FAQs for: Academic Services
Questions
Am I allowed to receive financial aid from more than one institution at the same time?
Am I limited to the number of credits reflected in the tuition, fees and estimated living expenses documentation?
Am I required to submit an affidavit of support if I plan to support myself financially?
Am I required to submit my high school (secondary school) transcript as part of my application for admission to Portland State?
Am I required to submit official documents for admission to Portland State in the original language or should they be translated?
Am I required to submit proof of financial resources to be admitted to Portland State?
Am I required to submit proof of personal financial resources or can I show the resources of a sponsor instead?
Are all international students currently studying in the United States required to release their SEVIS records to Portland State?
Are scholarships available for international students?
Are there any courses a co-admitted student might take at the community college that Portland State financial aid will not cover?
As a co-admitted student, how do I get health insurance if I enroll part-time at Portland State?
As an international student, can I take 8 credits at Portland State and 4 credits at another college or university?
As an international student, must I submit a transfer clearance form?
Can I apply for admission to Portland State for any term?
Can I be co-admitted to PSU and PCC as an international student?
Can I get my only original transcript or degree certificate back after being admitted to Portland State?
Can I leave my Special Registration Form in a drop box or just drop it off at the window?
Can I make up my own Capstone?
Can I park on campus during my Orientation?
Can I repeat a class taken at PSU? What happens to the first grade?
Can I study at Portland State University without a TOEFL or IELTS score or with a lower score than the minimum required for admission? Do you offer conditional admission?
Can I take Upper Division (UD) Cluster courses in my major?
Can I transfer military credit?
Can I walk in the Spring commencement ceremony if I am not graduating until the end of the Summer?
Can Portland State issue my I-20 immigration document before I submit proof of financial resources?
Can anyone help me make this decision?
Can the TOEFL or IELTS requirement for admission be waived?
College is expensive. Can someone tell me what to major in so I know that I can get a good job after I graduate?
Do I get credit for a class in which I received a "D"?
Do I have to apply for admission to PSU to be considered for financial aid?
Do I have to meet any eligibility requirements once I've received financial aid?
Do I have to select a major when I enter college?
Do I have to take University Studies as a transfer student?
Do I need to bring anything with me to Freshman Orientation?
Do I need to bring anything with me to Transfer Orientation?
Do I need to speak with a financial aid counselor?
Do I need to take a writing course?
Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam to be admitted to Portland State University?
Do Sophomore Inquiry (SINQ) courses need to be taken in a sequence?
Do Upper Division (UD) Cluster courses have prerequisites?
Do all graduate applicants educated outside of the United States have to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam?
Do co-admitted students have to fulfill University Studies requirements?
Does Portland State have admission deadlines?
Does my Capstone have to be connected to my Upper Division (UD) Cluster?
Doesn't my choice of major now determine what I'll be doing for the next 20-30 years?
En la FAFSA, voy a dar la información financiera de mi madre y de mi padrastro. ¿Debo escribir el número de Seguro Social y apellido de mi padre, o los de mi padrastro?
Hace cuatro meses que mis padres están separados, y ahora vivo con mi madre. Sin embargo, mis padres presentaron declaración de impuesto conjunta, en la que me indicaron como exención. ¿Declaro en la FAFSA los ingresos de los dos o sólo los de mi madre?
How can I find out the status of my application for admission to Portland State?
How can I obtain official TOEFL or IELTS scores?
How do I apply as a transfer student to Portland State University?
How do I audit a course? Is it free?
How do I drop a class?
How do I find a work-study job?
How do I get around at PSU? Parking and travel options.
How do I get started using Blackboard CE6?
How do I get the special fee refunded when dropping a Physical Education course?
How do I guarantee that when I transfer I will begin as a junior?
How do I implement community-based learning at my institution? 10 Easy Steps!
How do I know if I am eligible for Commencement?
How do I know if I'm eligible for financial aid?
How do I know if the Portland State Admissions office considers me an "international" student?
How do I know which level to apply for when completing an application for admission to Portland State?
How do I know which major will be good for me?
How do I make changes to my financial aid award?
How do I sign my Federal Perkins loan Promissory note?
How does the IELP program differ from the ESL program?
How does the International TOEFL differ from the Institutional TOEFL?
How long are TOEFL or IELTS scores valid?
How long do I have to live in Oregon to become a resident?
How long does it take to process my application for admission to Portland State?
How long will it take for me to get my money from financial aid?
How many credits can I take a term during the twelve month waiting period for residency?
How much does it cost to attend Portland State?
How much money will I get from financial aid?
How will my credits transfer?
How will my veterans’ benefits affect my financial aid?
I already have a generated (non-social security number) identification number. Will I get a new number and new card?
I am a co-admitted student planning to complete my degree at Portland State. How do I know what classes I should be taking?
I am a co-admitted student. Should I get my financial aid from Portland State or the community college?
I am a dependent child of the court of my county. Is this the same as a “ward” of the court?
I am a post-bac student. Why didn't I receive a transfer evaluation report?
I am a single parent with one child and will get free day care for my child (from a relative or free day care center) while I go to college. Does this free income have to be reported on the FAFSA?
I am a transfer student. Do I need to complete the entire University Studies program?
I am a ward of the court but graduated from high school and then went to live with my mother for two months. Did I lose my independent status?
I am an international student and I have just received my transfer evaluation report. Why do none of my transfer courses show the grades I received in my classes?
I am applying to a graduate program at Portland State. How can I get a graduate assistantship?
I am currently studying in the United States on an F-1 student visa and want to transfer to Portland State. Do I need a new I-20?
I am no longer under the court because my foster parents took legal guardianship of me a few years ago. However, my foster parents do not support me with there own financial resources. They still get a foster care check each month for me. How do I answer question #53?
I am not an international student, but I am permanent resident (green card holder), a United States citizen, or a refugee/asylee. Am I required to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam to apply for admission to Portland State University?
I can't log in to register. What am I doing wrong?
I cannot pay the $50 application fee for admission to Portland State. Can you waive or defer this fee?
I completed a bachelor's degree at an institution where English is the only language of instruction. Am I required to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam to apply for admission to Portland State University?
I completed an ESL program at Portland State University. Am I required to submit TOEFL or IELTS exam scores to apply for admission?
I completed an ESL program at another institution. Am I required to submit TOEFL or IELTS exam scores to apply for admission to PSU?
I do not intend to study at Portland State with an F-1 or J-1 student visa. Am I required to submit proof of financial resources as part of my application for admission?
I don't have adequate funds in a bank account to cover one year of tuition and living expenses at Portland State, but I do have other assets. Can these assets be used as proof of financial resources?
I don't have any transcripts to submit with my application for admission to Portland State. What should I do?
I don't think my living expenses will be as much as Portland State's estimates. Am I required to submit proof of financial resources for the entire amount?
I dropped a class online and now I cannot re-add it. Why not?
I got a partial refund for a class I dropped, yet I never attended the class. Can I get a full refund?
I graduated from a U.S. high school. Is that sufficient proof of English proficiency?
I had my official transcript or degree certificate translated by an agency because it is not in English. The agency staff provided me with a sealed envelope containing the translation, which I submitted to Portland State University with my admissions application. Is this an official document?
I have a bank letter that indicates that I have maintained an account for a certain number of years, but does not specify my account balance. Will this satisfy the proof of financial resources requirement?
I have a child who will be living with me and my income will be from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Do I answer “yes” to Question #51? Are TANF or welfare benefits considered to be like earned income?
I have an academic hold on my registration. Why is this and what must I do to get it removed?
I have been admitted to Portland State based on unofficial transcipts. How much time do I have to submit the official documents?
I have completed some college credits but I want to start a completely different program of study and won't be transferring any credits. Am I required to submit college transcripts as part of my application for admission to Portland State?
I have completed some college credits but I want to start over as a freshman and won't be transferring any credits. Am I required to submit college transcripts as part of my application for admission to Portland State?
I have filled out the FAFSA as an independent student because I am ward of the court. Do I need my father’s and/or mother’s signature(s)? I do not live with them, but I see them sometimes.
I have taken many English classes at another institution and/or have completed English classes or Writing 121 at Portland State University. Am I required to submit TOEFL or IELTS exam scores to apply for admission?
I live in Oregon but my dad, who claims me on his taxes, lives in California. Am I considered a resident?
I live in Washington but I work in Oregon and pay Oregon state taxes. Am I considered a resident?
I live in Washington with my parents and they both work in Oregon. Am I considered a resident?
I live outside the United States. What does Portland State require before issuing my I-20?
I live with my foster parents and their children. Are they my “family members?”
I plan to transfer away from Portland State in less than one year. Am I required to submit proof of financial resources for the entire school year?
I received a master's or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States. Is that sufficient proof of English proficiency?
I signed up to attend Orientation, but I haven't gotten any confirmation.
I still have questions about Orientation...who should I contact?
I studied for three years at a university in my country. Can I transfer some of my credits, or do I have to start over at PSU?
I took the TOEFL or IELTS exam more than two years ago. Do I need to take it again before applying for admission to Portland State University?
I turned 18 and graduated, so my court case was closed. Am I no longer and independent because I am no longer a ward of the court? Am I considered dependent or independent?
I want to have the same Orientation as my friend, is that possible?
I will be living with a relative or host family while studying at Portland State. Am I required to submit a bank statement for the full amount of the estimated living expenses to show proof of financial resources?
I'll be filing a tax return this year but I probably won't get around to it until April. How should I answer the FAFSA questions?
I'm 18 years old and I'm an independent student who files my own taxes and am not claimed by my parents. Am I considered a resident?
I'm NOT admitted yet. Can I sign up to go to Orientation?
I'm currently in the U.S. on an H-4 visa. Do I have to be a full-time student?
I'm enrolled in a federally recognized tribe of Oregon but haven't lived in Oregon for twelve months. Am I a resident?
I'm not a U.S. citizen. Can I still get financial aid?
I've already been to an Open House, do I need to attend Orientation?
I've already been to another college, why should I go to PSU Orientation?
I've been here in Oregon for twelve months on an H-1 Visa. Am I considered a resident?
I've been living in Oregon for twelve months but am here on a non-immigrant or Student visa. Am I considered a resident?
I've lived here for twelve months but my parents, who live in another state, are supporting me. Am I considered a resident?
If I am academically dismissed, can I ever return to PSU?
If I am in default on a loan or owe a repayment of a grant, how does that affect my financial aid?
If I can't get official transcripts in time to be admitted to Portland State for the next term, can I submit unofficial transcripts?
If I have questions about commencement, who should I ask?
If I take classes at both Portland State and a community college this term (I'm a co-admitted student), how does Portland State know that I'm a full-time student for financial aid purposes?
If I was considered a resident at the local community college, why am I not here?
If an institution I attended offers to send an English translation of my transcript instead of a transcript in the original language, will Portland State consider it an official document for admissions purposes?
If attending a community college is less expensive, and I can take the same lower-division courses as at PSU, why doesn't everyone start at a community college?
In addition to the Portland State admission application form, what other documents are required in a complete admission application package?
In my country students receive only one original transcript or degree certificate. Aren't these original documents considered "official?"
Is Orientation mandatory?
Is a TOEFL or IELTS score the only way to prove English language proficiency?
Is financial aid available for international students?
Is my major going to determine my success in the job market?
Is my sponsor required to submit an affidavit of support?
Is there anyone I can talk to about transferring if I still have questions?
Me voy a casar este verano. ¿Cómo debo responder a la pregunta sobre si estoy casado?
My admission letter says I am admitted with an ESL hold. What does this mean?
My foster parents get Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or welfare benefits for me because I am a ward of the court. Is this my income?
My grandmother (aunt, etc.) gets Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or welfare benefits for me because I am a ward of the court?
My parents have passed away and my grandparents are my court appointed, legal guardians. They have provided support for me all my life. How do I complete the FAFSA?
My studies at Portland State will be sponsored by my government. What financial documentation should I submit?
No sé si quiero obtener préstamos educativos o trabajar durante el año académico. ¿Cómo debo contestar la pregunta sobre mi preferencia por los préstamos o por los puestos de estudio y trabajo?
Should I major in a "hot" field so I know I can get a good job after I graduate?
Should I submit my original transcript or degree certificate to Portland State with my admission application? Will I get the original back?
Si mis padres están divorciados, ¿cuál de los dos debe declarar información en la FAFSA?
Si soy un menor de edad emancipado, ¿me consideran como independiente?
Si soy voluntario en la Guardia Nacional y actualmente presto servicio activo en las Fuerzas Armadas, ¿se me considera veterano para efectos de llenar la FAFSA?
Si tengo dudas sobre las preguntas de la FAFSA, ¿quién me puede ayudar?
Si vivo con mis tíos o con mis abuelos, ¿debo declarar los ingresos de ellos en lugar de los de mis padres?
Soy ciudadano de EE.UU. pero todavía tengo un número de registro de extranjeros (A-Number). ¿Cómo indico esta situación en la solicitud?
Soy estudiante y estoy separado de mi cónyuge. Sin embargo, presentamos declaración de impuesto conjunta. ¿De qué manera se declara la información en la FAFSA?
The Portland State admission application instructions say that I must submit official transcripts. What is an official transcript?
The institution I attended issues only one original transcript or degree certificate. Should I submit that to Portland State when applying for admission?
To which office should I submit my application for admission to Portland State?
Voy a presentar declaración de impuesto este año pero quizás no lo haga hasta abril. ¿Cómo debo responder a las preguntas sobre mis finanzas? ¿Debo esperar a llenar la FAFSA, hasta que haya presentado mi declaración?
What types of Blackboard training are available for instructors?
What about honors for the ceremony?
What about lunch at Orientation?
What amount of financial support do I need to show adequate proof of financial resouces when I apply for admission to Portland State?
What are the TOEFL and IELTS exams?
What are the criteria to be considered a transfer student?
What are the differences between a major, minor and a certificate?
What are the drop in counselor hours?
What are the minimum TOEFL and IELTS score requirements for international applicants to Portland State University?
What are the requirements for admission to Portland State?
What do I do with my SAR?
What does Portland State require prior to issuing a transfer I-20?
What does a withdrawal do to my GPA?
What does it mean to be in "good standing"?
What does the "U" mean after the course number?
What financial aid programs are available to Graduate Students?
What happens if I have to drop below full time student status?
What health services are included for co-admitted students who pay the Portland State Student Health Services Fee?
What if I become ill or have to drop a class after the deadline to drop a class?
What if I don't meet any of the criteria for not supplying my parents information when I apply for financial aid, but my parents don't support me?
What if I only want to stay for part of Orientation?
What if I'm admitted, but I haven't gotten any information about Orientation?
What if my or my parents' circumstances have changed financially?
What if the Orientation session I pick is full?
What is "community-based learning"?
What is Commencement?
What is SEVIS?
What is an I-20 document and why do I need it to enroll at Portland State?
What is an Incomplete?
What is an affidavit of support? Is it acceptable for my sponsor to write a letter instead of filling out the form?
What is appropriate etiquette for the Spring Commencement ceremony?
What is financial aid?
What is the difference between a major and a degree?
What is the difference between a transcript and a degree certificate? How do I know which to submit with my application for admission to Portland State?
What is the difference between commencement and graduation?
What is the difference between the Schedule of Classes and the Bulletin (catalog)?
What is the last date that Portland State can issue my I-20 if I am living outside of the United States?
What kind of financial aid is available?
What services are available at Portland State for co-admitted students?
What should I do if my family has special circumstances that aren't mentioned in the FAFSA application?
What should I know before I choose a major?
What time do I need to be at the Rose Garden?
What types of community-university partnerships are offered at Portland State?
What's better, a BA or a BS degree?
When I go to the Department of Education's website, it says I need a PIN number. How do I get one?
When do the credits I earn as a co-admitted student transfer to Portland State?
When is the best time to transfer?
When will the new ID numbers be effective?
Where can I buy my cap and gown?
Where can I find my complete federal loan history?
Where can I get an application for admission to Portland State University?
Where can I take the IELTS?
Where can I take the TOEFL?
Which classes can I take Pass/No Pass (P/NP)?
While establishing residency, why can't I take more than 8 credits during the first twelve months?
Who are PSU's preferred lenders for Financial Aid?
Who can help me with any FAFSA questions I might have?
Who do I contact if I have questions about co-admission?
Who is the keynote speaker at this year’s graduation?
Why am I required to submit proof of financial resources as part of my application for admission to Portland State?
Why can't I add this class online?
Why complete a FAFSA?
Why do I have to provide my child with my financial information?
Why is community-based learning a valued part of higher education?
Why should I attend Orientation? What will I be doing?
Will I be able to get a good job with a degree in the liberal arts?
Will I receive my transfer evaluation report as soon as I am admitted?
Will Portland State University still need and use my Social Security Number?
Will Portland State accept photocopies of my transcripts until I can submit official ones?
Will my GPA transfer?
Will my credits transfer?
Will my financial aid transfer from my other college?
Will receiving an outside scholarship affect my financial aid?
Will you accept a copy of my TOEFL or IELTS score report for admission evaluation?
Yo era voluntario en la Guardia Nacional cuando presté servicio activo en las Fuerzas Armadas. ¿Se me considera veterano para los efectos de llenar la FAFSA?
¿A quién se puede incluir en el cálculo del número de personas que cursan estudios postsecundarios?
¿A quién se puede incluir en el cálculo del número de personas que cursan estudios postsecundarios?
¿Cómo se decide a quién se debe incluir en el cálculo del tamaño del hogar?
¿Qué debo hacer yo, como estudiante, si mi familia sufre circunstancias excepcionales que no se tienen en cuenta en la solicitud?
¿Qué se debe hacer si el padre o la madre con quien el alumno reside ha vuelto a casarse, y el padrastro o madrastra se niega a dar la información solicitada?