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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for International Students Welcome to the UT Tyler Office of Graduate Studies question and answer section. These are actual questions that came from prospective international students like you. We hope you find our FAQs helpful and informative. Select one of the categories below to read the Q&A on each topic. Admission Evaluating Your Profile Full Time Student Scholastic Load GRE and/or GMAT - Sending Scores GRE/GMAT Test Taking Strategies and Practice Sites Lost Username/Password/Login Info Preparing for Graduate School Admission Teaching/Graduate Assistantships Transcript Evaluation Services
How can I check the status of my application? What is the application process timeline? Did you receive my documents? When you apply online through Apply Texas, you will receive an application receipt confirmation number. This is your confirmation that your application has been sent to UT Tyler. In approximately 2-3 days*, you will receive an email from UT Tyler's Admissions department with your user name and login information. You can check your status online using your POPS identification number. Refer to the email you received for instructions, or contact one of our Admissions Representatives. *It may take up to two weeks to receive your user name email if your application is received during the first few weeks of a new semester. To check your status and review any outstanding tasks or documentation, follow the link in the email or type in the URL (http://pops.uttyler.edu).
Until all your materials have been received AND entered into the system, your application will remain in 'applicant' status. Keep in mind that it takes a while for your requested materials (transcripts, scores, etc.) to arrive, especially if they are coming from overseas. Please allow time for your materials to arrive (this will depend on how you shipped them) and be scanned into the system (approximately 5 business days after arrival).The Admissions department does not send a confirmation for each document it receives; however, you are able to view the items which have not arrived in your Student Center To Do List online in POPS. Once all your materials arrive, the Admissions department will alert the academic department that your materials are ready for evaluation. After their evaluation, they will accept or deny admission, and you will be able to view your status immediately. Please use the new POPS system to check your status instead of calling or emailing. Answering phone calls and emails for status checks delays processing applications, which means a longer time before the departments can begin evaluating the applications. Each department has a different timeline – some must evaluate many candidates, which means a longer wait for a decision on your status. The major hold up is getting transcripts in from previous institutions – once we have your information, the Admissions office will process it within 5 business days, excluding holidays. I lost/forgot my username/password/login information that was in the email I received from admissions - who do I contact? If you have lost or forgotten your username/password, contact Admissions and they will resend the email. Usernames and passwords cannot be provided over the phone. I received my acceptance letter, but I still have holds on my application - why is that? All international students will have the Incomplete File hold until they arrive at UT Tyler, provide their last year marksheets, provisional certificate, signed I-20, and a copy of their visa. The I-20 and letter from the International Admissions representative with instructions on how to pay the I901 fee will arrive separately from the acceptance letter. Additionally, all international students will have an International Mandatory Orientation hold on their application. Will you please evaluate my profile to see if I can be accepted to your program? We cannot evaluate profiles; only completed applications. All the admission requirements are listed online for each program, and many are listed in this FAQ. If you meet the minimum requirements, and all your application documents arrive before the deadline, your application will be considered for admission to the program. If you call or email with a profile evaluation request, you will be directed to this FAQ or to the department webpage. To save time, navigate to the department page and look for a link to the Graduate degrees they offer, then look for admission requirements. If a specific numerical score is not listed for the GPA/GRE/GMAT, it's because they don't have one. Read more about this here. The TOEFL score must be at least 79.
All student information is now available online at http://pops.uttyler.edu. You can check the status of your application there, and see if all your materials have arrived by looking at your checklist. If you have any problems accessing POPS, please email itsupport@uttyler.edu For instructions on how to enroll, drop a class, view and pay your bill or paying on the installment plan, or buying a parking permit, visit this site. My transcripts are missing! I requested transcripts from my previous institution, but my POPS page says they are still missing (has an initiated status). Why aren't they showing up? Before you panic, remember that just because you submitted a transcript request doesn’t mean it was sent immediately. First - contact the sending institution to find out WHEN it was sent and to WHAT department. All transcripts should be sent to the Office of Admissions; sending them to the department first delays posting time. The time-to-posting is under two weeks from the time they receive the transcript, barring any issues with the transcripts. Problems that prevent a transcript from posting include: unreadability (poor copy), different names, no birth date or Social Security number, incomplete transcripts, etc. If you find out that the sending institution sent it over two weeks ago, contact Admissions and be ready to answer these questions:
What documents do I need to submit with my application? International: Official transcript showing a four-year baccalaureate degree or its U.S. equivalent from an accredited institution of higher learning and official transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions, TOEFL scores, entrance exams scores (GRE or GMAT for MBA), and evidence of financial support (Affidavit of Support) to Anita Crockett Use Institutional Code 6850 to request the GRE/TOEFL score report to be sent to UT Tyler. Do not send copies of scores; only official scores from the testing agencies are accepted. For details and a list of forms: http://www.uttyler.edu/graduate/intnl.htm Doctoral applicants: Official transcripts showing a baccalaureate and a master's degree from regionally accredited institutions. With the application, you will submit official GRE scores and official transcripts of all post-secondary (community college and university) work. UT Tyler transcripts are available to the Registrar's Office and need not be forwarded by the applicant. Details:http://www.uttyler.edu/graduate/phdadmissions.htm Where do I send my application materials? All applications are completed online through Apply Texas. International students should send additional materials to: Recommendation letters, if required, should be sent directly to the department. Contact the program advisor to determine if your program requires recommendation letters and for the department address. When is the deadline to apply? The university deadlines are listed on the Calendar Page - please note that some programs have earlier deadlines. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a delay of acceptance and enrollment by one semester. All required documents must arrive by the deadline date. Complete applications and all supporting documents must be received in the Office of Admissions by the deadline date.
Do I have to take the GRE and/or GMAT to be admitted to a program? You will likely need either the GRE or GMAT, depending on program requirements (ask a program advisor to be sure which you'll need). UT Tyler does not offer the GRE; however, you can contact Prometric Testing Center for information on their testing locations in your country by visiting http://www.prometric.com/Default.htm. Register for your tests early; spaces fill up quickly. Plan to take the tests well before you apply to graduate school. This way, you will have time to retake any tests. Use Institutional Code 6850 to request the GRE/TOEFL score report to be sent to UT Tyler. Do not send copies of scores; only official scores from the testing agencies are accepted. This GRE Prep site not only offers free practice tests, but shows you HOW to improve your score: http://www.number2.com/ Test Tactics and Sectional Strategies for the GRE: http://tinyurl.com/ajnp4b and http://tinyurl.com/crgad Take practice tests and time yourself at http://www.testprepreview.com/gre_practice.htm (scroll down for the FREE Self-Assessment Modules:) Review areas that you need to strengthen. GMAT test-taking strategies and tips: http://tinyurl.com/c8ohjc and http://tinyurl.com/b7qr2j Download and use the free GMATPrep® test-preparation software so you can become familiar with the format used in computer-based testing. http://www.mba.com/mba/thegmat/prepareforthegmat
My GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS other test score/GPA isn’t as high as it should be – should I still apply? What is the minimum score/GPA? If you do not see a specific GPA or test score minimum listed on the department's admissions requirements, it means there isn't one. In most cases, the departments will evaluate ALL your application materials, rather than focusing solely on test scores, so don’t let a single score discourage you from applying, with the exception of the TOEFL and IELTS. Our minimum TOEFL scores are as follows: Internet based TOEFL - 79 Paper based - 550 The minimum IELTS score is 6.5 and 6 or greater in all sub-sections. These scores don't guarantee acceptance; just that your application will be sent to the department for further evaluation. If you have scored lower than our minimum requirement, we suggest that you retake the test to improve your score. Your application will not be sent to the department if your scores do not meet these posted minimums. You may find these free 'TOEFL tips and test taking strategies' websites helpful to review for the test: You can also visit http://www.examenglish.com/ for free online TOEFL and IELTS practice tests. Because of the variables considered in evaluating candidates for each program, the average test scores of previously admitted students may or may not be relevant. We encourage you to apply so the department can evaluate your entire application packet. In addition to program admission requirements, consideration for admission is also given to one or more of the following: the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to his or her chosen field of study, socioeconomic background, multilingual proficiency, geographic region of residence, first generation of family to graduate from an undergraduate program, and involvement and level of responsibility in other matters including extracurricular activities, employment, community service, or family responsibility of raising children. Use Institutional Code 6850 to request the GRE/TOEFL score report to be sent to UT Tyler. Do not send copies of scores; only official scores from the testing agencies are accepted. IELTS does not have an institution code. top Some programs do not require any letters; others require up to three recommendation letters, and may require additional information as well. It’s best to check with the program advisor to see what is required, and where to send it. The Office of Graduate Studies/Graduate Admissions department does not require any letters – you will only need recommendation letters if it’s a program requirement. I will graduate at the end of this semester, but I want to apply now so I can begin my master’s program next semester; can I still be admitted even if I haven't graduated? Yes, just send us all other required documents except for the verification of Bachelor degree/provisional certificate. If you have the required TOEFL score, we send your file to the department for evaluation. If the department accepts you, we do an I-20 BUT you must bring your verification of bachelor’s degree/ provisional certificate with you (or better yet - mail, fax or e-mail it to us as soon as you get it!) PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU MUST PROVIDE FINAL YEAR MARKS AND PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE PRIOR TO OR UPON ARRIVAL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER When we have your verification of bachelor's degree/ provisional certificate, you and your advisor will decide which classes you should take, and s/he will advise you on registration procedures. All international students are admitted as conditional at the university level until you actually report to the school and we get a copy of your original visa, I-94, travel documents, and any other documentation that we may need. Once you check in at the school and attend International Student Orientation (the date is provided in your admission letter), all holds are removed and you will be able to register. How much is tuition? What fees will I have to pay? You can find a tuition breakdown on this page: http://www.uttyler.edu/catalog/tuition/. Select the appropriate semester to view tuition and fees. You can also find course fees for specific courses by visiting this site and logging in as a guest. Beginning Fall 2009, course fees are charged according to PREFIX (e.g., EDUC), not by course number. All courses with the same prefix are charged the same course fee. What kind of financial aid can I get? Please Note: Acceptance to a program does not automatically include financial support. Contact your advisor to discuss opportunities for financial support, as well as teaching or research positions. Visit the financial aid website for contact information and to find out more about the financial aid opportunities for graduate students. For international students, http://www.uttyler.edu/financialaid/InternationalFinaidScholar.htm Another good place to look is our External Funding site. Here are a few more good sites for international graduate student financial aid or scholarship opportunities: Fulbright Foreign Student Program brings citizens of other countries to the United States for master’s or Ph.D. study at U.S. universities: http://www.foreign.fulbrightonline.org/ International Education Financial Aid has a scholarship search at www.IEFA.org P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (Philanthropic Educational Organization) P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund provides scholarships for international female students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada. http://www.peointernational.org/about/ Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships The program sponsors several types of scholarships graduate students. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country. http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/Pages/ridefault.aspx International Scholarships requires you to register to view scholarship contact information, but registration is fast and free. http://www.internationalscholarships.com/ How many hours do I have to take to be considered a full time graduate student? The minimum credit hour load to be considered a full-time graduate student is nine semester hours of graduate-level courses during a fall or spring semester or six hours during a regular summer session. The maximum credit hour load permitted is 12 hours during a fall or spring semester, six hours during a regular summer session and three hours during intersession
Are there scholarships specifically for graduate students? Yes; one is the New Graduate Student Scholarship – to find out more, visit the Scholarship website at http://www.uttyler.edu/scholarship/ and click the appropriate Academic Year link. Are there any teaching or research positions offered by UT Tyler? Yes, check with your program’s advisor to see if that department offers teaching/research assistantships. Then check here for more info http://www.uttyler.edu/graduate/assistantships.htm To find contact information for your advisor, visit the Program Contacts page. I’m trying to decide between several programs – who can I talk to about each one? At the graduate level, it’s usually best to speak directly to the program advisor. You can contact them via email to set up telephone or in-person appointments to discuss some of your questions, or they can send you a packet of information about their program for you to read. To change to another program you must have the approval of the program program advisor in the old and new programs. Your new program may require additional information such as letters of recommendation, essay, new application, new scores, etc. There is no guarantee that you will be admitted to the new program, or that courses you have completed will transfer. Contact an advisor in the new program before making a decision to change your program. Then access and print the Change of Program form. The form requires signatures from you, your previous advisor, and your new advisor. The new advisor will submit the signed form to the Registrar's office. My transcript is not in English; do I need to have it translated? Who translates transcripts? Accompanying the application must be an official English translation of the transcripts if the academic transcripts are not in English. You can contact one of these educational evaluations agencies to inquire about their translating services. We do not offer this service. JSA Joseph Silny & Associates, Inc. http://www.jsilny.com World Education Services (WES) www.wes.org International Education Research Foundation http://www.ierf.org/ International Academic Credential Evaluators www.iacei.net What classes are being offered this/next semester? To view/search the Fall 2009 schedule of classes, go to http://pops.uttyler.edu. Look for the Class Search link on the bottom left of the page. You do not need a username/password to view classes. Are course syllabi online somewhere so I can look at what's covered in a particular class? http://www.uttyler.edu/mainsite/syllabi.html Does the Master of Science/PhD in Human Resource Development require a GMAT or GRE for admission? Both programs require the GRE. Check out the free practice sites. Is housing available for graduate students? Yes; visit http://www.uttyler.edu/housing/ for descriptions of our housing options and for housing applications. What are the rules for Human Subject Research? Please be aware that any research in which a faculty member or student participates that involves human subjects MUST be approved BEFORE any recruitment of participants or data collection can be done. How do I register for classes in POPS? Your POPS ID and Password allows you to register for your classes. You should have received an email when you applied with your POPS ID and password. If you have lost or forgotten your username/password, contact Admissions and they will resend the email. Usernames and passwords cannot be provided over the phone. The user id and password for logging into POPS is the user id and password you also use to log into your Patriots mail account. Activation of your patriots mail account is required for log in access to POPS. Try logging in using those credentials and if you still experience problems, email the following information to IT Support and they will respond in a timely manner.
I lost/forgot my username/password/login information that was in the email I received from admissions - who do I contact? If you have lost or forgotten your username/password, contact Admissions and they will resend the email. Usernames and passwords cannot be provided over the phone.
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