Do I have to submit all documents by the deadline?

Yes. We cannot send your file for review unless all admission documents have been received. The Medical Form/Distance Learning Exemption and residency documents aren't needed for review, but all other documents (including but not limited to: transcripts, supplemental materials, test scores, etc.) must arrive by close of business for your desired semester's deadline.

Top of Page

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 process your application. 

Top of Page

Can I waive or exempt the GRE/MAT/GMAT?

If your desired program offers a test score waiver, it will be noted in the Admissions Requirements on the Program page.  If that program does not mention a waiver, the scores cannot be waived. 

Top of Page

I took the GRE/MAT/GMAT over 5 years ago. Do I have to retest?

Most programs who require scores will review test scores that are over 5 years old. Please check the Program Information page (available here) to see if your program allows those scores. Since the testing administrators do not keep records after 5 years, we can accept the following forms of documentation for test scores from that time:

  • Documentation of the scores from a previous graduate school (in a letter or on a transcript)
  • A copy of the original score report you received from the testing service
  • An imaged or scanned copy of the score report from a previous graduate school.

Top of Page

 

Where should I send my transcript?

Many electronic transcript services will allow you to select "Valdosta State" from a drop down menu.  If the drop down menu only references Undergrad Admissions, that is okay: Undergrad Admissions shares the documents they receive with us.  If you need an email address to send it to, gradschool@valdosta.edu is best.  If your prior school only offers mailed transcripts, the best address is: VSU Graduate School | 1500 N Patterson St. | Valdosta, GA 31698. If you have a printed copy of your transcript IN A SEALED ENVELOPE, please be sure to leave it in the envelope.  You may mail it to us in a larger envelope or bring it to our office.  

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Official transcripts must be translated and evaluated by an International Educational Evaluation Service (must be a member of NACES).  Fees for this service are to be paid by the applicant.

Top of Page

I applied several years ago, but didn't complete my application. Do you still have any of the materials I submitted and may I use those same materials in a new application?

If you applied but were not admitted or did not register as a student, we will keep your materials for three years. If you applied and began graduate study at VSU, we maintain those records for seven years. If you have questions regarding what materials we still have, simply contact our office and we will check.

Top of Page

I attended Valdosta State as an 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 are exempt from resubmitting the medical form.

Top of Page

How many hours can I transfer to VSU from another institution?

The academic advisor reviews official transcripts to determine course equivalence/similarity. If the advisor determines the course is an appropriate transfer course, he/she sends a course substitution form to the Graduate School for approval. The course substitution form specifies the course, hours, institution of origin, and how the course should be applied (e.g., general elective or a course substitution for an existing course in the curriculum). Courses considered for transfer credit must: (1) be no more than 7 years of age, or more specifically, may not be over 7 years of age when the student completes the degree at VSU; (2) be earned at an institution that is regionally accredited; (3) be graduate-level courses; and (4) not exceed specific program limitations on total number of hours. All transfer requests are subject to approval by the Dean of the Graduate School, and grades transferred fall under the deficiency point system and dismissal policy.

Top of Page

What are appropriate recommendation sources?

Recommendations should come from individuals who know you on an academic or vocational basis and can speak to your abilities educationally or professionally (or both). Some programs require that recommendations come from current or former professors who have taught you. The MSW Advanced Standing program requires two of their three recommendations come from BSW faculty. Professors, teachers, supervisors, and coworkers are usually appropriate recommendation sources. Family members, neighbors, clergy (if they are not professors or supervisors), and friends are generally not appropriate recommendation sources. Not all graduate programs require recommendations. If your program does not require recommendations and you send them in, they cannot be forwarded to the department for review. 

Top of Page

I intend to enroll as an International Student. What steps do I need to take in addition to the general application process?

International students have additional requirements that must be submitted along with your program's admissions requirements. For more information on these materials as well as instructions for applying as an international student, please visit the following website: International Students Information

Top of Page

I have submitted all necessary materials and have completed the application process. How soon can I expect to hear from The Graduate School regarding a decision for my application?

Generally, the department may take between three to six weeks to render a decision. Many programs ask that The Graduate School send the department completed applications as the applicants complete their application packets. However, please be reminded that some programs will only review completed application packets at the deadline, thus if you complete prior to the designated due date, your materials may be held until the department requests The Graduate School send them upon the deadline's arrival. Also, various program's committees meet only once during the application cycle; as such, all completed applications are reviewed at one time, which can cause some delay in rendering a decision. Once the department has reached a decision, The Graduate School cannot release the decision in any other format than the official decision email.

Top of Page