COVID-19 Graduate and International Admissions Updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to Admissions-related questions you might have here,
and check our COVID-19 website for regularly updated university-wide information.

General Info  Future Grad Applicants  Future International Applicants  Admitted Students

General Information

• Is the Office of Admissions open?

  The physical Office of Admissions, located in Campus Commons,open but with limited staff while most work remotely.

• Are Admissions staff available for help and support?

  In light of UNC’s campus closure, the majority of the admissions staff are working remotely in an effort to support our campus community’s health and safety. Our staff is available to answer questions and inquiries, but you may see an increase in response times. We appreciate your patience during this time!

• Who should I contact with questions?

  Graduate Students
  If you are a prospective graduate student, please contact your enrollment coach, Bryson Kelly, by email at Bryson.Kelly@unco.edu or by phone/virtual appointment.

  International Students
  If you are an international student, please contact your international admission counselor, Andrew Wesselmann, at Andrew.Wesselmann@unco.edu.

  Both Bryson and Andrew are here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

Future Graduate Applicants

• Will my official transcripts still be processed?

  Yes, both electronic and paper transcripts will be processed as usual upon receipt.

• What happens if the college or university I attended is closed and cannot send my transcript?

  Most institutions are posting COVID-19 updates on their website. Please visit your institution's website for more information and/or guidance on changes to their processes. If your institution is unable to produce an official transcript, please contact us at grad.school@unco.edu. 

• Will my application still be processed? 

  Yes, your application will be processed and reviewed as usual. Please log in to your Admissions Portal for more information about the current status of your application and the next steps you need to take in the admissions process.  

• Will my Transcript still be processed?

  Yes, your transcripts will still be processed and your application will be reviewed in accordance with the standard process. Please log in to Admissions Portal for more information about the status of your application and the next steps you need to take in the admissions process.

• Will my test scores still be posted to my application?
   

  Yes, test scores will be processed as usual upon receipt. However, we advise checking with your testing service to determine if there have been any disruptions to their processes, including scheduling tests and ordering test results. Here are some links:

  • AAMC (MCAT)
  • ACT (the ACT)
  • ETS (GRE and TOEFL)
    Note: ETS is offering the GRE General Test at Home. 
  • GMAC (GMAT)
  • Pearson (PCAT, MAT)
• What should I do if I am unable to take the standardized tests my program(s) require because the testing centers are closed?

  Please email us at grad.school@unco.edu.

• Are the deadlines to submit an application being extended?

  Visit your program's website for more information and/or guidance on deadline changes. Please note that if a program extends a deadline, you can view this information on their website. We encourage you to contact your program directly for more information. The admissions staff will process applications regardless of deadlines set by the programs. If you are concerned about not being able to meet a deadline, please contact the program coordinator for your program to explain your concerns.

• What if I am unable to attend for the semester I was admitted, what do I need to do?

  Given the evolving nature of the current situation, we understand you may be unable to attend for the semester you were admitted. Please submit the post admission change of term form listed in your Admissions Portal. Please note: consideration may be given to allowing a second deferral in cases where students have previously deferred but now will not be able to attend for their new term. Please contact grad.school@unco.edu if you think you might be one of these cases.

• Is there going to be a delay to getting an admissions decision?

  Given the evolving nature of the current situation, your program may or may not have made admissions decisions. We encourage you to contact your program directly for more information.  

• What if I need help with my application?

  We're here to assist with any application-related questions.

  Prospective Graduate Student
  If you are a prospective graduate student, please contact your enrollment coach, Bryson Kelly, by email at Bryson.Kelly@unco.edu or by phone/virtual appointment.

  Prospective International Student
  If you are an international student, please contact your international admission counselor, Andrew Wesselmann, at Andrew.Wesselmann@unco.edu.

  Both Bryson and Andrew are here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

Future International Applicants

• I am a prospective international student, who should I contact with questions?

  Your International Admission Counselor, Andrew Wesselmann, is here to answer any questions you might have. You can connect with him at Andrew.Wesselmann@unco.edu.

  Immigration related inquiries can be sent to the UNC Center for International Education, at International.Advising@unco.edu or by calling 970-351-2396.

• My university is currently closed, I can’t get my official transcript. Can I send an unofficial copy of my transcript to UNC?

  UNC can accept unofficial copies of your transcript for application review if your school is closed due to the coronavirus. To submit your unofficial transcript, please email us. If you are admitted to UNC, you will be required to submit official transcripts by the end of your first semester of study.

• What if I can’t take the TOEFL or IELTS because testing centers are closed?

  UNC accepts three English proficiency exams which can all currently be taken at home:

  • English3 Proficiency Test (E3PT)
  • TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
  • IELTS Indicator

  You can find our minimum requirements for English proficiency on our international admissions requirements page.

• Does UNC accept Duolingo?

  We do not accept Duolingo as proof of English proficiency. We recommend students consider English3 or TOEFL’s Special Home Edition.

• I can’t take the GRE because ETS has closed testing centers. What can I do?

  ETS is offering the GRE General Test to students to take at home/online in select countries only. Learn more about where the test is offered, and how to register.

  If you are located in a country that is not offering the GRE at home, please email us at andrew.wesselmann@unco.edu.

• I have been admitted to UNC, but I cannot schedule a visa interview appointment. Can I still come to UNC?

  If you are unable to receive your student visa or arrange your arrival to UNC because of the coronavirus, you may be able to defer your admission to a future term.

Admitted Students

For information for current graduate students, visit the Graduate School's COVID-19 Updates page. 

• What about New Graduate Student Orientation?

  Registration for the 2021 New Graduate Student Orientation will open in the spring of 2021. Please visit the New Graduate Student Orientation web page for more information.

• What about financial aid?

  You can still apply for financial aid including the FAFSA, graduate scholarships and assistantships. The priority deadline is June 1.