Frequently Asked Questions about Applying to UCI

1. Application Fee: A $60 (for U.S. Citizens and lawful U.S. Permanent Residents) or $80 (for all other applicants) non-refundable application fee is required for each University of California campus to which an applicant applies.
2. Transcripts: Two certified official transcripts of all previous post secondary academic work must be submitted. Transcripts should be sent directly to the UCI academic department from the Registrar of the issuing institution.
3. Graduate Record Examination Scores: GGRE scores are required for admission to graduate study at UCI, except the Paul Merage School of Business prefers the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores from applicants. Applicants for the MFA degree and teaching credential programs are not required to submit GRE scores. You must request ETS to report your score directly to UCI.
4. English Proficiency: All applicants whose primary language is not English are required to submit passing TOEFL or ILTS scores.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation, preferably from professors or instructors in the proposed field of study, are required.
6. Statement of Purpose: The student's Statement of Purpose helps determine whether the applicant's academic objectives can reasonably be satisfied in the graduate program to which admission is sought.
7. Individual Program Requirements: Individual program requirements may vary from program to program. Typical individual program requirements include, but are not limited to, samples of previous academic work, writing samples, statements about research experience, foreign language competence (e.g., TSE), and portfolios of artistic or creative endeavors.
8. Foreign Study Requirements: Students applying from foreign countries should review requirements and regulations for international students.

Individual deadlines for application may be set by each graduate program. The UCI campus publishes a deadline of January 15 for applications and full consideration for fellowships and assistantships. However, most programs do not want to discourage the exceptional applicant who may need to apply late in the cycle. Individual graduate programs at UCI may extend our published deadlines and accept applications submitted after deadlines on an individual decision basis. You are advised to contact the program of interest directly for specific deadline information.

You can apply on paper or online. We recommend the online method for faster service. See How to Apply On-Line for details.

We have systems in place to ensure that we receive all applications submitted. If you submit your application online, you will be sent an acknowledgment by e-mail.

Our admissions staff will match your application fee with your on-line application using the Transaction Number which is automatically imprinted on your Application Fee Form. You will be instructed at the end of the on-line application session to print out the Application Fee Form and to submit it along with your check or money order. If we receive a check or money order that cannot be matched with an application, the sender will be notified.

Yes, we do. You may pay the application fee using either Mastercard or Visa credit cards. These are the only two cards we accept. You will find a section at the end of the online application to pay the fee via credit card.

If you submit your application online and pay your application fee via credit card, an application fee form will be automatically generated in our office upon approval by your credit card company.

Information on the status of your application can be obtained by contacting the academic program or department to which you applied. For telephone numbers and other contact information, please see the School Program Contact Directory. Please allow at least 30 days after submission of your application prior to contacting the university for a status report.

It depends upon the program to which you are applying. Contact the academic program or department to which you applied to determine if the subject test is required.

Each graduate program has a graduate counselor who can answer academic or procedural questions about that particular graduate program. UCI students and alumni also can obtain counseling through the UCI Career Planning and Placement Center (949) 824-6881.

If you are not currently a registered UCI undergraduate, you can obtain career planning advice and information about career opportunities through the UCI Extension Program by contacting the Women's Opportunity Center (WOC) (949) 824-7128. The center now provides consultation services for both women and men.

The UCI General Catalogue is available both online and through the UCI Bookstore. Paper copies of the Catalogue may be purchased in person at the UCI Bookstore, by mail order or by phone order. Current Catalogue Pricing

To purchase the Catalogue by mail, please send a check or money order payable in U.S. dollars to UC REGENTS to the following address:

To purchase the Catalogue by phone (via credit card), please call (949) 824-BOOK (2665). Bookstore hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For questions, please send E-mail to books@uci.edu.

The Catalogue also is available for reference in most California public libraries, in the library or counseling center of most California high schools and colleges, and in the libraries of some universities, colleges, and educational counseling centers throughout the world.

Previous applicants must submit a new application, including all supporting documents, and pay the application fee.

If you were previously admitted AND enrolled in a UCI graduate degree program, you may be eligible for Readmission and special handling.

If you have questions not answered above, please contact the admissions staff for your particular major.

If you are disabled, you may apply using a paper application. To request a paper application, please contact a representative of the program in which you are interested.