What type of academic credentials does Kent State require for admissions?
Academic credentials are the accurate and complete record of a student's academic coursework at an institution. These may include, but are not limited to: transcripts, detailed mark sheets, diplomas, degree certificates, provisional degree certificates, statements of marks, certificates of graduation, etc. These may be in electronic format or paper format. You can find what documents are needed by country here.
Kent State requires applicants to submit official credentials. This means that they must be issued by the institution or verified as correct by a stamp and signature from a university official.
What if my academic credentials are not in English?
If your institution does not issue academic credentials in English, you must submit them in both the original language and a certified English translation. Translations must be literal rather than interpretive. We do not accept notarized documents and third-party credential evaluations (WES, ECE).
Do you accept WES (World Education Services) document evaluations?
We do not accept evaluations from World Education Services or any other third-party. We must have originals (or copies of originals) in both the issuing language and an English translation. We evaluate them ourselves according to Kent State’s policies.
In some instances International Admissions may request that applicants submit a WES ICAP Evaluation for verification purposes.
When do I need to submit financial documents?
You do not need to submit financial documentation until after acceptance. You are welcome to submit your documents if you have them ready, but doing so is not required during the initial application process.
When should I submit my academic credentials?
We encourage you to submit your academic credentials as soon as possible. We cannot start processing an application until we receive ALL required admission materials.
Where do I send or submit my academic credentials?
For admissions purposes, we accept scanned copies of official academic credentials from both international and U.S. institutions. Please upload these to your application portal page under the correct institution name.
If you experience issues uploading your academic credentials, you can contact the Office of Global Education at +1-330-672-7980 to speak with an international admissions counselor for assistance. You can also send official credentials to the International Admissions office; however, please note that it may be a while before we receive your credentials. Please address physical mail to:
International Admissions
Office of Global Education
625 Loop Road
106 Van Campen Hall
P.O. Box 5190
Kent, OH 44242-0001
USA
If you are admitted, you will be required to bring the original and official documents with you to be verified by the International Admissions office.
What is a letter of reference?
A letter of reference is an official letter from a former or present professor, employer, or adviser who can attest to your ability to pursue graduate study. They can also address your moral character. Please do not send letters of reference from family members or personal friends.
Do I need to submit a letter of reference with my application?
Undergraduate applicants do not need to submit a letter of reference. Letters of reference are required for graduate applications. The number of reference letters required varies between programs. These letters must be submitted with your application.
Applicants may input their chosen references’ name and information on their application portal page. They will receive an automated reference form from Kent State that they can complete and send directly back to us. If they have trouble accessing this form, they can either email it to intladm@kent.edu with the applicant’s name or send it to the applicant to upload.
It is your responsibility to contact your references and provide them with information on how to submit a letter of reference. Please ensure that their contact information as up to date and correct.
Can I change or update my references?
Yes, you can change or update your references on your application status page. Click on the link at the bottom of the page that says “update your recommenders.”
What documents does Kent State need after I am admitted?
If you are accepted to Kent State University, you will need to bring in a hard copy of your final and official documents (International and U.S. transcript, mark sheet, diploma, etc.) to the Office of Global Education before you can register for your second semester (or second module for ESL students) of classes.
Failure to do so will result in a hold on your account preventing you from registering for your second semester (or second module for ESL students) of classes.