Graduate Admissions FAQ
If you have a question that is not answered here, please email
gradadmissions@ucsd.edu.
Index of Topics
General Graduate School Questions
Q: I would like information about Graduate School.
A: Contact the department in which you are interested for information about
their program. Go to ogs.ucsd.edu/admissions/programs
for website, email, and other contact information for each of the graduate
departments.
Q: I'm not sure which graduate program at UCSD is best for me.
A: Visit your Career Services Center and see a Career Counselor to help map out
which type of graduate education is best for you. You can get information from
UCSD's Career Services Center by visiting their website at
career.ucsd.edu. Visit department websites for further information
about department areas of specialization and faculty research focuses. You can
find links to each of the graduate department home pages at
ogs.ucsd.edu/admissions/programs.
Q: What do I do in order to become a Teaching Assistant (TA)?
A: Teaching Assistant assignments are made by the departments. Contact
information for each of the graduate departments is at
ogs.ucsd.edu/admissions/programs.
Q: Does UCSD offer professional programs, such as Physician's Assistant or
Physical Therapy?
A: No. Look at the list of majors (ogs.ucsd.edu/admissions/programs)
for graduate studies and medical school for other programs and undergraduate
programs (www.ucsd.edu).
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General Application Questions
Q: What is UCSD's application fee?
A:
The non-refundable application fee is:
US Citizens and Permanent Resident Applicants
$70.00
International
Applicants $90.00
The
application fee is payable by major credit card: MasterCard,
Visa, American Express, Discover, and JCB.
Q: Did you get my application?
A: If you completed an online application you will receive
an application confirmation number. Return to the Application Management
page of the online application to check the status of your application.
You will need your application username and password to access this site.
When considering whether the mailed application has met the deadline, we go by
the postmark on the envelope.
Q: How long should a Statement of Purpose be?
A: Two pages is the general guideline for the Statement of Purpose. You may
access information about preparing a Statement of Purpose along with specific
requirements set by departments/programs at
http://ogs.ucsd.edu/admissions/application/statement.
Q: I'm submitting an electronic application.
How do I pay the application fee?
A: The application fee payment form is located at the
end of the online application under
the section “Begin Submit Process”. To pay the application
fee you must use an
acceptable credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American
Express, JCB) or check
card (Visa, Master Card). Your application cannot be submitted
without fee payment.
You will pay the application fee first and then submit your application. Q: Can I submit a paper application?
A: The Admissions Office encourages all applicants to use the on-line
application. It provides more information and is usually easier for the
applicant as well. If you are unable to use the on-line application you must
have department approval to submit a paper application. To get department
approval, contact the department to which you wish to apply and explain the
circumstances that prevent you from using the online application process. The
department will determine whether or not to provide paper application
materials.
If you have been approved to submit a paper application, please pay the
application fee by check. If someone is paying the fee for you with a
check, they must include with the payment your name, the name of the graduate
department to which you are applying, and your date of birth on the check.
This will insure that you are credited for the payment.
Q: My address has changed. Who should I notify?
A: If you are a graduate applicant can update your contact
information on the application website at http://graduateapp.ucsd.edu/ .
If you are a registered student at UCSD, contact the registrar's office
for a change of address form.
Q: How do I get a Graduate Application fee waiver?
A: Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents may request
a waiver of the application fee. Waivers are provided to applicants
who are: 1) currently receiving need-based financial assistance from
an undergraduate or graduate institution; or 2) claiming financial hardship
based on current federal tax return income data; or 3) participating
in selected federal, state and private graduate school preparation programs.
For option #3 you must provide the name and email address of the program
director.
All fee waivers are granted provisionally and applicants are required
to provide supporting information and documentation to finalize the waiver.
The fee waiver request is completed online under the “Begin Submit
Process” section of the graduate application.
Eligibility guidelines and directions for requesting an application
fee waiver are at ogs.ucsd.edu/admissions/application/waiver.
Q: What steps do I need to take to apply to UCSD?
A: The first step in preparing for application is to contact the
department/program. Review the department/program website,
ogs.ucsd.edu/admission/programs, and make contacts to insure your
interests match with what UCSD has to offer. Some departments have
pre-applications. DO NOT proceed with the application process until you have
read the department requirements. Application deadlines and requirements vary
by department. The UCSD online application for Graduate Admissions is the
preferred form of application, accessible at graduateapp.ucsd.edu.
The second step is to contact the Educational Testing Service and have
GRE and, if appropriate, TOEFL scores sent to UCSD.
The third step is to arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation and
order transcripts from all institutions attended after completing high school.
Q: Can I apply to more than one program?
A: Yes. You may apply to more than one program or major at UCSD. You may not
apply to more than one program within the same department.
Q: How many applications can I make with payment of one application
fee?
A: You may make up to two applications with payment
of one application fee or three applications with one application
fee waiver.
Submit your first application with the fee or fee waiver. For
additional applications, re-enter the application website
with your same username and password. Click on "Start a New Application".
Change the major code and other information for the new department/major.
For some majors different questions may be asked on the application so
review the application carefully.
Please, DO NOT USE THE BACK BUTTON ON YOUR BROWSER TO START A NEW APPLICATION.
In this case you will be asked to pay the application fee
again.
After completing the additional application, click on submit. You will
not be asked to pay the application fee for the additional
application(s). You will receive an application confirmation number for
each application submitted. Treat each application as unique and separate.
All required transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation must
be submitted to each department/program.
Q: How can I establish residency?
A: All questions regarding residency need to be addressed to the Registrar's
Office. The website is http://registrar.ucsd.edu
Q: I want to transfer to UCSD, what is the procedure?
A: There is no separate application for students interested in transferring.
You will need to use the online application process available at
http://graduateapp.ucsd.edu. It is recommended that you contact the department
you are interested in before making application.
Q: I already hold a Master's or Doctorate degree; can I apply for a
duplicate degree in a different discipline?
A: Duplication of advanced degrees is not permitted. Holders of a master's
degree or Ph.D. are advised not to apply for admission to a program for the
same degree, regardless of the discipline of the first degree or the discipline
to which they seek admission. A professional degree is not regarded as a
duplication of an academic degree.
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Tests and Test Score Questions
Q: My transcripts, GRE or TOEFL scores are not ready. Should I wait until I
get them to send my application?
A: No. Submit your application as soon as possible. Request the Educational
Testing Service (ETS) to send your scores as soon as they are available.
Contact the department to determine their deadline date for reviewing your
scores. Contact information for each of the graduate departments is at
ogs.ucsd.edu/admissions/programs.
Q: Did you receive my transcripts, GRE scores, TOEFL scores?
A: The department will notify you if they have not received them. If you have
received official notification from UCSD, contact the department. Contact
information for each of the graduate departments is at
ogs.ucsd.edu/admissions/programs. Or, you can contact
admissions by emailing gradadmissions@ucsd.edu.
Be sure to include your full name, SSN and admitting department.
Q: What is the UCSD institution code for GRE/TOEFL?
A: 4836
Q: What is the department code for the GRE?
A: See the GRE Bulletin on the GRE website at www.gre.org.
Q: What is the department code for the TOEFL?
A: See the TOEFL bulletin on the TOEFL website
www.toefl.org.
Q: How long are GRE scores valid?
A: Educational Testing Service (ETS) will report GRE scores for 5 full years,
only. For specific information, visit the GRE website at
www.gre.org.
Q: How long are TOEFL scores valid?
A: Educational Testing Service (ETS) will report TOEFL scores for 2 full years,
only. For specific information, visit the TOEFL website at
www.toefl.org.
Q: Does UCSD take the best GRE scores, or does it average them?
A: Official scores are your most recent scores. Many, but not all, graduate
departments use your best scores when evaluating your application.
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Admission Notification Questions
Q: When will a decision be made on my application?
A: Every department has different timelines. Once a decision has been made you
will be notified by e-mail. You can also check the status of your application
by going to the Check Application Status page of your online application.
Admitted Student Questions
Q: My department told me I was admitted but I haven't received anything from
OGS.
A: It can take up to 2 weeks to process the paperwork from departments. If it
has been more than 4 weeks, please email gradadmissions@ucsd.edu.
Make sure to include any information that may have changed since you submitted
your application.
Q: I have been admitted and have questions about my visa forms.
A: If you have questions about the I-20 or DS-2019 Certificates of Eligibility,
contact gradadmissions@ucsd.edu.
Your Certificate of Eligibility outlines procedures for obtaining a visa from a
U.S. Embassy. For additional information, access the UCSD International Center
web site orpheus.ucsd.edu/icenter.
Q: I haven't received anything about Registration.
A: You will receive registration information from your department. This is
usually given to new students at your department's New Student Orientation. If
you have other questions, contact your department through their website
ogs.ucsd.edu/admissions/programs.
Q: I can't register. I was told I'm not admitted.
A: The problem may be that you did not complete the
online Graduate Intent to Register form. In this case a registration
screen in the campus student database is not created.
To determine what the problem is, contact gradadmissions@ucsd.edu.
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Housing
Q: What is the cost of living for UCSD students and how much do apartments
off-campus cost? How can I search for housing?
A: Information on the approximate cost of living for UCSD is available at
http://fao.ucsd.edu/forms/5budgetGrad.pdf.
Q: How much do apartments off campus cost? How can I search for housing?
A: Information on housing on and off campus is available at
http://hds.ucsd.edu.
San Diego City and Region
Q: What are some activities that you can do in San Diego?
A: San Diego is the 7th largest city in the US. It is a beautiful city with
great weather and beaches. There are clubs, cafes, the San Diego Zoo, Sea
World, parks, and great restaurants. If you like outdoor activities there are
many things to do here. You can go surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, rock
climbing and much more. San Diego is a great place to study. UCSD overlooks the
Pacific Ocean from atop the bluffs of La Jolla, so you are minutes away from
the beaches. Website ogs.ucsd.edu/sandiego.
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Summer Research Programs (Undergraduate)
Q: I'm a recent graduate, can I apply for the summer research program even
though it says it is for juniors and seniors?
A: Yes, you are qualified if you intend to soon apply for a doctoral program.
Q: Do you have summer research programs?
A: Yes, we have several summer research programs on campus. You may find a
description and links to each at the following website:
ogs.ucsd.edu/stars. Any questions? Call or email us (858-534-3678 or
stars@ucsd.edu). Other research programs at UCSD can be found at
sea.ucsd.edu/summer_research.
Undergraduate Programs
Q: I already graduated with a BA/BS degree, can I take regular undergraduate
classes at UCSD?
A: UC Policy dictates that if you already have a BA or BS degree, you cannot
re-enroll to get a new Bachelor's degree. You can take undergraduate classes
through the University Extension. These can be regular university classes or
extension classes. The units can be used toward one of the many certificate
programs offered by Extension or transfer the units to another university. You
can visit the University Extension website at
extension.ucsd.edu.
Q: Can I apply for the UC LEADS program if I am already a junior in college?
A: UC LEADS is a 2-year commitment. Your eligibility is based on your expected
date of graduation. Students with two years remaining before graduation will be
considered. To learn more about program please go to aep.ucsd.edu,
click on the AEP website, click on programs, and click again on the UC LEADS
Program.
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