Application Review Process

It is peak admissions time for graduate schools everywhere. While we are busy reviewing and making decisions, applicants are anxiously awaiting decisions. Here is a little insight into our process.

Processing

First, the University’s Enrollment Management Processing Office downloads your online application, transfers your online application materials into our internal system, matches up test scores and any additional materials and creates a record for you in MySlice. This office also sends a notification about how to activate your NetID and check your application status via MySlice.

Second, Newhouse receives a report with your application information and we transfer that into our own database. The Graduate Records Office checks in each and every application to determine which are complete and which are missing materials. We will email you to let you know your status and will also send the Kira online interview invitation emails.

Review

Once complete, we notify the program director that your file is ready to be reviewed in our internal system. The program director reviews it, sometimes with input from other department faculty, and renders a decision. That decision is passed on to Associate Dean Joel Kaplan, who makes the final decision and notifies our office. If there are any disagreements about the decision, the program director and associate dean have a conversation to come to a mutual conclusion. The final decisions include admit, wait list or deny.

Decisions

On or about March 1, Newhouse will send decision notifications to applicants via email. It will be sent from this email (pcgrad@syr.edu). We will submit the final decisions to the University’s Enrollment Management Processing Office and that office will follow up with communications to our admitted applicants.

Required documentation

For international admits, financial documentation is required. If this has not been submitted, or the proof of funds is not enough, you will receive an email stating that you are conditionally admitted until this is provided. Please note that serious delays with your admission and I-20 can be caused if your documents are not on file in a timely manner. We recommend that you submit them prior to receiving a decision.

Deposit

If admitted and you plan to attend, you are required to pay a $500 nonrefundable advance tuition deposit to hold your space in the class. This can be paid via credit card on MySlice. The email notice you receive from the University will detail what you need to do to reserve your spot in the class. The deadline is April 15.

In addition, we’ll be planning two Preview sessions for admitted applicants in March and April and will update our website with information and checklists if you decide to accept our offer of admission.

If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.