Graduate Studies FAQ

Type of Question	Question	Answer
Endorsement	When do I have to accept or decline my admittance by?	BYU adheres to the National Deadline of April 15th, however the Department and we encourage you to respond as soon as possible so that the Department can make decisions accordingly.
Endorsement	How long will it take for Endorsements to be in our system?	It will take at most 3 days to go into our system. If it is past 3 days and it still hasn't gone into slate then reach out to Doug and he can look at it. It they are submitting it last minute and finished the endorsement the day before they should still submit their application however they won't be considered for admission until it is finalized. Their application will still say "AWAITING SUBMISSION" until it is in slate.
Transcript	How do we help students with holds on their account because of official transcripts who won't graduate from their bachelors for one more semester?	We can't remove holds for students who are about to graduate unless we have an official transcript from them. We give them two options: 1. They send an official one now to remove the hold immediately and then when they graduate they send another official one with a completed bachelors degree. 2. They wait for their official transcript that declares their completed bachelors degree so they only send it once, and until then the hold remains on. The only exception is for current BYU students because we have access to their graduation request.
Endorsement	How do I check the student's Ecclesiastical Endorsement if they are a part of an integrated program?	Students who are in any integrated program (Macc, Mism, Stats, Athletic Training, Math, MPH, etc.) won't have a slate application, you can go to GS00 to see if their endorsement is completed. They still need to do a "New Applicant Endorsement"
Endorsement	When I am completing my ecclesiastical endorsement, do I select "Continuing" or "New Applicant Endorsement"	"ALL" applicant applying for masters/phd are required to start their endorsement with "Applicant" NOT "Continuing" therefore yes, must interview with bishop and stake president or any member of the stake presidency if it is a LDS member. (own designated religious leader and the university chaplain for non-LDS members)
Endorsement	How long does my ecclesiastical endorsement last?	The endorsement expires one year from the date of completion (thus need to renew it by going through the bishop and stake president again when it expires). If they submit their application before the endorsement expires they are good.
Transcript	What do I do if my account has a hold that says "Official Transcripts Needed"	The temporary removal of the holds usually applies to BYU undergraduate students who have been admitted to graduate school because I can access proof of graduation through AIM as well as access to their official transcripts. For other schools, we cannot because we have neither. Because of that, we ask that they send us official transcripts to remove the hold and then once they have graduated, they must send another official transcript that shows the completion of their bachelor's degree. Some students who graduate in April and don't start classes till September usually prefer to wait till their official transcripts show the completion of their bachelor's degree before sending us an official transcript. This is to avoid multiple purchases of transcripts. There may be temporary removal exceptions for outside domestic students if their transcripts are on the way and they need to register for their classes ASAP because they start Spring/ Summer semester. For those cases, you will need to request the receipt of their transcript purchase as well as their program start date.
Transcript	What email do I send my previous college transcripts too?	Send unofficial domestic transcripts to gstranscript@byu.edu. Official domestic transcripts must be submitted only if applicant is admitted into their program.
Transcript	What are the procedures for foreign credential evaluations?	Remember credential evaluations are different and must be sent to our international specialist directly from TEC (Span Tran) or International Evaluation Research Foundation (IERF). Until further notice, Computer Science, Geological Sciences, MBA, MPA, Music, Nursing, Physics & Astronomy, Sociology, Spanish & Portuguese, or Statistics programs require the credential evaluation during the application process. Any other program requires it once the applicant has been admitted.
Transcript	Do I need to get a foreign credential evaluation?	If the student graduated with their bachelor's from an institution outside of the U.S. they need a Foreign Credential Evaluation, regardless of whether they are a citizen or not. If they are not a citizen and graduated within the U.S. they do not need one. It is all dependent upon whether they graduated in the United States or not. When Directing people to obtain an evaluation send them this link: https://gradstudies.byu.edu/admissions/transcripts. If they click on the IERF or Span Tran link here, the report will be sent directly to our office instead of being sent to enrollment services. DO NOT give them any other type of link for the evaluations
Transcript	What does it mean when an applicants aim account says "Pending Official Transcripts"?	It depends on the situation. 1. It means that on TRN01, the applicant's colleges/evaluation are still being processed and we haven't received it yet. 2. Our office is in the process of updating their record. SO... Front Desk, whenever we get asked if we have someone's transcript and it says "pending official" on their aim account just let them know that it is still being processed and may take a few business days. If they are an international student, check and see if we have their credential evaluation on slate. If the credential evaluation is there then we have received it and it just hasn't been updated on aim. Kindly let our international specialist know that it still needs to be updated on aim.
Transcript	What do I do if my account has a hold that says "Official Transcripts Needed" - AUTO RESPONSE TEMPLATE	The transcript hold on your account is because we have not received your official transcripts from UNIVERISTY NAME. For it to be considered official, you must request that the university send us your official transcripts through a third party - Parchment or National Clearinghouse. It must be sent to the receiver email address gstranscript@byu.edu for it to be sent directly to us. Once we have received that, then only can we update your information and remove your hold.
English Proficiency	My English proficiency is below the minimum requirement? Can I still be considered for admission?	"Unfortunately, these low scores will prevent you from being recommended for admission unless you 1) retake the TOEFL exam (or any other test of English that we accept) and score the minimum required scores or 2) the program elects to petition to waive this requirement on your behalf IF they determine that they are interested in admitting you as a candidate to their program in spite of your low scores. For more information about our English proficiency requirements for graduate school please refer to our graduate studies website here."
English Proficiency	Can I submit my English Proficiency score after the deadline?	Yes they can. The risk however is that the graduate department/program they are applying to may or may not recommend them if the scores are not received by the time they start reviewing applicants.
English Proficiency	Where do I send my official test scores for TOEFL, GRE, GMAT ONLINE, GMAT SCORDATA, IELTS, DUOLINGO...?
NetID Verification	How long will it take for my NetID to be verified?	NetIDs take anywhere from 24-48 hours to be verified by the system.
NetID Verification	Why is my NetID not verifying?	NetIDs take anywhere from 24-48 hours to be verified by the system, however, if after this point you are still having issues there may be an issue in verifying your personal information. Please make sure that the information on your application and in your BYU account are the same. If information such as your name, birthdate, address, ect. are not the same the system may not be able to verify that you are the same person.
Transcript	How long does a foreign credential evaluation take to process?	A foreign credential evaluation can take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks to process. As such it is our recommendation that applicants begin their evaluations as soon as possible. If you are still waiting for your foreign credential evaluation and it is over the 6 week mark, reaching out personally to the company that is performing the evaluation is your best source of action.
Account Information	How can I update my personal/contact information on my BYU account?	Go to https://enrollment.byu.edu/registrar/update-your-personal-information and click on either personal or contact information and make the change through that portal.
Deadlines & Applications	What is the application deadline for graduate programs?	Deadlines vary by program. Applicants should check the specific department’s website for exact dates. Most deadlines fall between December and February.
Deadlines & Applications	Can I submit my application before all recommendation letters arrive?	Yes, you should submit your application by the deadline even if recommendation letters are still pending. Letters can be added after submission, but the application will not be reviewed until all materials are received.
Recommendation	How many letters of recommendation are required?	Most graduate programs require 3 letters of recommendation. Check your program’s website to confirm.
Recommendation	Who should write my recommendation letters?	Recommenders should be individuals who can evaluate your academic ability, professional experience, or potential for graduate study. At least one should be a faculty member familiar with your academic work.
International	Do international students need to submit an English proficiency test?	Yes, unless they have earned a degree in some countries that have been chosen in the past two years from the start date of classes. BYU accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test. Minimum score requirements vary by program.
International	Can international students apply for funding or assistantships?	Yes, but availability is limited and varies by department. Students should contact their program directly about funding opportunities.
Tuition/Funding	What financial aid or scholarships are available for graduate students?	Graduate students may apply for scholarships, fellowships, or teaching/research assistantships offered by individual departments. BYU also offers limited university-level funding.
Enrollment	What is the minimum number of credit hours required to be considered full-time?	Graduate students are considered full-time if they enroll in at least 9 credit hours during fall and winter semesters.
Enrollment	Can I defer my admission if I am accepted but can’t attend this year?	Deferrals are not automatic and must be requested through the department. Approval is not guaranteed.
International	How do international students obtain a visa?	After admission, BYU issues an I-20 form for F-1 visa applicants. Students must show proof of funding.
International	Do international students need health insurance?	Yes. BYU requires international students to have health insurance and automatically enrolls them in the BYU Student Health Plan unless waived with proof of comparable coverage.
Enrollment	When can I register for classes?	Registration dates are posted on the BYU Academic Calendar. Students must have cleared all holds before registering.
Recommendation	Can I change a recommender after submission?	Yes, but you must contact Graduate Studies or your department to update recommender information.
Recommendation	How are recommenders notified?	Once the application is submitted, recommenders receive an email with instructions to upload their letters directly.
Application	Can I apply to more than one graduate program?	Yes, but each program requires a separate application and fee.
Application	Is the application fee refundable?	No, application fees are non-refundable.
Application	Can I make changes to my application after submission?	Only limited changes (such as updated transcripts or test scores) may be added. Contact Graduate Studies for assistance.
Transcript	Can unofficial transcripts be used for the application?	Yes, for initial application review. Official transcripts are required before enrollment.
Transcript	Can transcripts be hand-delivered?	No. BYU requires official transcripts sent directly from the institution electronically or in a sealed envelope.
Admissions	What are the university’s minimum admission requirements?	Applicants must: sign the Honor Code, complete an ecclesiastical endorsement, have a U.S.-equivalent bachelor’s degree, and a minimum 3.0 GPA (or ‘B’ average). Some programs may need higher. Non-native speakers must show English proficiency; certain programs also require foreign credential evaluations.
Application	Can a NetID error delay my application?	Yes—if your NetID is entered incorrectly, the delay can last several days, so contact Graduate Studies if it's not processed within 24–48 hours
Application	What is the application fee?	A $50 application fee is required upon applying.
Application	What time zone is used for the application deadline?	Application deadlines are enforced at 12 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (10 p.m. in Utah).
Application	How will I know when my application status changes?	You’ll receive email notifications when your application is updated. Check the “Status Update” section in your portal and click “View Update” to see details.
Enrollment	What minimum registration must students maintain annually to avoid program dismissal?	Graduate students must enroll in at least 6 credit hours over the academic year if admitted in spring/summer, or 4 credits if admitted in winter. Failure to meet yearly minimums may result in being dropped from the program.
Enrollment	What are the registration requirements for international students?	International students must register for at least 9 credit hours in fall and winter to meet U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements.
Transfer	How do I transfer to BYU after I've started my graduate program	You will have to apply as normal
English Proficiency	If I have attended BYU PathwayConnect, will I still need to take one of the language proficiency tests?	Yes, you will still need to take one of the language proficiency tests.
English Proficiency	What do we do if an applicant claims to have submitted their test scores but we still haven't received them on their application?	Ask for the birthdate, Net ID, test receipt, Date they took the test, and Date they requested the scores to be sent to us. Forward that info to gsadmissionintern@byu.edu so they can use the TRFN (Test Report Form Number) to track down the scores.
English Proficiency	Can GRE scores be self reported during the application process or is the official score needed?	Official score is needed
English Proficiency	If someone is about to graduate from a U.S. University how does English Proficiency get waived?	They will need to mark the Degree awarded within their Academic History. When they mark "No Degree Awarded or Expected" the system will not clear the English proficiency requirement. They need to put their expected Graduation date and the intended Degree they will be awarded as seen below:
Admissions	Will I be accepted even if my GPA is lower than a 3.0?	applicants whose GPA's are below the minimum university requirement can still be admitted but there are some mechanisms in place which have to be adhered to if a department wants to admit them. If the GPA is below 3.00 down to a 2.50 they have to be admitted provisionally with a condition that must be satisfied during their graduate program to qualify for an exception. If the GPA is below 2.50 it requires the department to submit a petition for exception justifying why they want to admit an applicant with such a low GPA.
Admissions	Can someone with a 3 year degree (ex. BYU Pathways) apply?	They can still technically be admitted but you need to refer them to the program to get a waiver.
Admissions	If I am applying for Law school and I am not doing an LLM Major what do I do?	Redirect them to the law school, they deal with all of their applicants and have a separate application system
Admissions	If I submit an application for 2 different programs, do I need to pay the application fee twice?	Yes, you have to pay the application fee for every application you submit. (Ex. The application fee is $50 so if you submit 3 applications it would be $150)
Admissions	If I am admitted to a graduate program when do I have to Admit/Decline my admission?	You have to submit this decision in Slate by April 15th. This is a national date that applies to all universities.
Slate	Can I transfer information from a previous application to a new one?	NO! We cannot move anything over from one application to another. Each application is it's OWN and needs to be completed as such.
Slate	I accidentally waived my right for my recommendation, what do I do?	They will need to "exclude" the current one and re-add it as a new recommender. Then they will be able to choose again whether to waive the right or not.
Advisement	What are the Credit requirements for students?	New Graduate Students must register for a minimum of 2.0 credit hours in the semester or term they are admitted. To retain active status in their graduate program, students must receive acceptable grades in at least 6.0 credit hours each academic year. Full-Time : 8.5 credits per semester is considered full-time, and 4.5 credits is considered half time in Fall and Winter and full time during Spring or Summer. Max they can take is 22 credit hours. International students Full-Time: 9.0 credits per semester is considered full-time, or at least 4.5 per term.
Faculty Member	Can I enroll in classes as a full time faculty member at BYU?	Speak to the professor of the class and see if they allow this.
Tuition	What is the Tuition and Cost for Graduate Students?	Cost of individual terms and semesters are found here: https://finserve.byu.edu/students-parents/tuition-fees-deadlines
Student Emails	When do the student emails activate for graduate students?	the student email should activate 1 month before graduate students begin classes.
Waivers	Service in the military?	Anyone who has served or is currently serving in the United States Armed Forces, automatically have the application fee waived for them. You can impersonate their application and see if they answered "Yes" to the question about having served in the military.
Endorsement	What do I do for my endorsement if I am a nonmember?	The endorsement process is done through endorse.byu.edu. Here is a document that provides you with the steps to set up an account and link it to your BYU account, and then set up an interview with your own ecclesiastical leader: https://gradstudies.byu.edu/00000194-51e2-d983-a3dc-d3e6d7fe0001/endorsement-flow-for-non-members
Endorsement	What do I do when it fails to link my BYU account to my church account?	If your account is not linked you should follow the instructions on this pdf document: https://gradstudies.byu.edu/00000194-51df-dc74-abdd-f3df5fcf0001/endorsement-help-for-nonmember-with-no-account-linked
English Proficiency	If I got my undergraduate degree in the US, do I still need to take the English Proficiency exam?	If you received your undergraduate degree from a US Institution in the last 24 months, you do not need to take the English Proficiency Exam.However if it has been longer, then yes, you will need to.
English Proficiency	If I am faculty at BYU but am not a citizen, do I still need to take the English Proficiency Exam?	If you are not from one of the exempt countries listed on our website, then yes. You may apply for a waiver from your intended program for opportunity to be exempt.
English Proficiency	I already speak English, why do I need to take the English Proficiency Exam?	All applicants are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency in order to satisfy the university requirements for graduate admission, unless an applicable exemption or waiver applies.