Frequently Asked Questions

If you have more questions after exploring the Graduate School website and referring to the list below, please contact us at 509-335-6424, or email gradschool@wsu.edu. Graduating this semester? Visit this website for instructions.

Question	Answer	Website resource
May I get my application fee waived?	Unfortunately, the Graduate School does not offer application fee waivers. Please note that the Graduate School also does not accept applications sent through postal mail or email. If you are still interested in applying, you can do so at the following link:	Graduate School
I am applying to multiple departments; do I need to send my application materials with each application?	We only need one completed set of application materials and once these are received, they will be attached to your file. If you apply to two or more departments, each department will have access to your file.
What are the deadlines to apply?	For most departments, the application priority deadline is January 10 for Fall and July 1 for Spring. However, some departments have an earlier deadline. Be sure to refer to department information regarding deadline dates.	Degree Programs
What is WSU’s GRE Institutional Code?	WSU’s GRE Institutional Code is 4705. The GRE requirement varies by department, so check with them to see which scores they require. For more information on the test, review your degree program fact sheet, or contact your prospective department. Note: Required tests will show the TOEFL, which is solely for international applicants. The institutional code for TOEFL scores is also 4705.	Degree Programs
How do I submit my letters of recommendation?	Once you submit your application, your references will be contacted through the online application system and then be asked to submit an electronic recommendation form. You will receive a confirmation email after each letter of recommendation has been submitted. If your recommender did not receive the email, or you would like to change recommenders, follow these directions:  Log in to your account.  Select My Application.  Select Program Materials.  Select Program you applied to.  Select the Recommendations Tab.  Select Edit on the recommender if status is still requested.  If able to edit, you will find the Resend this recommendation request button and resend the request.  If you want to change recommenders, etc., Add Letter of Reference Recommendation and fill in the information.  You can also delete the former recommender following these steps.
My recommender indicated that they completed the letter of recommendation form on CAS. How do I confirm that they submitted the form? Is this still needed?	You will need to log into your CAS application, select Program Materials, and select the program you have applied to. Once that information has been loaded, you will then go to the Recommendations Tab to view the status of your Letters of Recommendation. If still in requested or In Progress, you can resubmit the request for recommendation email by selecting edit on this page.
What do I need to do to apply as an International Student?	Please click on this link for International Requirements
What are the department or program requirements?	Each program or department will have their own requirements in addition to or separate from the Graduate School. You may find your program here: Degree Programs	Degree Programs
What should my affidavit of support say?	We have an example affidavit of support for you. Feel free to use this one and fill in the information to fit your situation. https://gradschool.wsu.edu/documents/2023/08/international-graduate-student-certificate-of-finance.pdf/
Are International Students eligible for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)?	No. International Students are ineligible for Federal Financial Aid.
Does the Graduate School offer conditional admission to International Students?	No. The Graduate School does not offer conditional admission.
Can the English requirement be waived?	SEE International Requirements Prospective international applicants must meet any of the following options as evidence of English language proficiency: • Option A: Hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution. • Option B: Hold citizenship or a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an institution in any of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Overseas Territories, British Virgin Islands, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Montserrat, Nigeria, New Zealand, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, or the United Kingdom. • Option C: Graduated with a baccalaureate-level or higher degree from a college or university outside the US where the language of instruction was English (provide an official letter or transcript from the school stating English was the language of instruction). Applicants who do not meet any of the options detailed above must earn the following minimum English language proficiency exam scores. These scores must be submitted directly to the Graduate School (school code 4705) from the testing services. Unofficial scores are not accepted. Graduate programs may require applicants to achieve higher scores than the minimums listed above. See your degree program for individual requirements.
How do I enter my current or most recent school information on the graduate application?	Scroll to the bottom of Page Six (Additional Information tab) and uncheck the CertiFile box. This will allow you to input your current or most recent school information and proceed with the next page of the application.
How do I know if all my application materials have been received?	Contact your department to verify if they have all the materials needed to review your application. Please allow 2 to 5 days after submitting your application before contacting your department. If you have uploaded your unofficial transcript(s) with your application, the department will use the transcripts and all other documents to review your application. Also, your letters of recommendation will be received as your recommenders submit them.
How should I submit all of my supporting documents?	When emailing or mailing any supporting documents, be sure to include your student ID# and the name used on your application.
What is the Graduate School's mailing address?	If sending via USPS, use the following address: Graduate School Staff Graduate School P.O. Box 641030 Washington State University Pullman, WA 99164-1030 If sending a package via UPS, FedEx, DHL, or you are unsure of the carrier, use the following address: Graduate School Admissions Staff Graduate School 410 Dairy Rd French Administration R324 MS-1030 Pullman, WA 99164-1030
What happens if I have payment issues on the application?	If you have issues with payment, navigate to the CAS Help Center by either logging into your CAS application and using the drop-down menu where your name is located or going to the bottom of the sign-in page. Once Help Center is selected, you can either find the issue you are experiencing from the Help Center screen, select the Quick Start Guide, or use the Contact Us link to email their support team.
How do I go about submitting my transcripts?	 SEE: Domestic Requirements  SEE: International Requirements  Transcripts are required. An unofficial transcript (native language and its English translation) for every college and university that the applicant attended is acceptable for the application review process. Applicants may upload copies of unofficial transcripts and translations via the online application. All transcripts sent to the Graduate School as part of the application process become part of the official Graduate School application file and cannot be returned or transferred. Once the student is admitted, we will need their FINAL official transcripts and Degree Certificates sent by their former college’s Registrar’s Office, in English and native language, by the end of their first enrolled semester.  NOTE: All transcripts sent by the student are considered unofficial by the Graduate School.  CHESICC is not tied to the CAS application, only the CollegeNET application.	Domestic Requirements International Requirements
Which email address is used as official correspondence between student and the Graduate School?	The email listed on your application is valid if you are recommended for admission and acceptance. AFTER you accept the offer of Admission, and throughout matriculation, your new WSU email is the ONLY email address the Graduate School will use to conduct business with you.
When will I be able to access myWSU?	Approximately 2-5 days after you successfully submit your graduate application to Washington State University, you will receive an email from the Graduate School, which will include your unique WSU ID number. Please use this number each time you interact with the WSU Graduate School’s Admissions office. This number enables you to create a Network ID (NID) to access your account. Follow the steps in the account creation email that was sent to the email address you used on your admission application. Keep a record of your Network ID and password, because you will continue to use these throughout your time at WSU. If you have any questions during the Network ID/Okta account creation process, or if you cannot find the account creation email, please contact the WSU Crimson Service Desk, Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (PST) at 509-335-4357 or email CrimsonServiceDesk@wsu.edu. Note: Please check your Junk mail and Spam folders often.	Crimson Service Desk
How do I update my information in myWSU?	1. Log in to your myWSU account. 2. From the homepage, select the Profile tile. 3. Select the address type to be changed, or one of the other options available.
How do I set up myWSU email account?	1. Go to the website office365.wsu.eduoffice365.wsu.edu. 2. Login on the WSU Sign in Page with your Network ID and Password (same as myWSU Login). 3. On the Office 365 Landing Page, click the ‘Mail’ Icon. 4. The first time you access this, it will ask you to set your time zone. 5. This will then take you to your Inbox for your Office 365 email account. 6. Your email address will be your networkid@wsu.edu.
Why do I have Graduate School holds on my myWSU account?	30th day HOLD – prevents a student from adding, dropping, or withdrawing from a course without first notifying their department or the Graduate School; Transcripts – All students are required to provide the Graduate School with FINAL official transcripts which must be sent by their former college(s) or university(ies); Degree Hold – If a graduate student completed their undergraduate or graduate degree from WSU, we must confirm that their degree(s) has been awarded; Measles CHS/Holds - https://cougarhealth.wsu.edu/medical-services/specialty-care-and- services/immunizations/required-immunizations/ Contact the Graduate School if you have further questions.
How do I accept my admission into Graduate School?
When will I receive my I-20?	I-20s are usually available within 5-7 days after you are admitted to the WSU Graduate School.
What if I am bringing a dependent or dependents?	If the student plans on bringing dependent(s) – we require financial verification in the following amounts: Spouse $8,143 First dependent $4,679 Each additional dependent $3,524 And a copy of the passport of each dependent.
Are you unable to attend the term you applied for?	Please reach out to your department to have your application deferred to a new term. You are allowed to do this twice before needing to reapply again for admission to the Graduate School.