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Exceptions to Admissions Requirements: Graduate School Approval Request (GSAR)
A Graduate School Approval Request (GSAR) is sent to the program when the Graduate School has determined a qualification for admission has not been met (e.g., a domestic applicant’s undergraduate grade point average is below 3.0 over the last 60 credits). The Graduate School may ask programs to fill out a GSAR in the pursuit of understanding why the applicant has been chosen for admission despite the qualification in question.
Steps for filling out a GSAR
- After a GSAR is assigned to an applicant, a red, rectangular button for + Add GSAR will be present in the applicant’s info row in Applicant Review in the Graduate School Review tab (see screenshot below):
- When you click the + Add GSAR button, you’ll be prompted to fill out a short form providing additional information supporting the applicant’s case for admission (see screenshot below). We want to know (1) what specific qualities or previous experiences the student possesses that will help them be successful in the program, and (2) how the program plans to support the student. If you can’t fit your answer within the space provided, you can send a follow-up email to the Graduate School at admissionstaff@grad.wisc.edu. When done, just select Create Graduate School Approval Request, which will notify us to review the GSAR.
Not sure why GSAR added to student?
If you are unsure of the reason why a GSAR has been added to an applicant, you will be able to find a note from the Graduate School Admissions in the Comments section of the applicant's profile page in Applicant Review (see screenshot below):
Please feel free to email admissionstaff@grad.wisc.edu with any additional questions.