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Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Studies
2142 Fenton Hall
SUNY Fredonia
Fredonia, NY 14063
Phone: (716) 673-3808
Fax: (716) 673-3712

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on the links below to expand the list of questions for each category.

Prospective Student FAQs
Application Deadlines/Planning

Application Fee

Statement of Intent

Recommendations/Credentials

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Transcripts

Additional Department Requirements

Housing

Financial Aid

Non-degree & Visiting Students

Summer Session

Certification

Progam-Specific

International Students

Graduate Assistantships

Prior Graduate Credit

Current Student FAQs

Prospective Student FAQs

Q. What are the deadlines for application?

A. Applications must be submitted online, postmarked, or personally delivered by the close of business on the following dates:

J-Term & Spring 2009: November 3, 2008

Summer & Fall 2009: April 1, 2009

Speech Pathology, Fall 2009 Admission only: February 2, 2009

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Q. Are applications accepted after the published deadlines?

A. Yes, we will accept applications up to two weeks prior to the beginning of the desired admission term.  A late fee of $25 will be assessed.

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Q. When should I start preparing my graduate application?

A.  Students should begin application preparation at least 4 weeks in advance of the application deadline.  (Insert preparation timeline/links)

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Q. May I apply to graduate study before completing my undergraduate degree?

A. Yes, you may submit an undergraduate transcript that shows coursework in progress.  However, you must submit a final transcript that shows your degree conferral date when it is available.  (Will we accept unofficial transcripts for either of these?)

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Q. What is the application fee?

A. The fee for applications submitted by the published deadline is $75.  The fee for applications submitted after the deadline is $100 ($25 late fee).

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Q. What methods of payment do you accept?

A. We accept credit/debit card payments (restrictions may apply), and checks or money orders made out to 'SUNY Fredonia.'  We do not accept cash payments.  Money orders may be purchased from the campus credit union, located on the 7th floor of Maytum Hall.

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Q. What is the Statement of Intent? 

A. Your statement of intent is a one-page (minimum) document explaining your academic goals and how you expect SUNY Fredonia to help you meet these goals.  A strong statement of intent will also showcase your talents and experiences that make you an attractive candidate for graduate study at SUNY Fredonia.  It is always a good idea for a trusted colleague, friend, or family member to proofread your statement.  We expect a high-quality, grammatically correct statement from our applicants.

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Q. Is the Statement of Intent the same thing as the English writing sample or the TESOL essays?

A. No.  Please see the Additional Department Requirements (link) section for more information about these documents.

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Q. May I submit my credentials file from my campus Career Development Office to fulfill the recommendation letter requirement?

A. The preferred method for submitting recommendations is online, as part of your online application submission.  You may have your credential file sent to SUNY Fredonia as part of your graduate application, but you must have two of the people who contributed recommendations to your file submit the required recommendation form (link to form) to our office.

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Q. My chosen referee prefers to submit a paper recommendation.  Is this allowed?

A. We accept online or paper recommendations.  If a paper recommendation letter is submitted, the required recommendation form (link to form) must accompany it.

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Q. What does it mean if I waive my right to review recommendations submitted on my behalf?

A. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Public Law 93-380), effective November 19, 1974 (as amended by Public Law 93-568, Buckley Amendment) is intended to ensure students the right to inspect, review, and control access to student educational records maintained by an educational institution.  You may choose to waive this right in regard to reviewing recommendation letters submitted on your behalf.

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Q. Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required for admission to graduate programs at SUNY Fredonia?

A. Admission to the Master of Science in Social Studies Adolescent Education (link) requires the completion of the GRE. Students may be admitted conditionally if they have not yet taken the exam, but completion will be required by the end of your first semester as a graduate student.  In addition, the GRE is recommended for students seeking admission to the Master of Science in Biology and the Masterof Science in Speech-Language Pathology programs.

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Q. Do I have to submit transcripts...

...for coursework for which transfer credit has been awarded at SUNY Fredonia?

...for coursework taken as a high school student?

...previously submitted to SUNY Fredonia during the undergraduate admissions process?

A. You must submit official transcripts for all institutions you have attended, except SUNY Fredonia. This includes coursework for which transfer credit has been awarded and coursework taken as a high school student (if college credit was awarded). You must submit transcripts even if you previously submitted them to SUNY Fredonia during the undergraduate admissions process.

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Q. I have not yet completed my undergraduate degree.  Do I still need to submit a transcript?

A. Yes, you may submit an official undergraduate transcript that shows coursework in progress.  However, you must submit a final official transcript that shows your degree conferral date when it is available. 

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Q. What additional departmental requirements must I complete as part of my graduate application?

A. Additional departmental requirements are as follows:

English (all programs): 8-20 page graduate-level essay.  Click here for more details.

Social Studies Adolescent Education: The GRE is required.  Click here for more details.

TESOL: Two essays -- one in English and one in a language other than English (LOTE).  Click here for more details.

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Q. Where can I find information about on- and off-campus housing?

A. Please contact our Residence Life Office (Phone: (716) 673-3341).

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Q. What kind of financial aid is available to graduate students?

A. While there is less direct student aid available to graduate students as compared to undergraduate students, there are still opportunities to fund your graduate education prudently.  Our financial aid counselors can help find opportunities for you; in addition, our funding page will highlight local, regional opportunities to offset your tuition as well as other external links for funding.

Q. Are there web resources I can use to research financial aid options?

A. Please see the following websites:


Page modified 10/24/08