GRE requirement for international applicants

This question pertains to both the on-line and on-campus programs.

Many international applicants have questions about the GRE requirement and it's true that all applicants are required to take GRE. The only exceptions would those holding a recognized doctoral level degree, however it should be noted that even in these instances where a international applicant does have a recognized doctoral level degree we often strongly encourage the applicant to take the GRE anyways. This is because it can be difficult for the admissions committee to interpret foreign transcripts and a the GRE can help them determine your potential in a US graduate program.

TOEFL Scores

This question pertains to both the on-campus and on-line programs.

I am often asked about the TOEFL requirement and options available if you do not want to take it. Unfortunately this is one of those requirements that we at the School of Public Health have no jurisdiction over. This is a UC Berkeley requirement and we must adhere to their rules. No substitutions are accepted. The only instance where a TOEFL requirement may be waived is if you have studied for at least one consecutive year, with a B+ average or better, at a US university. You must be able to provide transcripts to prove this.

When will I need to notify Berkeley of my decision?

If offered admissions, the School of Public Health asks that you let us know of your decision by April 15th. More details will be included with your admissions letter.

Admissions Decisions

When does the School of Public Health release their admission decisions?

This will vary by program but generally we will be sending admissions decisions beginning mid-February all the way through March.

Late GRE Scores

What happens if my GRE scores come in after the deadline?

I've been asked a couple times what happens if GRE scores are not received until after the deadline. The answer to this will depend on a few details, such as how late they are received, but generally I would say that this is all determined by the program. How each program views late submission of items will differ but you want to keep in mind that the earlier they have a complete view of your application the better. If we are talking a matter of days, I would not be concerned with this but if you are concerned please contact your program coordinator. 

GRE Scores on the Berkeley-specific application

I have been receiving many emails in regards to the fact that their official scores are not showing up as received. Just this year the graduate division implemented the new online application system you are currently using, and while it's a great system, there are still a lot of unknowns. As is turns out, your scores will never show officially received by Berkeley if you sent them to the 4227 GRE code...BUT DON'T WORRY! This is the correct code, and as long as your scores show received on the SOPHAS application, then you are just fine. The problem stems from the fact that we had to create a new GRE code to be sent to SOPHAS which the Berkeley online application system does not recognize. We apologize for any confusion but rest assured, if you sent your scores to 4227 and SOPHAS shows they are received, then you are fine.

Do I need to compensate for SOPHAS processing time and turn my application in early?

I've been receiving many emails asking about SOPHAS processing time and whether you need to turn your application in early to compensate for this time, and the answer is NO.

SOPHAS does mention this processing time so that's applicants have an understanding that there is not an immediate turn around when submitting the application, however this is also creating some confusion. The only deadline date you need to remember is December 2, 2011. We are aware of this time and have built it into our review process. Keep in mind that all materials need to be at SOPHAS by this date but there is no need to submit early to compensate for processing.