Application Requirements
Transcripts
Two official copies of the transcript of all previous college work are required from each institution attended. Each set of transcripts must be in an envelope from the institution closed with the institution's official seal and must be submitted unopened with the rest of your application packet. Note: If an institution's policies do not permit it to send official transcripts to applications for use with self-managed applications, the transcripts may be sent directly to the AYSPS Office of Academic Assistance. In this instance, please note on your application that the transcripts will be sent separately by the appropriate deadline.
Transcripts are required from each institution you attended, regardless of the length of time you attended, your status, or whether the grades are listed on another institution's transcript. EXCEPTION: If you have attended Georgia State University as a degree-seeking student, you may submit only one copy of the transcripts from each institution attended prior to entering GSU; two copies are required from institutions attended after having last attended Georgia State University. You do not have to request the Georgia State University transcript.
International Transcripts
International Applicants must present "official" credentials attesting to academic achievement as to level and performance. "Official" documents will vary from country to country, but should be original documents with authoritative signatures, seals, stamps, or other verifications. Whenever possible, these should be sent directly by the institution(s). When this is impossible, the applicant should send a duly "notarized" or "attested to" copy done by a proper government official or a representative of the American Embassy.
Test Requirements, GRE
GRE scores may not be more than five years old at the desired semester of entry. Take the test as early as possible so your scores will be received before the application deadline. When taking these tests, request that your scores be reported to Georgia State University (use the institution code 5251). Scores must be reported directly from the Educational Testing Service; candidates' copies cannot be used. To arrange to take a test or to have scores reported, contact the Educational Testing Service:
GRE/ETS – www.ets.org
(report scores to code 5251)
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541
(609) 771-7670
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Letters may be submitted online through the online application system which is the preferred method. If a recommender prefers to submit a letter in paper form, each letter must be accompanied by the Request for Confidential Letter of Reference form (PDF).
Written Statements
Master’s and Graduate Certificate Students
Professional Goals Statement: The goals statement is your means of presenting yourself to the Graduate Admissions Committee. You should submit a short typed statement of personal and professional goals as they relate to the certificate or degree program you are seeking. Most applicants write approximately two typed pages, summarizing their work experience, the reasons they have chosen the program, why they want to attend Georgia State, and how the degree fits in with their career goals.
Doctoral Students
Biographical Statement: Applicants to the doctoral degree programs must submit a typed biographical statement covering personal and professional goals as they relate to the degree program sought. The Biographical Statement, including biographical information and defining how you have prepared yourself for doctoral study, should be limited to two pages.
Statement of Interest: Applicants to the doctoral degree programs must submit a typed statement of interest covering personal and professional goals as they relate to the degree program sought. The Statement of Interest, limited to two pages, should discuss your reasons for applying to the doctoral program, your expectations for completion of the coursework and dissertation, and prospective employment. Also include special circumstances, if any, or other information not covered in the application you believe would be helpful in evaluating your application.
International Student Requirements
Test Requirements, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
International Applicants whose native language is not English must provide official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). EXCEPTION: This is not required if you have received an accredited degree from a U.S. institution. However, all international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English when they arrive on campus. Such applicants who are current residents of Georgia may demonstrate English proficiency through testing in the Georgia State University Office of Applied Linguistics and English as a Second Language; call (404) 413-5201 for information.
TOEFL scores may not be more than two years old at the desired semester of entry. Take the test as early as possible so your scores will be received before the application deadline. When taking these tests, request that your scores be reported to Georgia State University (use the institution code 5251. Departmental codes are not required). Scores must be reported directly from the Educational Testing Service; candidates' copies cannot be used. To arrange to take a test or to have scores reported, contact the Educational Testing Service:
TOEFL/ETS - www.ets.org/toefl
(report scores to code 5251)
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541
(609) 771-7100
Financial Statement Form
Georgia State University requires a financial statement for the first year of study from each applicant who is in F-1 status or will be obtaining an F-1 visa. Continuation of the visa after the first calendar year may require further proof and certification of the applicant's financial ability. Complete this form - Georgia State University Financial Statement Form - and submit it with your other AYSPS application materials.