Home > Graduate School > Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
I have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before. How long are my test scores valid?
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) keeps scores on file for up to five years after test date. When applying to VSU, please have an official copy of your scores forwarded to the Graduate School by calling ETS at 1-888-GRE-SCORE (1-888-473-7267). [VSU's institutional code is 5855.] There is a fee required for this service. NOTE: If your scores are older than five years, please contact the Graduate School.
Can I substitute the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) for the GRE?
The College of Education will accept either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission to Masters and Educational Specialist degree programs. Other programs that also accept the MAT in lieu of the GRE include the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Social Work, the Master of Public Administration, and the Master of Science in Sociology.
Do I have to send transcripts for work that I completed at institutions other than Valdosta State either as an undergraduate or graduate student when I'm applying for admission?
YES. Effective Spring 2007, we are no longer able to obtain copies of all the courses you have completed at other schools - only courses taken at VSU. An official transcript for each school atteneded other than VSU is required.
Should I ask schools to send their transcripts to VSU or to me?
Either way is acceptable. You can ask the school to send the transcript to you in a sealed envelope. When you receive the envelope, do not break the seal but send it to us still in its original envelope with your other supporting documents. This is a common practice understood by nearly every college and university.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Official transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an International Educational Evaluation Service before being sent to the Graduate School. Service information may be requested through the Graduate School or International Programs. Fees for this service are to be paid by the applicant.
I have all of the items required for my application except one or two, should I go ahead and submit what I have?
Yes, we will match incoming material with your application or hold the material until you have applied online and we are able to download your application.
Is there anyway that I can begin my graduate degree program prior to completing the GRE or MAT?
If you are otherwise fully qualified (i.e., undergraduate degree completed with appropriate GPA, etc.) you may be enrolled in most majors in the special category designated irregular. While an irregular student you are ineligible for financial aid, may not be considered for a graduate assistantship, and may take only 9 semester hours. Before registering for any courses beyond 9 hours, you must submit the test scores and be admitted to regular or probationary status. Admission as an irregular student does not guarantee you admission as a regular or probationary student. Please call the Graduate School if you have further questions about irregular status. Irregular status may not be used when enrolling in the Ed.S. or Ed.D. programs.
Are personal recommendations required as a part of the application package?
Only designated graduate programs require recommendations. Some require two recommendations while another requires three. Please review carefully the requirements for the degree you are seeking. Sending recommendations to us if they are not required does nothing to enhance your chances of admission. An official recommendation form must be submitted (letters can be attached).
I attended Valdosta State graduate school in the past but did not receive my graduate degree? Do I have to apply again to continue my work?
If you have not attended attended Valdosta State for more than one year, you must submit an application for admission.
If I am seeking initial teacher certification training, what graduate program do I apply for?
Initial teacher certification (for students with a bachelor's degree without education courses) is accomplished as an undergraduate student. Please call the College of Education for advising. Afterwards, you will need to work with undergraduate admissions to be accepted to the University.
If I went to several colleges as an undergraduate, do I need to submit transcripts from all or can I submit a transcript from the school that awarded my degree?
We need you to submit transcripts from each of the schools you have attended.
How many hours can I transfer to VSU from other graduate work completed at another institution?
The maximum number of hours that we can accept in transfer credit is 10 quarter hours or 6 semester hours. All hours accepted as transfer credit must be reviewed and approved by your advisor.
If I applied several years ago, do you still have any of the materials and may I use those same materials in a new application?
If you applied and began graduate study at VSU, we maintain those records for seven years. If you applied but did not gain admission or did not register as a student, we will keep your record for one year. If you have questions regarding what material we still have, give us a call and we'll research it for you. Don't forget that we have toll free access at 800-618-1878 opt #5.
I attended Valdosta State as as undergraduate. Do I have to submit another medical form with my application to graduate school?
No. If you have attended Valdosta State at any time in the past you do not have to resubmit the medical form.
What is considered "full time" for graduate students?
If you are registered for 9 or more hours, you are considered full time.
