Financial certificate as part of the application?

[ridgey]

The majority of the schools I applied to last year didn't require the financial certificate until after aadmittance, and those that did had a handy box that said "check if you will be completely reliant on the Department/School/University for funding".

One of my schools this year is U North Carolina, and they require you to specify and certify the exact amount from each source of funding. Now, the department website states explicitly that all admitted students (including internationals) are guaranteed financial support. But I can't tick the box that says I will have departmental support because 1) I don't know the amount, and 2) I can't supply proof of this support as an applicant, and 3) a copy goes to the department as part of the application and I don't think it's a good look!

What have others done in the same situation? I was thinking I might write a statement on the form to the effect that I will be reliant on funding from the school. How would that go down, do you think?

[Astaroth]

I remember UNC having that very annoying part of the application, it was one of the main deterrants that made me not apply there in the end. I would suggest contacting someone at the department and someone at graduate admissions to get some clarity on what you need to do.

[ridgey]

I remember UNC having that very annoying part of the application, it was one of the main deterrants that made me not apply there in the end. I would suggest contacting someone at the department and someone at graduate admissions to get some clarity on what you need to do.

I emailed admissions asking how people usually filled out the form, and the reply I got was something like "the completed form is part of your application", in a tone that suggested I was moronic. I don't want to catch someone in the department in an equally foul mood, in case they blacklist my app. Unlikely, I know.

This is why I didn't apply there last year.

[peppermint.beatnik]

I had to do this for three of the four schools I applied to last year. One required the documentation only if you were admitted.

The money has to be liquid, which is a major stumbling block is you're a student and not independently wealthy. Either a scholarship you have already been awarded or your parents/significant other/sponsor/etc. will suffice.

For example, if the domestic deadline is Jan.1st, and the international deadline is Dec.1st, the school is using that time to vet you before your application even reaches the department.