The Graduate School International Students

The International Graduate Application Process: An Overview

So you're ready to take the next step and earn your advanced degree. But what does an international graduate application entail? How is it different from a standard application? Where do I start? What important requirements do I need to be aware of? Who can help me? We've outlined the entire process below—and even tossed in a few tips along the way to make things easier.

And if you don't find what you're looking for‚ or if your questions aren't answered by the information presented here—please feel free to email The Graduate School with your specific inquiry. Our goal is to make things as straightforward and efficient as possible for you here at Rowan University.

For complete information on studying in the US, your visa, costs and financial aid, housing, health/immunization requirements, international student orientation and more, visit the Rowan University International Student Services website. (opens in a new window)

What is required for an international candidate to apply to The Graduate School?

• Click here or visit the Program Requirements link (in the sidebar on the left) for complete details of each graduate program available to our international students.

How do I submit my international application?

International applications to The Graduate School are filled out online. If you are unable to finish the entire application questionnaire in one session, our system allows you to return at a later time and pick up where you left off.

Click here to access the online international graduate application. (opens in a new window)

You will need the following when filling out the online portion of the international application:

• A valid credit card for the non-refundable, one-time $50.00 application fee

After filling out the initial online portion described above, complete your international application to The Graduate School by providing us with all of the following:

• Official TOEFL scores.

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Your official Test of English as a Foreign Language scores must be sent directly to The Graduate School from TOEFL. Scores of 79 or above on the internet based TOEFL, at least a 550 on the written TOEFL, or a 213 on the computer based TOEFL are required for admission to The Graduate School.

>>TIP: Click here to visit the official TOEFL website. (opens in a new window)

• Official transcript from the college/university where your highest degree was conferred showing an acceptable Grade Point Average (GPA) (or foreign equivalent) for the admitting department/program.

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If your degrees earned are from a country other than the United States, your transcript must be evaluated by WES (World Education Services). You must specify that the results be sent to:

The Graduate School
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ 08028
USA

>>TIP: Click here to visit WES's Student Credentials Evaluation page. (opens in a newwindow)

If your transcript is written in a language other than English, your transcript must be translated into English before it is sent to WES for evaluation.

If you also previously attended Rowan University, Rowan College or Glassboro State College and received your highest degree here, The Graduate School will request your transcript from the Registrar. Simply let us know that you are a Rowan/GSC alumni.

• Standardized Test Scores, if required by your graduate program of choice.

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The test scores can be submitted directly to The Graduate School by your testing center.

Not sure which test(s) your intended graduate program requires? Click here or visit the Program Requirements link (in the sidebar on the left) for complete details, listed by program.

>>TIP: If your program requires that you take one or more graduate-level standardized tests, your chances of doing well increase if you prepare for it. Take out a prep book from your library or buy one at a book store or online. Did You Know? Rowan offers test preparation courses for the GRE or the GMAT.

>>TIP: Standardized tests are timed, and it is important to establish a pace that will get you to the end. Never spend too much time on any one question. Instead move onto the next question and return if time permits.

>>TIP: Practicing the test format and preparing to take the test will help your confidence and your ability to move through the test quickly. Practice tests will also save you valuable time when you go through an actual test and can also make you more relaxed and assured while taking it.

>>TIP: Students who have already earned a master's degree before applying to the Graduate School will, in most instances, not be required to take a standardized test to be admitted. See your specific graduate program of interest's detail page or email The Graduate School for complete details.

>>TIP: Students who have graduated from Rowan University—no more than three years prior to submitting a graduate application—with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.8 or above are eligible to apply for Honor’s Admission. If a student qualifies as an Honor’s Admit, she/he will receive a waiver of both the application fee and the standardized testing requirement such as GRE or GMAT.

• Statement of Objectives This is where you clearly outline your career goals and intentions for your graduate studies here at Rowan University.

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The letter must be typed and signed. Click here to download guide

>>TIP: Make sure you spend time with it, both in terms of appearance and content. Include your specific career goals and your expectations of how the program will help you achieve them. Show your motivation, your enthusiasm, your communication skills and positive attitude. Ask someone who knows about applications or persuasive writing to critique your statement.

• Two Letters of Recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your academic or professional skills (forms provided in the application).

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Your recommenders should be able to evaluate your professional skills and/or academic proficiency. Choose individuals who can address the issues which are related to your field of study. Recommenders can be professionals or academics but keep in mind that they should be aware of your strengths in terms of your professional and/or academic capabilities.

Recommendations from Rowan University faculty may be completed online through Banner self-service (your recommender will need your Banner ID in order to submit the recommendation).

Reccomendations coming from persons outside of Rowan University (other educator, employer, etc) may write a letter using the following PDF as a guide: Recommender Form
Each letter must be typed, signed, and sealed in an envelope with the recommender's signature across the seal. For these persons, you should provide an envelope with a stamp addressed to The Graduate School. Let them know when the letter is due at The Graduate School.

>>TIP: Try to ascertain beforeheand if your intended recommender(s) will give you a strong recommendation.

>>TIP: You should be prepared to provide some talking points to assist the memory of your recommender.

>>TIP: Be certain to inform your non-Rowan faculty/staff recommenders that they are required to sign their name across the envelope seal. The Graduate School will not accept the letter as part of your official application if this is not done.

• All Other Requirements specified by your intended program. Examples can include, but are not limited to, a writing sample, resume, interview, teacher certification, or undergraduate foundation courses.

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Click here or visit the Program Requirements link (in the sidebar on the left) for complete details, listed by program.

Rowan University's graduate program admission committees use varying evaluations criteria according to the requirements of the profession and the number of applicants applying to the program. Each of the components listed above are carefully weighted and taken into the consideration for each candidate. It is very important that you do your best for each of the required items above.

Until your completed international application—with all of its required items—is received by The Graduate School, your application will not be considered for admission into any graduate program.

Note: If you are a US Citizen or a Permanent Resident of the US, go to the Future Students area of our website and to the standard Graduate Application to apply to The Graduate School.

>>TIP: Don't forget to Follow up and confirm that The Graduate School has received your recommendations, especially if the program you have chosen has a deadline.

Still have questions? Email The Graduate School or call 856-256-4027 today and we'll be happy to help you.

For complete information on studying in the US, costs and financial aid, housing, health/immunization requirements, international student orientation and more, visit the Rowan University International Student Services website. (opens in a new window)

Rowan University - 201 Mullica Hill Road - Glassboro, New Jersey 08028 • 856-256-4050
Contact gradoffice@rowan.edu with questions or comments. ©2009 Rowan University