The Graduate School

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't find the answer to your question here, go to the Graduate School Directory to find the person who can best answer your question.

1. How do I request an application?

2. How do I get a Graduate School Bulletin?

3. How can I get additional information about graduate degree programs?

4. What is the deadline for applying for a particular semester?

5. Is it okay if I have my transcripts and test scores sent to you before I fill out the application?

6. What about the GRE?

7. What are the TOEFL , GRE and GMAT requirements?

8. What are the TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT test dates?

9. Are GREs given the University of Kentucky?

10. How long will it take to process my application?

11. How do I know what is missing from my application?

12. How can I find out the status of my application?

13. Who will tell me if I have been accepted?

14. Who will tell me if I have been rejected and why was I rejected?

15. How do I reapply if I have been rejected ? How do I reapply if I did not enroll?

16. Why can't you tell me my test scores, whether I have been admitted, why I was rejected, etc. over the phone?

17. How do I get an I-20?

18. Can I get a copy of my transcript from XXX University that I sent you when I applied?

19. How do I pay for my graduate education?

20. Why should I apply for external fellowships and where can I get information about them?

21. Is there a place on campus where I can get information about grants and writing grant proposals?

22. Is student health insurance available at the University?

23. Are there times when the University will pay for my student health insurance?

24. Are there students for whom student health insurance is mandatory?

25. Does the University provide funding for graduate students to engage in research and professional travel?

1. How do I request an application?
You can either apply online or download and print application materials from the Graduate School Admission Web page. We suggest that before doing so, you visit the Web site of the program to which you intend to apply to be certain you meet all of their requirements, and that they meet all of yours.  See the list of Graduate Degree Programs.

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2. How do I get a Graduate School Bulletin?
Most of the information you need can be found on the Graduate School Web site, including the Bulletin itself.

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3. How can I get additional information about graduate degree programs?
Links to the Web sites of all of our graduate degree programs can be found at Graduate Degree Programs.

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4. What is the deadline for applying for a particular semester?
Domestic applications must be received no later than one month prior to the start of the term the applicant intends to begin graduate work.

International applications must be received by the Graduate School by the following deadlines:

Fall Semester: February 1
Spring Semester: June 15
Summer Semester: Admission only with special permission of the Dean

All application materials (including all transcripts and official scores) must be received by this deadline. Individual programs may have earlier deadlines for admission and financial assistance. See Application Receipt Dates.

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5. Is it okay if I have my transcripts and test scores sent to you before I fill out the application?
You can do this, but it is not in your best interest. Without an application to tell us who you are and what program you are applying to, your transcripts, etc., go into a general holding file. If you cannot send all of your materials at once, it is best to send your application form first.

Be sure to have the registrars at your previous institutions send transcripts directly to the Graduate School.

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6.  What about the GRE?
The GRE General Test is a computer-adaptive test required by some graduate programs. For information about the test and availability in your area, go to the GRE Web site.  On campus, you can obtain a copy of the GRE Information and Registration Bulletin from the Graduate School, 101 Gillis Building, 0033.
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7. What are the TOEFL, GRE and GMAT requirements?
The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 213 computer-based (550 paper-based) for all international students whose first language is not English. Some programs may require a higher TOEFL score. International students who receive college degrees from US universities and universities in other designated English-speaking countries may be exempted from taking the TOEFL test.

All applicants for admission to degree programs in the Graduate School must submit scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical portions of the GRE. Business Administration requires the GMAT for MBA, Ph.D., and Accounting students. Applicants to Public Administration, Health Administration, and Public Health may substitute the GMAT for the GRE. Students who have earned an academic doctorate are exempt from the requirement of the GRE.

The Graduate School does not have a minimum GRE or GMAT score requirement for admission, however some programs do. For further information, see your program's information at Graduate Degree Programs, or contact the Director of Graduate Studies for the program to which you are applying.

All scores must be sent directly to the Graduate School by the Educational Testing Service. Applicants who need more information on the GRE or GMAT should contact the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08541.

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8. What are the TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT test dates?
Test dates vary from year to year. They may be found in the TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT Information Bulletins published yearly by Educational Testing Service. New Bulletins usually come out during the summer. The most up-to-date information can be found in the Educational Testing Service Web site for the TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT tests. Copies of the current GRE Information and Registration Bulletin may be obtained from the Graduate School, 351 Patterson Office Tower. Bulletins may also be obtained from most four-year colleges and universities and some libraries in the US, from US Information Agency offices overseas, or by writing to:

"Name of Test"
Educational Testing Service
Princeton, NJ 08541
USA.
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9. Are GREs given at the University of Kentucky?
No. However, you can register on the GRE Web site to take the GRE in Lexington.
The Lexington testing center is:

Thompson Prometric Testing Center
2573 Richmond Road,Suite 260
Lexington, Kentucky 40509
Phone: (859)268-3338

Consult the GRE Bulletin or the GRE Web site for more information.

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10. How long will it take to process my application?
Once the Graduate School has received your application, your application fee, and your bachelor's degree transcripts, your application will be processed and forwarded to the appropriate academic program. This can take 1 to 10 working days, depending on volume. Each degree program may handle admissions a little differently. Some programs admit students as they go, until all openings are filled. Some admit by a committee that meets only once per term, and only applications that are complete when the committee meets are considered. Some programs hold applications and process them all at one time, after a certain date. In any case, it is a good idea to apply and submit all materials as early as possible.

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11. How do I know what is missing from my application?
Once the processing of your application has begun, after receipt of your application fee, you will be notified that we have received your application. You can monitor your application via the Check Application Status link on the Admission Web page. If you have questions or concerns about your application information, you should contact your admissions officer.

In order to verify that your biographical statement, letters of reference, or any other supporting materials have been received, you must contact the Director of Graduate Studies for your programs.

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12. How can I find out the status of my application?
You can monitor your application via the Check Application Status link on the Admission Web page.
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13. Who will tell me if I have been accepted?
If you are accepted, you will receive a letter from the Graduate School. You may also receive a letter from the program you applied to, giving you details of their offer of admission to you.
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14. Who will tell me if I have been rejected and why was I rejected?
The Graduate School will notify you if you have been rejected. The most common reasons for rejection are undergraduate academic performance and test scores that are not competitive with other applicants. Other reasons are TOEFL scores below the minimum, a poor fit between the student's research interests or career goals and the graduate program, lack of space in the program for additional students, and no financial aid for an applicant who says he/she cannot come without financial support.

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15. How do I reapply if I have been rejected? How do I reapply if I did not enroll?
The Graduate School will hold all applications for one year. If you wish to be reconsidered/considered for a different program, send e-mail or write to your admissions officer. If you were rejected, you should supply any additional information you can to strengthen your application. If the program wishes to consider/reconsider your application, they will ask us to reactivate your file. You do not have to pay a second application fee if it has been one year or less since your first application. If, however, you are applying to a different program, it is your responsibility to provide new transcripts and supporting application materials to them.

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16. Why can't you tell me my test scores, whether I have been admitted, why I was  rejected, etc. over the phone?
According to the rights of privacy specified by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, we cannot divulge confidential information over the phone because we cannot verify the identity of the caller.

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17. How do I get an I-20 (international students only)?
Once you have been admitted and the Graduate School receives all the materials it needs, the I-20 form will be prepared and issued, and sent directly to you via US airmail. We do not give the I-20 form to third parties for delivery. We do not send materials via courier service. You must take the I-20 form to your local US embassy with other supporting documents in order to be issued an F-1 or other visa. When you enter the US on our I-20, all others will be automatically canceled. For more details, go to Office Of International Affairs.

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18. Can I get a copy of my transcript from XXX University that I sent you when I applied?
No. Applications and transcripts become property of the Graduate School. We are not able to honor requests for transcript copies. Students should contact the institution that issued the transcript for additional copies.

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19. How do I pay for my graduate education?
The three principal mechanisms for funding a graduate education are assistantships, fellowships, and student loans.

Assistantships are an important source of financial support for graduate students. In addition to providing an opportunity for graduate students to perform specific teaching or research duties, full assistantships carry a biweekly stipend, a tuition scholarship, and student health insurance. The majority of assistantships are awarded for the academic year, which begins in August. Students wishing to be considered for assistantships are urged to contact the Director of Graduate Studies for your program no later than January 15 for the next academic year. For more information, go to Assistantships.

Fellowships are non-service awards made to superior students who are pursuing a graduate degree. The University of Kentucky offers over 500 fellowships in all areas of graduate work. The majority of fellowships carry a monthly stipend, a tuition scholarship, and student health insurance. Students wishing to be considered for fellowships should contact the appropriate Director of Graduate Studies no later than January 15 for the next academic year. For more information about fellowships, go to Fellowships.

US citizens and eligible non-citizens may apply for federally supported loans and work-study assistance. To be considered, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Printed copies of the Application are also available in the UK Student Financial Aid Office, 128 Funkhouser Building.

Additionally, UK's Student and Temporary Employment Service (STEPS) has job opportunities year-round that can be designed to fit student schedules.

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20. Why should I apply for external fellowships and where can I get information about them?
Applying for external fellowships is worth the effort. First, it is an excellent way to fund a graduate education; typically external fellowships offer a generous monthly stipend, as well as other benefits. Second, being awarded an external fellowship is an asset to a professional career. And third, the experience students gain from writing fellowship applications serves to help think extensively about study and research goals, and increase skills in writing proposals. For more information, go to External Graduate Fellowships and Research Opportunities or Community of Science.

Additionally, students who are awarded external competitive fellowships might be eligible for UK's Graduate Student Incentive Program (GSIP), which provides an additional five percent annual stipend for the term of the external competitive fellowship.

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21.  Is there a place on campus where I can get information about grants and writing grant proposals?
Yes. The Office of Sponsored Program Development can provide this information.

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22. Is student health insurance available at the University of Kentucky?
Yes. The university has a student insurance plan that provides benefits for sickness and injury. The plan is underwritten by the MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company. Read the plan description carefully to fully understand the benefits offered with this plan. For more information, domestic students may go to Student Insurance Information.

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23. Are there times when the University will pay for my student health insurance?
Yes. As a graduate student, if you are enrolled in the Graduate School, degree-seeking, and have a full-time teaching, research, or graduate assistantship, an institutional fellowship, or a full-time combination of these positions, the University will pay for your health insurance premium. "Full-time" generally means an assignment of 20 hours a week or a fellowship of $9000 or more. For more information, funded graduate students may go to Health Insurance Coverage for Funded Graduate Students.

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24. Are there students for whom student health insurance is mandatory?
Yes. The University requires all international students to have health insurance. If you are on an "F" or "J" visa, you are automatically enrolled in the student insurance plan when you register for classes. The charge for this insurance is applied directly to your student bill. For more information, international students may go to Health Insurance for International Students.

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25. Does the University provide funding for graduate students to engage in research and professional travel?
Yes. The Graduate School offers both travel and research funding for graduate students. Student Support provides up to $400 per year for expenses related to thesis or dissertation research or for travel to present research at professional conferences. Commonwealth Research Awards provide up to $1,000 for graduate students to present research findings at professional, scholarly conferences. Dissertation Enhancement Awards of up to $3,000 are available for graduate students who are actively engaged in dissertation research that requires the research to be conducted at a site distant from campus. These activities may include archival research in the United States or abroad, laboratory experience to learn new research techniques, opportunities to use unique equipment, and field experiences. For more information about these awards, go to Support Funding.

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Last updated November 1, 2005