GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS

Application FAQs

The complexities of applying to graduate school can often lead to a few questions. Below we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

Graduate School Application FAQs
Section Contents

Application Questions

  • Can I apply to more than one program for a term?

    You may apply to two programs per term. To start a second application, go to the Application Management or Homepage and click on the Start New Application link. 

  • I started/submitted an application last year but did not enroll. If I want to apply again this year, do i have to start over? 

    Yes, you will need to submit a new application. Much of the data on the application will be pre-populated for you based on what was previously entered/submitted, and you will have a chance to update any information that is out-of-date.

  • I am having difficulty completing the academics section of the application.
    • If your institution does not provide a grade point average (GPA), please put 0.0 in the GPA field and 0.0 in the on a scale of field. We will understand this entry to mean you do not have a GPA to report. 
    • You must enter an earned or expected degree for at least one of the institutions you list.
    • If you do not have a major to report, put N/A in that field.
    • Rank in class is not required. If you do not have a rank to report, you may leave that field blank or enter N/A.

    You should list all post-secondary institutions where you have attended. Institutions where you studied abroad are exceptions to this rule if the study abroad work is reflected, in its entirety, on the transcript of your primary institution.

  • How do I pay my application fee? 

    Many graduate and professional programs do not require an application fee. If your program does require an application fee, you will be prompted for fee payment once you have submitted your application. More information about application fee waivers is available under Application Requirements.

  • How can I change information that I submitted on my application? 

    You can update some items from your Application Status page even after you have submitted your application.

    • Update your address: On the Application Status page, click on Edit Address.
    • Change your e-mail address: 
      • If you have not yet submitted your application, log in with your old email and open your application. Navigate to the Personal page of the application and scroll to your email address. Click on Change to update your email address.
      •  If you have already submitted your application, on the Application Status page, scroll down to Account Tools at the bottom of the page and click on Change Email Address.
      • Once you enter your new e-mail address, a new account activation link will be e-mailed to that address. It will be necessary to complete all steps requested to link your new email address to your account.
    • Send reminder e-mails to your recommenders: On the Application Status page, scroll down to the end of the application checklist section and click on recommendations page link.
    • Test Scores: After submitting your application, only official test scores can be added. To add additional test scores, please have the testing agency send your test scores directly to Vanderbilt (1871).
    • To update any other information on your submitted application, please contact your program.
  • How do I check on the status of my application? 

    Once your application has been submitted, your login will take you to your Application Status page. Use the Application Checklist to verify which application requirements have been met and which are still outstanding. Information on the decision timeline for most programs is under Application Requirements.

Account Setup and Password Questions 

  • I cannot complete my account setup.

    If you did not receive the email containing the URL and temporary pin, please be sure you are using the same email that you used to initiate the account. Also check your spam and quarantined mail folders for the email. If neither of these resolves the problem, submit your issue to apply@vanderbilt.edu and a staff member will assist you. When completing the last step of your account setup, please be sure to use the same email address and birthdate to log in as you used when you initiated the account.

  • I have forgotten my password.

    To reset a password:

    • Go to the login page and click on Log in.
    • Once the login page opens, click on the Forgotten Password option.
    • Follow the instructions to reset your password.
  • The program I am interested in is not listed or does not have the term option that I want. 

    If a program is not listed on the program dropdown, that program is not currently accepting applications. Please check the program’s website for further information about your program’s entry terms and application deadlines. 

  • My recommender is not receiving the system generated email. 
    • Please have your recommender check his or her spam email folder for the email. The subject line of the email will be “Recommendation Request from for Vanderbilt University. 
    • Have your recommender add mailer@technolutions.net to his or her safe sender list. 
    • You may resend the email from the recommender page of your application if the application has not been submitted or from your Applicant Status page if your application has been submitted (look for the link at the bottom of the page). 
    • Report continued problems to apply@vanderbilt.edu and a staff member will assist you.