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Education / Graduate Education / Certificate Programs / Frequently Asked Questions

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQ pages will help answer many of your questions related to admissions at the SMD, the application process, being an international applicant, and the professional and career development resources available to students in the School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Admissions

When are applications reviewed and by whom?

Applications are reviewed as they are received by Program Directors and Admissions Committees Members.

How are applications evaluated?

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their prior performance as evidenced by their academic records and any other pertinent data they submit.

Specific admission requirements vary by program. In general, most programs require significant work in the basic, applied and the physical sciences, mathematics, writing and established research skills.

When will I know if I've been accepted?

Certificate program applications are typically reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. If you would like to check on the status of your application, please contact your Program Coordinator directly

If I’ve been accepted, when can I enroll?

Students entering a certificate program start in late August or early September for Fall admission, mid-January for Spring admission or mid-May for Summer admission.

What if I need to defer my admission?

The graduate programs accept applications for the next immediate academic year. Accepted applicants who wish to postpone their entrance may request a deferral of up to one year by obtaining permission from the Program Director. If the deferral request is granted, the applicant’s place would be reserved with the next entering class. If the deferral request is denied, the applicant must choose either to matriculate in the class to which admission has been offered or to reapply for admission at a future date.

How will I know if I haven’t been offered admission?

Once a decision regarding your application has been made, you will receive an email to inform you that you have or have not been offered admission. If you have not received such an email, the program may still be reviewing your application. If you would like to check on the status of your application, please contact your Program Coordinator directly.

Application

Where is the online application?

The online application is now open. (recommended browser is google chrome)

Is there an application fee?

Yes. The fee is $60 and is paid during the Online Application process.

What is the application deadline?

  • May 1 for Fall admission
  • November 1 for Spring admission

Detailed Application Timeline

What materials do I need to complete my application?

Application Requirements

What should my Statement of Purpose include?

The Statement of Purpose should clearly describe your reasons for applying to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, your preparation for the field of study, your study and research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the Admissions Committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. If there are weaknesses in your application, please address them directly as this will be to your benefit. Your statement should not exceed 3 pages in length (single spaced). Because you are applying online, you should prepare your statement in advance and be prepared to upload it.

Which standardized tests are required for admission?

  1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (Institution Code is 2948)
    GRE scores are not required for certificate programs. If applicants want to include GRE scores, they may do so during online application process.
  2. English Language Proficiency (TOEFL Institution Code is 2948)
    Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by taking one of the tests below.
    1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)iBT or ITP Plus
    2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    3. Duo Lingo

 

Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?

Most certificate programs do not require recommendation letters. The certificates in Clinical/Medical Technology and Marriage and Family Therapy each require two recommendation letters. At least one of the recommenders should be a faculty member at the last school you attended as a full-time student unless you have been out of school for more than four years. Substitutions for faculty recommendations may include work associates or others who can comment on your academic potential for graduate work. As a professional courtesy, you should notify your recommenders of the request for a recommendation letter in advance.

Letters of recommendation are submitted via the online application system only. Hard copy letters are not accepted.
This will require that you organize in advance the:

  • name
  • title
  • address
  • institution or business name
  • email address of all your recommenders

before applying online. Immediately after you submit your application, your recommenders are sent an email asking them to submit a letter of recommendation electronically.

Is there a minimum GPA required?

A minimum GPA is not required for programs other than Clinical and Medical Technology.

Clinical/Medical Technology Certificate

It is recommended that applicants have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 with a minimum math/science GPA of 2.8.

Where do I send my transcripts?

It is expected that transcripts be scanned and uploaded to your online application.

What is the correct Institution Code for the TOEFL?

The SMD Institution Code is 2948.

How do I find out if my application has been received?

Please return to your Applicant Status Page and log in to review your application checklist.

How can I check the status of my application after it is completed?

Inquiries regarding the status of an application should be directed to the Graduate Coordinator affiliated with the graduate program to which you have applied.

International Applicants

International students are required to be full-time for immigration purposes. Because certificate programs are not designed for full-time study, international students are typically not eligible.