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» Return to Policies
Application to Degree Programs
The following items must be submitted to the Office of Academic Programs before an application for admission will be processed:
- Online graduate application form (Online application can be found on the School of Education website)
- Transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate work. Applicants may provide unofficial transcripts for initial review, but official transcripts, reflecting degree conferral will be required if admitted. (A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to a master’s level program; a master’s degree is required for admission to a doctoral program and some certificate programs.)
- Admission Tests - Not all programs require an admissions test. Please see the School of Education website for admission test specifics by program.
- Letters of recommendation (completed online) from 3 persons qualified to evaluate the applicant’s professional, ethical, and academic qualifications for graduate study. It is suggested that the applicant present a combination of professional, and academic references. The written references will be used exclusively for purposes of admission to the School of Education.
- A $50.00 non-refundable application fee
- Essay(s) with focus on personal and professional goals
- Résumé
- Research Paper - EPPL Doctoral applicants only
- Interview - required by the School Psychology program and the MEd and PhD in Counselor Education programs
- Any additional materials or documentation required by specific programs
International Student Admission
International students are encouraged to apply for graduate study in the William & Mary School of Education. The admission process of foreign students considers English language proficiency and academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores to the Office of Academic Programs. Although a minimum score for admission has not been issued, international students who are typically admitted score at least 100 on the internet version of the TOEFL exam (or comparable score on other versions of the exam) or at least a 7 on the IELTS. Scores more than 2 years old cannot be reported or verified by the testing center.
Required Academic Qualifications
International students that have been awarded the baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) from any institution other than a U.S. regionally accredited institution of higher education, must submit official copies of all transcripts from every college or university attended and certified literal translations where needed. These transcripts must show courses, grades received, annual mark sheets, examination sheets, and completion certificates as they apply in the student’s home country. Official copies must bear the seal of the issuing institution and the actual signature of the college or university registrar. Applicants pursuing a licensure program should submit an evaluation of foreign credits from an evaluator, such as World Education Services (WES).
Applying to Multiple Degree Programs
An individual may apply to more than one degree program, but may only enroll in one degree program at a time. A student may take second-program courses, but cannot officially start the next degree program until the first degree is completed, or the student withdraws from the first program. Courses taken toward the second degree program while still in the first program must adhere to the policies pertaining to transfer credit.
Admission Review
Faculty in each department will review applications and recommend applicants for admission, wait list, deferred admission, or denial of admission. In general, students are selected on the basis of their academic preparation [quality of their undergraduate institution, undergraduate GPA and graduate GPA if applicable, and test scores], letters of recommendation, scholastic ability, professional work or volunteer experience, and commitment toward a career in education.
Admissions requirements do not state a minimum grade point average or standardized entrance examination score cutoff to be considered for admission. Instead, the program faculty will holistically review all completed applications to select the students with the most competitive characteristics on the admissions criteria.
Review of Off-Cycle Admissions
The Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs can recommend to the faculty a review of candidates for off-cycle admission only upon the presentation of a compelling need for such a review. Off-cycle review of applications will be considered only when warranted by extenuating circumstances. Students seeking an off-cycle review must provide evidence that postponing the review until the next admissions cycle would create a severe hardship. Program faculty seeking an off-cycle review of a student must provide documentation in support of the review.
Admission Decisions
All applicants will receive official notification of admission decisions from the Office of Academic Programs immediately following action by the program faculty.
Accepting the Admission Offer
Students must submit the enrollment deposit in order to accept the admission offer. Students are assigned an advisor upon admission and are advised to contact the advisor as soon as possible following notice of admission.
Note: Students who accept an offer of admission but who fail to matriculate within two semesters after the formal date of entry will be withdrawn from the respective degree program. If a student wishes to pursue a graduate education degree at a later time, the student will need to reapply through the standard application and admission review process.
Deferring Admission Offer for One Year
Students interested in deferring admission for one year must make the admission deposit in order to hold the space, and must notify the Office of Academic Programs of the intention to defer. A student can defer admission for no more than one year, after which time the admission to the School of Education will be withdrawn. Deferral is not an option for the Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Deferred Admission Decisions
In cases where an admission decision has been deferred by the faculty, applicants will be required to furnish additional evidence of their aptitude for graduate study or other additional, pertinent information. After receipt of the requested additional information, the application will be reconsidered by the program faculty.
Appeal Procedures
Appeal of Admission Policy
An applicant may request an exception to application policies and procedures by addressing an appeal to the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs.
Appeal of Admission Decision
If an applicant is denied admission, the applicant may request reconsideration by addressing an appeal to the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs. The appeal should include all available evidence and/or documentation that might indicate that the application decision may not have represented an accurate evaluation of demonstrated ability.
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