FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: When is the application deadline?
A:February 1, 2010
Q: How many applications do you receive and how many spots are available?
A:Application numbers vary year to year. Generally we receive about 700 applications overall. The number of spots we have available in each program can sometimes vary. Below is a breakdown of our target class sizes.
Advertising: 16
Arts Journalism: 14
Broadcast Journalism: 32
Documentary Film and History: 10
Magazine, Newspaper and Online Journalism: 42
Media Management: 12
Photography: 10
Public Diplomacy: 15
Public Relations: 15
Television, Radio and Film: 35
Q: Do I have to take the GRE? Can I submit my application without my GRE scores?
A:The general GRE is absolutely required for all programs except Media Management. It cannot be waived for any reason. It cannot be replaced by GMAT, LSAT, etc. Media Management is the only program that will accept the GMAT in place of the GRE. Computer-based tests are offered at most sites every month. Please go to www.gre.org to find out additional information or to register for a test.
While you may submit your application without your GRE scores, please note that your application cannot be reviewed until we have received all the required pieces, including your GRE scores. We recommend that you take the GRE prior to January 15, since it can take up to three weeks for us to receive your scores.
Q: Is there a minimum GRE requirement?
A:There is not. We take all aspects of the application into consideration and we do not have any special formulas.
For those we admit, the average GRE verbal is in the mid-500s, average in the quantitative section is also mid-500s, and the average analytical writing is about a 4.5.
Q: Who has to take the TOEFL?
A:All international applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide a TOEFL or IELTS score. (If you went to an accredited American college or university full-time for one year or more, this requirement is waived.) We rarely accept applicants whose TOEFL scores are below 100 (iBT). As you might expect, all of our programs require a great deal of writing, much of it under deadline pressure, and we've found that students with a TOEFL below 100 or an IELTS below 7.0 have great difficulty completing any of our programs successfully. The average TOEFL score for our international students is 108.
Q: What codes should I use to report my test scores?
A:The institution code for SU is 2823. The department code for TOEFL and GRE is not used.
Q: When will I find out if I am admitted?
A:If your application is received and complete by our deadline, we will notify you of our decision on or around March 15. These notices are sent out via email.
Q: When will I find out if I’ve been awarded any merit-based aid?
A:We begin making aid decisions in late March and expect to have them completed by mid-April. Applicants will be contacted via phone and/or email.
Q: How much does the program cost?
A:We’ve provided a breakdown under the Tuition section of our site.
Q: When does the program start? How long is the program?
A:Our programs begin in the summer, usually the first week in July. They are designed to be completed in one calendar year. More information is included in the Schedule section of our site.
Q: What kind of job can I expect after I graduate?
A:Our Career Development Center maintains statistics based on surveys of our alumni. We’ve listed the most recent stats in our Career Opportunities section.
Q: Can I take courses at Newhouse on a non-matriculated basis?
A:As a general rule, the Newhouse School does not allow students to enroll in graduate classes on a non-matriculated basis. However, it is occasionally possible for a student holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution to take a course or two without enrolling in a specific degree program. An absolute maximum of six credits may be taken on a non-matriculated basis. This can only be done on a space-available basis and with the permission of the instructor. Furthermore, the arrangement must be approved in writing by the chair of the department responsible for the course. Successful performance as a non-matriculated student does not lead to preferential treatment in decisions involving admittance to graduate degree programs.