Frequently Asked Questions about the Graduate Application Process

1. How can I change/update a referee on my application?

From SGPS generated email after application is received: “You may access the graduate reference system in order to check the status of your references, change/update email addresses, request new references in place of existing ones, and alert us of impending delivery of a reference letter by means other than the electronic form. Access to the reference form system is available via the following web address: http://grad.uwo.ca/gears/studentLogin.cfm

Login ID “applicants last name”
Access Key “unique number available in GEARS under Reference Index”

2. I submitted my application today; can you confirm you received it?

There is a delay of approximately 3-5 business days before applications are received by the program.

3. How do referees submit their reference letter?

Letters are submitted electronically. Referees are contacted by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies once your application has been received.

4. Does the reference letter have to come from a faculty member? Can I get a reference from a Teaching Assistant or an employer?

Your reference letter should come from your current supervisor or if you don’t have a supervisor, someone that is able to adequately judge your performance in the areas listed on the reference letter.

5. How many references do I need?

You should include two names on the application form for references.

6. I received an email that my letters of reference have been requested. Will you please confirm that they have been received?

Receipt of reference letters will depend on when the individual completes them. There is also a delay of approximately 3-5 days after they have been submitted before the program receives them.

7. Can you tell me the university codes for submitting TOEFL, IELTS scores?

The University of Western Ontario code is 0984.

8. What are the deadlines for applying to your program?

http://www.uwo.ca/chem/graduate/prospective_students/how_to_apply.htm

9. I have attached a transcript and CV in an email, am I eligible to apply to your program?

Unofficial documents cannot be pre-evaluated for admission eligibility. Programs need to have a completed application to evaluate before making a decision.

10. Do I need to have a faculty member willing to accept me before I submit an application?

No, if you are deemed eligible, your application will be circulated among the faculty. All faculty interested in supervising you will sign your file. When you receive the offer letter you will see a list of faculty members willing to supervise you. At that time you may contact them.

11. I can provide a letter stating language of instruction was in English, do I still need an English proficiency score?

Applicants whose first language in their country is not English must provide official English proficiency scores. If you have attended a Canadian or American university for 2 years or more, English proficiency may not be required.

12. I am an international applicant, am I eligible for financial/scholarship assistance?

The amount of the yearly stipend is $20,500/year (to be increased to $22,500 September 1, 2012). This stipend is derived from Teaching Assistant duties (2 units/year) and Research Assistantship which provides a monthly salary of approx. $1709 using the current stipend. This money is paid to you at the end of each month, therefore it is important to make sure you have enough money to pay your tuition and living expenses when you begin your program. International students receive a tuition scholarship which is applied directly to their tuition account each term. This scholarship helps to reduce the amount of fees to a little more than the domestic students pay. Fee schedules can be viewed at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/index.cfm/student-finances/fees-refunds/fee-schedules/

Another helpful site for international students http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/int

13. The deadline for the (Jan/May/Sept) term has passed, can I still apply?

Since all documentation is needed to approve an application we cannot guarantee the start date after a deadline has passed. Should you be deemed eligible it may be possible to start in the next available term.\

14. I am an international, can I apply for the Ph.D. program?

International students are generally entered into our M.Sc. program. After the first year of study, with satisfactory progress, one may transfer to the Ph.D. program without writing a M.Sc. thesis. All completed work is counted towards the Ph.D. degree.

15. I would like to accept an offer of admission, how do I do that?

You can accept your offer through the Western Student Center Login to the student center with the information provided with your Western Personal computer Account and select self service. To accept your offer, simply select the Accept Admission option under Student Admission.

16. What are the terms for graduate school?

There are 3 terms. Fall: September 1-December 31, Winter: January 1-April 30, Summer: May 1- August 31

17. Is the GRE required?

The Chemistry Department does not require GRE scores however, if you wish to send them with your package, we will add them to your application.

18. What is an official transcript?

Transcripts are considered official if they are received directly from the issuing institute in an institute envelope which is signed and sealed by the official person in the office issuing the transcript. One official transcript for all postsecondary education should be sent to the Program. If international transcripts are not in English, a legal translated version must be sent as well as the original. Send to Graduate Admissions Coordinator, University of Western Ontario, Chemistry Department, 1151 Richmond St., London, Ontario N6A 5B7