This article contains frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding CFAGS, with answers to those questions. Additional CFAG FAQ's are listed at the bottom of this article.

Questions answered in this article:

1. Where do I send my application materials?
2. Will you mail me an application?
3. What is an "official" transcript?
4. How many transcripts do I send?
5. How many letters of recommendation are required?
6. Is there a form for letters of recommendation?
7. Can I call and check on my application?
8. Can I change who I designated to send letters of recommendation?
9. Do I need to take the GRE?
10. How do I sign up for the GRE?
11. What is TCU's school code for the GRE?
12. Are assistantships available?
13. How many hours per week do I participant in the department for an       assistantship?
14. How is the assistantship paid?
15. What is the graduate bulletin (catalog)?
16. Where can I find a place to live and how much will it cost?
17. Will I be required to take a placement test?
18. International Student Questions:

Where do I send my application materials?
Office of Graduate Studies
College of Fine Arts
TCU Box 297550
Fort Worth, TX 76129

Will you mail me an application?
Applications are available on-line. Click here.

What is an "official" transcript?
In order to be considered "official", transcripts must be mailed directly from the registrar's office to the Graduate Studies Department. (see application for address information)

How many transcripts do I send?
2 "official" transcripts from each university you have attended must be sent directly to the Graduate Studies Department. This includes any junior college or university where you may have taken a summer course.

How many letters of recommendation are required? 3

Is there a form for letters of recommendation?
No - have the person write their own letter in their own words and send the letter in a sealed envelope to the address above. The may also fax their letter to: 817.257.5672.

Can I call and check on my application?
Give transcripts 2-3 weeks to arrive, then you are encouraged to email or call and check on your application status. E-mail cfagradinfo@tcu.edu or call 817.257.7603.

Can I change who I designated to send letters of recommendation?
Three letters of recommendation are required for your application. It is your choice who sends the letters of recommendation. Does a letter of recommendation have to come from a professor? It is your choice who sends the letters of recommendation. (For example: you may have been out of school for an extended period of time. You may want employers or co-workers to send letters of recommendation.

Do I need to take the GRE?
The General GRE is required for Art History, Musicology, Music Education and Music Theory majors. What is the minimum GRE score acceptable? A combined score of 1000 on the Verbal and Quantitative portions of the test is the minimum acceptable score required for your application to Graduate studies.

How do I sign up for the GRE?
http://www.gre.org/ttindex.html

What is TCU's school code for the GRE? R6820

Are assistantships available? If you want to be considered for an assistantship, apply early. For the Fall semester, it is best to apply before February 15. (February 1 is even better.) There may or may not be any availability for the spring semesters. (Apply before November 1.) We do not have a seperate application form for assistantships. Just check the box on your admissions application that you wish to be considered for an assistantship.

How many hours per week do I participant in the department for an assistantship? Most assistantships require approximately 10 hours per week. What duties will I participate in for my assistantship? That will be determined by your department chair or faculty advisor.

How is the assistantship paid?
The assistantship is paid on a bi-weekly basis. Take the amount of the assistantship and divide it by the number of weeks in the fall and spring semesters (usually around 18 to 20). That will give you the amount of your bi-weekly check. Checks start in mid-September.

What is the graduate bulletin (catalog)?
Save and print your Graduate Bulletin for the year and semester you start your graduate studies program: found connecting through the TCU Registrar's homepage. It is your graduation contract with TCU. Your Graduate Bulletin (Catalog) contains information outlining rules, regulations, graduation and your degree plan.

Where can I find a place to live and how much will it cost?
Check apartment availabilty at the Residential Services Site.
Or you can Check Our Guide Here.

Art: - Yes, you need to send in a portfolio. The recommended way is to send in a slide portfolio. You can now send in a digital portfolio if you so desire. Be sure and send in a self-addressed, stamped envelope, if you want it returned to you. Please consult the Art department's website for application deadlines.

Art History: - Yes, you need to take the GRE. Please consult the Art department's website for application deadlines.

School of Music: - Do I need to audition? All music applicants must contact their department chair and schedule an audition. Contact Sue Ott 817.257.7341 to schedule your audition.

Will I be required to take a placement test?
All entering music graduate students are required to take placement examinations during the first week of residency and must satisfy theory proficiency. ALL portions of the test must be satisfactorily completed prior to admission to candidacy.

International Student Questions:

Do I need to take the TOEFL?
If you are an international student you are required to take the TOEFL. If you have an undergraduate degree from an American university, you are not required to take the TOEFL. (An Artist's Diploma does not exempt you from taking the TOEFL.) You may also fulfill the language requirement by taking IEP at TCU.

How do I sign up to take the TOEFL? http://www.toefl.org - TCU code: R6820

What is the minimum TOEFL score acceptable? On the Internet based TOEFL a score of 80 is required. A score of 550 on paper, or 213 on computer, is the minimum acceptable score to apply for Graduate Studies.

Will my assistantship pay for everything? No. If you are awarded tuition only, it will only pay for your tuition. You will still be responsible for student fees, housing and living expenses. If you are given an assistantship, that will help cover the cost of student fees, housing and living expenses, but it probably will not cover everything. For visa purposes, TCU estimates student expenses. Take the total estimate and subtract the amount of your tuition award and assistantship. The remainder is the amount that your sponsor (usually a family member) will need to be responsible for on your financial statement. (For example: If the estimated amount for a student to live and study on for a year is $28,500., and the TCU tuition and assistantship award is $20,000., then the student will need to prove that his family is able and willing to provide the additional $8,500. per year.) This is a necessary step in order to obtain an I-20 and ultimately a visa.