International students applying to graduate programs at St. Cloud State University must submit official academic transcripts as part of their application. This guide answers common questions about transcript submission, evaluation, and related requirements.
Frequently asked questions.
1. Do I need to submit original transcripts?
Yes. Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution in sealed, original envelopes. Scanned or emailed copies are not accepted.
2. Can I email my transcripts to the Graduate Admissions Office?
No. Only official, original transcripts sent directly by the institution or a recognized evaluation agency are accepted.
3. What if my transcripts are not in English?
You must provide a certified English translation along with the original transcript. Translations should be done by a professional or NACES-affiliated organization.
4. Is a credential evaluation required for graduate admission?
Maybe. Graduate Admissions staff will complete a course by course evaluation when official transcripts and academic records arrive. This is the most critical critical and time consuming part of your application, so plan ahead by requesting delivery of all of your official and original transcripts to be delivered.
Alternatively, course by course credential evaluations may be purchased from a NACES-affiliated organization such as WES, ECE, IEE, The Evaluation Company (formerly SpanTran) and delivered to Graduate Admissions via secure portal. See known and acceptable agencies with last known price estimates on our web page.
5. Which type of evaluation is preferred?
A course-by-course evaluation is required for graduate admissions, as it provides detailed academic equivalencies, including prerequisite course completion.
6. Can I apply if I haven’t graduated yet?
Yes, you can apply with provisional documents. However, final transcripts and degree completion certificates must be submitted once available, usually no more than 6 months after you complete your program of study.
7. What happens if my degree isn’t conferred by the start of classes?
Your admission will be rescinded if your degree is not officially conferred and posted on your transcript by the first day of classes at St. Cloud State.
8. How do I confirm that my transcript was received and accepted?
You can check your application status through your Personal URL or contact the Graduate Admissions Office directly.
9. What if my institution doesn’t send transcripts directly?
You should work with your institution to ensure they follow the required process. Be firm in your right to share your academic file, but be prepared to pay for the service. Alternatively, use a recognized credential evaluation service.
10. Can I use services like The Evaluation Company (formerly SpanTran), WES, ECE, IEE, or others to send transcripts?
Yes. These NACES-affiliated services are accepted and can send official evaluations directly to St. Cloud State University Graduate Admissions.
11. Do I need to translate my transcripts myself?
No. Translations must be completed by certified professionals. Self-translations are not accepted and will not be reviewed.
12. Is there a deadline for submitting transcripts?
Transcripts must be submitted before your application can be reviewed. Check your program’s specific deadlines to ensure timely submission.
13. How do I send my official transcripts?
Official transcripts or academic records must be received by your CAS or Graduate Admissions in sealed, original envelopes via mail directly from the issuing institution by following the instructions in the Academic History section of your application. Most overseas institutions will send via FedEx, DHL, or UPS and are fast and reliable.
14. Can I apply for a Graduate program with a National/ Higher National Diploma?
To be eligible for admission to a graduate program at St. Cloud State University, applicants must hold a four-year undergraduate degree. Qualifications such as the ND or HND [alone] are not considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
15. How long does it take for the internal evaluation to be completed?
Once your application is complete and all required documents have been received by the Office of Graduate Admissions, the transcript evaluation process will begin. This evaluation may take approximately 10 to 15 business days to complete, depending on the time of year.
16. Can I receive a copy of my transcript evaluation?
No, students cannot request a copy of their transcript evaluation, as it is considered an internal document. If a student requires an official evaluation report, they may obtain one independently through a NACES-approved evaluation service.
17. Can I still apply for admission if I do not meet the minimum required CGPA?
Yes, applicants may still be considered for graduate admission at St. Cloud State University even if their cumulative undergraduate GPA falls below the required threshold. In such cases, the university may evaluate the GPA from the final half or last two years of undergraduate coursework to determine academic readiness. Applicants with deficient grades should also answer the applicant Q&A to address "Extenuating Academic circumstances" to provide additional information to demonstrate strong aptitude and work ethic to succeed in graduate school.