Grad School FAQ

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS FAQ WHAT CATEGORY DOES YOUR QUESTION FALL UNDER?

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APPLICATION

TRANSCRIPTS

TEST SCORES

HOLDS

OTHER

FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING APPLICATIONS

Do I have to submit a new application if I want to apply to multiple programs?

Yes, you will need to submit a separate application for each program you apply to.

I started my application, but I don’t see my desired term listed. What should I do?

Each term has a corresponding application link. Please be sure that you have selected the appropriate apply link for your desired term. https://apply.grad.msstate.edu/

The application will not allow me to submit it without entering a term, but there isn’t a term for me to select.

What should I do?

This error occurs when you are trying to submit an application after the Graduate School deadline. Please be mindful of the Graduate School deadlines listed here: https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/admissions/deadlines

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I don’t see my school listed in the drop-down menu. What should I enter?

If you do not see your institution listed under the Educational Background section, then please search, and select 009998 for domestic schools and 009999 for international schools. Once you have selected the above entries, delete the text in the institution field and replace it with the name of your institution.

Am I required to pay an application fee for multiple applications submitted for the same term?

Yes, a non-refundable application fee is required for each application submitted. The application fee is $60 for domestic students and $80 for international students.

Does the Graduate School provide application fee waivers?

The Graduate School only waives the application fee for full-time benefit eligible employees, veterans or active US military personnel, and McNair Scholars. If you are seeking an application fee waiver, you may contact the program in which you are interested and inquire.

How long will it take for me to receive my decision?

Once we have received your completed application packet, we will process it and send it to your desired program for review. Each program has their own review process which may consist of multiple review stages. As soon as we receive your application back from the program with a decision, we will finalize it and release your decision letter as soon as we can.

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FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING APPLICATIONS

I already submitted my application, but I changed my mind. Can you change my major?

No, you will need to submit a new application to apply for a different program.

The application deadline for my desired term has passed. Can I still apply?

No, but you are welcome to apply for a term that is available. Please be sure that the program admits for the term you select.

How do I cancel my application?

We are sorry to hear that you will not be continuing your application. Please email the Admissions Assistant for your program.

I need to defer my admission to another term.

To defer your admission, please email your graduate coordinator. Your graduate coordinator will provide us with approval, and we will process your request and send you an updated decision letter. *Please note that you are allowed one deferral and may defer up to two semesters.

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FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING TRANSCRIPTS

Do I have to send/ upload my official transcripts with my application? Can I use unofficial transcripts?

No, you do not need to submit official transcripts during the application process. We can use unofficial transcripts to process your application. If admitted, you will be required to submit official documents.

Am I required to send transcripts from every college ever attended?

We require transcripts for your bachelor’s degree institution and any coursework completed afterwards. If additional transcripts are needed, then your Admissions Assistant will contact you for it.

Can I apply with a 3-year bachelor’s degree from my international school?

Some students have been admitted with a 3-year bachelor’s degree from international schools. We recommend that you check with your desired program to see if your degree meets their program requirements before applying.

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FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING TRANSCRIPTS

How can I send my official transcripts?

We accept : • Official hard copies sent directly from the institution • Official hard copies in a sealed envelope from the institution delivered via delivery service • Official hard copies in a sealed envelope from the institution delivered by student • International students must submit official transcript, including individual mark sheets and diplomas, in the native language (along with translated copies if appropriate) i. If international students are only given one official copy of their transcript, then they may bring the original documents to our office. We will make a copy and give them back.

*Please note that any documents left with us become the official property of MSU, and they will not be returned to the student.

Please send your official transcript via any of the methods below.

The Graduate School

gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mailing Address:

Mississippi State University The Graduate School P.O. Box G Mississippi State, MS 39762 Express Mailing Address: Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.)

Mississippi State University The Graduate School 175 President’s Circle, Allen Hall-Room 617 Mississippi State, MS 39762

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FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING TEST SCORES

Is the GRE or GMAT required for admission?

No. We no longer require the GRE or GMAT for admission. However, these scores may be required if you are seeking funding. So, please check with the program for more information.

What official English proficiency tests do you accept?

We accept the TOEFL ibt, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, and PTE. We will accept scores that are within 5 years from the test date.

Do you accept Duolingo?

No, we do not accept Duolingo test scores.

Where should I send my official scores?

Please have your official scores reported to Mississippi State UniversityThe Graduate School. If you are sending scores through ETS, our school code is 1480.

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FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING TEST SCORES

My English scores are older than two years and cannot be officially reported. What should I do?

We will accept official scores provided by students’ previous institution as a copy of the original score report or reported in a letter on an official letterhead. Those scores should be emailed directly by the institution to the Graduate School. If scores are unable to be provided, then you will need to retake the English proficiency exam. If the new scores are less than the required English proficiency, you will be required to enroll in the appropriate ESL classes.

Can I retake the English proficiency test to get a higher score so I don’t have to take ESL classes?

Yes. You can retake the English test to earn a higher score and test out of ESL classes. Your new official scores must be received by the Graduate School no later than five business days before the first day of class and prior to registering for classes.

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FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING HOLDS

I have a hold on my account! What does it mean? What should I do?

If you have a hold on your account, then there is an outstanding admission requirement that needs to be satisfied. Most often, the hold is for an official transcript or official test score. You will need to request your previous institution(s) to send us your official transcript or request the testing company to send us your official test score(s). Other times, the hold may be through the Health Center for immunization records or the International Services Office. If you have a hold with one of these offices, then please contact them directly.

Health Center- 662-325-2431 International Services Office- 662-325-8929

I can’t register for classes!

What should I do?

Please make sure that you have satisfied all holds on your student account, if any. If you do not have any holds, then please check with your department/ advisor to make sure that you have been released to register.

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FREQUENT QUESTIONS REGARDING OTHER TOPICS

How do I find out who my graduate coordinator is?

Please view our graduate programs webpage to find your graduate coordinator. https://www.grad.msstate.edu/students/graduate-programs

Can I have my spouse, parent, friend, agency, etc. check on my application and other grad related matters?

We cannot disclose any information to anyone other than you without your written permission as in accordance with FERPA. You may send an email to your Admissions Assistant stating that you provide an individual with permission to inquire about your graduate status. Please complete the attached form to provide an agency with permission to inquire about your graduate status. https://www.grad.msstate.edu/sites/www.grad.msstate.edu/files/inlinefiles/Agent%20Release%20Form.pdf

How much is tuition?

Tuition is determined by a number of factors such as residency status, campus, and number of credit hours. Please see the controller’s website for more information about tuition. https://www.controller.msstate.edu/accountservices/tuition/

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IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE REVIEW

grad.msstate.edu/faq-policies or contact us at gradapps@grad.msstate.edu

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