Application Deadline for Department
Fall Semester—January 31
Spring Semester—August 1

Steps for applying to Graduate School:

Step 1. There are two methods of formally applying to the Graduate School

1. Electronic Application form. The non-refundable application fee for filing the online application is $45.
2. Downloadable Application: View and Print or Type On and Print form. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access the downloadable application. If you do not currently have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please obtain the free software from Adobe's website: Adobe Acrobat You will need to print two (2) copies of the downloadable application for submission, one for the Graduate School and one for the School of Forest Resources. The non-refundable application fee for filing the downloadable paper application is $60.

Step 2. The following documents must be completed in addition to the official graduate school application:

1. International students must complete and provide an "Application for Visa" document (downloadable).
2. Two sets of official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended (both undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if applicable). Transcript Request Form. International applicants must submit official or attested university records; if the records are not in English certified translations are required. Notarized copies are NOT acceptable.

Step 3. Once you have completed the Graduate School application process mail the following list of items to:

Graduate Enrollment Services
114 Kern Building
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802

• One Original of the Graduate School Application (if you did not apply online)
• The non-refundable application fee for filing (applications cannot be processed without Penn State's receipt of your application fee) DO NOT SEND CASH:
  • The online graduate application fee is $45 and may be paid by credit card online — if you filed online and did not pay by credit card you must attach the generated Fee Form with your payment.
  • The PDF downloadable paper graduate application fee is $60 and must be paid by Money Order or Check and must be drawn on a U.S. bank. Your canceled check will serve as your receipt. Credit cards cannot be processed with paper applications.

Step 4. Once you have completed the Graduate School application process mail the following list of items to:

The School of Forest Resources
ATTN: Graduate Studies Office
319 Forest Resources Building
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802

• One Original of the Graduate School Application (if you did not apply online)
• Two official transcripts (in sealed, signed envelopes) from all institutions of higher education attended, both undergraduate and graduate, if applicable. International applicants must submit official or attested university records; if the records are not in English certified translations are required. Notarized copies are NOT acceptable.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: An original report of scores is required from the testing institute.
• TOEFL Scores: All international applicants whose first language is not English or who have not received a baccalaureate or masters degree from an institution in which the language of instruction is English must provide official scores of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. Official scores must be sent directly to the department or to the Graduate School from the testing institute.

Codes for sending GRE and TOEFL scores to Penn State

Institution Code: 2660

Department Codes:

Fisheries Sciences: 0106
Forestry and Related Sciences: 0108
Resource Management: 0110
Renewable Natural Resources: 0113
Wildlife Management: 0115
(Using any of these department codes will forward your scores to the School of Forest Resources.)

• Application for Visa Document (International Students Only)
• Statement of Purpose (3 page maximum) for your proposed graduate study. Please submit a 1- to 2-page written statement describing your purpose in pursuing graduate study. You may want to include the following types of information in your statement:
  • reasons for pursuing a School of Forest Resources graduate degree
  • specific area of interest that you plan to pursue
  • long-term plans for professional career
  • experiences from previous graduate or professional work that have influenced your decision to pursue graduate study
  • previous research and/or teaching and outreach
  • other information that will help us to better understand your purpose for applying to join our graduate program
  • your interest in obtaining a graduate assistantship
  • names of SFR graduate faculty you are communicating with who may be willing to serve as a potential advisor(s).
• Three letters of recommendation (in sealed, signed envelopes) from professional colleagues and/or teachers who are knowledgeable about your character and qualifications as they relate to your potential to succeed in an advanced graduate degree program. Although there is no standard format for these letters of recommendation, they may be addressed to the attention of the Graduate Review Committee.

You can check the status of your electronic application online through Status Inquiry.

For further information, contact:

Emily Hill, Staff Assistant
Graduate Studies Office
School of Forest Resources
319 Forest Resources Building
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-7221
evh2@psu.edu