the evaluation and improvement of health care.

Are there minimum required GRE, MCAT, and TOEFL scores?

There are no minimum scores required, but competitive applicants to the Masters Degree (both MS and MPH) and Ph.D. Program typically have:

• GRE Scores (verbal plus quantitative) of a combined 1200 on the quantitative and verbal tests or higher and an Analytical Writing score of 4.5 or higher, OR MCAT scores of a 9 or 10 on each of the three tests.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• For international applicants, TOEFL scores of 450 or higher on the paper-based exam or 200 or higher on the computer-based exam, or 115 or higher on the Internet-based exam.

Are specific undergraduate courses required to apply?

No, although the majority of students have a strong science background. Those with an interest in making a difference in health care who have taken economics, policy, government, math, liberal arts, and science courses are encouraged to apply.

Is work experience required to apply to the programs?

No.

Does the School offer spring admissions?

No.

How many applicants enroll in the program?

TDI accepts approximately 80 students per year.

Is the MPH program accredited?

Yes.

When are admissions offers made to the applicants?

Due to rolling admissions, students are accepted in varying time intervals.

Do all my letters of recommendation have to be written by professors?

No, but for those applicants who are seniors or who have recently graduated from college, we do ask that at least two of your letters of recommendation come from your professors who can ably assess your academic abilities. For those applicants who have been out of colleges for three or more years, we ask that your letters of recommendation come from employment supervisors and/or colleagues who can ably assess your potential as a graduate student in our program.

How do I apply?

Applications to the institute may be submitted by going to: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=dart-grad

How do I contact the Admissions Office or arrange to visit the campus?

You may contact Alex Thorngren, Recruitment Manager to obtain further details about the program and arrange a visit to TDI and Dartmouth.

Do all of my application materials need to be submitted at the same time?

No, although submission of application materials at the same time allows for faster processing of the application, but it is not required.

Do my official transcripts have to be sent directly from previous institutions to TDI?

Yes. Photocopies or student copies will not be accepted.

What is the TOEFL Score required for admission?

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless they have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate institution where instruction is primarily in English.

What are the institution and department codes for the GRE for students applying to TDI?

To send your GRE scores to The Institute, please use the following codes: the code for Dartmouth is 3351 and the department code is 0616. This will ensure that your scores are sent directly to The Institute program.

How long are GRE or MCAT scores valid for admission to TDI?

GRE and MCAT tests must be taken within 5 years of the application submission.

How will I know if my application is complete? How long is the application review process?

Students who have been fully reviewed by the admissions committee should check their online applicant file in ApplyYourself regularly for updates. Once an application is complete (all required items have been submitted), the review process by the Admissions Committee takes approximately 30 days. Decisions are posted within the applicant's online file.

Will the admission committee review my application if it is not complete?

No.

Does my application have to be submitted or completed by the recommended deadline?

Yes.

Who do I contact to inquire about the status of my application?

Students who have been fully reviewed by the admissions committee should check their online applicant file in ApplyYourself regularly for updates. If you need to contact the Admissions Office, please e-mail Liz Koelsch.

Are there any residency requirements?

PhD students are required to be in residence for two years. There is no residency requirement for the MPH and MS.

Can I exempt any courses?

No.

If admitted, can I defer my start date?

Yes.

What are the program costs?

The tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $48,920. We do not yet know what the 2009-2010 tuition cost will be but Dartmouth College typically announces that information in the early spring.

Is financial aid available for the program?

Tuition and stipend scholarships are available only for the PhD Program. Contact Dartmouth's Financial Aid office for assistance with loans for graduate students at 603.646.2451 or at financial.aid@dartmouth.edu. In addition to student loans, you are encouraged to apply for scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition. A number of programs providing scholarships can be found here. You are also encouraged to look for additional information to find scholarships or other alternative loans that fit your specific financial needs.

How do I apply for student loans?

For more info on federal loans and the student loan application process, visit http://www.dartmouth.edu/~gradstdy/finaid/

When do classes begin?

MSPH and MS classes typically begin with a two-day orientation that takes place in the week prior to Independence Day. Depending on the educational background and experience of the PhD students, classes for PhDs start in either early July or September.

What times are classes offered?

Most classes are offered in four hour blocks between either 8am-12pm or 1pm-5pm, once per week for a 10 week term. Some classes include a lab which extends the morning class time into the afternoon.

How much time does a typical student spend in the classroom each day?

The typical student spends anywhere from 4 to 8 hours depending on their course load.

What hours is the TDI classroom building accessible?

24/7.

Do all professors have office hours?

Yes. Each professor sets their own office hours.

Will I have a MPH and MS advisor during the program?

MPH and MS students will work closely with their MPH Seminar faculty and their thesis and internship supervisors throughout the year, but there is not an official advisor. PhD students are required to have an advisor upon admissions to the program and keep an advisor throughout the program.

Are classes offered in the summer?

The MPH and MS degree programs begin in early July and end in June of the following year. Depending on the educational background and experience of the PhD students, classes for PhDs start in either early July or September.

Are courses available on the weekend?

No.

How long does it take to complete the MPH or MS Program?

A full-time student can complete the MPH or MS program in one-year. A part time student can complete the program in up to three years.

How many credits are needed for an MPH or MS degree?

56 credits are required for graduation from the MPH and MS programs.

Are there any joint degree programs?

There are two joint degree programs — the MD/PhD Program and the MD/MPH (or MS) Program - between Dartmouth Medical School and The Institute. These programs are designed for students who wish to prepare for careers in health care leadership and in the development and application of new knowledge. There is also a joint degree program — the MBA/MPH (or MS) Program — between the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and The Institute. This three-year program combines the rigorous business and management training at Tuck with The Institute's rigorous core curriculum that provides an understanding of the challenges facing the U.S. health care system and a firm grounding in the skills required to evaluate and improve public health and health care.

What grades are assigned for graduate courses?

The program is based on a High Pass (HP), Pass (P), Low Pass (LP), and No Credit (NC) system. Some courses are also offered as Credit/No Credit course (similar to Pass/Fail).

Do withdrawals show up on my transcript?

Yes.

Do I need a laptop computer?

Yes.

Are there work-study opportunities available?

No.

How do I get my computer set up for use at Dartmouth?

For a number of days prior to orientation, during orientation, and during the first week of classes, computer assistance will be available to all students.

Where can I print materials?

A printer is located in the TDI kitchen. Public printers are also widely available in the libraries across campus.

Is there an onsite computer(s) for student use?

Two onsite computers, located in the TDI kitchen, are available for student use.

How do I get transcripts?

MPH students should contact Dartmouth Medical School's Registrar. MS and PhD students should contact the Graduate Arts and Sciences, who accepts written requests

Where is TDI located?

TDI's Center for Education is currently located in the Centerra Park business complex, approximately two miles from Dartmouth College and a quarter mile from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. In 2010, we will be moving into TDI's newly-constructed home on the DHMC campus. There is regular free shuttle service between both locations and the College.

How can I get to TDI via public transportation?

Advance Transit and Dartmouth-Hitchcock bus shuttles offer free service from a number of locations, including between the College and TDI or the Medical Center.

How can I get around in Hanover?

The town is very pedestrian-friendly and is also accessible by bicycle.

Where do I buy books?

Wheelock Books is the source for textbooks for TDI courses. The Dartmouth Bookstore is a source for all kinds of books. Both bookstores are located in Hanover.

Can I ride my bike to school?

This is possible from Hanover and Lebanon although the commute may be up to 30 minutes.

What is the commute time from Hanover or central Lebanon to TDI?

Using a car, the commute time is approximately 5-10 minutes from both locations.

If I live on campus, where do I park?

Dewey Field Lot is located on the medical school campus near graduate housing. It is convenient to all of campus.

Do I need a parking permit?

A parking permit is needed for the Dewey Field Lot on campus. The Novell Building, which houses the Center for Education, does not require a parking permit.

How can I find housing in the area?

Go to: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~gradstdy/students/housinglistings.html or http://www.dartmouth.edu/realestate/residential/graduate/

Where do people buy groceries?

The Hanover or Lebanon Food Co-Ops (among the oldest food cooperatives in the nation) are located in Centerra Business Park and in Hanover, about 2 miles from TDI. PriceChopper, Shaws, and BJ's can be found in West Lebanon — about 5 miles from the school.

How do I obtain a NH driver's license and license plates?

This link will take you to the New Hampshire Dept. of Motor Vehicles: http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/driverlic/index.html

TDI's Center for Education is currently located in the Centerra Park business complex, approximately two miles from Dartmouth College and a quarter mile from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. In 2010, we will be moving into TDI's newly-constructed home on the DHMC campus. There is regular free shuttle service between both locations and the College.

Can TDI students take classes at other schools within Dartmouth College?

Yes, there are many opportunities to take courses at Dartmouth. The Tuck School of Business offers a few for TDI students at no additional cost. For undergraduate courses the student must pay the fee that is associated with each individual course.

Can TDI students participate in Dartmouth student government?

Yes. Government bodies include the Dartmouth Medical School Student Government, Graduate Student Council, and TDI Student Advisory Council.

What do students do for recreation?

Many students participate in intramural sports, hiking, skiing, canoeing, and a variety of other indoor and outdoor activities. TDI students also have access to recreational activities sponsored by the College. See more information at the Dartmouth Outing Club here: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~doc/

If you have a question that was not answered here, please e-mail The.Dartmouth.Institute.edprog@dartmouth.edu.

The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice Center for Education 30 Lafayette Street Lebanon, NH 03766

*From Boston, MA and Manchester, NH:*
Take I-93 north to I-89 north at Concord, NH. Get off I-89 at Exit 18 in Lebanon, NH, and bear right onto Route 120. Head north on Rt.120. At the third set of traffic lights, turn right onto Centerra Parkway. Bear right up the hill and through the fork to 30 Lafayette Street. (The sign will say Novell.) We are located on the first floor, on the left just past the lobby.

*From New York:*
Take I-95 north to I-91 north (or I-684 north and I-84 east to Hartford, Connecticut, then I-91 north) to I-89 (Vermont Exit 10S). Take I-89 to Exit 18 in Lebanon, NH. Turn left at the exit onto Route 120. At the third set of traffic lights, turn right onto Centerra Parkway. Bear right up the hill and through the fork to 30 Lafayette Street. (The sign will say Novell.) We are located on the first floor, on the left just past the lobby.

*From Burlington, VT:*
Take I-89 south to Exit 18 in Lebanon, NH. Turn left at the exit onto Route 120. At the third set of traffic lights, turn right onto Centerra Parkway. Bear right up the hill and through the fork to 30 Lafayette Street. (The sign will say Novell.) We are located on the first floor, on the left just past the lobby.