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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mailing address for the Graduate School?

            Office of the Graduate School

            102 Rose Administration

            Box 870118

            Tuscaloosa, AL  35487

            Telephone:  (205) 348-5921

            Website:  http://graduate.ua.edu

   Email:  deads@aalan.ua.edu

How many students attend the University of Alabama? 

In the Fall 2006, over 23,878 students attended the University of Alabama and the total graduate student enrollment was 3,782. During the Fall 2006 term, female graduate students comprised 58.75% of the graduate student population as compared to 41.25% of male graduate students on campus. Minority students make up approximately 14% of the graduate student population.

Can you give me information about Tuscaloosa?

Tuscaloosa is located in Tuscaloosa County situated in west central Alabama, about 57 miles southwest of Birmingham.  Northport and Brookwood are other municipalities in the county.  Tuscaloosa is comprised of about 82,000 residents and its main industries include:  health care, educational institutions, and manufacturing.  The University of Alabama was founded in 1831 and was the first public university in the state.  The University has ranked in the top 50 public universities in U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years.  For more information about the city of Tuscaloosa, please visit the website at http://www.ci.tuscaloosa.al.us.

Does the Graduate School offer any off-campus or Internet classes?

Yes, distance courses and degrees are available through the Internet, written correspondence, videotape, and videoconferencing. Students interested in distance education may visit the Distance Education website at http://distanceeducation.ua.edu/.  Students may also contact the Distance Education office at (205) 348-9278 or toll free at 1-800-452-5971.

What constitutes a full time student?

Graduate students are considered full time if they are enrolled in at least nine credit hours for the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester. 

What type of financial support does the University offer graduate students?

The University assists graduate students through fellowships and assistantships totaling more than $21 million each year. Over 1,100 Teaching and Research Assistantships are awarded annually through departments. Graduate Council Fellowships are awarded annually by the Graduate School to students based on departmental nominations. The Graduate Student Travel and Research Support Fund and the National Alumni Association Graduate Scholarships are available to all graduate students. The Joint Faculty Development Programs are awarded to students from minority groups who are planning careers in college or university teaching. More information can be found at http://www.graduate.ua.edu/financial/handbook/index.html

Where can I get information regarding financial aid?

Financial aid information for graduate students is available online at http://graduate.ua.edu/financial/ . The Financial Assistance Handbook is also available in the Office of the Graduate School. You may also visit the Financial Aid Office located at 106 Student Services Center, online at http://www.financialaid.ua.edu For more information, please contact your academic department.

How do I Apply?

The Graduate School understands that applying to a graduate program can be overwhelming. For this reason, we want you to know that applying to the University of Alabama does not have to be a stressful task. Our application is simple, yet precise, and can conveniently be completed online. You will find all pertinent information on the UA Graduate School’s Application Center website at http://www.graduate.ua.edu/application/index.html.

What are some important deadlines to remember?

          October/November

• Gather detailed information about your program of interest.

• Contact faculty members and ask them about their comparable interests/skills.

• Schedule required admissions exams (GRE, GMAT, MAT, LSAT) and obtain study materials.

• Inquire about fellowship/assistantship deadlines and other forms of financial aid available to graduate students.

• Find out if your department is hosting an Open House; plan a visit to UA and schedule an appointment with someone in your department.

November/December

• Take required admission exams and have scores sent to the Graduate School.

• Request recommendations from professors who know you well and can speak highly of your talents.

• Begin work on your Statement of Purpose and other essays required by your department (it is important to work through several drafts of these essays so that you will submit your best work).

• Request transcripts to be sent to the Graduate School.

• Find out from your intended program how you can make your application more competitive.

• Find out when your department’s application deadline is because some programs have deadlines in late December/early January.

December/January/February

• Submit your online application and mail supplemental materials to your department.

• Obtain recommendations and/or make sure they have been sent to your department.

• Find out if a separate application is needed for an assistantship or fellowship and submit your application.

• Ensure that you are aware of all required parts of the application for your department and try to send the entire application at one time.

• Check with your intended department to confirm that your application materials have been received and ask for the notification date of their admission recommendation.

What materials are required to be considered for admission?

Action cannot be taken on an application until the following have been received:

Citizens or permanent residents of the United States:

• Application Data Sheet

• Statement of Purpose form

• Two Official transcripts of all colleges attended

• Official score reports of entrance examinations (if required by the department)

• Letters of recommendation (if required by the department)

• Nonrefundable Online Application fee of $30 ($35 for paper application)

• Any other application materials required by the specific department

International Applicants:

• Application Data Sheet

• Statement of Purpose form

• Two official transcripts and diplomas for all higher education institutions attended

• Official score reports of entrance examinations (if required by the department)

• Letters of recommendation (if required by the department)

• Nonrefundable Online Application fee of US $30 ($35 for paper application)

• TOEFL or IELTS score (for applicants whose native language is not English)

• Any other application materials required by the specific department

What is an official transcript?

In order to be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to the Graduate School by the registrar of the issuing institution. Transcripts issued to students, must be in an envelope sealed by the issuing institution.

What is the current status of my application?

You may check your application status online through the UA website
(see http://graduate.ua.edu/application/appstatus.html) or by contacting the Graduate School at (205) 348-5921.

When can I expect to be notified of an official decision?

After we receive all application materials, please allow 2-4 weeks for your official letter from the Dean of the Graduate School. Some academic departments require more time.

How can I contact my department?

You can access your departmental website by going to specific links to departments available at: http://graduate.ua.edu/academics/index.html

Am I required to submit scores from national admissions tests such as the GRE, GMAT, or MAT?

Please consult your academic department for any entrance exam requirements.  In order to schedule an entrance exam at the University of Alabama or at a location nearest you, please contact the Testing Service (205) 348-6760. UA Testing Services website is: http://testing.ua.edu/

What is the application deadline?

Visit the page http://graduate.ua.edu/application/appdeadlines.html for chart of application deadlines. Applications should be submitted as early as possible to allow for review. Many departments have early deadlines, and all materials should be submitted at least 6 weeks in advance of department deadlines. Please contact the office of the department or program in which you plan to major for specific application deadlines.

Where can I get information about housing?

          On-Campus

The University provides an excellent residence program that supports graduate students.  Please visit Residential Life online http://www.sa.ua.edu/reslife or call (205) 348-6676.

Off-Campus

There are two free apartment guides for the Tuscaloosa area:  Tuscaloosa Apartment Guide and Apartment Finder.  Students can reach the Tuscaloosa Apartment Guide

online at http://www.apartmentsalabama.com and the Apartment Finder at http:www.ApartmentFinder.com.  

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SEE ALSO: Information for Applicants | Application Center | Financial Resources | Degree Programs