Application FAQ
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What if I was previously a graduate student at UMSL?
I paid an application fee for a previous graduate application; do I need to pay the fee again?
What are the admission standards for UMSL's Graduate School?
Does the Graduate School accept paper applications?
I’ve completed and submitted my application and application fee. What is my next step?
What is the GRE/GMAT? Do I need to take one of these tests for admission?
My admission to the Graduate School at UMSL was denied; what can I do?
I am an international student; do I need to submit additional documents?
What if I was previously a graduate student at UMSL?
Previously enrolled graduate students who have not taken classes within their graduate program at UMSL for more than one academic year become inactive in the university’s system. The full policy for that rule can be found in the Graduate School Policies page. To take any graduate classes at UMSL, inactive graduate students are required to reapply. Applicants reapplying do not need to pay the application fee.
I paid an application fee for a previous graduate application; do I need to pay the fee again?
Once you have paid the application fee once, you do not need to pay it again, even if you submit multiple applications.
What are the admission standards for UMSL's Graduate School?
Graduate work at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is designed to prepare academic leaders, normally within a profession. For that reason, our graduate programs demand academic preparation and personal attributes to complete the rigorous course and individual research requirements. The Graduate School of UMSL requires applicants to document that they are prepared to be successful as they pursue advanced studies. Consider your application as your opportunity to provide evidence that you have a track record of academic achievement, the motivation to pursue challenging courses and independent studies, and the integrity and character to serve as an academic leader.
To document that, the Graduate School of the University of Missouri-St. Louis requires evidence that all applicants have met the following standards:
- A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university with an overall GPA of 2.75
- Academic records and related experiences that suggest the likelihood for success in the proposed program
- Personal attributes that reflect the standards of conduct in professions associated with the program.
Evidence of a first degree requires an official document sent directly to UMSL with the degree posted. Transcripts can be accepted directly from students in emergency cases and only for one semester. Evidence of other academic preparation varies by program.
Applicants will be denied admission if (a) they do not meet admission standards and (b) there are no available openings. Most programs will not review incomplete or late applications at the time of decision.
Please review your application carefully and answer every question truthfully. Students admitted on the basis of applications with inaccurate information, plagiarized writing samples, or other evidence that the applicant is trying to mislead the university will be dealt with following the Student Conduct Code and may lead to expulsion.
Does the Graduate School accept paper applications?
The Graduate School at UMSL only accepts online applications. Prospective students may apply HERE. This application is designed for every graduate program except the Doctor Of Optometry Degree (O.D.). Those applicants may have a separate application.
I’ve completed and submitted my application and application fee. What is my next step?
Once you have finished submitting your application, you must send the Graduate School your official transcripts. You should also check to be sure you have submitted all supplementary materials for your intended program. Each program is different, so you will want to check your program's requirements to see if they require additional materials such as a resume, writing sample or statement of purpose. A comprehensive list of all these requirements, for every graduate program, can be found HERE.
What is the GRE/GMAT? Do I need to take one of these tests for admission?
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test measures certain developed verbal, quantitative, and analytical abilities that are important for academic achievement. Thus, the test necessarily reflects the opportunities and efforts that have contributed to the development of those abilities. The General Test is only one of several means of evaluating likely success in graduate school. The test makes it possible to compare students with different backgrounds.
All doctoral programs require the aptitude test of the GRE. The General Test is required for several Master's programs as well. Please be sure to check the requirements for you prospective program HERE.
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required of applicants to the M.B.A, M.I.S., and M.Acc. programs and all graduate business certificate programs. Students who have not taken these examinations should do so at the earliest possible test dates. The GMAT is designed to help graduate schools of business assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management but they are only one predictor of academic performance in the first year of graduate management school. If you believe you qualify for a GMAT waiver, please contact the Graduate Business department directly: mba@umsl.edu
My admission to the Graduate School at UMSL was denied; what can I do?
Students denied admission may reapply in a subsequent year if further training or experience is presented to strengthen the application. You may also contact the program to which you applied for more information.
I am an international student; do I need to submit additional documents?
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, other special provisions apply to international students. Prospective students should contact the Office of International Student Services (Phone 314-516-5229; Fax 314-516-5636; e-mail: iss@umsl.edu or visit the website of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services.
International students whose native language is not English and who have spent less than two of the last three years in an English-speaking country are required to submit scores from an internationally accepted standardized examination before a decision is made on admission. Teaching assistantships will be awarded only to students with demonstrated oral English proficiency.
For information on the online TOEFL test, visit the ETS website. Another acceptable standardized English exam in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).