Graduate School Admission FAQs
General Questions
What do I need to do to get admitted to the Graduate School?
Applicants applying as degree-seeking students must request that each institution at which they have taken any post-secondary work submit one official transcript (i.e., in a university sealed envelope) directly to the Graduate School. Faxed, emailed and electronic transcripts will not be accepted. All official transcripts must be mailed directly from the school and cannot be collected and mailed in by the student. Idaho State University undergraduate transcripts are available to the Graduate School and need not be forwarded by the applicant.
Non-degree seeking applicants must provide a transcript showing proof of degree.
Degree-seeking applicants must clearly indicate the graduate program desired on the application form.
GRE/GMAT/MAT scores must be submitted for degree-seeking applicants, as per the sliding GPA/Test Score admissions scale:
- 3.5+ No GRE required
- 3.0-3.499 40th percentile in at least one area GRE (40th percentile MAT)
- 2.5-2.999 combined (V/Q) minimum score 1000 (45th percentile MAT)
Some departments, and EdS, and doctoral admission have higher admission standards.
Generally, students applying for admission to a doctoral program must hold a master's degree and must have achieved at least the 50th percentile in one of the aptitude sections (V/Q/A) of the GRE.
Please contact the department you are applying to for more specific information about your program. Some programs require additional information (e.g., letters of recommendation); please contact the department and review individual departmental sections of the Graduate Catalog for additional requirements.
Application forms:
Applications for graduate admission may be obtained online or from the Graduate School.
If you have withdrawn, declined, or been denied admission to the Graduate School, you need to reapply to be reconsidered for admission.
Are there additional requirements for international students?
Yes. Please see our International Students page for additional requirements. International students transferring from a school within the United States must be in status with Immigration and Naturalization Services to be issued an I-20 form from Idaho State University. A transfer form will be sent after the application has been received, to be completed as verification of acceptable immigration status.
What are the different Graduate School admission classifications?
Classified, Classified (with Performance Requirements) and Unclassified (Non-degree seeking).
If I am a non-degree seeking student, what are the admission requirements?
Please see the Graduate Catalog for information on 5597 and 5598P courses.
How do I take professional development courses?
Students may enroll in professional development courses offered under the 5598P number without being admitted to Graduate School; however, they must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution at the time they enter the class or receive special permission from the Dean of the Graduate School if they are last semester seniors. Please see the Graduate Catalog for additional information on 5597 and 5598P courses.
If I am an undergraduate student, can I take graduate-level courses?
Seniors in residence at Idaho State University, with permission of the Graduate School, may register for up to 6 graduate credits during the semester or summer session in which they will complete the bachelor's degree at Idaho State University.
I have a three-year bachelor’s degree. Am I eligible to be accepted into the Graduate School?
Yes. 3-year academic bachelor's degrees are evaluated individually and assessed relative to the Graduate School and department admission requirements.
Do graduate students need to attend an orientation?
Orientation is a combination of online (required) and live/in-person (recommended). Login/online registration information is included with admission notification letters.
How do I get a tour of campus?
Campus tours can be scheduled here.
Application Processing
How long does it take the department to make a recommendation for admission?
After the application paperwork is processed in the Graduate School, it varies somewhat by department and time of year. Typically 2 to 4 weeks.
What are the application deadlines for the Graduate School?
While some programs have earlier and/or specific application deadlines, priority deadlines for applications to be completed and returned to the Graduate School are:
- April 1 for summer semester enrollment,
- April 1 for fall semester enrollment
- November 15th for spring semester enrollment
How can I check the status of my application?
You can track your application online via your online application process, or contact the Graduate School Admissions Clerk at (208) 282-2150.
How will I be notified when I am accepted/denied?
Applicants who have been accepted into Graduate School will receive a notification letter (and a copy of the Approval for Admission form) from the Graduate School. Those who have not been admitted will receive a letter from the Graduate School.
How long can a student be inactive before they must re-apply?
Students who were previously admitted to Graduate School are required to reapply and pay the application fee if they fail to enroll for over 2 years.
Transcripts/GPA
What are the transcript admission requirements?
Applicants applying as degree-seeking students must request that each institution from which they have taken any post-secondary work submit one official transcript (i.e., in a university sealed envelope) directly to the Graduate School. Idaho State University undergraduate transcripts are available to the Graduate School and need not be forwarded by the applicant.
Non-degree seeking applicants must provide a transcript showing proof of degree. Please see additional requirements for degree-seeking, last semester seniors, and international students under those headings in the Graduate Catalog.
How is my admissions GPA calculated?
GPA is calculated based on the last 60 credits (90 quarter credit hours), using complete semesters of undergraduate coursework.
What if the Idaho State University undergraduate admissions office already has my transcripts (i.e., I am/was an Idaho State University undergraduate student)? Do I need to mail another copy to the Graduate School?
The applicant will need to request current official transcripts from these universities be sent to the Graduate School. Applicants do not need to request Idaho State University transcripts be sent to the Graduate School.
What if supporting materials are received before my application?
Supporting materials are held by the Graduate School until the application file is complete. Completed application files are forwarded to departments for evaluation.
Entrance Exam/Tests
What is the GRE/MAT/GMAT requirement for Graduate School admission?
Idaho State University uses a sliding GPA/Test Score scale:
- 3.5+ No GRE required
- 3.0-3.499 40%tile in at least one area GRE (40%tile MAT)
- 2.5-2.999 combined (V/Q) minimum score 1000 (45%tile MAT)
Some departments and EdS, and doctoral admission, have higher standards. Generally, students applying for admission to a doctoral program must hold a master's degree and must have achieved at least the 50th percentile in one of the aptitude sections (V/Q/A) of the GRE.
If I already have a Master’s degree, do I have to take the GRE/MAT/GMAT?
Generally yes; however, Idaho State University uses a sliding GPA/Test Score scale (GPA is based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework):
- 3.5+ No GRE required
- 3.0-3.499 40%tile at least one area GRE (40%tile MAT)
- 2.5-2.999 combined (V/Q) minimum score 1000 (45%tile MAT)
Some departments and doctoral admission have higher standards. Generally, students applying for admission to a doctoral program must hold a master's degree and must have achieved at least the 50th percentile in one of the aptitude sections (V/Q/A) of the GRE. The GRE/MAT/GMAT scores are also used for other graduate purposes (e.g., NRTW awards, assistantships, etc.).
Where do I go to take the GRE/MAT/GMAT exam?
To register for the GRE/GMAT/MAT, contact the Idaho State University Counseling and Testing Center at (208) 282-2130.
What is Idaho State University’s institution number for GRE/GMAT/MAT score reports?
The Idaho State University code is 4355. Specific departmental codes may vary and are available from the Counseling and Testing Center.
Fees
What is the application fee, and how do I pay?
Applicants must include a $55 non-refundable application fee with each application form. Students who do not pay the required application fee will not be processed for admission. The application fee may be paid by check, payable to Idaho State University and submitted with the application; or by credit card. To pay by credit card, call the University Cashier's Office at (208) 282-2900.
Contact
1-208-282-2150
Idaho State University
921 S. 8th Ave, Mail Stop 8075
Pocatello, ID 83209-8075
Graduate School Contact list for Virtual Meetings
Virtual Office Information link