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Office of Admission and Records
160 E. Tenth Street
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 621-8069
admiss@cgu.edu
www.cgu.edu/admissions
Application Priority Dates
Applications to CGU are accepted on a rolling basis. However, applicants are advised to be mindful of the following priority dates:
Fall Admission:
- January 15th is the priority application date for applicants to the Psychology program.
- February 1st is the priority application date for all other academic programs.*
*The Teacher Education department does not admit to the fall semester.
Spring Admission:
- November 1st is the priority application date for all academic programs.
- October 1st is the deadline for applicants to the joint doctoral program with CSULB.
Summer Admission:
- April 1st is the priority application date for all academic departments with summer admission.**
** Math, Art, and Economics do not admit to the summer semester.
Applications received after the dates indicated above will be evaluated on a space-available basis. Please refer to the CGU website www.cgu.edu/admissions for updates regarding deadlines.
Fellowship Deadlines
Fall Admission:
- January 15th is the deadline for students who are requesting a fellowship (and in some cases, other types of financial assistance from the academic department) to submit a completed application for Psychology.
Spring Admission:
- November 1st is the deadline for students to submit a completed application if they are requesting a fellowship (and in some cases, other types of financial assistance) from the academic department.
Summer Admission:
- April 1st is the deadline for students to submit a completed application if they are requesting a fellowship (and in some cases, other types of financial assistance) from the academic department.
Basis for Admission
Student selection is based on academic potential, without regard to race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, place of national origin, age, or handicap.
Criteria for admission includes the high probability of the student’s success in graduate study and in subsequent teaching, research, or professional careers, and the capacity to profit from the particular type of program available in a given subject area. Academic departments and schools vary somewhat in their criteria. Prospective students are encouraged to discuss specific admission standards with the academic department of interest. In keeping with the philosophy of Claremont Graduate University, the admission decision is individualized and based on a wide range of information about the applicant, rather than on rigid, preselected criteria.
Evaluation of an applicant’s ability to pursue graduate study is based on several kinds of evidence:
- undergraduate record, particularly in the field chosen for graduate work.
- academic and professional references.
- scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), as required.
- practical experience in the proposed field, as relevant.
- completed graduate work at another institution, if applicable.
The University grants admission on the basis of faculty review and recommendation.
Application Components
Details of application options and instructions for applying are available online at www.cgu.edu/admissions. Because components may vary by department and the application fee may vary by year, applicants are encouraged refer to the admissions website for procedural details in addition to the policy information below.
Transcripts
Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that the applicant has attended.
Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once that degree has been granted a final official transcript showing the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU.
Applicants who submit transcripts with a significant number of courses with a pass or credit grade, may be requested to provide additional documentation.
Transcripts written in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official certified English translation. Transcripts from universities outside of the United States will be evaluated to ensure equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Three-year degrees should be supplemented with additional coursework, or a one-year master’s degree. Foreign transcripts that do not state a degree conferral should be accompanied by a degree certification from the degree-granting institution.
References
Three reference letters are required and should be submitted by the applicant with all other supporting documents. Reference forms ( ) and envelopes are provided in the paper-based application packet and reference forms are available for download on the CGU website at www.cgu.edu/admissions.
Reference writers should seal the reference letter in an envelope, sign their names over the sealed envelope flap, and return the letter to the applicant. The reference writer’s signature will help ensure confidentiality of the document.
Most academic departments request references from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s academic ability. References from employers may be desirable or required in some professionally-related programs. Applicants are encouraged to provide specific information to their reference writers, which will aid in strengthening the reference. For information regarding the University’s policy on the confidentiality of references, see the “Policies ” section of this Bulletin.
Résumé/Curriculum Vitae (C.V.). A current résumé or C.V. is required and should list at minimum the last three employers and the nature of your work. Publications, awards received, association memberships, and computer literacy should also be included.
Personal Statement. The personal statement is the applicant’s opportunity to provide information about his/her background, interests, aspirations, and how they relate to the proposed academic program. For specific instructions for the personal statement, please refer to the application packet or to the CGU website at www.cgu.edu/admissions.
Required Tests
All students whose native language is English or who hold a degree (or are in progress to earn a degree) from a U.S. College or university must submit scores from the general section of the
GRE.
Applicants to the fall semester requesting institutional fellowship should take all necessary tests in time for the results to be received at CGU prior to the February 1 (January 15 for Psychology applicants) priority date for completed applications.
Please note the following:
1) Art, Executive Management, and Certificate applicants are not required to submit GRE / GMAT scores.
2) Teacher Education applicants are not required to submit GRE scores; however, they must provide a passing CBEST score prior to enrollment.
3) All Human Resources Design, Information Systems & Technology, Financial Engineering, and Economics degree applicants, including all international applicants, must submit either GRE or GMAT scores.
4) The GRE subject section is recommended but not required for applicants to Economics and Psychology. Subject tests are recommended in addition to, but not in place of, the GRE general test.
5) All Politics & Policy applicants, including all international applicants, must submit GRE scores.
6) All Management applicants, including all international students, must submit GMAT scores, not GRE scores.
7) Applicants with permanent resident status or American citizens whose native language is not English may be required to take the TOEFL. If admitted, they may be required to take Global Communications, a non-credit English course, during their first semester of enrollment. Information regarding separate enrollment fees associated with this course is available online at www.cgu.edu/studentaccounts.
GRE Access
- GRE scores more than five years old will not be considered by CGU to meet the admission requirements.
- For all testing information, refer to www.gre.org.
- The Claremont Graduate University institutional code is 4053.
Specific departmental codes can be found online at www.cgu.edu/test, but are not necessary for score submission.
GMAT Access
- GMAT scores more than five years old will not be considered by CGU to meet the admission requirements.
- For all testing information, refer to www.mba.com or call 1-800-717-GMAT (4628) or 1-952-681-3680.
- Please refer to www.cgu.edu/test for further information regarding the submission of GMAT scores.
Non-Native English Speakers
Applicants with permanent resident status or U.S. Citizens whose native language is not English may be required to take the TOEFL (see “TOEFL Requirement”). If admitted, they may be required to take a non-credit English course during their first semester of enrollment. Information regarding separate enrollment fees associated with this course is available online at www.cgu.edu/studentaccounts.
Special Procedures for Admission to Art and Music
See the sections on “Art ” and “Music ” for these procedures.
International Applicants
Claremont Graduate University is authorized under federal law to enroll international students with nonimmigrant visas. Graduates of colleges or universities outside of the U.S. Who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree may apply for admission to Claremont Graduate University. Requirements for admission include records of academic distinction and an ability to read, write, and speak rapid idiomatic English with a high degree of facility.
International applicants must prove their ability to support themselves financially for at least the first year of study by submitting a completed Affidavit of Financial Support Form () and providing verification of the statements made on the affidavit. These documents are required in order for the University to issue a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS2019). As of the 2007-2008 academic year, approximately $53,092* is required for a calendar year at CGU for 12 units per semester, and approximately $64,100* is required for a calendar year for 16 units per semester. Students who are being sponsored by an organization or government agency must be aware of their sponsoring agency’s regulations on payment of tuition and fees. Students who need the University to bill their sponsor directly should contact the Student Accounts Office each semester to ensure proper billing.
* Please note that these figures may change annually, refer to the CGU website www.cgu.edu/international for the most current amounts.
International students who enroll at CGU are responsible for adhering to the requirements stated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (US CIS) regarding SEVIS. For specific requirements, applicants should refer to the CGU website www.cgu.edu/international.
Fellowship aid through the University is limited, and if available may cover only a small portion of a student’s expenses.
Applicants requesting institutional fellowship aid must ensure that completed applications are received by the priority application date. Please see “Fellowship Deadlines” in this section or refer to www.cgu.edu/apply.
TOEFL Requirement
The TOEFL score and other supporting documents will be used to determine English language proficiency.
All applicants whose native language is not English and who do not hold a degree from a U.S. college or university must take the TOEFL exam and have the test results sent to CGU.
Please note that the following abbreviations will be used in regards to the TOEFL exam:
PBT = Paper Based Test
CBT = Computer Based Test
iBT = Internet Based Test
- To be considered for admission, applicants are required to achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 80 iBT, 213CBT,or 550 PBT.
- For all TOEFL testing information, refer to www.toefl.org.
- The Claremont Graduate University institutional code for reporting the TOEFL exam is 4053. Specific departmental codes can be found online at www.cgu.edu/test, but are not necessary for score submission.
- Official scores from The University of Cambridge’s International English Language Testing System(IELTS) may be submitted in lieu of the TOEFL score. To be considered for admission, applicants are required to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.
- TOEFL and IELTS scores more than two years old will not be considered by CGU to meet the requirement.
Admitted students whose score on the TOEFL is at or below100 iBT, 250 CBT, or 600 PBT or whose score on the IELTS is at or below 6.5 are required to take Global Communications, a noncredit English course, during their first semester. (Please see below.)
Global Communications Course (GCC)
The GCC course provides intensive instruction in American English academic discourse to strengthen international students’ ability to succeed in graduate-level courses. Students will have weekly tutoring sessions with graduate students to work on individual needs. Please visit the Student Accounts website at www.cgu.edu/studentaccounts for specific enrollment fees for this course.
Medical Requirements
All international students are required to complete a tuberculin skin test. If the skin test is positive, they will be required to have a chest X-ray. Medical clearance is required of all international students before registration.
The Student Health Service on campus provides health services to all Claremont Colleges students. International students who wish to use Student Health Service will be required to complete a Medical History Form () at the center. Student Health Service includes an inexpensive immunization program (including tetanus, measles, mumps, and rubella) and a tuberculin skin test. New students are encouraged to visit the Student Health Service for immunization as soon after their arrival as possible.
International students are required to show proof of health insurance, or purchase the college’s insurance, throughout their time at CGU.
Classification of Admission
Each student admitted by the University is classified in one of the following categories:
Full Graduate Admission. Full graduate admission status may be awarded to applicants who are admitted without reservation and whose application document requirements are satisfied. Only students who have full graduate standing may become candidates for a degree.
Provisional Admission. Provisional admission may be awarded to applicants whose application documents are incomplete at the time admission decisions are made. The documents on file at the time of an admission decision must be strong enough to warrant provisional admission pending receipt of the outstanding credentials. Students who do not submit the necessary credentials by the end of the first semester of study will not be permitted to register for the following semester. As soon as all admission requirements have been met, the graduate faculty serving the department will review the student’s file. The faculty may then recommend that the student be moved to full graduate standing.
Conditional Admission. Conditional admission may be awarded to an applicant whose academic record shows certain deficiencies or who lacks certain prerequisites. The student must demonstrate ability to do graduate work at a high level of achievement at CGU before being considered for full graduate standing. After completing the conditions specified by the faculty (typically, a minimum of eight units of graduate work or, in the case of a full-time student, the first semester of work), the record of a student with conditional standing will be reviewed by the graduate faculty serving the department. The faculty may then recommend full graduate standing,determine that the student should remain on conditional standing until specified requirements have been met, or terminate the student from the program.
Contingent Admission. Contingent admission may be offered to an applicant who is required to complete particular prerequisites prior to enrolling at CGU. An example might be providing a passing CBEST score (for Teacher Education applicants) or completing a particular course prior to enrolling at CGU. Upon completion of the contingency, the student should provide evidence to the academic department that the requirement was met.
Application Information Accuracy
Applicants are required to sign a statement at the end of the application certifying the accuracy of the submitted information. Any misrepresentation may be cause for denial of admission. If misrepresentation is discovered after admission,dismissal from CGU and revoking of any degree granted may result.
Deferrals
Deferred Application. If maximum enrollment has been reached, an academic department may offer an applicant the option to be considered for admission to a later semester than the one to which he/she originally applied.
Applicants also have the option to defer their application to be considered for a semester later than the one to which they originally applied. Applicants can contact the Office of Admission and Records or the Academic Program to which they applied to pursue this option.
Deferred Admission. If maximum enrollment has been reached, an academic department may offer an admitted student the option to enroll in a later semester than the one to which he/she originally requested.
Students who are unable to attend in the semester to which they were admitted may contact the academic program to which they were admitted and request a deferral. Admission is not guaranteed with a deferred application, even if the applicant was previously admitted.
Special Programs
Alumni. CGU graduates are eligible to take CGU courses for personal enrichment at a 50% discounted rate. Courses taken at the alumni discount may not be applied toward a degree. To register for classes, please fill out an Alumni Registration Form (), which can be found on the Alumni website at www.alumni.cgu.edu/benefits.asp.
Audit*. A student who is not enrolled in a degree program but wishes to audit one or more courses (no credit will be given for courses) must submit an admissions application, application fee, and official bachelor’s degree transcripts. The approval of the dean as well as the approval of the instructor(s) of the course(s) concerned is required for study in this category.
Please note that students in this category do not satisfy SEVIS requirements so international students in F-1 and J-1Visa categories are not eligible to audit courses unless they are also enrolled in a degree program.
Certificate*. Various schools at CGU offer certificate programs. To be admitted to a certificate program, applicants will be required to submit a complete application packet, with the exception of test scores. See the previous section on “Application Components” for details. Certificate students wishing to subsequently apply to a degree program at CGU will need to submit any outstanding application components missing at the time the student began the certificate program, such as test scores. The faculty may request supplemental documentation when a certificate student is being considered for admission into a degree program.
Special Standing*. Applicants who wish to attend CGU as a non-degree student may be admitted as a special standing student. Special standing applicants must submit an application, an application fee, and official bachelor’s degree transcripts. Special standing students who later decide to apply for a degree or credential program must supply additional application components to be evaluated for admission. Admission to special standing is limited to one academic year/12 units of study. Approval by the provost is required for further study in this category. Please note that special standing does not satisfy SEVIS requirements, so international students in F-1 and J-1 Visa categories are not eligible for a Special Standing admission.
Visiting Summer Student*. During the summer semester only, interested individuals may take courses at CGU without the need to obtain admission to the university. To do so, please fill out a Visiting Student Registration Form (), which is available from the Office of Admission and Records. Please note that participating in CGU’s summer semester as a visiting student does not constitute admission to CGU. Visiting students who wish to enter a degree program must submit a complete application packet to the Office of Admission and Records for evaluation by the academic program of interest.
*Participation as a CGU Audit Student, Certificate Student, Special Standing Student, or Visiting Student does not constitute admission to a degree program at CGU; therefore, these students are generally not eligible for financial aid consideration. Students registered as such who wish to seek admission to a degree program must submit a complete application packet to the Office of Admission and Records. |