Top 25 Frequently Asked Questions

---

1. What is your school code? Department Code?
2. How do I get an application?
3. How much is the application fee? How do I pay it?
4. What is the deadline for my program?
5. What credentials (supporting documents) do I need for my program?
6. Where do I mail my application (and additional materials)?
7. Can I submit my GRE Scores (or any other credential) after the application date?
8. Can my application be reviewed without my GRE Scores (or any other credential)?
9. I have submitted my application complete and by the deadline. When can I expect a decision?
10. What is the average (or minimum) GRE score for my program?
11. What is your Institution code for reporting GRE and GMAT scores?
12. What is the Statement of Background and Goals (application essay)?
13. Can I get the application fee waived?
14. How can I check my application status (including if it is complete)?
15. Can you tell me my chances of being admitted into my degree program?
16. What is the average TOEFL score needed?
17. Do you accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)?
18. Can I get my TOEFL/IELTS scores waived?
19. What is your Institution code for reporting TOEFL scores?
20. Can International students apply online?
21. I have no available funds (or my study will be fully funded by a sponsor); must I submit the financial affidavit?
22. Can I submit my financial affidavit (or official TOEFL scores) after being admitted?
23. How can I take only one class?
24. How do I register for classes?
25. How many transfer credits can be accepted?

---

General Application Questions

1. What is your school code? Department Code?

   Our school code for the GRE and TOEFL is “2532.” We do not use department codes for these exams.

   Our codes for the GMAT are as follows:

   Program Name: MS in Taxation, Full Time
   Program Type: OTHMF *
   New GMAT Program Code: K6R-ZS-79
   ETS DI Code: 2532

   Program Name: MS in Accounting
   Program Type: MSACC *
   New GMAT Program Code: K6R-ZS-54
   ETS DI Code: 2532

   Program Name: MS in Professional Accountancy,
   Full Time Program Type: MSACC *
   New GMAT Program Code: K6R-ZS-50
   ETS DI Code: 2532

   Program Name: MS in Accounting Information Systems Program Type: OTHMF *
   New GMAT Program Code: K6R-ZS-47
   ETS DI Code: 2532

   Program Name: PhD in Organizational Studies Program
   Type: PHD *
   New GMAT Program Code: K6R-ZS-39
   ETS DI Code: 2532

   Program Name: MS in Professional Accountancy, Part Time Program Type: MSACC *
   New GMAT Program Code: K6R-ZS-27
   ETS DI Code: 2532

   Program Name: MBA, Full Time Program
   Type: MBAF2 *
   New GMAT Program Code: K6R-ZS-25
   ETS DI Code: 2532

   Program Name: MBA, Part Time
   Program Type: MBAPE *
   New GMAT Program Code: K6R-ZS-22
   ETS DI Code: 2532

   Program Name: MS in Taxation, Part Time
   Program Type: OTHMP *
   New GMAT Program Code: K6R-ZS-11
   ETS DI Code: 2532

2. How do I get an application?

   You can download the degree and the non-degree application and all other relevant forms as well on this site.

3. How much is the application fee? How do I pay it?

   The application fee is currently $75 for degree applications and there is a $20 fee for non-degree applications. You can pay the application fee using a check, money order or credit card (Visa, Master Card, or Discover). Please see the Application Fee Payment Instructions for further information and download the Application Fee Payment Form for submission with your fee.

4. What is the deadline for my program?

   Please visit Graduate Degree Look-up for deadline information

5. What credentials (supporting documents) do I need for my program?

   All Degree Applications require at minimum:

   Application
   
   $75 US Application fee
   All non-UAlbany Transcripts
   Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

   Some programs require additional credentials; please visit the Graduate Degree Look-up for a complete list of program specific credentials.

6. Where do I mail my application (and additional materials)?

   Please send your application and all application materials to:

   Office of Graduate Admissions and Academic Services
   University Administration Building Room 121
   University at Albany
   1400 Washington Avenue
   Albany, New York 12222

7. Can I submit my GRE Scores (or any other credential) after the application date?

   For full consideration, your application must be completed (application, fee, and all credentials) by the deadline. While we may forward your application to the department for review if it is late, we cannot guarantee that it will be reviewed or that it will not be penalized. If you expect to submit any part of your application late, please contact the department you are applying to first.

8. Can my application be reviewed without my GRE Scores (or any other credential)?

   The Office of Graduate Admissions will not send any incomplete application for review without an explicit written request directly from the department. If the department you are applying to agrees and requests your folder incomplete, we will gladly forward it for review.

9. I have submitted my application complete and by the deadline. When can I expect a decision?

   The Office of Graduate Admissions does not review the degree applications, but most departments begin returning decisions 6 to 8 weeks after the application is completed. When a decision is returned to us from the department we will mail out a decision letter generally, within two business days. Graduate Admissions policy expressly prohibits us from issuing decisions via e-mail or the phone.

10. What is the average (or minimum) GRE score for my program?

    GRE scores vary from department to department and year to year with the competitiveness of each class. Therefore, the Office of Graduate Admissions does not issue average or minimum scores. If you must have this information you may try the departmental websites or contacting the department directly for this year's scores.

11. What is your Institution code for reporting GRE and GMAT scores?

    The GRE code for the University at Albany is 2532.
    The GMAT codes are:
    State University of NY-University at Albany
    K6R-ZS-79 MS Taxation- Full Time
    K6R-ZS-11 MS Taxation- Part Time
    K6R-ZS-54 MS Accounting
    K6R-ZS-50 MS Professional Accountancy-Full Time
    K6R-ZS-27 MS Professional Accountancy-Part Time
    K6R-ZS-47 MS Accounting Information Systems
    K6R-ZS-39 MS Organizational Studies
    K6R-ZS-22 MBA-Full Time
    K6R-ZS-22 MBA-Part Time

12. What is the Statement of Background and Goals (application essay)?

    The Statement of Background and Goals is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. If you feel that any aspect of your past, which is a part of your application, to be detrimental to your application (e.g. poor undergraduate GPA), this is where you would discuss this problem area and how you have addressed it.

13. Can I get the application fee waived?

    The University at Albany is unable to acknowledge receipt or begin processing of graduate applications submitted without the required fee. University guidelines permit waiver of this required fee only for those applicants who can evidence prior or current participation in a qualifying educational opportunity program. Typically, that would include but not be limited to Project 1000, EOP, HEOP or similar specially targeted higher education opportunity programs. Applicants may request waiver of the application fee through submission of the Opportunities Program Fee Waiver Request Form to the Director of Graduate Admissions along with accompanying documentation of prior participation in a qualifying educational opportunity program obtained from their school officials. Demonstration of receipt of prior financial aid does not qualify as participation in an opportunity study program.
    

14. How can I check my application status (including if it is complete)?

    You can check the status of your application almost 24 hours a day by logging on to the “My Graduate Application” page. Using the application number provided to you on your application confirmation email and your email address, you can see missing credentials and the status of your application. Once a decision has been made, pertinent information regarding your decision will also appear on this page.

15. Can you tell me my chances of being admitted into my degree program?

    No. The Office of Graduate Admissions only processes applications. The individual departments make the final decision on all complete degree applications, therefore we cannot and will not solicit guesses as to student’s admissibility.

    
    
    International Application Questions

16. What is the average TOEFL score needed?

    Current University at Albany minimum scores for general admission:

     

    Internet Based Test	79-80
    Computer Based Test	213
    Paper Based Test	550

    Current University at Albany minimum scores for admission with funding (as instructional support):

     

    Internet Based Test	100
    Computer Based Test	250
    Paper Based Test	600

    Please note some departments may require higher scores for departmental consideration.

17. Do you accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)?

    Not all programs accept the IELTS so please check with the academic department.

18. Can I get my TOEFL/IELTS scores waived?

    Students who enroll for a minimum of two full-time semesters at a college or university whose primary medium of instruction is English can have TOEFL/ IELTS scores waived. Wavier is subject to evaluation of the institution by Graduate Admissions. Students applying for non-certification TESOL masters program can have the TOEFL/IELTS waived if the student has successfully completed 3 years of study in a degree program at a college or university in the U.S. and maintained a B or better average.

19. What is your Institution code for reporting TOEFL scores?

    The institution code of for the UAlbany Graduate Studies is 2532; we do not use department codes.

20. Can International students apply online?

    Yes.

21. I have no available funds (or my study will be fully funded by a sponsor); must I submit the financial affidavit?

    All international applicants must submit the financial affidavit regardless of available funding. Failure to do so will delay and/or prevent your application from being considered.

22. Can I submit my TOEFL scores after being admitted?

    No. Applications will not be considered complete, and therefore will not be evaluated, until all parts of the application are submitted, including the TOEFL scores for international students.

    
    Non-Degree Application Question

23. How can I take only one class?

    You can apply Non-degree and have up to 12 credits of study applied to the corresponding degree program if the courses are applicable.

    Please note that non-degree students are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid and there is a $20 application fee.

    
    After Admissions Questions

24. How do I register for classes?

    Once you are admitted you will receive a Student ID (or Albany ID) from our office, which is noted on your admissions letter. A PIN letter will then be mailed to your permanent address by Information Technology Services (ITS). Follow the instructions in the PIN letter to set your password and obtain your NetID for the login to MyUAlbany. Registration is completed online using MyUAlbany. Before you can enroll you must meet with your departmental advisor to obtain an Advisement Verification Number (AVN). Once you have the AVN, you can login to MyUAlbany and enroll in classes. If you need any assistance using MyUAlbany, contact the ITS HelpDesk (518-442-3700 or submit a Help Request.) .

25. How many transfer credits can be accepted?

    University policy as stated in the Graduate Bulletin is as follows: Regulations Governing the Transfer of Credit to a Graduate Program
     

    1. Courses completed before entering graduate study at this University for which transfer credit is desired should be presented with the application for admission to graduate study.
    2. In order to qualify for transfer credit for graduate courses completed at another institution after entering graduate study at this University, the student's average grade in resident graduate courses taken at this university must be B or better.
    3. Candidates for degrees at this University are requested to receive the approval of their advisors or of the Dean of Graduate Studies before registering for courses at other colleges if they plan later to present them for transfer credit.
    4. Courses presented must be appropriate to the student's graduate program. Professional courses offered for transfer must be consistent with the student's graduate program.
    5. Courses presented must have been given by an accredited institution authorized to grant graduate degrees.
    6. Courses presented must be graduate courses, that is, applicable to a graduate degree at the institution offering them.
    7. Graduate courses presented for transfer credit completed while the student was in undergraduate status shall be eligible for transfer only upon receipt of documentation from the institution certifying that such course work was not used to fulfill undergraduate degree requirements at that institution.
    8. Courses presented must be completed with grades of B or better.
    9. An official transcript of the student's record in the course(s) presented for transfer credit should be sent to the Office of Graduate Stu
    10. dies, State University of New York at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222.
    11. An official description of the course(s) should accompany the request for transfer credit.
    12. Courses accepted for transfer credit are not used in computing the student's academic average.
    13. Of the graduate credits required for a 30-48 credit master's degree, at least 24 must be completed while in resident study at this University. For those graduate programs requiring more than 48 credits, at least 50 percent of the program’s requirements must be completed while in resident study at this University.

    (GRADUATE REGULATIONS AND DEGREE REQUIREMENTS, as of 11/17/05)

    You will need to complete a Request for Transfer of Credit for outside credits to be considered. Please keep in mind that total number of credits accepted is at the discretion of the department and all outside credits may not transfer.