• Information for:
• Accepted Students
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Alumni and Friends
• Faculty and Staff

What is the deadline for applying for admission?
I can't afford the $50 application fee. Can it be waived or deferred?
Do I have to take the GRE?
Do I have to take the TOEFL?
When will I hear about my admissions decision?
I've been accepted. How long do I have to accept the offer of admission?
Can I defer my admission?
How do I apply for fellowships and scholarships?
How do I apply for loans?
I only want to take a few courses at The New School for Social Research. How do I apply for non-degree status?
Are counselors available for advising?
Is student housing available?

What is the deadline for applying for admission?
The deadline to be considered for full-tuition fellowships is January 15th. We will continue to accept fall applications on a rolling basis. The deadline to apply for the spring is December 1 (or November 15 for international students due to visa considerations). Spring entry is an option for all programs.

[top]

I can't afford the $50 application fee. Can it be waived or deferred?
We do not waive or defer application fees. All applicants must pay the $50 fee.

[top]

Do I have to take the GRE?
US citizens and permanent residents who have received their Bachelor's degree within five years prior to the date of submission of their application must take the GRE. We will accept GRE scores from domestic applicants who have received their Bachelor's degree more than five years ago and international applicants, but they are not required. We recommend you take the test at least 10-12 weeks before the application deadline date to ensure your test scores arrive on time. We also require that you have your official test scores sent to us directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). Request that they be sent to NSSR code 2501.

[top]

Do I have to take the TOEFL?
The TOEFL is required of all international applicants except citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.  A score of at least 100 points on the internet-based test (250 on the computer-based test, 600 on the paper-based test) is required for review of an an international applicant's application. Previous education at an institution in which English is the language of instruction, whether in the US or elsewhere, does NOT constitute grounds for exemption from the TOEFL requirement.

[top]

When will I hear about my admissions decision?
The decision for applications that are complete by the January 15 deadline will be communicated by mail in mid-March. Decisions for applications received thereafter will be communicated by mail on a rolling basis.

[top]

I've been accepted. How long do I have to accept the offer of admission?
You have four weeks from the date of your offer of admission to return the Admission Reply Form along with a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit to hold your place at The New School for Social Research. If you require additional time, please contact our office and we will try to accommodate you.

[top]

Can I defer my admission?
The New School for Social Research permits deferral of admission only in very exceptional cases. Admitted students who wish to petition for a deferral must send an e-mail or letter to the Director of Admissions stating why they need to postpone their enrollment. Petitions will be reviewed on a case by case basis.  Replies will be sent by e-mail.

Admitted students who cannot enroll in the semester for which they are admitted and who are not granted deferrals but wish to enroll at another time must reapply. Application materials are held for one year; formerly admitted students who reapply within that time may re-use transcripts, test scores, and other materials they have already submitted. They must, however, complete a new application form and submit the application fee. They may of course substitute new materials for any materials previously submitted. While previous admission is not a guarantee of admission in a subsequent year, it is often a good indicator of admissibility. Questions on reapplication should be directed to the Office of Admissions.[top]

How do I apply for fellowships and scholarships?
Students who complete the application process by January 15 will be considered for full fellowship awards. Applications received or completed after January 15 are considered for partial scholarship awards and other forms of financial aid on a rolling basis.

[top]

How do I apply for loans?
You will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you wish to apply for federal or private loans. For more information, see Financial Aid and Scholarships in the Student Services section of this website.

[top]

I only want to take a few courses at The New School for Social Research. How do I apply for non-degree status?
For non-degree/non-matriculation status, you need to submit the Non-Degree Application for Admission, a two-page statement of purpose and one letter of recommendation, the $50 application fee, and undergraduate transcripts showing proof of a Bachelor's degree. You may take up to three courses as a non-degree student over a one-year period. Please contact the Office of Admission.

[top]

Are counselors available for advising?
Counselors are available on an appointment basis. Contact the Office of Admission to arrange an appointment by calling 212.229.5150.

[top]

Is student housing available?
Yes. Please see the Housing section of this website.

[top]