@llinrs thanks so much for that info! I will do my best to estimate then. I don’t understand their points system though for determining course load. Do you know how it works or is there somewhere I can find out? It’s not like units, correct?
@signpainter So actually, their point system is very similar to credit hours. Classes are minimum 3 points (3 credits), some are worth 4 points (4 credits) and labs/discussions are worth 1 point (1 credit). The fin aid officer said that full time was 12 credits (so 12 points). One academic year would be 30 points (assuming you take a few courses in summer or you take an additional class per spring and fall term for total of 15 points/credits per term). This is what I learned from reading course requirements of my major and from speaking to her. Hope this helps!
@llinrs yes, that helps a lot. Thanks so much!
Points are essentially course credits. At GS, students pay per point (as of now, the current cost is $1,896 per point). If I recall correctly, you qualify for financial aid once you are a full-time student, which requires you to take a minimum of 12 points per semester.
The maximum number of credits you are allowed to take is 18 - any more and you need permission. 17/18 points would be four or five courses in a semester (the maximum), and 12 points would be three or four courses (the minimum for full time students). The exact number depends on the course; most of them are 3 or 4 points each (although there are a small number of courses which are fewer credits). Most Core and major requirements need courses which are at least 3 points, so in terms of figuring out course load, expect to take between three and five courses per semester (12 to 18 credits) depending on how many works for you.
Let me know if I can clarify any of that!
Thank you so much @GSTourGuides. That was really in-depth and super helpful. I appreciate it!
I got in today! Finally! Got an apartment 5 blocks from campus and I’m ready to go.
Does anyone know how frequently is application review done for regular decisions? Submitted my app a week ago and am wondering if it would be reviewed together with all those apps submitted by June 1, or reviewed separately in batches?
@jzvlys Alright man, I’m not gonna lie, its stressful but they’re doing a way better job this year compared to last. I applied March 3 and was accepted yesterday. It’s pretty much always on a Wednesday around 1700 EST. I’d expect around 8-10 weeks. At week 8 I had to write a letter explaining myself a bit more and I believe that is why I had to wait an extra 2 weeks. Go to the fall 2019 page and find accepted students and then go back and see when they say they applied on a previous page. I used that page and figured out exactly when I was going to get my letter. The dates will be 2/3 days off because the difference in the calendar. I hope this helps, I’m in the middle of a bunch of stuff. Let me know if you have questions.
Hi, has anyone tried to contact GS recently? In my experience, it takes them around a week to reply to emails, but I hope to get a response sooner. Is anybody attending the main GS number at all? Or is the appointment for 30-mins phone call the only way to reach them?
Additionally, for those of you who took GS’ admission exam, how long did it take for them to process your payment and issue the voucher?
@WaHiHi schedule a phone appointment with them through the admissions website. I was so frustrated until I made the appointment and got someone on the phone.
Thanks for sharing! I called but couldn’t get anyone on the line. I hesitated to make an appointment because it says it’s for prospective students; those who have submitted applications should call the main number instead. But I suppose it’s a special time bc of covid-19.
@WaHiHi no, the line is now for both prospective and admitted students now. They’ve adjusted. Don’t call the main line, you’ll never get through. When I spoke to the admissions officer I apologized for scheduling with the line for prospective students and she clarified that admitted students are welcome to schedule appointments right now until things change.
Thanks! I did exactly so today, and the lady didn’t seem to mind either.
BTW, can I ask how long was the accuplacer? (I know they don’t time the first two sections, but realistically how long does it take to complete?) I only see really weird time slots beginning in the evening or even midnight. Just want to know if I picked one starting at night, will I be able to finish it before it’s too late.
It’s May 15th and I still haven’t received any updates on my application. I did get an email on May 1st saying that they would have the decisions out by May 15th, latest.
The only difference I’m seeing on the application portal is: “Awaiting. Official High Score Transcripts”. This wasn’t there before. Might this mean anything, considering that I sent in unofficial high school transcripts for the admissions process and it was received (two months ago).
@celals did you end up getting your decision on the 15th? Also, when did you submit your application?
@elleko15 Submitted the application on February 27th, before the early application deadline.
No, I still didn’t get any emails and there aren’t any updates on the portal.
Is the decision mailed out?
@celals no, sorry I meant your decision on the application portal. Hopefully you find out this coming week. Waiting is so nerve-wracking!
Does anyone know the average age of the GS students? Are most 25+ years? Or are there any younger students in their early 20s?
Thank you!
The average age of GS students is 26! There are traditionally college-aged students in GS, but the age distribution is right-skewed. In our graduating class today, the youngest GS graduate is 19, and the oldest is 71.
Fantastic. Thank you for your quick reply.