Application Process Q and A's
Q: How should I send in my application?
A: You can send your application by mail, courier service, fax, or email of scanned images. Since faxing is not always reliable, you should check with the Graduate Admissions office whether the fax pages came through OR simply send a copy of your application in the mail in addition to faxing. Emailed or faxed transcripts and diploma copies will be counted as "unofficial" copies. We must have transcripts directly from your educational institution to be official.
Q: Besides test scores, do I have to submit the application complete with all the requirements? Can I send in the pieces as they get done?
A: We prefer to receive the whole application, in its entirety, if possible. You have better control of completing your application requirements if you complete the application (including the recommendations and transcripts) before submitting to the Graduate Admissions office. You would know exactly what items need to be completed and followed-up with without relying on Graduate Admissions office notifications. If, however, application items are sent in piece-by-piece we will keep pieces in a pending file which will be put together with your application once it arrives.
Q: How will I know if my application is complete?
A: The Graduate Admissions office will send out letters after your application arrives and every 21 days thereafter until the application is completed. You may contact the Graduate Admissions office aside from receiving letters to check on your application status. However, please give the Graduate Admissions office at least a day to log in any items submitted before contacting.
Q: Do I have to submit transcripts from ALL the previous schools that I attended?
A: In some cases, yes. If you transferred in more than 6 semester credits or 9 quarter credits from one or more other schools, the transcript of the school which you graduated from must list the other school/s attended along with the name of each class and the corresponding grade and credits earned for each class. If your transcript does not have this additional information, then the transcripts from the other schools are definitely required regardless of whether those classes correspond to the graduate program that you’re applying for or not. Doctorate applicants must submit both undergraduate and graduate level transcripts.
Q: Could I send "unofficial" copies of my transcripts and diplomas to get the admissions process started?
A: Sending available copies of transcripts and diplomas that are "not" official copies while waiting for "official" documents to arrive at the Graduate Admissions office may help speed up the admission process. If you receive "provisional" acceptance you may start classes but you will have a registration hold that will first need to be lifted before you can register for classes. The hold will be permanently cleared when the Graduate Admissions office receives your "official" documents. You should aim to submit the "official" documents no later than the first semester of enrollment.
Q: What does "unofficial" versus "official" mean exactly?
A: In order for transcripts to be considered official, the Registrars’ office of the post-secondary educational institution attended must send transcripts directly to the AU Graduate Admissions office OR transcripts must be received by the Graduate Admissions office in a school-sealed unopened letterhead envelope regardless of who mailed or submitted it. Any transcript that is submitted without being in a school-sealed envelope OR is in a school envelope not opened by Andrews University personnel will be considered "unofficial."
Official copies of diplomas are not faxed or emailed. An official copy of a diploma is a copy made from the original and is sent by mail or hand delivered.
Q: What happens if I am on "provisional" status when I start classes?
A: Each term you will need to clear the holds for your provisional acceptance and by the time you are 50% of the way into your program you will need to be on regular status.
Q: When should I take the GRE or GMAT and/or TOEFL?
A: Many of our graduate master's programs allow you to take the GRE or GMAT within the first semester or as late as after the first semester of classes, if it is required. Scores can be no older than five years from the time of application. All doctoral programs except for physical therapy programs require the GRE scores BEFORE an admissions decision. More details are found at Entrance Exams. If an applicant completed an undergraduate degree from an unaccredited/unrecognized college, then a GRE is required BEFORE admittance into a program and a score of 900 is required on the verbal and quantitative sections combined. For international MBA applicants, it is better to meet the required GMAT score before enrolling in classes to assure the student will be able to maintain student status. Students may not continue the MBA program after the first semester unless the required GMAT score is met.
If you are required to take the TOEFL or MELAB, scores can be no older than one year prior to applying. However, for most graduate program applicants a "provisional" admission is possible without these scores. MDiv applicants, on the other hand, must submit acceptable English test scores prior to being accepted into the program. Then once the student arrives on campus, the student must take the English Placement Test. If the student doesn’t pass, she/he will be placed in beginning, intermediate, or advanced level for English classes. Those placed at beginning level will take English classes only. Those at intermediate and advanced level are allowed to take some classes in their regular graduate program in addition to taking English classes. The TOEFL exam is given every semester on campus and once the minimum score is reached, the student is no longer required to take English classes.
Q: When is the application deadline? Or when should I complete my application and submit it?
A: All graduate programs except for the PhD Religion program and Physical Therapy programs have no application deadlines. PhD Religion applicants should contact Mabel Bowen for details at 269.471.6002 or bowenm@andrews.edu. However, for priority and timely processing and to ensure entrance at the desired time, individuals may apply as early as one year plus prior to beginning classes and preferably no later than 3 months before classes begin. International applicants should apply earlier versus later as application, financial and visa processing all require additional time. If applicants are not able to complete their application by the time classes begin or by the class registration deadline, the applicant may be considered for the next entrance time for their program on request. A U.S. Student may take up to one semester of classes on a P.T.C. (non-degree) basis. However, there is no financial aid available for P.T.C. Enrollment.
Q: Should I consider taking classes on a non-degree basis?
A: Yes, if you’d like to start classes right away without having had the time to complete your program application and receive an acceptance OR if you are a person who wants to take classes for fun or wants to do interesting classes without entering into a program. The things to consider are: International students cannot do the non-degree option if they need to maintain student status. Non-degree students cannot access financial aid. No more than twenty percent of non-degree credits of the total program credits required can be transferred to the regular graduate program if accepted. Being able to start classes on a non-degree status does not assure acceptance into a graduate program, nor is there an assurance that the credits will be transferred to your degree once you are accepted.
Q: How long does it take to process an admissions decision once my application has been submitted?
A: As long as your application is complete or the Graduate Admissions office has received at least the minimum requirements for an admission, an admissions decision will normally be made in 3-5 weeks. International applications take a little longer. Doctorate applications are taken to committee only once a month. Please take this time into consideration besides the time you will need for any other processes such as financial aid, visa, relocating, quitting a job, etc.
Q: What are the benefits of applying and being accepted early?
A: A few sensible reasons to apply and be accepted early include having enough time to make plans; finding a place to live if not previously arranged; relocatation, if necessary; buying books and supplies before classes begin; being able to attend any orientations and take any entrance/placement tests, if applicable; and finding a job. International applicants certainly need more time to complete financial requirements and for visa processing. Also, for those who want to live in the on-campus apartments, acceptance into a program is required before an apartment is assigned. The later you apply, the later you will receive information that may be helpful in preparation for school. Also, many last-minute applicants clog the admissions and advising processes in the days before classes begin creating stress on both students and admissions personnel.
Q: How is my application processed? And how will I know if I am accepted?
A: All your application material is initially processed at the Graduate Admissions office. They will create a file under your name, collect all your application materials, and do an initial transcript evaluation. Once all required items are in, your file will be sent to the respective academic department and school for their processing and an admissions decision. The academic school will then send you an admissions letter indicating their acceptance decision for you in regards to the program you applied for. Your file will then return to the Graduate Admissions office for the decision to be entered in the system.
Q: If I am accepted, what is the next step and how do I become an enrolled student?
A: If you are accepted, you may then begin the registration process online at Registration Central. The "Class Registration" step should be reserved until you actually arrive on campus and meet with your academic advisor. You should plan on completing registration no later than the day to a few days before classes are scheduled to begin (however, registration deadlines allow more leeway ranging from the day classes begin to a week after). Once you are an enrolled student, your file will be kept at the Records office.
A: You can send your application by mail, courier service, fax, or email of scanned images. Since faxing is not always reliable, you should check with the Graduate Admissions office whether the fax pages came through OR simply send a copy of your application in the mail in addition to faxing. Emailed or faxed transcripts and diploma copies will be counted as "unofficial" copies. We must have transcripts directly from your educational institution to be official.
Q: Besides test scores, do I have to submit the application complete with all the requirements? Can I send in the pieces as they get done?
A: We prefer to receive the whole application, in its entirety, if possible. You have better control of completing your application requirements if you complete the application (including the recommendations and transcripts) before submitting to the Graduate Admissions office. You would know exactly what items need to be completed and followed-up with without relying on Graduate Admissions office notifications. If, however, application items are sent in piece-by-piece we will keep pieces in a pending file which will be put together with your application once it arrives.
Q: How will I know if my application is complete?
A: The Graduate Admissions office will send out letters after your application arrives and every 21 days thereafter until the application is completed. You may contact the Graduate Admissions office aside from receiving letters to check on your application status. However, please give the Graduate Admissions office at least a day to log in any items submitted before contacting.
Q: Do I have to submit transcripts from ALL the previous schools that I attended?
A: In some cases, yes. If you transferred in more than 6 semester credits or 9 quarter credits from one or more other schools, the transcript of the school which you graduated from must list the other school/s attended along with the name of each class and the corresponding grade and credits earned for each class. If your transcript does not have this additional information, then the transcripts from the other schools are definitely required regardless of whether those classes correspond to the graduate program that you’re applying for or not. Doctorate applicants must submit both undergraduate and graduate level transcripts.
Q: Could I send "unofficial" copies of my transcripts and diplomas to get the admissions process started?
A: Sending available copies of transcripts and diplomas that are "not" official copies while waiting for "official" documents to arrive at the Graduate Admissions office may help speed up the admission process. If you receive "provisional" acceptance you may start classes but you will have a registration hold that will first need to be lifted before you can register for classes. The hold will be permanently cleared when the Graduate Admissions office receives your "official" documents. You should aim to submit the "official" documents no later than the first semester of enrollment.
Q: What does "unofficial" versus "official" mean exactly?
A: In order for transcripts to be considered official, the Registrars’ office of the post-secondary educational institution attended must send transcripts directly to the AU Graduate Admissions office OR transcripts must be received by the Graduate Admissions office in a school-sealed unopened letterhead envelope regardless of who mailed or submitted it. Any transcript that is submitted without being in a school-sealed envelope OR is in a school envelope not opened by Andrews University personnel will be considered "unofficial."
Official copies of diplomas are not faxed or emailed. An official copy of a diploma is a copy made from the original and is sent by mail or hand delivered.
Q: What happens if I am on "provisional" status when I start classes?
A: Each term you will need to clear the holds for your provisional acceptance and by the time you are 50% of the way into your program you will need to be on regular status.
Q: When should I take the GRE or GMAT and/or TOEFL?
A: Many of our graduate master's programs allow you to take the GRE or GMAT within the first semester or as late as after the first semester of classes, if it is required. Scores can be no older than five years from the time of application. All doctoral programs except for physical therapy programs require the GRE scores BEFORE an admissions decision. More details are found at Entrance Exams. If an applicant completed an undergraduate degree from an unaccredited/unrecognized college, then a GRE is required BEFORE admittance into a program and a score of 900 is required on the verbal and quantitative sections combined. For international MBA applicants, it is better to meet the required GMAT score before enrolling in classes to assure the student will be able to maintain student status. Students may not continue the MBA program after the first semester unless the required GMAT score is met.
If you are required to take the TOEFL or MELAB, scores can be no older than one year prior to applying. However, for most graduate program applicants a "provisional" admission is possible without these scores. MDiv applicants, on the other hand, must submit acceptable English test scores prior to being accepted into the program. Then once the student arrives on campus, the student must take the English Placement Test. If the student doesn’t pass, she/he will be placed in beginning, intermediate, or advanced level for English classes. Those placed at beginning level will take English classes only. Those at intermediate and advanced level are allowed to take some classes in their regular graduate program in addition to taking English classes. The TOEFL exam is given every semester on campus and once the minimum score is reached, the student is no longer required to take English classes.
Q: When is the application deadline? Or when should I complete my application and submit it?
A: All graduate programs except for the PhD Religion program and Physical Therapy programs have no application deadlines. PhD Religion applicants should contact Mabel Bowen for details at 269.471.6002 or bowenm@andrews.edu. However, for priority and timely processing and to ensure entrance at the desired time, individuals may apply as early as one year plus prior to beginning classes and preferably no later than 3 months before classes begin. International applicants should apply earlier versus later as application, financial and visa processing all require additional time. If applicants are not able to complete their application by the time classes begin or by the class registration deadline, the applicant may be considered for the next entrance time for their program on request. A U.S. Student may take up to one semester of classes on a P.T.C. (non-degree) basis. However, there is no financial aid available for P.T.C. Enrollment.
Q: Should I consider taking classes on a non-degree basis?
A: Yes, if you’d like to start classes right away without having had the time to complete your program application and receive an acceptance OR if you are a person who wants to take classes for fun or wants to do interesting classes without entering into a program. The things to consider are: International students cannot do the non-degree option if they need to maintain student status. Non-degree students cannot access financial aid. No more than twenty percent of non-degree credits of the total program credits required can be transferred to the regular graduate program if accepted. Being able to start classes on a non-degree status does not assure acceptance into a graduate program, nor is there an assurance that the credits will be transferred to your degree once you are accepted.
Q: How long does it take to process an admissions decision once my application has been submitted?
A: As long as your application is complete or the Graduate Admissions office has received at least the minimum requirements for an admission, an admissions decision will normally be made in 3-5 weeks. International applications take a little longer. Doctorate applications are taken to committee only once a month. Please take this time into consideration besides the time you will need for any other processes such as financial aid, visa, relocating, quitting a job, etc.
Q: What are the benefits of applying and being accepted early?
A: A few sensible reasons to apply and be accepted early include having enough time to make plans; finding a place to live if not previously arranged; relocatation, if necessary; buying books and supplies before classes begin; being able to attend any orientations and take any entrance/placement tests, if applicable; and finding a job. International applicants certainly need more time to complete financial requirements and for visa processing. Also, for those who want to live in the on-campus apartments, acceptance into a program is required before an apartment is assigned. The later you apply, the later you will receive information that may be helpful in preparation for school. Also, many last-minute applicants clog the admissions and advising processes in the days before classes begin creating stress on both students and admissions personnel.
Q: How is my application processed? And how will I know if I am accepted?
A: All your application material is initially processed at the Graduate Admissions office. They will create a file under your name, collect all your application materials, and do an initial transcript evaluation. Once all required items are in, your file will be sent to the respective academic department and school for their processing and an admissions decision. The academic school will then send you an admissions letter indicating their acceptance decision for you in regards to the program you applied for. Your file will then return to the Graduate Admissions office for the decision to be entered in the system.
Q: If I am accepted, what is the next step and how do I become an enrolled student?
A: If you are accepted, you may then begin the registration process online at Registration Central. The "Class Registration" step should be reserved until you actually arrive on campus and meet with your academic advisor. You should plan on completing registration no later than the day to a few days before classes are scheduled to begin (however, registration deadlines allow more leeway ranging from the day classes begin to a week after). Once you are an enrolled student, your file will be kept at the Records office.