Application | Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

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Is there a fee to apply for admission?


Yes. Please visit the Graduate Division website for more information. Application fee waivers may be available for domestic applicants only. We cannot waive the application fee for international applicants. You will not be considered for admission if you file an application but neglect to pay the required fee.

 

 

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Am I required to have completed an MA degree before applying for a PhD?


No. Most applicants applying for a PhD have completed a Bachelor's degree, but not a Master's degree. A Bachelor's degree is required for admission.

 

 

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Can I apply for more than one program at a time?


Yes, however, separate and distinct applications and application fees are required.

 

 

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When do applications open? When do applications close?


October for the following academic year.

Application deadlines vary by department. Specific dates can be found here.

 

 

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Do we have a system of rolling admissions?


No. Most PhD admissions decisions are offered in February-March. MA offers are made March-June.

 

 

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What are the GRE and TOEFL codes for UCI and the School of Social Sciences?


Information on institution and program codes is available on the UCI Graduate Division website. Not all programs require GRE scores. Please refer to the list of requirements by program.

 

 

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I took the GMAT instead of the GRE. May I use that score instead?


No, we are unable to accept GMAT scores, LSAT scores, or GRE Subject Test scores in place of the GRE General Test requirement. For additional information, please visit Admissions | Graduate Division | UCI

 

 

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Can the English language proficiency requirement be waived for international students?


All graduate students, except those who have earned an undergraduate degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction according to the World Health Education Database, are required to demonstrate oral English proficiency before they admitted to a UCI graduate program and are appointed to Teaching Assistant or Teaching Associate titles. For Teaching Assistant and Associate positions, the aforementioned exception will apply only when the undergraduate degree has been earned within five years prior to admission to a graduate program at UCI. Please read the full policy on English proficiency for graduate admissions and how to search for your institution in the database on the on the UCI Graduate Division website. The English proficiency requirement for TAs can be found here.

 

 

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How do I apply for financial support?


All applicants are automatically considered for financial support as teaching assistants, graduate student researchers or fellows, and are not required to apply separately for financial support. Domestic applicants who wish to apply for need-based grants or loans will need to file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Assistance). More information is available through the UCI Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

 

 

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Is there a required length or format for the Statement of Purpose?


No, although in general, a shorter statement is better received. We suggest you limit yourself to 750-1000 words. We do not require the statement to follow a set format.
 
All applicants are required to file a separate personal history statement as well.

 

 

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I have transcripts in a language other than English. What should I do?


Please include with your transcripts an English translation provided either by the issuing school or a translation service. We do not require that international transcripts be evaluated for US equivalency. Transcripts must be submitted electronically.

 

 

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May I submit a resume and/or writing sample in support of my application?


Requirements vary by program. Please visit your program's webpage for specific requirements.

 

 

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Will my application for admission be reviewed by a committee of faculty or by support staff?


All applications are reviewed by the program's faculty admissions committee.

 

 

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Do you have a waiting list for admission?


After first round admission offers are made, there may be subsequent offers of admission, depending upon the acceptance rate of those receiving a first round offer.

 

 

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How are admissions decisions annouced?


Applicants will receive their formal acceptance letters online via the application portal.

 

 

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If I am not accepted, may I appeal the decision I received?


No. Applicants not offered admission may also re-apply in a subsequent year. Although a new application and fee will be required, the supplementary application material may be carried forward from one year to the next.

 

 

 

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