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Frequently Asked Questions (Page 3)

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Here you will find answers to the common questions that prospective students ask.
If you don’t find an answer to your question, please contact us by utilizing the "Request Help" tab on the right margin of this page.

Test Scores

Students taking the GRE and TOEFL should use school code 2660 to send scores to Penn State.

Students taking the IELTS should select "Pennsylvania State University – The Graduate School"

Students wishing to send MAT scores should select "Penn State University" or use school code 2609.

Students taking the GMAT should have their scores sent to Penn State University, if prompted select your plan of study and plan of study location.

All questions regarding test scores should be directed to your intended plan of study.

This varies depending on the test type (GRE, TOEFL, etc.). Please refer to the testing agency’s website to find out when your scores will be/were reported. It may take up to a month for your scores to be received at Penn State.

You may check your status of your application, including receipt of references, documents and test scores, by logging into your existing account in the Graduate School application.  Once there, you will find a hyperlink labeled “status” that will allow you access this information.

Leave the test scores section blank and enter a statement in the comment section of the application stating which test you will be taking and when you plan to take it.

All questions regarding the GRE should be directed to your intended plan of study.

The language of instruction at Penn State is English. All international applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below.

Acceptable Test Scores

Please note that graduate plans of study may have more stringent requirements.

TOEFL

Internet-based test (iBT) - a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, with Graduate School approval, which requires completion of specified remedial English courses ESL 114G (American Oral English for Academic Purposes) and/or ESL 116G (ESL/Composition for Academic Disciplines) and attainment of a grade of B or higher within the first semester of enrollment.

Paper-based test (taken prior to July 2017) – the minimum acceptable score is 550.

Paper-based test (taken July 2017 or later) – a combined total of the 3 sections evaluated must be 60 or greater.

IELTS

The minimum acceptable composite score for the IELTS Academic Test is 6.5. 

Exemptions from TOEFL/IELTS

International applicants who have received a baccalaureate or a graduate degree in certain countries are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. For more information, view exemptions from English proficiency testing.

Please note that specific graduate plans of study may require all international applicants to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score, regardless of their academic background and country of origin.

No. Only Penn State’s institutional TOEFL is acceptable.

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Transcripts/Records

 Yes, you are required to upload copies of official transcripts/records/degree certificates from all institutions attended. All transcripts and academic records uploaded to the application are then considered “unofficial” and will be used for application purposes only.

Official/original transcripts/records/degree certificates are required for any degree or diploma earned, as well as any and all institutions attended that are listed on your application to the Graduate School. If you are recommended for admission to a graduate degree plan of study, you will be notified with detailed instructions on how to submit the documents.

Your international records will be considered complete and official if:

  • each document is an original or an attested copy that is certified by the issuing institution;
  • it is a comprehensive record of all study completed, in the form of a transcript or yearly marksheets;
  • it includes all degree certificates conferred;
  • each document is submitted with an officially certified English translation.

The university reserves the right to request official credentials or additional supporting documentation at any time during the admission process as deemed necessary.

You may check your status of your application, including receipt of references, documents and test scores, by logging into your existing account in the Graduate School application.  Once there, you will find a hyperlink labeled “status” that will allow you access this information.

An unofficial transcript is defined as a copy of an official transcript.

Examples of documents that are NOT acceptable as an official transcript are: 

  • Advising transcripts
  • Degree audit from a self-service web-site
  • A copy of a transcript(s) that is prepared and signed by a faculty member, city or government official, or notary public.

An official transcript:

  • is received from the applicant in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution or comes directly from the issuing institution via postal mail, electronic mail, or a trusted third party vendor;
  • bears the institutional seal; and
  • bears the official signature of the Registrar (or Recorder of Records)

A copy prepared and signed by a faculty member, city or government official or notary public is not considered official.

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This page was generated on March 28, 2024 at 7:45 AM local time. This may not be the most recent version of this page. Check the Penn State Graduate School website for updates.