Question: May I apply for the Spring Term (January)?

Answer: Due to the structure of our core courses, we only admit for the Fall Term. Consideration for January admission is given to students under exceptional circumstances.

 

Question: I cannot find a form for letter of recommendation.

Answer: We do not require standard forms for recommendations. A recommendation can simply be written on letterhead stationary and signed by the recommender. A form does become available with the online application process.

 

Question: Must I identify a research area, individual faculty person, or research group?

Answer: It is not required, but helpful.

 

Question: Your instructions indicate that the application fee is deferred, but this does not seem to be an option in the online application. How do I complete that section of the online application?

Answer: When you are filling out the online application, you will be given the option of either paying the fee online or paying the fee by check. You should simply indicate that you will pay by check; however, you do not need to send a check.

 

Question: I am an international student applying for a transfer to your Department from another US institution. Is the University of Pittsburgh, Office of International Services Supplemental Application Packet still necessary?

Answer: Yes, this application is required of all international applicants, even if you are applying as a transfer from another US institution. Applicants who have no personal financial support may leave the Certification of Financial Responsibility blank. Completion and submission of the Supplemental Application Packet will speed up the processing of your file in the Office of International Services if you are admitted.

 

Question: May I send all of my application materials together in one package?

Answer: Provided that letters of recommendation are sealed and signed, you have the choice of collecting the letters or to have them sent to us directly.

 

Question: Will you send me hard copies of your application materials?

Answer: We are no longer sending out or hard copies of our application forms. Online application submission is the only acceptable method of applying.

 

Question: Should I send my supporting application material to the department or the University's graduate admissions office?

Answer: EVERYTHING should be sent to the following departmental address:

 

Question: Must I send original transcripts or will you accept copies until I am admitted?

Answer: You should arrange to have original official transcripts sent to the department. It is not uncommon during the review process, to have an official transcript without the degree posted; however, a second official transcript WITH the degree posted will be required as soon as it becomes available.

 

Question: When will decisions be made?

Answer: Typically, the Admissions Committee does not start evaluating files until after the deadline of January 31.

 

Question: Is my file complete?

Answer: Complete files include:

 

Question: How will I know if my file is complete?

Answer: As the files are being prepared for the admissions committee, emails will be sent to the applicants that have incomplete files. Specific information will be requested in order to complete your application. It is to your advantage to get this information to us as soon as possible.

 

Question: Is the GRE subject test score required or simply strongly recommended?

Answer: In the past there have been circumstances where we've admitted graduate students who have not taken the GRE subject test. However, these are rare exceptions and decisions on such students are delayed. If you want your application to be considered promptly, you should arrange to take the GRE subject test.

 

Question: What is an acceptable TOEFL score?

Answer: Scores between 550 (213 Computer Based Test) and 600 (250 CBT) or IELTS (scores between 6.5 and 7). Students admitted to the University with these scores are required to take an English Language Proficiency Test during orientation. The scores will not be reported to any institution outside the University of Pittsburgh.

 

Question: What is the iBT? What is an acceptable iBT score?

Answer: The Educational Testing Service is in the process of introducing a new Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) that eventually will replace the current paper-based and computer-based TOEFL exams. During the phase-in period and for three years beyond, the University will be accepting all three forms of the TOEFL, in addition ot the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, as tests of English language proficiency.

The new Internet-based test will consist of four test components (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) and each component will have a maximum score of 30 points, for a total maximum score of 120. Students scoring greater than 80 but less than 100 on the new test will be required to take the "Michigan" test at the time of registration. This range is consistent with the current ranges for the existing tests.

 

Question: Do I really need the GRE General scores if I have the GRE Subject Test score?

Answer: Yes, the general GRE scores are required.

 

Question: Will you accept copies of my scores for the GRE and TOEFL?

Answer: We need official copies of your GRE and TOEFL scores. However, if you have your scores and anticipate that it may take a while for ETS to send them to us, you may want to unofficially inform us of your scores, with the understanding that we will need to receive confirmation from ETS.

 

Question: What is the University of Pittsburgh's school code for GRE score reports?

Answer: 2927.

 

Question: What is the department code for GRE score reports?

Answer: 0808 -- Physics. This code is sufficient to reach our department.

 

Question: How long are GRE scores valid?

Answer: Five years.

 

Question: What is the department code for TOEFL score reports?

Answer: 76 or 61.

 

Question: How long are TOEFL scores valid?

Answer: Two years.

 

Question: Must I have a TOEFL test score report if I get a degree from a U.S. institution?

Answer: No, you will not need a TOEFL if you have a Bachelors or Masters degree from a U.S. school.

 

Question: What are the minimum GRE, subject GRE and TOEFL requirements?

Answer: We do not have a minimum score requirement for the GRE and subject GRE. The Admissions Committee evaluates your entire file. We do, however, have a minimum for the TOEFL if you are required to take the test. You must receive a minimum of 550 (paper) or 213 (computer). Of course, higher scores are more attractive to the admission committee.

 

Question: What are the acceptable scores for the New TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT)?

Answer: The new test was introduced in fall 2005. Updates about the test are available at www.ets.org/toefl. Total score comparisons between the current test and the new test are available at www.ets.org/elt/scores/scoreuse.html.

At the present time, the University is deliberating about the "acceptable" score for the new test, and we expect to know this information shortly.

 

Question: What financial aid is available through the University?

Answer: There are many different fellowships, grants, loans, and other types of assistance available. More specific information can be found at the Financial Aid page.

 

Question: What fellowships are available to me?

Answer: Check our fellowships page for a list of many fellowships that are available to students in the department. Other fellowships may also be available to you, and students are encouraged to do their own research, especially on the internet, to find fellowships that are not listed on our site.

 

Question: What is the QPA requirement to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship?

Answer: The university requires a 3.00 QPA or higher in the most recently earned degree for you to be awarded a Teaching Assistantship.