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Applying to the Graduate School

Frequently Asked Questions

Completing the Application

Check your Activity Page to print a copy of your form or to learn if we have received it. Your Activity Page is located here.

When you save or transmit application information, a note appears in your personal Activity Page (may also be called Activity Log). You can easily check your Activity Page at any time to see your application activity and to learn when we have acknowledged receipt of your form. Just log into your CollegeNET account and select Activity Page.

Yes, you may apply to multiple programs but you can only be admitted to one. You must apply to each program on separate applications.

If your program requires them (not all programs do), on the letters of recommendation section of the Online Application you will enter the name, institution/company, title and e-mail address for each of your recommenders. You can submit your recommenders' information before you submit your application and the system will immediately request letters on your behalf.

You can return to your online application anytime to view the status, send reminders, cancel a request, or change your recommenders. Log-in to your Online Application, click on "Review Your Activity," navigate to the "Review Page," and then click on "Manage your Recommenders."

Yes, an application can be submitted. Some programs will review applicants before test scores are received, while others will not. Check the program requirements page for details.

If your transaction is declined when submitting your application fee, it is recommended you try a different credit card to submit your fee payment and/or wait 24 hours to make a payment. Applicants have also reported success using a different Internet browser (eg. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc.) or a different computer entirely. Others have requested that friends or family make the payment using their own credit cards.

You may also pay via electronic check within the online application, however, please note that it can take up to 10 working days for your application to move forward since we must wait for the check to be processed.

If you have problems after trying different methods to submit your payment, it is recommended that you contact your credit card company or issuing bank.

Note - applicants from the United States should ensure that their billing address is consistent with US Postal Service standard format. To verify the standard format for your address, enter your billing address on this page and click 'Submit.'

When filling out your online application click the SCHEV link for more information on who qualifies for Virginia in-state tuition rates.

Are you a Veteran, Vet-spouse or dependent? This link should help you understand how to qualify for Virginia in-state tuition rates: https://www.jmu.edu/registrar/veterans/ 

You should enter each major on a separate line and repeat the institution's name on each line.

Transcripts will be uploaded with your online application. Only upload transcripts from universities/colleges where you have earned or anticipate earning a degree (or expect to apply credit to your program at James Madison University). Do not mail or send transcripts to The Graduate School until you are accepted into a program.

AFTER you have been admitted into a program request previous academic institutions to submit official transcripts to gradtranscripts@jmu.edu.

If electronic submission is not possible, official paper transcripts must arrive unopened, either brought in-person or mailed to the following address:

The Graduate School
James Madison University
MSC 6702, 100 E. Grace St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Official transcripts may also be emailed BY THE ACADEMIC REGISTRAR'S OFFICE to gradtranscripts@jmu.edu.  Official transcripts emailed by the applicant WILL NOT be accepted.

Your application status is displayed on your Activity Page. View your checklist for details.

Applicants should use the Help Link in the online application to report technical difficulties. NOTE: Clicking the Contact our help desk at the bottom of any page while filling out the Online Application will allow you to view helpful information. You may also complete a Help Request online form on the Contact our help desk page.  Additionally, you can call our online application provider at 503-973-5213 from 7am-6pm Pacific Standard Time Monday through Friday.

Standardized Tests

Yes, GRE scores in either format are valid for up to five years. Official scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) using the institution code 5392. (If you are applying to a CSD program your test scores will be sent to CSDCAS institutional code 1043; if you are applying to the Physician Assistant program use code 7442)

Check with your program before sending  scores. https://www.jmu.edu/grad/programs/index.shtml

Minimum scores are determined by your program. Visit your program's requirements page for guidance.

There are a number of ways you can fulfill JMU's English proficiency requirement. Graduate applicants who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English language proficiency. View the options.

Yes, admissions committees will review applications that do not meet the minimum requirements.

Admissions Decisions

Admissions decisions are communicated to applicants through your Activity Page. For information about the decision process you should check your program.

To accept or decline an offer of admission, an applicant must log-in to Activity Page. You must choose accept or decline.

Some programs have a specific date and if not accepted by the specified date the offer will be withdrawn. Check your acceptance letter for details.

Deferments may be available, contact your program directly to discuss that option.

You should accept your offer at least two weeks before the start of the term. Offers of admission that are not accepted by the start of a term will be withdrawn.

  • If you have been accepted into a program you will need to log into your Activity Page where you can view your acceptance letter and where you will accept or decline your offer of admission.
  • We will mail an acceptance packet which includes your offer letter and additional materials.
  • The letter specifies the term you are admitted, the category of admission being offered, and the program contact name and email adress of your program should you have questions.
  • Watch for emails from the Graduate School about topics including tuition, financial aid, housing, resources, and peer groups.
  • Watch for emails from your graduate program regarding next steps.

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