Expected graduation date on application?

[drownsoda]

So, I've been kind of fretting over this and am not sure if I should be.

 

I am an undergrad in my last term of college, and while I was filling out my applications for graduate programs, I estimated my "degree award date" to be in April of 2015. Due to unforeseen technicalities (i.e., I stupidly missed the deadline to apply for spring graduation), I won't actually be able to get my degree finalized until the summer graduation date. I will have all the credits necessary as of April, but I just won't be able to get my physical degree awarded to me until the summertime. 

 

My question is: Supposing I get into any of the programs I applied to, is this going to be a problem? Like I said, I would have my degree awarded before hypothetically attending any of the graduate programs I applied to (they all start in the fall), but I'm curious as to whether or not this will be a potential issue for me if I do get in.

Edited February 4, 2015 by drownsoda

[Vene]

Here is what I'd do. I'd continue with the process as normal and if/when accepted, then I'd contact the graduate office to tell them that there was a paperwork hiccup and you'll get the degree during the summer prior to enrolling. I truly doubt they'll care as long as you have the degree in hand when you start.

 

Alternatively, you can still probably get the degree on time, if you're willing to miss out on the ceremony associated with it. You can always talk to the people at your university who handle awarding degrees as to your options.

[TakeruK]

Once you accept their offer, you should still tell them that you won't actually get the physical degree until summertime (which is fine, since it's before grad school starts)

 

But even so, the important timeline is the time you finish all your requirements, not the time you get your physical degree. I got my physical degree several months after I started grad school.

[drownsoda]

Once you accept their offer, you should still tell them that you won't actually get the physical degree until summertime (which is fine, since it's before grad school starts)

 

But even so, the important timeline is the time you finish all your requirements, not the time you get your physical degree. I got my physical degree several months after I started grad school.

 

Thanks for the responses you two, and that is especially reassuring to hear.

 

As of April, all my degree requirements will be complete. It's just the technicality of not getting the actual degree finalized at the time I had specified that had me worried if I did potentially get accepted into a grad program.