The Graduate Center application process is self-managed. Responsibility for gathering required documents such as official transcripts and letters of recommendation rests with the applicant. In addition to completing the application form online, you must follow the instructions listed here to submit these items to The Graduate Center by mail prior to the program application deadline. This includes all official documents in their original sealed envelopes. You must also arrange to have required standardized test scores sent directly to The Graduate Center from the Educational Testing Service.

PRIOR TO APPLYING TO THE GRADUATE CENTER YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO VISIT AND READ THE HOMEPAGE OF THE PROGRAM TO WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING.

Although you may be interested in two programs, you may apply to only one program. The Application Deadline Chart summarizes the requirements and deadlines for each program.

Educational Background 
You must have earned an acceptable bachelor’s from an accredited institution whose requirements for the particular degree are substantially equivalent to those of The City University of New York.

Program Prerequisites
You must complete the prerequisites specified in a particular graduate program, submit evidence that he or she shows promise of ability to carry on research, and be approved by the admissions committee in the field in which he or she intends to specialize.

Deadlines 
All Graduate Center programs have a very firm deadline, so it is advisable to apply early. All deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines and it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline. An application is considered received by the deadline when all required documents are received in our office by the appropriate deadline. Should any deadline fall on a weekend or federal holiday, the "in-office" deadline will be the next business day.

Application Form
The online application form must be completed in its entirety and submitted electronically prior to the program deadline.

Submission of Supporting Materials
All supporting materials are to be sent by mail together in one envelope along with the application fee to: The Office of Admissions, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016-4309. Please indicate your program of study on the front of the envelope. All application materials become the property of The Graduate Center. Writing samples and applicant statements must have the applicant's name, date of birth, and program listed clearly on the front page. Writing samples must keep to the limits specified on the deadline chart. No bound materials can be accepted. Please do not staple writing samples and/or applicant statement. We are unable to return supporting documents to the applicant, and materials will not be reproduced or forwarded elsewhere for application purposes.
Note: Since you are responsible for securing official transcripts and letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes, it is important that the applicant requests supporting documents as early as possible to ensure that all supporting materials are received well in advance of the application deadlines.

Application Fee
There is a nonrefundable application fee of $125. Make a check or money order payable to The Graduate Center. Cash will not be accepted by mail. Credit card payments will be accepted.  Please note, after December 31st, 2008 The City University of New York will be implementing a 2.65% service fee on all credit card transactions.  

Transcripts
An official transcript must be submitted from each college or university attended even if you did not complete a degree or did not enroll in courses in your field. No original documents will be returned. Please fill out this Transcript Request Form (PDF) and forward it along with a self-addressed envelope to your previously attended college or university. Do not open any of the envelopes when they are returned to you from the registrar of your previously attended colleges and universities. The official transcripts should then be submitted unopened, with the other supporting materials, to the Graduate Center in a single large envelope. Clearly list your name and your intended program of study on the outside of the large envelope. International applicants must submit original unopened documents for all postsecondary studies. Additionally, all international documents that are not issued in English must be accompanied by a secod set of documents with certified English translations. Note: You must comply with the policy of each institution regarding transcript release regulations and fees.

Letters of Recommendation
Print copies of the Letter of Recommendation Form (PDF) and give one to at least two professors who can appraise your academic achievement and promise. The recommender is requested to complete the form and letter of recommendation, seal the completed form and letter in an envelope, and sign the sealed envelope across the flap. The sealed envelope should be returned to the applicant who, in turn, will submit the unopened recommendation along with the other supporting materials to the Graduate Center in a single large envelope. Clearly list your name and intended program of study on the outside of the large envelope. If it has been more than five years since you were last enrolled in college or graduate school, you may choose to request letters in addition to your two required academic evaluations. These letters should be from professional acquaintances and others who can vouch for your ability to pursue graduate study. Professional references may be substituted for academic references only if you are applying to the Doctoral Program in Social Welfare.

Graduate Record Examination
All applicants to The Graduate Center must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test and, where requested, the Subject Test in the area of intended study. The Graduate Center does not set a minimum GRE score for any of the programs. The scores are evaluated in a context of other measures of academic performance. For information, call 1-800-GRE-CALL visit www.ets.org. Official scores must be reported to The Graduate Center—College Code 2113. If this code is not used, scores will not reach us. Test scores should not be sent to individual program offices.
Note: In addition to the General Test, the GRE Subject Test is required for English, Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The GRE Subject Test is recommended for Developmental Psychology, Neuropsychology, and Social Personality Psychology.
The GRE is not required for applicants to the Doctor of Social Welfare Program. A professional writing sample is required for the Doctor of Social Welfare program.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Applicants for the Ph.D. Program in Business must take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). For information, call 1-866-505-6559 or visit www.gmac.com. Official scores for GMAT should be reported to The Graduate Center—College Code XWT-S7-47. If this code is not used, scores will not reach us.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) International students must present authoritative evidence of sufficient competence in the English language to pursue a regular course of study at The City University of New York. It is required that applicants who have not studied and earned a degree in an English-speaking country take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered internationally by Educational Testing Service, and request ETS to report examination results directly to the Office of Admissions, The Graduate Center–College Code 2113, 365 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10016. Inquiries concerning this examination may be made to Test of English as a Foreign Language, Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, U.S.A., or to most American embassies and consulates in cities outside the United States. For additional information, call 1-800-GO-TOEFL or visit www.ets.org. Individual programs at The Graduate Center may require a minimum score on the TOEFL for admission to the program.

International Students
If you will be applying for a nonimmigrant F-1 or J-1 visa for entry into the United States or if you are already in the United States in F-1 or J-1 student status, you must complete the Request for Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019) and Declaration & Certification of Finances for International Students. United States government regulations require documentary evidence of financial support for the duration of a proposed course of study prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019). This documentation may also be requested by United States consular officials upon application for an entry visa by U.S. immigration inspectors at ports of entry into the United States or by immigration inspectors when applications are made for extension of stay or change of status in the United States. Submit original documents in support of this application and prepare an additional set of original documents for support of visa applications. Please read more information about applying as an international student.

Financial Assistance
If you are applying for financial assistance you will need to complete the Application for Financial Assistance and submit it along with the other supporting materials to The Graduate Center in a single large envelope.

Immunization Requirements
Medical Record Requirements — New York State law requires all students to complete a Meningococcal Meningitis Response Form prior to registration. In addition, New York State law requires all students born on or after January 1,1957, to be immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella. Registration will not be permitted if a student does not comply with State medical record regulations. Specific questions should be directed to The Wellness Center at 1.212.817.7020; Fax: 1.212.817.1602; Email: wellness@gc.cuny.edu

Statement of Nondiscrimination: Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Regulations
The Graduate Center is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, alienage or citizenship, or veteran or marital status in its student admissions, employment, access to programs, and administration of educational policies. In accordance with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 and the implementing federal regulations, The Graduate Center maintains a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of gender in the operation of its educational programs and activities. Inquiries concerning Affirmative Action may be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer (Telephone: 1.212.817.7410); and inquiries concerning Title IX may be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs (Telephone: 1.212.817.7400).

Quick Links
Application Deadline Chart
Online Application Form
Letter of Recommendation Form
Transcript Request Form
Application for Financial Assistance
International Applicant Forms