Frequently Asked Questions by International Students
Q. What are the admission requirements and what documents are required?
A. The minimal requirement is completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in your country. The bachelor’s degree must be either a four-year degree or certified as equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree. All we need is proof of graduation and an official transcript of courses and grades and three letters of recommendation, two of which must be from academic sources. If your degree is less than a four year degree it must be evaluated by an accredited credential evaluation service and declared equivalent to a US four year degree. The application fee made be paid by money order made payable to Clark University and included in your application package.
Q. When are the admission deadlines for Clark University COPACE Graduate Programs?
A. We have rolling admissions here at Clark. This means that we act on your application as soon as it is completed. We have three entry points per year: January, June and September.
Q. Is the GRE or GMAT exam required for admission?
A. One or the other is required. However, most of our students do not submit exam scores. Rather, they take advantage of our two or three course option. This means that you can be accepted initially as a Provisional Graduate Student pending the completion of two or three courses with a grade of "B" or above. Once you have taken the three courses, the GRE or GMAT requirement is waived.
Q. How do I obtain an I-20?
A. After you receive your letter of acceptance, you will need to provide us with the following information: 1) Completed I-20 application form; 2) Copy of your passport and 3) Financial statement.
Q. Can I obtain a visa as a "Provisional Graduate Student?"
A. Yes. If you are admitted as a Provisional Graduate Student pending the submission of a GRE or GMAT score or the completion of two or three courses with a grade of "B" or above, this is sufficient for us to issue you an I-20 for the purpose of obtaining an F-1 Visa. It has not created problems in getting a visa at the US consulate. All of our international students this year chose this option.
Q. What are the TOEFL requirements?
A. We require a 577 TOEFL score (or 233 on the computer-based test). However, one can choose one of several alternatives. One, submit an IELTS test band score from an English University; two, send proof that your first degree was instructed in English; three, your first degree was from a US or UK college or university.
Q. What are the costs of a year's study at Clark University COPACE Graduate Programs?
A. For purposes of obtaining a visa, you must demonstrate support for or savings in excess of $24,000 USD. The actual cost of tuition for one year $12,000 (six courses required to maintain your visa @ $2000 per course). Demonstrate support means a relative or friend attaches a bank statement and an affidavit of support. You may use more than one. The total of savings and support documents must equal $24,000 USD.
Q. Do we offer financial aid to international students?
A. For the first year we do not; however, for second year students there are limited scholarships available for up to one-half of the semester's tuition.
Q. Can I work while in the US?
A. There are two ways that you may work in the US. One, take a required internship during your studies and you may work for up to one semester doing Curriculum Practical Training (CPT). Two, after completing studies you may stay for an additional one year doing optional practical training (OPT), which allows you to work anywhere for pay for up to one year.
Q. Is Clark University a welcoming institution?
A. We actively seek international students at Clark University for the purpose of maintaining a diverse community. Clark was rated by US News and World Report last year as being fifth in the US for per cent of students studying from other countries. We not only welcome you but also we support you in numerous ways during your stay.
Q. What is the lead time for admission?
A. To be safe, you should allow at least three months from the point of application until your expected arrival in the US. Since we have rolling admissions, once we have received a completed application, the time needed for processing and evaluation is two to three weeks. Once accepted we immediately process and mail you your I-20 form for you to get a visa.
Q. What is my next step if I want to apply?
A. Contact me at the addresses listed below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Max Hess
Assistant Dean and Director of Graduate Programs
College of Professional and Continuing Education
Phone: 1-508-793-7215
E-mail: mhess@clarku.edu
