Fall 2012 Graduate Admission FAQ

General Graduate Admission FAQs

What are the application deadlines for Fall 2012?
Applications must be postmarked by January 15, 2012 for the following programs:

Master of Architecture Professional Degree
Master of Integrated Building Delivery
Master of Science in Architecture

Applications for the Master of Landscape Architecture are accepted on a rolling basis, though students who apply by January 15 have the best chance of receiving scholarships and other financial assistance.

For candidates to the Ph.D. in Architecture Program the application deadline for fall semester admission is April 15, 2012.

May I enroll in the spring semester?
We offer admission to the Master of Architecture program in the fall semester only. The Ph.D. program does offer spring admission and the application deadline is November 15. Applicants to the Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Science in Architecture and Master of Integrated Building Delivery programs should inquire about a spring start directly with the Graduate Admission Office before applying.

Where do I send my materials?
All materials should be submitted directly to the College of Architecture Graduate Admission Office at the address below. Please do not send materials to the general IIT Graduate Admission Office, as this will cause a significant delay in the processing of your materials. The correct address for all of your materials is:

College of Architecture Graduate Admissions
Illinois Institute of Technology
S. R. Crown Hall
3360 South State Street
Chicago, Illinois 60616-3793
USA

Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact the College of Architecture Graduate Admissions Office at arch@iit.edu or 312.567.3230.

Should I send my materials in one package?
Yes! We require that you send all of your materials in one package. Your letters of recommendation and transcripts must be sealed and signed or stamped over the seal. Please do not send items separately as this will cause a delay in the processing time.

How do I know if my materials have arrived?
We cannot verify receipt of materials until they have been processed. Processing time is generally 5-7 days but may take up to 14 days during the peak of the application cycle. We recommend that you request delivery confirmation from your delivery service. You can check your application status online at any time by entering your login information at the following link:
http://department.iit.edu/applicationstatus/

Can I submit my personal statement online?
No. Please submit your personal statement in your application packet. We require a paper copy that is separate from your portfolio. The same rules apply for topic statements for Master of Science in Architecture applicants.

Is a portfolio required?
Yes. A portfolio is required and should NOT exceed 8.5 x 11 inches in size. In words and images, your portfolio demonstrates your accomplishments and expertise. We are not accepting digital formats at this time.
View Portfolio Guide

Will the portfolio be returned?
We do not return portfolios to students who will be enrolling in one of our programs. Applicants who are denied or decline acceptance can have portfolios returned if a self-addressed stamped envelope is included; however, we do not guarantee the return of portfolios.

How many letters of recommendation are required?
Three letters are required, typically from professors and/or employers. We prefer professors or parties that can assess your academic work.

Do you require GRE scores?
Yes. The GRE must have been taken within the past 5 years. Please contact ETS to make sure your scores arrive by the January 15 deadline. Scores must be sent directly from ETS and student copies will not be accepted. You must allow 3-4 weeks for the scores to arrive at IIT. In order to meet the January 15, 2012 application deadline, please take your test no later than December 15, 2011.

What are the minimum GRE scores required?
The GRE revised General Test took effect on August 1, 2011. The university minimum GRE score for this test is 292 (quantitative + verbal) and 2.5 (analytical writing). For tests taken before August 1, 2011, the university minimum score is 900 (quantitative + verbal) and 2.5 (analytical writing).

What if I have not received my degree by the deadline?
We require you to submit official transcripts by the application deadline. If you are admitted and have not earned your degree we will require a second set of official transcripts with the degree posted.

Will my materials be returned?
No. Application materials will not be returned.

I previously applied to the College of Architecture. What materials do I need to resubmit?
If you previously applied you will still need to complete all application requirements and submit a new application. If you have applied within one year we may still have official transcripts on file (if submitted). It is best to check directly with the Graduate Admissions Office regarding the materials on file.

How can I check my application status?
Visit the following link to check your application status online.

How can I apply for a scholarship? On the application form please check yes to the following question, "Do you wish to be considered for financial assistance?” All scholarships are merit-based and will be selected by the Graduate Admission Committee.

When do I find out if I have been awarded a scholarship? If you are awarded a scholarship, you will receive a scholarship notification letter in early spring following your admission letter.

When will I receive the admission/denial decision?
The decisions are released in March. Initial decision notifications will be sent out via email and official letters will follow. Please keep your mailing address up to date. To prevent your spam settings from deleting our emails, add our email address in your online address book.

When do I need to respond?
Your letter will include a date with instructions on how to proceed. Last year, our admitted applicants responded by April 15. An extension may be granted if circumstances merit one.

Can I defer my admission for a year?
Admitted applicants can defer up to one year. Scholarships however do NOT carry over to the next year. A student must reapply for any awarded scholarship.

What are the estimated costs of your program?
Students in the masters degree program take between 15-18 credits per semester. Tuition is charged by credit hour. The estimated expenses below are based upon the 2011-2012 tuition rate, with an estimated increase of 5-7% each year.

Tuition and Fees, 2011-2012 (estimated)
Tuition (30 credits @ $1056 per credit)	$31,680
Fees (health insurance, service, CTA, activities, model shop, orientation)	$3,014
TOTAL	$34,694

Room & Board and Supplies estimate

$12,400

Students in the Ph.D. program generally take 9 credits per semester. Tuition is charged by credit hour. The estimated expenses below are based upon the 2011-2012 tuition rate, with an estimated increase of 5-7% each year.

Tuition and Fees, 2011-2012 (estimated)
Tuition (18 credits @ $1056 per credit)	$19,008
Fees (health insurance, service, CTA, activities, model shop, orientation)	$3,014
TOTAL	$22,022

Room & Board and Supplies estimate

$12,400

For more information on university tuition rates and fees please see the Bursar’s Office website at the following link:
https://www.iit.edu/bursar/tuition/

FAQs for International Students

What are the transcript requirements for international students?
Official transcripts sent directly to IIT by your previous institution(s) are preferred. However, photocopied transcripts/mark sheets that are properly attested (bearing the original university seal/stamp and the original signature of a school official such as a dean or registrar on each page) from any non-U.S. institution can be accepted for the purpose of application review and admission decision. Scanned or faxed documents cannot be accepted. All students will be required to submit official, original documents prior to enrolling, if admitted.

Individual mark sheets are required from all institutions that issue them (e.g., Indian universities). Consolidated transcripts from those institutions cannot be accepted.

If your prior institution does not use the 4.0 scale grading system, the Graduate Admissions Office will convert your grades to that system upon review of your transcripts.

What if my transcripts are not in English? Do I have to send the original transcripts as well as a certified translation?
Yes. International students must submit transcripts in both the native language and in English in order for us to evaluate your credentials. Translations must include the official seal/stamp of the translator and verify their credentials as a translator.

Do you require TOEFL scores from international students?
International students whose education was completed in a language other than English are required to submit TOEFL scores. The TOEFL must have been taken within the past 2 years. Please contact ETS to make sure your scores arrive by the January 15 deadline. Scores must be sent directly from ETS and student copies will not be accepted. You must allow 3-4 weeks for the scores to arrive at IIT. In order to meet the January 15, 2012 application deadline, please take your test no later than December 15, 2011.

Are IELTS scores accepted instead of TOEFL?
Yes, you may submit IELTS scores in place of the TOEFL score requirement.

What are the minimum requirements for the TOEFL and IELTS exams?
A minimum TOEFL score of 550/213/80 (paper-based/computer-based/Internet-based test) or a minimum IELTS score of 6 is required for admission consideration. If your scores do not meet these minimum requirements, we encourage you to consider retaking the exam.

Admitted students with a TOEFL score between 550-599 (paper-based) or 213-249 (computer-based) or 80-99 (Internet-based test), or an IELTS score between 6-6.9, or those who have a significantly low verbal score on the GRE exam, may be required to take one or more English courses during their graduate study at IIT. Any English requirements will be noted on the admission letter.

What is required of the Financial Affidavit form?
All non-U.S. students must submit this form before immigration documents can be issued. U.S. permanent residents are not required to submit this form. The Affidavit of Support must provide certified evidence of adequate funds to meet tuition and living expenses for a proposed program of study.

For the first year, The Affidavit of Support must have the sponsor's guarantee of support. Section 3 on the form must bear the seal and signature of a bank or government official. A letter bearing the bank's seal and signature stating that funds can be transferred may be attached to the affidavit. An I-20/DS-2019 cannot be issued until an acceptable International Graduate Student Financial Affidavit of Support and certification has been approved by IIT. Please view the instructions on the International Graduate Student Financial Affidavit of Support for more information. ALL THREE SECTIONS OF THIS FORM MUST BE FILLED OUT.