Questions

ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS

What is Rolling Admissions?
Rolling Admissions means that your application will be reviewed as soon as your application is completed. The earlier you apply, the more likely your application will be accepted. If you wait to apply until or near the application deadline, your application may not be accepted because of space limitations. Each year, we decline a number of highly qualified applicants because they waited too long. With rolling admissions, it is possible that admissions for some countries will be suspended before the final application deadline. The EJI 2007 deadline is April 1, 2008.

Most often, a final decision will be made once an application is reviewed. If a decision cannot be made, it will be placed on hold.

I applied and I've been placed on hold, why? When will a final decision be made?
Sometimes students are placed on "hold" for a variety of reasons, often not related to their qualifications. Since we try to establish a student body representative of all countries involved, and representative of students from a variety of backgrounds and academic majors, there are many factors we must consider. Even if the admissions committee does not immediately make a final decision, students on "hold" who apply early will receive priority over other equally qualified candidates who apply at a later date. If you are still placed on hold at the final application deadline, a final decision will be made no later than middle of April. If you are placed on hold and admission from your country has been suspended, you will be considered as an alternate in the event space becomes available.

What are the eligibility requirements for the participants?
The admissions committee targets working journalists throughout Europe. We will also select a few graduate and undergraduate university students who are concentrating their degree in journalism studies throughout Europe and the United States.

How many students of each nationality will be accepted?
Every year the admissions committee establishes a target number of students by country, and according to the average number of applications we typically receive proportional to the distribution of nations in the Institute. The demographics of the applicant pool tend to change each year, so these target numbers often change before admissions are completed.

Why was my application declined?
There can be a variety of reasons why your application was not accepted. The application process is very competitive; therefore, we look at a number of factors that contribute to our decision, and we are often forced to decline a large number of successful students. In accepting students, the admissions committee pays a lot of attention to areas of the application that help communicate various characteristics of an applicant and how that student could contribute to the nature of our program. Thus, the resume, essay and recommendations hold a lot of weight.

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APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Do I have to put my passport number in the online application?
Yes. The passport number in the on-line application is extremely important and serves as your reference though the application procedure. If you don't have a passport, then type in a password. You can use this password for referencing your application status on our Application Status webpage.

What do I do if I am unable to submit the online application form?
First - try again. Depending on the speed of your Internet connection, it might take several moments for your application to submit. In case you cannot submit the online application, you can print out the completed application and send it to us along with other application materials by fax or mail.

Do I have to submit all required application documents at once?
No, but it is recommended. The sooner we receive all documents, the sooner your application will be reviewed. If any items are missing, you should mention that in a cover letter. Many schools and professors will only send transcripts and recommendations to us directly. Once we have your online application, we will place all materials you submit in a file until it is completed.

My application status is incomplete? What does it mean?
Your application status is "incomplete" when we do not have one or more of the required materials. You application will not be reviewed until all materials are submitted. If you do not know which items you are missing, contact Institute staff at international@tfas.org. Please note that it sometimes takes 2-3 weeks (if not more) before we receive application materials in the mail.

If I fax my application requirements, do I have to send the originals?
No, however we prefer originals. We are not responsible for faxes that cannot be read. If we can read your fax, there is no need to send the originals by mail, but faxes can often be difficult to read if not transmitted properly. All faxed materials, such as reference letters and transcripts, are also subject to verification.

I have applied to the program last year, was accepted, but could not come. Do I have to submit all the additional documents again when applying this year?
You have to submit new transcripts, an updated CV, and a statement-of-purpose.

I was declined last year. Do I have to submit new application materials for this year?
At the very least, you need to submit new transcripts, an updated CV and a statement-of-purpose. But since your application was declined last year, submitting new and improved materials will increase your chances of being accepted this year. We will likely not consider your application if you submit the same materials once again.

Do I have to rewrite my essay?
No, however, a new essay with a different subject might improve your chances.

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MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

Is there any deadline for sending the photographs, Attendance Agreement, Payment and Travel forms?
The deadline for the Attendance Agreement, Payment Form and photographs varies depending on when the admissions decision was made. This deadline is stated in the official letter sent by mail to every student upon acceptance. A travel information form should be submitted no later then 30 May 2008.

Is your summer school program covering the costs of accommodation or in any way assist students with accommodation facilities in Prague?
Students will be housed in a Charles University operated dormitory. Rooms are suites of two bedrooms sharing one bathroom. Each bedroom contains 2 single beds. Maid service is provided at least once a week. Each student will be assigned one roommate. Costs of accommodations and a meal plan are included in your scholarship.

For additional information about the Institute's location, housing and travel, you can review information on logistics for the program. If you would like to contact us with a question, please feel free to email us at: international@tfas.org.

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