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Applicant FAQs

From the beginning of your application through graduation, the UNF Graduate School is here to help. If the below information doesn't answer your questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Been admitted? Check out our Admitted Student FAQs!
  • How do I unlock my account?
    You can reset your password by clicking the Forgot Your Password? link. You'll need to provide the email address that you used to create your account and have access to it.
  • Which application should I submit?

    There are four different types of applications you can submit to apply for graduate school. Select the one that meets your enrollment needs.

    • Master's Programs
      • Select this option if you are interested in a pursuing a degree-seeking master's program. 
    • Doctoral Programs
      • Select this option if you are interested in pursuing a post-baccalaureate or post-master's doctoral program. 
    • Graduate Pre-requisites (non-degree) Applicants
      • This option is for two types of applicants: 1) Those who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accepted institutional accreditor and wish to take graduate level coursework, but are not admitted into a degree seeking graduate program (click here), and 2) Individuals that are currently attending an accepted institutional accreditor as a graduate student and wish to temporarily enroll at UNF in order to transfer credits back to their home institution (click here).
    • Graduate Certificate programs
      • Select this option if you are interested in pursuing a post-baccalaureate or post-master's certificate program. Certificate programs are considered non-degree and are ineligible for financial aid.
  • What should I know about the application fee?

    The graduate application fee may be good for three consecutive terms. Contact us if you previously paid an application fee within three consecutive terms of a current application and would like to know if you are eligible to an application fee waiver.

    • Examples of situations where an application fee is eligible for a waiver include when a student: is admitted to a degree-seeking program and wishes to apply as a Graduate Pre-requisites (non-degree) applicant for a prior term within the three consecutive term period, accidentally applies for the wrong program, applies for the same program within a three-semester term, or is denied acceptance and wants to apply for another program in a different term. These waivers are only available by student request to the Graduate School.   
    • Students that are applying for multiple programs, are required to pay an application fee for each application. 

    It should be noted that an application will not be reviewed until an application fee has been received. In addition, the application fee is non-refundable and an undergraduate application fee cannot be transferred to a graduate application, and viceversa.

    You will have the option to pay an application fee when you submit your application or at a later date. To pay later, login to your Application Status Portal and click the Submit Payment link.
  • How do I check my application status?
    You can check your application status anytime from your Application Status Portal. We also recommend closely monitoring your email for updates.
  • How does the graduate admission process work?

    When completing your application you'll have the option to upload unofficial transcripts, unofficial test scores, supplemental materials, and recommender information, if required. You may login to your Application Status Portal at any time to view your application checklist, uploaded materials, and edit and remind recommenders. 

    After all of the required materials and application fee have been received and your application checklist is complete, your application will be forwarded to your Graduate Program Director. You will be notified about the update to your application status via email.

    Your Graduate Program Director will review your application and forward it back to the Graduate School with their decision for final decision processing. Once we have rendered the decision, you will be notified of the update to your application status via email and your Application Status Portal will update.

    Admitted students will be prompted to provide official transcripts and official test scores, if required. All official materials should be sent directly to the UNF Graduate School. Admitted students will also be asked to complete the Reply to Offer of Admission through their Application Status Portal.

    Some programs will waitlist applicants. Waitlisted applicants are asked to complete the Reply to Waitlist Offer through their Application Status Portal.
  • How long will it take to receive an admission decision?
    It's recommended you submit your application checklist materials as soon as possible. Once your checklist is complete, we will forward it to the Graduate Program Director for a decision. Each program has its own unique decision time-frame. As a result, it is recommended that the applicant contact their Graduate Program Director directly.
  • How will I be notified about my application decision?
    When your application is forwarded to the Graduate Program Director or a decision has been rendered, you will be notified of an update to your application status via email. These updates will also be available on your Application Status Portal.
  • If I am admitted to a program, how do I accept or decline my admission?
    Admitted students will be asked to complete the Reply to Offer of Admission through their Application Status Portal where you can confirm or deny your admission. There is no fee associated with an admission confirmation.
  • Can I defer my admission?

    Yes, in some cases you may defer your admission. A deferment may be requested for the two consecutive terms immediately preceding your initial term of admission. The program must admit for the requested term unless written approval from the program director is received. Programs that only admit once a year are not eligible for an admission deferment. 

    The deadline to request to defer admission is a month before the application deadline of the following semester.

    Deadlines:

    • Fall - November 1st
    • Spring - March 15th
    • Summer - July 1st
  • What happens if I do not enroll in courses for the term I am admitted to?

    Students that do not enroll for the term that they are admitted to, and/or do not request to have their admission deferred by the posted deadline, will have their application canceled for non-matriculation. You will need to reapply for admission to a future term should you seek enrollment. 

  • Why can I not apply for my program of choice?
    Some programs only offer admission for select terms. The application help text will assist you in selecting the appropriate term and program. It's also recommended to review your Graduate Program website for available terms and deadlines.
  • Can I pursue a dual degree?
    Graduate students are permitted to pursue a dual degree or certificate. You can apply to both simultaneously or submit a Change of Major after admission to one program to formerly request to add another degree program or certificate to your student record.
  • Where can I find more information on the Judicial Hold process?

    In accordance with Florida Statute §1001.64(8)(a), Florida Board of Governor’s Regulation 6.001(7), and University Regulation 2.0380R, the University may consider the past conduct of any individual applying for admission or enrollment when those actions have been found to disrupt or interfere with the orderly conduct, processes, functions, or programs of the University. If determined to be in the best interest of the University to deny admission or enrollment to an applicant because of the applicant’s past misconduct on or off campus, the University may do so, consistent with state and federal law.

    Please refer to the Office of the Dean of Students Judicial Hold Process and FAQs.
  • When and how do I submit application checklist items?

    When completing your application you'll have the option to upload unofficial transcripts, unofficial test scores, supplemental materials, and recommender information, if required. You may login to your Application Status Portal at any time to view your application checklist, uploaded materials, and edit and remind recommenders. 

    Admitted students will be prompted to provide official transcripts and official test scores, if required. All official materials should be submitted as official copies directly to the UNF Graduate School.
  • Can I submit unofficial test scores?

    Yes, in most cases, unofficial scores are accepted for admissions. Please check with your Graduate Program Director for details. Handwritten or self-reported scores will not be accepted.

    Admitted students will be prompted to provide an official test score report.
  • There is an institution on my checklist that I didn't attend. How do I remove it?

    If the institution was reported by you on your application, we will require a statement from the institution indicating they don't have record of you attending. It can be emailed to us and should include your full name and UNF student N#.

    Should you believe the institution was added to your application in error, please contact us with your full name, UNF student N#, and the institution information.
  • Can the application checklist items be waived?
    Your Graduate Program Director can request supplemental requirements be waived (i.e. reference letters, letter of intent, resume, writing sample, certificates, repertoire list, test scores). Transcripts and English Language Proficiency requirements cannot be waived under any circumstance as they are considered university requirements.
  • My recommender hasn't completed their recommendation, can I send them a reminder?

    Yes, you can send a reminder to your recommender by visiting your Application Status Portal. 

    1. Open your recommendations from the statement at the bottom: "To re-send notification emails to your recommenders, re-visit the recommendations page,..."
    2. Click Edit next to the recommender you wish to send a reminder to
    3. Click Send Reminder
  • Can I change my recommender(s)? How do I do so?

    As long as your recommender hasn't completed the recommendation request, you can change them by visiting your Application Status Portal. 

    1. Open your recommendations from the statement at the bottom: "To re-send notification emails to your recommenders, re-visit the recommendations page,..."
    2. Click Edit next to the recommender you will be replacing
    3. Click Exclude to remove that recommender
    4. Click Add Recommender and enter the information of your new recommender
  • How do I proceed if my recommender is not contacted or is unable to upload their reference letter?
    In the event the email is not delivered correctly or your recommender has trouble completing the request, please contact us.