Application and Admissions FAQ, Department of Philosophy

Common Admissions Questions

When will my admission decision be mailed?
We begin mailing admission decisions for the coming Fall semester in mid to late March. Decisions are not available via email, phone, or fax.

I've been accepted. How long do I have to accept the offer of admission?
You have until April 15th. Philosophy graduate programs have agreed not to require acceptances before April 15th.

Where should I mail the Candidate Reply Form and my tuition deposit?
Please mail the Candidate Reply Form and tuition deposit to:

NYU Graduate School of Arts and Science
Graduate Enrollment Services
P.O. Box 907
New York, New York 10276-0907

Please be sure to print your student ID number on your check.

Can I defer my admission?
The Philosophy Department does not normally grant deferments.

Why wasn't my application accepted?
Graduate School policy does not permit us to discuss details regarding individual admission decisions with applicants. The Graduate School receives a large number of meritorious applications and our departments are quite selective. Admissions committees evaluate applicants on a number of different factors and there are many reasons why an offer of admission is not made.

Although I wasn't accepted, I'd like to apply again. What do I do?
You can apply to the Graduate School up to three times. If you reapply within one year of your previous application, you do not need to provide all new documents. However, you must submit
  1. a new Application for Admission form;
  2. the application fee.
To bolster your application, you may submit new credentials relevant to your application. For example, provide another letter of recommendation, an updated transcript showing grades for recently-completed classes, or improved test scores.

I only want to take a few courses in GSAS. How do I apply for non-degree/non-matriculation status?
You need to submit the Application for Admission, the application fee, and undergraduate transcripts showing proof of a Bachelor's degree. The Philosophy Department requires all the materials required for an MA application.

Is student housing available?
Single bedrooms in shared suites and shared studios are available in on-campus housing. All are within walking distance of NYU or a short subway / bus / trolley ride away. NYU also has an off-campus housing office with resources and hundreds of apartment listings available to NYU students.

How/when do I apply for student housing?
Information on housing is usually sent out in April, and applications are due June 1.

Are counselors available for advising?
Yes. Graduate Enrollment Services has counselors available on a walk-in basis, Monday - Friday from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Also, you may call our office at (212) 998-8050, or send us e-mail.

Is it possible to tour the University?
Yes. General tours are given by the College of Arts and Science, 22 Washington Square North. They are available Monday - Friday at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. No appointment is necessary. Also, you can take an on-line tour of the NYU Campus.

What is the deadline for applying for admission?
The deadline is January 4th, 2002, but applicants are strongly urged to send in their applications by December 15th, 2001.

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

Do I have to take the GRE?
Yes, all international and domestic students must take the GRE. We recommend you take the test at least 10-12 weeks before the application deadline date to insure 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 NYU GSAS, code 2596.

How do I apply for fellowships and assistantships?
You do not need to complete a separate financial aid application form. Check the box on your admission application indicating that you are interested in fellowships and assistantships, and be sure your application is received before the January 4 financial aid deadline. You are then automatically considered for financial aid. To learn more about the types of financial aid available, see the Financial Information section of this Web site.

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 the NYU Financial Aid Office WWW page.



updated 11/15/00
philo.web@nyu.edu