Below are frequently asked questions about the Shenandoah Graduate Application process. If you are applying to a program through a Centralized Application Service (CAS), please contact your respective CAS services or Shenandoah University program coordinators regarding application questions.
Reach out to our Graduate Admissions team!
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
Email: sugradadmissions@su.edu
Text: 540-401-5709
Phone: 540-665-4581
1. Where can I find the online application?
Shenandoah University Office of Graduate Admissions only accepts online applications. We no longer issue paper applications. All online applications can be found on our Graduate Student Admissions page after clicking on the appropriate school or program.
2. How do I access the online application?
After clicking on the specific apply link for your program of interest, you will need to create an account to access the application form. On the right hand side of the log-in screen, you will be able to create a username, insert your first and last name, email address, and create a password for your account. After submitting this information, you will receive a confirmation email to confirm your email address. Click on the link in the email to verify and activate your account. The link will expire in 24 hours. After verification, you can log in to begin the application form.
3. I did not receive the confirmation email to create my online account. What should I do?
Please add Shenandoah University (admit@su.edu) to your contacts and check your spam folder. We also recommend adding Shenandoah University Office of Graduate Admissions (SUGradAdmissions@su.edu) to your contacts to ensure you receive important emails about your application. If you are still unable to find the email, please contact your Graduate Admissions Counselor.
4. Can I submit my application before uploading supplemental materials (unofficial transcripts, essay, resume, etc.)?
Yes! We encourage you to submit your application form once all fields are complete and accurate. After you have submitted your application form, you can log into the Shenandoah Admissions Self Service Center to upload any remaining required documents. You can choose “Upload” next to each requirement to add a document, and once you’ve uploaded an item, you can choose “Update” to add an additional document.
5. What transcripts do I need to submit in support of my application?
You will need to submit unofficial transcripts from every institution where you received a degree, as well as institutions where you took classes that relate to your graduate study interests. If you have any questions about whether or not a transcript is required, please contact your Graduate Admissions Counselor.
6. Where do I access my Shenandoah Admissions Self Service Center to upload my documents?
To upload necessary documents to the Shenandoah Admissions Self Service Center, log into your account; click “Applications” on the top left-hand corner, then click “Summary” under your current application. You will be led to the landing page where you can upload your documents accordingly. If there is no “Upload” button next to a document that is “Not Received”, please contact your Graduate Admissions Counselor.
7. When I try to upload my documents, it won’t let me. What do I do?
If you are trying to upload a document and it will not complete the upload, the document you are uploading may be too large or an unacceptable format. PDF and Word documents are preferred, and you may need to condense the file size. If this still does not work, please try a new browser and check your internet connection. After exhausting these options, please email the item to SUGradAdmissions@su.edu and we can add it to your application.
If you are unable to see an Upload button next to a requirement, we may either require official documents for that item, or we may need to adjust the settings for that requirement. Please contact our Graduate Admissions Office at SUGradAdmissions@su.edu or 540-665-4581 for assistance.
8. Can I update my documents after I’ve uploaded them?
Yes! If you uploaded a document for a specific requirement but need to provide an updated version, you can choose “update” next to that requirement on your Shenandoah Admissions Self Service Center.
9. What is the difference between an unofficial and official transcript?
An official transcript is defined as a transcript sent directly to Shenandoah University from the issuing institution. The transmission of the transcript can be electronic if the institution is able to securely email it to Shenandoah University. If mailed, the document must arrive in its sealed, original envelope. Official academic credential evaluations are similarly sent from the credentialing agency directly to Shenandoah University. If the agency includes verified official transcripts with the official evaluation, these transcripts can be considered official transcripts as well. Any credentials submitted by the applicants are not considered official.
An unofficial transcript is defined as a previously opened electronic or paper document that an applicant uploads to their application or sends themselves to the Shenandoah University Office of Graduate Admissions.
Please note: If you will require an F-1 visa from Shenandoah University, we recommend submitting official documents at the application stage in order to expedite I-20 paperwork if admitted.
10. I cannot retrieve an unofficial transcript. Can I send an official one instead?
Yes! The Office of Graduate Admissions prefers unofficial transcripts for initial admission, however, official documents are accepted at any stage and will be required if an applicant is admitted.
11. What if my recommenders are not receiving their invitations?
It is always good to remind your recommenders that they should be receiving an email inviting them to give a recommendation for you. Please be sure to have them add Shenandoah University Graduate Admissions (SUGradAdmissions@su.edu) as a contact so that they are able to find these emails in their inbox. The email will include a direct link to their individual recommendation form.
On your Shenandoah Admissions Self Service Center, you can re-send invitations to your recommenders. If there is still no response, or they are not receiving the automated invitations, please contact your Graduate Admissions Counselor and we can email your references directly.
12. I’d like to add a new recommender. How do I do that?
It is common that recommenders are unable to write a letter of recommendation. If this is the case, please contact your Graduate Admissions Counselor with the name and email address of the new contact in order to continue with the process of your application.
13. How do I send my official documents such as test scores and transcripts?
All official test scores must be sent from the testing agency to Shenandoah University. Official transcripts can be mailed, or emailed securely directly from your institution to Shenandoah. Securely emailed transcripts can be sent to adprocessing@su.edu. Our mailing address is:
Shenandoah University
Office of Graduate Admissions
1460 University Drive
Winchester, VA 22601
14. How do I know when my application is complete?
On your Shenandoah Admissions Self Service Center, you will be able to see when all materials have been received. At that point, we recommend that you contact your Graduate Admissions Counselor to confirm completion.
15. How long does it typically take to receive a decision after my application is complete?
The length of time varies depending on when you submit your application, and by program. Typically, we are able to provide a decision within three to four weeks, but during heavy volume times, this may increase to up to six weeks. For programs that require an interview as well as committee deliberation, please allow additional time.
16. How will I be notified of the Admission Committee’s decision?
Shenandoah University Office of Graduate Admissions provides electronic decision letters. Applicants will receive an email when a decision is added to their Shenandoah Admissions Self Service Center. Applicants will be able to access the full decision letter, print it, and respond to their offers from their Shenandoah Admissions Self Service Center.
17. How do I respond to my offer of admission?
If you are admitted to a graduate program, you will be able to respond to your decision from within your electronic decision letter. Please follow the below steps and contact Graduate Admissions at SUGradAdmissions@su.edu if you have any questions!
- Log in to your Shenandoah Admissions Self Service Center.
- Click on the “Applications” Button on the top left of the screen. This will show you information about the application you’ve submitted.
- Click on your hyperlinked decision listed under the application details. This will take you to the details of your individual decision letter.
- Click “Respond” on the top right to complete the Candidate Response Form where you can accept, defer (if applicable), or decline your admission.