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Table of Contents

General Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my documents arrived?
The Office of Admissions would be happy to check for you.
• Phone: 1-888-468-6978
• Email: admissions@wsu.edu


2. How do I know if I've been accepted?
Admission decisions are sent via U.S. mail in addition to an electronic copy of the letter being emailed to the email address provided on the admission application.


3. When can I get my I-20?
Once you have been offered admission and paid the $200 advance tuition deposit you are eligible to receive an I-20. Admit letters and I-20 documents are sent via Federal Express
(Fed Ex).

Students with a current SEVIS record - Please follow the transfer procedures on this link:
http://ip.wsu.edu/oiss/students/incoming-students/transfer-students.html
Students without a current SEVIS record - An I-20 will be sent to you by the Office of Admissions.



Application Form

4. I am still in high school, can I apply to WSU?
YES. It is common for students to apply to the university while they are in their final year. However, it is required that students finish their high school studies before the they begin WSU classes.


5. Will you accept applications for fall or spring after the priority deadlines?
Applications after the published priority application dates are accepted on a space-available-basis. Whether we can accept these applications depends on the number of applications that we have already received from qualified applicants so we strongly encourage you to apply by the priority dates of November 15 (for spring term) or January 31 (for fall term).


6. Can I check my application status on-line?
No. Please contact the Office of Admissions regarding your application status.
• Phone: 1-888-468-6978
• Email: admissions@wsu.edu


7. If I want to re-apply, do I need to send all my documents in again?
You will need to fill out a new application, pay the application fee and submit any documents containing information that has changed or is out of date. This may include a new transcript evaluation (if you have completed additional academic studies since you last applied), English language proficiency results, and proof of finances.


8. Where can I find the Certificate of Financial Responsibility?
If you completed the paper version of the International Undergraduate Application for Admission, the Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) is on the back side of the form. If you completed the on-line version of the application, you should have been directed to the following URL which has a copy of the CFR you can download.
http://ip.wsu.edu/enroll/finances/index.html .


9. Do I need a personal statement?
International undergraduate student applicants are not required to submit the personal statement unless they are attending a U.S. accredited high school.  In this case the personal statement is optional.  More information about the personal statement can be found at wsu.edu/statement.


10. How do I change information on the application that I submitted?
Email the Office of Admissions at admissions@wsu.edu. You should send the email from the email address listed on your application. Be sure to include your full name and WSU ID number, if you have one as well as the exact information that you would like to have changed.


11. Do I need letters of recommendation?
Undergraduate applicants are not required to submit letters of recommendation.


12. How do I know what my major is?
You choose. For the majority of majors at WSU a student indicates an intended major on their application. Generally, in the 2nd year of study students formalize acceptance (certification) into a major with the department of choice.


13. How can I change my major?
You can change your major at any time. Once you are accepted to WSU you can meet with your advisor and discuss changes you would like made to your major.



English Language Proficiency

14. What do you accept to prove Undergraduate English language proficiency?
All international students need to demonstrate English language proficiency.
There are three ways you can meet the language proficiency requirement:
1. Take a language exam
The two most commonly accepted exams are the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Other examinations may also be accepted. You will need to score at least 550 PBT (paper based test) or 79 iBT (internet based test) on the TOEFL. The IELTS minimum score is 6.5. 
2. Study English at WSU
The Intensive American Language Center (IALC) is located at the Pullman campus. It focuses on preparing students with the language and academic skills needed to study successfully at universities and colleges within the U.S.
If you complete level 5 of the Intensive American Language Center program with a "B" average and meet all other eligibility requirements, you will be considered for admission.
3. Qualify for a language waiver
   • Earn at least 53 semester (80 quarter) hours of transferable credits from an accredited U.S. college or university with grades averaging 2.50 (or above) prior to WSU enrollment.
   • Earn a "B" grade (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better in a transferable equivalent of WSU's English 101 and 102 and have 27 semester (40 quarter) transferable credits at the time of application.
   • At least 3 years of attendance at a U.S. high school.
4. Applicants from these countries are exempt from the English proficiency requirement:
Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, British Guyana, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, New Zealand, Trinidad, Tobago, and Zambia.


15. What do you accept to prove (Post)Graduate English language proficiency?
All international students need to demonstrate English language proficiency. See the Graduate School website for current ELP requirements.
WSU Graduate School ELP requirements


16. Is conditional admission available? What is it? How does it work?
Yes.  Conditional Admission is intended only for those students who plan to enroll at WSU's Intensive American language Center (IALC).  Students must have satisfied all normal admission requirements except English Language Proficiency (ELP) and must have registered for English as a Second Language (ESL) at WSU's IALC.

To apply for Conditional Admission, all items for normal admission except English Language Proficiency must be completed. The student must indicate on the university admission application that she or he has not satisfied ELP requirements and will be attending IALC. An application to the IALC is also required. A printable IALC application is available at http://ialc.wsu.edu/apply/index.shtml.


17. Do you accept institutional TOEFL scores?
We only accept institutional TOEFL scores administered at WSU and approved by WSUs Intensive American Language Center (IALC).



Academic Credentials


Eligibility

18. Can you tell me if I'm eligible to attend?
Review the international admission website for admission requirements.


19. What GPA is required for admission?
Secondary school
Applicants must complete at least 12 years of elementary through secondary school, culminating in an appropriate secondary certificate or external examination. Grades must be distinctly above average. We may consider the first year or two of university in some countries to be secondary level.
Applicants graduating from accredited high schools inside or outside the United States of America (USA) must have a minimum grade point average of 2.70 (on a 4.00 scale). Your schooling should include preparation in humanities, mathematics, basic sciences, and social sciences.
College or university transfer
International transfer applicants  must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale) and have studied for at least one full year at a recognized or accredited post-secondary school.
Secondary transcripts may be required depending on how much transferrable credit is possible from the post-secondary school attended.  Applicants will be notified of any additional documents needed to review the application.


20. Do I have to take the SAT?
If you have attended or are attending a U.S. accredited high school for three full years, you must submit official scores from the SAT I or ACT. Otherwise, the SAT and ACT exams are not required.


21. Do you accept transfer students?
Yes, we do accept transfer students. As an international transfer applicant, you don't have to submit secondary school information if you have completed one full year of transfer credit -- instead, you'll be considered for admission on the basis of the college-level work that you have completed.
Important information for transfer students can be found at:
http://ip.wsu.edu/enroll/transfer/index.html


22. If I have gone to college or university, but I want to start again as a freshman, do I have to tell you about where I went to college or university?
Yes. Full disclosure of your educational history is required. All high schools, colleges or universities that you have ever attended before enrolling at the University must be listed on the international undergraduate application. Failure to disclose and submit complete and accurate information may result in the denial of admission or subsequent dismissal from Washington State University.



Credential Evaluation

23. How do I get my transcripts evaluated?
There are two ways.  Make sure that you get an evaluation with a cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average).

1. Visit http://naces.org to have your transcripts evaluated by a NACES member organization.  On the left side-bar or the bottom bar click on “Current Members”. You will see a list of 20 companies that evaluate academic transcripts and are acceptable for admission purposes to Washington State University. From this list you may choose which company you would like to use. Visit the specific company’s website for more information on what documents are required to be sent to them for evaluation.

2. Visit AACRAO International Education Services at http://ies.aacrao.org and follow the instructions.

When the evaluation is complete the company must send it to WSU’s Office of Admissions. Washington State University Office of Admissions 370 Lighty Student Services Building PO Box 641067 Pullman, WA 99164-1067 USA


24. If I use aNACES member company, which one should I use?
The International Enrollment Office is not in a position to recommend any specific company to you. It is your responsibility to research and find which company works best for you.


25. Which kind of an evaluation do I need?
If you have graduated from an international high school and have less than a year of postsecondary schooling or if you are currently attending an international high school, you will need to submit a general secondary school evaluation that includes a grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. If you transferred from an international high school to a U.S. high school you must submit the same evaluation for the years you spent at the international high school (including 9th grade). If you have attended any international postsecondary schooling (college or university) you must submit a course-by-course evaluation that includes U.S. semester credits and a GPA on a 4.0 scale.


26. If I am applying as a transfer student, do I need to submit an evaluation of my high school grades?
Washington State University will consider your transfer application if you have completed at least one year of full-time study at an accredited postsecondary institution. You will need to submit an evaluation of high school as well if it is determined that your postsecondary education does not equal at least a year of full-time study.


27. Do I need to get a NACES evaluation if I transferred to a US high school?
Yes. If you attended any high school years (9th-12th) at an international school before transferring to a US high school you must submit a general secondary school evaluation that includes a grade point average (GPA) for those years spent at the international school.



WSU Info

Tuition and Fees

28. What are your tuition and fees?
A list of tuition and fees can be found at:
http://www.wsu.edu/studacct/tuitionFees.htm


29. Do you offer financial assistance for International Students?
Financial assistance is available for International Students. Details can be found at:
http://www.ip.wsu.edu/enroll/scholarships/index.shtml


30. When do I have to pay my tuition and fees?
For the Fall 2010/Spring 2011 school year tuition due dates are listed at:
http://www.wsu.edu/studacct/tuitionduedate.htm


31. Will the university accept my credit card payments?
WSU accepts MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. A full list of payment options and details about paying your account can be found at:
http://www.wsu.edu/studacct/howtopay.htm


32. Do I have to pay tuition for a full year in advance?
No. Tuition is paid one semester at a time at the beginning of each semester.
33. Is it a good idea to pay tuition in advance by electronic transfer to the university?
The Student Accounts website provides detailed information about how you can pay your account:
http://www.wsu.edu/studacct/howtopay.htm



Housing

34. Do I have to live in the WSU Housing?
Freshman, or students under 20 must live on campus for their first year. General information is available at http://admission.wsu.edu/student-life/freshman.html Useful housing information for International students is available at http://www.ip.wsu.edu/enroll/housing/index.shtml


35. When can I apply for housing?
    The $200 tuition deposit must be paid before you can apply for housing.
36. When is the housing deadline?
There is no housing deadline. Students will be placed in residence halls as long as there is space available. Returning the housing contract as soon as possible gives you a better chance of obtaining the living arrangements you prefer.


37. Are there special dormitories for international students?
International students are welcome in all residence halls. McCroskey hall is a unique residence hall where domestic and international students can live and learn together in a culturally diverse environment. For more info check:
http://www.wsu.edu/~ihouse/about/



Calendar

38. Are you on quarters or semesters?
Semesters. Fall semester begins in August and Spring semester begins in January. We also have three sessions during the Summer semester. A full academic calendar can be found at: http://www.registrar.wsu.edu/Registrar/Apps/AcadCal.ASPX


39. Do you offer admission for terms other than fall term?
Yes, we also offer admission for spring semester, and summer semester. If you apply for summer semester be sure to indicate which session you will begin. If you plan on beginning in the summer and continuing into the fall semester, please indicate summer and fall on your application in the Applying to begin section.