Graduate Application -- Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the admission criteria?

A. Candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Students with a 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (based on 4.00 scale) and appropriate course backgrounds may be considered for admission.

The following items should be forwarded to the department as a package once you have completed the on-line application:

   a concise one-page statement of objectives indicating degree and major sought and a description of your academic and professional potential and your goals within the program.

   three (3) reference letters (forms are not provided; submit on personal or business stationery).

   two (2) official transcripts (copies are not acceptable).

   Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score reports (minimum requirements are Verbal = 430, Quantitative = 650 and Analytical = 520 or 3.0 depending on the exam taken).

   Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report (560 minimum on paper-based exam; 220 minimum on computer-based exam) for all international applicants whose native language is not English.

   Resumes are encouraged, but not required.

   any additional materials sent will not be included with the application packet. NOTE: Please do not submit information with your application that cannot be used in the admission process, e.g., Individual Education Plans (IEPs), medical records, statement from physicians or psychologists, or legal documents. Such information will be returned by our department.

Q. Can the application fee be waived or deferred?

A. No. University policy precludes the waiver or deferment of the application fee. If you cannot pay the fee personally, a third party (friend or relative) may pay the fee on your behalf. Applications received without the fee cannot be processed.

Q. What is the deadline for returning my application package?

A. Applicants who wish to be considered for Fall admission should have COMPLETED applications on file by January 15 of the same year. Applicants who wish to be considered for Spring admission should have COMPLETED applications on file by March 15 of the preceding year.

Q. What are the Institution and departmental codes for the GRE and TOEFL examinations ?

A. GRE Institution code: 2660; Departmental code: 1102
TOEFL Institution code: 2660; Departmental code: 65

Q. Are there forms for financial aid?

A. No. You will be considered for any financial aid for which you are suited after you have completed the application process. Admission, and admission with financial aid, is awarded on a competitive basis to those presenting the strongest credentials.

Q. Are there forms for reference letters?

A. No. Forms and envelopes are not provided. Reference letters may be submitted on personal or business stationery.

Q. Should I take the Test of Spoken English (TSE)?

A. A high degree of English language proficiency is a Penn State requirement for all degree seeking students whose native language is not English. In order to be considered for a teaching assistantship, International applicants must present an acceptable score (250 - 300 or 55 - 60) on the TSE.

Q. When will I be advised of the admission decision?

A. The faculty will evaluate your application package after all of the required materials have been received by the department. It takes approximately three weeks to complete the review process.
All applicants are notified by U.S. mail.

Q. When will I get the I-20/Visa Documents?

A. Your visa documents (application form for Visa document) will be issued by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). Any questions should be forwarded to international@ip.psu.edu.