APPLYING TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL - FAQs
Please contact us if you have any other questions.
APPLICATION TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
TRANSCRIPTS
RECOMMENDATIONS
TEST SCORES
TUITION, FEES AND UNIVERSITY SUPPORT
TAKING GRADUATE COURSES OUTSIDE A DEGREE PROGRAM
HOUSING
CONTACT INFORMATION
APPLICATION TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL 
How can I submit an application?
Effective for Fall 2007 admissions, all applications must be filled out online. Please click the following link to get further instructions about required documents and to start an online application account.
Do I have to fill out the entire application in one sitting?
No, the online application is interactive. You can create an account, save your answers, and return to your application as often as you like. Until you click the Submit button, you can change what you have saved.
What if I am having a technical problem with filling out my application online?
If you have any questions about the online interface system, please click the “Technical Support” link on the login page.
What if I am applying to more than one program? Do I have to fill out two applications and pay two application fees?
Yes, and you have to make sure to send two sets of all of your supplementary required documents to both departments as well.
What if I applied to Stony Brook in the past, submitted an application, and want to apply again?
If you applied a program within the last twelve months, please contact the Graduate Program to which you applied. If you're applying to a different program, please create a new account and submit a new application.
What are the deadlines for applying to the Graduate School?
The deadline for Spring admissions is October 1st. The deadline for Fall admissions is January 15th. Applications to the Biopsychology, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive/ Experimental Psychology, and Social and Health Psychology doctoral programs must be submitted by December 15th. Please check with the Graduate Program Coordinator of the department to which you are applying to see if the program will accept applications after these dates.
What is the application fee?
A non-refundable application fee of $70. will be charged for your application. Online applicants must pay by credit card. You will be given a prompt when you submit your application online to provide your credit card information.
How do I find out the status of my application? How do I find out if all my supporting documents have been received?
Please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator who will be able to inform you if they have received all of your supporting documents and if there is anything missing from your file.Please note that the Graduate School does not receive your supporting materials so we cannot acknowledge any receipt of your documents. Your Graduate Program Coordinator will be able to let you know if the department admissions committee has reviewed your application and if a decision has been made.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
What documents do I have to provide in addition to the online application?
Please refer to the following link, “Additional Required Documentation.” You may also download our “Completed Application Checklist” .
Where do I send my additional required documents?
All official transcripts, recommendation letters, etc. must be sent directly to the program to which you are applying. Mailing addresses for individual programs can be found at the program's website.
TRANSCRIPTS
What constitutes an official, final transcript?
Official transcripts are valid when they are issued by the school you attended. They have an official seal/stamp and an official signature by an appropriate academic administrative officer. They are sealed by the university. Photocopied documents are NOT official. Final transcripts state that a degree has been conferred and provide the date of conferral. A provisional certificate, therefore, is not final, but temporary.
Do I have to have my transcript translated if it is not in English?
Yes, academic records from international universities that are not in English must be accompanied by an official English translation. Academic records must be translated by an accredited, objective party.
My transcript only contains the marks that I received. This is adequate to show I earned a degree, right?
No. If your official transcript (or mark sheet) does not specifically state that a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) has been conferred, you will also need to submit an official (attested) diploma or an official certification of degree(s) awarded.
What if I haven’t received my degree yet, but will have earned it by the time I would like to start graduate school?
If you are in the process of completing a degree, please send an official transcript that shows your progress to this point. You will need to send a final, official transcript once your degree is conferred. Transcripts that do not show a degree awarded will not delay application processing, but failure to submit final documentation about conferral will result in a registration block.
What if I went to a college, but did not graduate? What if I just took classes there?
Applicant are required to submit transcripts from all institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was earned.
Do I have to send original transcripts from my university? I come from an international school, and my school only issues one official copy of my transcript. Is it okay to send photocopies of my transcript, and only submit the originals after I am accepted?
No. While many international schools only issue one diploma, it is not true that they will only issue one transcript (mark sheet, generally with the degree posted). Stony Brook University will not review any student applications without original transcripts from a student’s university. This is a State University of New York mandate, and no exceptions can be made.
RECOMMENDATIONS
TEST SCORES
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
TUITION, FEES AND UNIVERSITY SUPPORT
What are the tuition and fees at Stony Brook? How can I apply for financial aid?
For all questions regarding tuition, fees, and financial aid, please refer to Stony Brook’s Office of Financial Services website: http://www.stonybrook.edu/finaid/cost/graduate.shtml
How do I apply for program or university financial support, such as Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Assistantships, Research Assistantships, and Tuition Scholarships?
You will be considered for merit-based assistance by filling out the “Financial Aid” section of the online application.
TAKING GRADUATE COURSES OUTSIDE A DEGREE PROGRAM
Can I take a Graduate Course without entering a Degree Program ?
If you have a baccalaureate degree and are interested in taking graduate courses at Stony Brook, without working towards a degree, you may apply for admission as a non-matriculated graduate (GSP) student. The School of Professional Development represents the University's (West Campus) non-matriculated students.
The maximum number of graduate credits that one may earn as a non-matriculated graduate student (GSP) that may later be considered for any Stony Brook graduate degree is 12; for certificate programs, the maximum is 6.
Enrollment in a department's graduate courses does not entitle a GSP student to candidacy for a department's degrees. You must formally apply and be admitted to a degree and/or certificate program.
HOUSING
Where can I find information about Housing?
For information about on-campus housing, please refer to the following website:
http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/res/
For information about off-campus housing, please refer to the following website:
http://och.fsa.sunysb.edu/
CONTACT INFORMATION
For further information about Graduate School Admission, please contact: Graduate_School_Admissions@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
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Please contact us if you have any other questions.
APPLICATION TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
TRANSCRIPTS
RECOMMENDATIONS TEST SCORES TUITION, FEES AND UNIVERSITY SUPPORT TAKING GRADUATE COURSES OUTSIDE A DEGREE PROGRAM HOUSING CONTACT INFORMATION |
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APPLICATION TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL How can I submit an application?
Effective for Fall 2007 admissions, all applications must be filled out online. Please click the following link to get further instructions about required documents and to start an online application account.
Do I have to fill out the entire application in one sitting?
No, the online application is interactive. You can create an account, save your answers, and return to your application as often as you like. Until you click the Submit button, you can change what you have saved.
What if I am having a technical problem with filling out my application online?
If you have any questions about the online interface system, please click the “Technical Support” link on the login page.
What if I am applying to more than one program? Do I have to fill out two applications and pay two application fees?
Yes, and you have to make sure to send two sets of all of your supplementary required documents to both departments as well.
What if I applied to Stony Brook in the past, submitted an application, and want to apply again?
If you applied a program within the last twelve months, please contact the Graduate Program to which you applied. If you're applying to a different program, please create a new account and submit a new application.
What are the deadlines for applying to the Graduate School?
The deadline for Spring admissions is October 1st. The deadline for Fall admissions is January 15th. Applications to the Biopsychology, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive/ Experimental Psychology, and Social and Health Psychology doctoral programs must be submitted by December 15th. Please check with the Graduate Program Coordinator of the department to which you are applying to see if the program will accept applications after these dates.
What is the application fee?
A non-refundable application fee of $70. will be charged for your application. Online applicants must pay by credit card. You will be given a prompt when you submit your application online to provide your credit card information.
How do I find out the status of my application? How do I find out if all my supporting documents have been received?
Please contact your Graduate Program Coordinator who will be able to inform you if they have received all of your supporting documents and if there is anything missing from your file.Please note that the Graduate School does not receive your supporting materials so we cannot acknowledge any receipt of your documents. Your Graduate Program Coordinator will be able to let you know if the department admissions committee has reviewed your application and if a decision has been made.
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
What documents do I have to provide in addition to the online application?
Please refer to the following link, “Additional Required Documentation.” You may also download our “Completed Application Checklist” .
Where do I send my additional required documents?
All official transcripts, recommendation letters, etc. must be sent directly to the program to which you are applying. Mailing addresses for individual programs can be found at the program's website.
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TRANSCRIPTS
What constitutes an official, final transcript?
Official transcripts are valid when they are issued by the school you attended. They have an official seal/stamp and an official signature by an appropriate academic administrative officer. They are sealed by the university. Photocopied documents are NOT official. Final transcripts state that a degree has been conferred and provide the date of conferral. A provisional certificate, therefore, is not final, but temporary.
Do I have to have my transcript translated if it is not in English?
Yes, academic records from international universities that are not in English must be accompanied by an official English translation. Academic records must be translated by an accredited, objective party.
My transcript only contains the marks that I received. This is adequate to show I earned a degree, right?
No. If your official transcript (or mark sheet) does not specifically state that a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) has been conferred, you will also need to submit an official (attested) diploma or an official certification of degree(s) awarded.
What if I haven’t received my degree yet, but will have earned it by the time I would like to start graduate school?
If you are in the process of completing a degree, please send an official transcript that shows your progress to this point. You will need to send a final, official transcript once your degree is conferred. Transcripts that do not show a degree awarded will not delay application processing, but failure to submit final documentation about conferral will result in a registration block.
What if I went to a college, but did not graduate? What if I just took classes there?
Applicant are required to submit transcripts from all institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was earned.
Do I have to send original transcripts from my university? I come from an international school, and my school only issues one official copy of my transcript. Is it okay to send photocopies of my transcript, and only submit the originals after I am accepted?
No. While many international schools only issue one diploma, it is not true that they will only issue one transcript (mark sheet, generally with the degree posted). Stony Brook University will not review any student applications without original transcripts from a student’s university. This is a State University of New York mandate, and no exceptions can be made.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Can the person who is recommending me send a paper recommendation?
If your referees do not wish to submit their recommendations online, please provide them with the paper recommendation form that can be downloaded from the online system. Paper recommendations must be sent directly to the graduate program you are applying to in sealed envelopes, signed across the seal by the recommender.
Where do I find recommendation forms to give to my recommenders? I can’t find them on your website.
In order to gain access to our recommendation forms, you must start an online account. Once on our online system, you can either send emails directing your recommenders to submit a recommendation to the online system itself, or download a paper recommendation form from the system and give it to your recommender.
Paper recommendations must be sent directly to the graduate program you are applying to in sealed envelopes, signed across the seal by the recommender.
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TEST SCORES
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
Is there a minimum GRE requirement?TOEFL/IELTS/TSE
The Graduate School does not have a minimum GRE requirement. You must contact the department to which you are applying to see if they have minimum GRE requirements for their admissions process.
Is the GRE required for admittance into all programs?
The GRE general test is required of all applicants, with the exception of the following programs:Applicants to the MBA program may take the GRE or the GMAT.
- Hispanic Languages and Literature - MA and PhD
- Mathematics - MA Program (for applicants in Secondary Teaching Option Only)
- MFA in Writing and Literature
- Music Performance - MM and DMA
- European Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
- Graduate Certificate in Composition Studies
I have taken the GRE and TOEFL tests as required. Could I send copies of my scores to Stony Brook and ask Educational Testing Services (ETS) to send my official scores later when I am admitted?
No. Please request that ETS send official score reports to Stony Brook University (School code: 2548) in order for your application to be reviewed.
Do I have to take the TOEFL?
If your native or primary language is not English, you must take an English proficiency test. To be considered for admission, an applicant must present an acceptable score on the TOEFL or IELTS test.
What are the minimum scores required for admission?
IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no subsection below 6.
TOEFL:In general a doctoral student should have an iBT of 90 or higher, although candidates with lower scores may be considered in special circumstances.
- Paper-based test: 550
- Computer-based test: 213
- Internet-based test:
- 80 for general admission.
- 90 for admission to a doctoral program and to be eligible for consideration for TA/GA support.
Spoken English: All doctoral students and students with a TA/GA stipend whose native language is not English must demonstrate a sufficient level of English-speaking proficiency, and may be required to take ESL courses based on these measures. Doctoral and TA/GA students are exempt from ESL courses or a speaking evaluation with one of the following scores:All other Doctoral and TA/GA students will be required to take the SPEAK test on arrival.
- TSE: 55
- IELTS speak: 7
- iBT speak: 28
Do I have to take the TSE?
The TSE is not required for admission to the Graduate School.
Any PhD student or student with a stipend (TA, GA, RA) whose native language is not English must score 55 or above on the TSE or SPEAK test OR obtain a score of 7.0 or better in the speaking component of the IELTS test. If the TSE is not available, you may take the SPEAK test upon arrival at Stony Brook.
What if I have my official Examinee (Personal) score report for my TOEFL/IELTS/TSE exam? Can I just make a copy of it?
No, the Graduate School requires that students contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) and have them send official score reports directly to Stony Brook University. Our institution code is 2548.
When should I take the TOEFL?
Please schedule to take the exam in time for the Graduate School deadline for the semester to which you are applying. Be aware, as well, that it takes time for ETS to send these scores to Stony Brook. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that he/she has taken the test and ordered that the scores be sent to Stony Brook in time for admissions evaluation by the department. Any delay in the receipt of the TOEFL score will impede application evaluation and processing.
What if I took the TOEFL exam years ago?
The Graduate School will not accept any test scores that are more than two years older than the prospective date of entry into Graduate School. For example, TOEFL exams taken prior to August 2007 will not be accepted for Fall 2009 applicants.TOEFL exams taken prior to January 2007 will not be accepted for Spring 2009 applicants.
What is meant by “native and primary language”?
Native or primary speakers of English have been raised or educated in an English-speaking environment. Native or primary speakers may speak a language other than English at home, but speak English exclusively outside the home in social and/or educational contexts.
Please note: Intentional misrepresentation by a student regarding his or her native/primary language is academic dishonesty, and grounds for dismissal from the University.
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TUITION, FEES AND UNIVERSITY SUPPORT
What are the tuition and fees at Stony Brook? How can I apply for financial aid?
For all questions regarding tuition, fees, and financial aid, please refer to Stony Brook’s Office of Financial Services website: http://www.stonybrook.edu/finaid/cost/graduate.shtml
How do I apply for program or university financial support, such as Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Assistantships, Research Assistantships, and Tuition Scholarships?
You will be considered for merit-based assistance by filling out the “Financial Aid” section of the online application.
|
|
TAKING GRADUATE COURSES OUTSIDE A DEGREE PROGRAM
Can I take a Graduate Course without entering a Degree Program ?
If you have a baccalaureate degree and are interested in taking graduate courses at Stony Brook, without working towards a degree, you may apply for admission as a non-matriculated graduate (GSP) student. The School of Professional Development represents the University's (West Campus) non-matriculated students.
The maximum number of graduate credits that one may earn as a non-matriculated graduate student (GSP) that may later be considered for any Stony Brook graduate degree is 12; for certificate programs, the maximum is 6.
Enrollment in a department's graduate courses does not entitle a GSP student to candidacy for a department's degrees. You must formally apply and be admitted to a degree and/or certificate program.
|
|
HOUSING
Where can I find information about Housing?
For information about on-campus housing, please refer to the following website:
http://studentaffairs.stonybrook.edu/res/ For information about off-campus housing, please refer to the following website:
http://och.fsa.sunysb.edu/ |
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CONTACT INFORMATION
For further information about Graduate School Admission, please contact: Graduate_School_Admissions@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
