Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is required to complete my Degree-seeking application?

1. Set up a My GradSpace account

2. Application Form

3. Application Fee--$35

4. Three letters of recommendation

5. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education (Students are responsible for requesting all transcripts, including UND transcripts)

6. Test scores (if applicable to the program)

7. Any additional departmental requirements

8. Documentation of academic-level English-language proficiency (international students)

9. Copy of diploma or degree certificate (international students), if available

10. Certification of finances (international students)

 

Can I apply online?

Yes. Please create your account in My GradSpace to complete the application online. This application can be used for degree, non-degree, and certificate programs. The Graduate School does not accept paper applications.

 

If I send transcripts, references, or other application materials ahead of time, how long will you keep it on file before discarding them?

Transcripts, References, Statements, resumes, etc.: 6 Months

Official Test Scores: 1 Year

 

Can I pay the application fee by credit card?

When you are applying online, you must pay the application fee by credit card or e-check.

 

How much is the application fee? Can it be waived?

The application fee is $35. No, the application fee cannot be waived.

 

Are there any special instructions for McNair Scholars?

Please contact The Graduate School.

 

I have already paid an application fee. Do I have to pay it again if applying to another program or reapplying?

Yes. You will have to submit an application fee every time you apply to The Graduate School (including degree, non-degree, certificate, and post-baccalaureate applications). You will also need to submit all new application materials.

 

How long is an application valid?

The application is valid for one year only for the specific program and term.

 

When I try to submit my application, not all of the fields in the pdf display correctly. Will the information be correct?

The PDF version of your application may not display some of your answers correctly. Provided they are saved to your application properly, they will be saved in our database properly, even if they are not displaying correctly (or at all) on the PDF. Please create a trouble ticket (you may do so by following the technical support link inside the application) to inform our vendor of this issue so that they can work directly with us on resolving this matter. If your application is due shortly, you may want to check the pages of your application carefully before you submit it to ensure that your answers were saved properly.

 

If I am applying to more than one program, do I have to send everything again?

Yes. The applicant must submit the entire application for each program.

 

What is the score I need on the GRE? The GMAT? The MAT?

GRE: Varies by program. If there is a minimum score required, it would be listed in the catalog under each program’s admission requirements.

GMAT: For the MBA program, the minimum is 500.

MAT: Only good for the Master’s in Counseling and doctoral in Nursing; no minimum score has been set.

 

What is the score I need on the TOEFL?

International students must score a minimum 550 (paper-based) or minimum IBT (internet-based test)-Speaking (21), Listening (19), Reading (19), and Writing (17). Scores must be sent from ETS/TOEFL directly, no paper copies will be accepted.

 

Can recommendation letters be from anyone?

Applicants are encouraged to get their references from professors, supervisors, and applicable colleagues. References from friends and family are usually not acceptable.

 

How can I send my recommendation letters?

You can submit your letters of recommendation one of four ways: mail a hard copy, fax, email or send an electronic copy using the online application system.

 

How do I change the names of my recommenders?

Before you submit your application: You can add and change the names yourself.

After you have submitted your application: You/your reference will only be able to submit a letter of reference via mail, email or fax to The Graduate school. We will then attach the letter to your application file.

Does The Graduate School really need all my transcripts?

Yes. One official copy of all academic transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, including undergraduate and graduate course work, must be sent directly from the institution. Transcripts that have been opened or tampered with will not be accepted. UND students must arrange for their own transcripts.

If you have graduated from a college or university outside of the U.S. or Canada, you must also include an official or attested copy of your diploma or degree certificate sent by the registrar. All documentation must be in English or have an English translation attached.

Indian students must provide all official or attested marksheets and a copy of their diploma.

Chinese students must provide transcripts plus Graduation Certificate and Degree Diploma. Do not send High School/Intermediate/Secondary transcripts.

 

What if I took college courses while in high school?

If you earned college credit and used it toward your bachelor degree we will need a transcript.

 

Admissions

When will I hear if I have been admitted or denied?

First check your My Gradspace account for the most up-to-date information. The amount of time it takes to hear about the decision letter varies by department. Check with the department you have applied to find out how they handle admissions.

 

When will I receive my I-20?

An I-20 cannot be requested until you have accepted your admission and we have received your certificate of finance. If you are receiving an assistantship and/or tuition waiver, you will be responsible for providing proof of funds for the amount of the difference that your award does not cover.

 

If I decide not to attend UND the semester to which I was admitted, how long is my admission valid?

The term to enter can be delayed one time only. After that, you will have to reapply to The Graduate School. An inactive file is archived. You must contact The Graduate School prior to the start of the semester to which you applied to be eligible.

 

I decided not to accept the offer of admission. Do you need a formal letter of withdrawal?

Students can decline an offer of admission through My GradSpace.

 

What was the reason I was denied admission?

For specific reasons, contact the graduate director or departmental chair in that department.

 

Registration

I was admitted to the program. Why can’t I register?

1. Check My Gradspace to ensure you have completed all the items in your checklist.

If you have completed your checklist within My Gradspace, check to see if one of these reasons might apply:

2. Your admission is pending the bachelor’s degree

3. Your admission is pending for some other reason (missing items)

4. You have not been assigned a registration time

5. The term to enter is incorrect

6. It is past the last day to register on CampusConnection

7. You are using an incorrect password

 

How do I register for a class if I’m not admitted into a graduate program yet?

You must be admitted to The Graduate School to register for a class. If you are not in a graduate program, you may be admitted as a non-degree student.

 

How many credits do I need to be considered full time?

For students without an assistantship to be considered full time the minimum credits taken in the fall and spring semesters are 9 and during the summer semester are 6. To qualify for Federal Financial Aid you must be registered in a minimum of 6 credits (half-time status).

 

Where do I get my deferment or verification of enrollment done once I’m a graduate student?

Students can print out enrollment verifications and unofficial transcripts on their CampusConnection. You will need to sign in with your student ID and password.

 

Non-Degree Status

How do I become a Non-Degree student?

You need to create a My Gradspace account. Within My Gradspace fill out the application for non-degree and pay the $35 application fee.

 

Is there an application fee to apply as a Non-Degree student?

Yes, the application fee is $35.00

 

Can those credits I take as a Non-Degree student be used for my Masters program once I’m accepted?

Upon approval, up to 9 non-degree credits may be transferred into a program.

 

Can I get Federal Financial Aid as a non-degree student?

No, you must be in a degree seeking program to receive Federal Financial Aid.

 

Assistantships

How do I get a copy of my appointment letter?

You may come to The Graduate School and request a copy of the letter.

 

Will I get a paper copy of my tuition waiver?

No, you will receive an email notifying you of your tuition waiver. You will need to accept or decline the waiver via the email. If you need a paper copy, you will need to print it from the email.

 

If I have a question about my health insurance whom do I call?

If you have questions about coverage, call Vaaler Insurance at (701) 775-3131. Ask for the UND Graduate School representative.

 

How many credits is considered full time if I have an assistantship?

Students with assistantships must enroll in 6 credits in the fall and spring, and 3 credits in the summer.

 

By what date do I need to have accepted my assistantship and tuition waiver?

1st day of classes

 

When will my tuition waiver be applied to my account?

A waiver will only be applied if it has been offered and accepted with The Graduate School. The Graduate School strives to have all financial assistance applied to student accounts by the first day of classes.

 

International Students

Does The Graduate School accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)?

Yes, The Graduate School recognizes the IELTS. IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. An overall band score of 6.5 is required.

 

Miscellaneous

Where is The Graduate School located?

The Graduate School is located in Twamley Hall, Room 414.

Our mailing address is:

The Graduate School

Twamley Hall Room 414

264 Centennial Drive Stop 8178

Grand Forks, ND 58202

 

Where do I find a list of all the dates and deadlines for The Graduate School?

On the home page of The Graduate School web site and throughout various menus. You can also find dates and deadlines on the UND calendar.