How do I request GRE and TOEFL test scores for LASPAU?

If you have not yet taken the test, you can order several score reports on the day of the test at no additional cost. You will be asked for LASPAU's institutional code, which is 3492. If a department code is required, use 00.

If you have already taken the test, you can order a report for LASPAU by filling out the "Additional Score Report Request Form" from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for a fee. You can send the form to ETS by fax or mail, or you can order the report by phone or email. For more information, please review the GRE/TOEFL bulletin or look at the web page for each test. Please note that, because of privacy restrictions, LASPAU is unable to order test results or contact ETS for missing scores. The person taking the test is the only one who can obtain information or order scores from ETS.

For further information, including admissions examination requirements for degree candidates and instructions on having standardized test scores forwarded to LASPAU, please visit the Academic Program Information section of the grantee guide.

How do I request GMAT test scores for LASPAU?

If you have not yet taken the test, you can order several score reports on the day of the test at no additional cost. You will be asked for LASPAU's institutional code, which is 3492. If a department code is required, use 00. If you have already taken the test, you can order a report for LASPAU online from the Graduate Management Admission Council for a fee.

Beginning January 1, 2006, the GMAT will no longer be offered by ETS. Pearson VUE will be the company administering the GMAT. LASPAU’s new institutional code for reporting GMAT scores taken after December 05 will be QT4-PM-34.

Please note that, because of privacy restrictions, LASPAU is unable to order test results or obtain missing scores on your behalf. The person taking the test is the only one who can obtain information or order scores.

For further information, including admissions examination requirements for degree candidates and instructions on having standardized test scores forwarded to LASPAU, please visit the Academic Program Information section of the grantee guide.

DOCUMENTS

Has LASPAU received all of my documents?

No, LASPAU cannot edit your Statement of Purpose. Please refer to the Statement of Purpose Guidelines. Your placement coordinator will contact you if any revisions are necessary to improve your university application. You might also find the website www.statementofpurpose.com useful.

UNIVERSITIES AND THE PLACEMENT PROCESS

How many universities does LASPAU apply to on my behalf?

The specific number depends on the field of study, degree, the competition for admission, and several other factors. Your placement coordinator will determine the number of applications that is appropriate to send in your individual case. There must be a good possibility of BOTH tuition funding and admission for each university to which your application is submitted. For more information on the placement process, visit the University Admissions section of the grantee guide.

Can I apply to universities on my own?

We don't encourage you to apply to universities on your own. However, if you feel you must, please provide LASPAU with all of the information we need to access your application (application ID number, password) and give us copies of any communications you have regarding your application. If there is a section of the application where you can authorize a third-party to communicate with the university regarding your application, please write "LASPAU grant administrator" in that section. LASPAU will send a letter to the university confirming that you are a grant recipient and detailing the terms of your award.

How does LASPAU determine what universities to apply to on my behalf?

Your placement coordinator will analyze your documents and list of university preferences. We will try to honor your suggestions if we consider them to be feasible within the parameters of your program. We will also suggest alternative options based on your credentials, our knowledge of the admissions process for your field of study, and the likelihood of obtaining both admission and financial assistance for tuition, either in the form of a waiver, scholarship or assistantship. We cannot consider preferred location, climate or proximity to relatives when selecting a university. For those grantees with partial grants, please let your placement coordinator know from the outset if you would prefer to limit your university applications to cities where the cost of living is not above average.

How can I inform myself about the universities LASPAU is applying to on my behalf?

Each university has a website which details the academic departments and services the university offers. Generally this includes an office for international students that offers orientation and information for prospective students. There is usually a housing office as well, offering information about on-campus and off-campus housing. Finally, these websites typically offer information about the surrounding community.

How does LASPAU obtain tuition funding?

LASPAU has agreements with many universities to waive full or partial tuition for a specified number of students. LASPAU also applies for scholarships and assistantships wherever possible. Many of these awards are based on merit, and are generally reserved for doctoral students. Also, certain fields of study, such as the sciences and engineering, have more assistantship opportunities than other fields.

Can LASPAU provide me with a list of universities it has tuition agreements with?

Unfortunately, no such list exists because the agreements are complicated and continuously change from year to year.

When can I expect a decision from the universities?

Admissions decisions vary significantly from university to university, and from department to department. The process usually takes several months, and can be extended while we negotiate tuition support. Your placement coordinator will communicate any news to you about admission and financial aid decisions as soon as we receive it. For more information, visit the Notification of Admission section of the grantee guide.

What happens when the university decisions are made?

If you are admitted to more than one university with the same amount of financial assistance, LASPAU, your grant sponsor, and you will jointly make the final decision about which university you attend. LASPAU will prepare a packet of information for you that includes your admission letter, instruction for arrival, and any materials we receive from the university.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

How do I arrange housing?

In order to bring your family, you will need to demonstrate to LASPAU that you have sufficient funds for their support, including a minimum of $500 per month for your first dependent, $300 for your second dependent, and $150 for each additional dependent, as well as sufficient funding for their health insurance (typically several hundred dollars per month). You will need to complete the Dependent Visa Information Form at least 6 weeks before you would like your family to arrive in order to request the DS-2019 for your dependents. Please note that only immediate family members are entitled to come under your visa (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21).

What are the financial benefits of my grant?