In response to COVID-19, Arizona State University transitioned from in-person courses to remote learning for the remainder of the semester. On-campus ASU visit experiences and Sun Devil Days for prospective students are being held virtually. Additionally, New Student Orientation programs for incoming first-year students will be conducted online until further notice.
Answers to frequently asked questions for prospective students are below. If you have specific concerns or questions, please reach out to us.
Admitted fall 2020 students
What will happen to my admission offer if my final transcript(s) will look different because of school closures?
Given the interruptions that COVID-19 has caused, ASU understands that the format and release date of final transcripts from high schools, colleges, community colleges and international schools may vary. ASU will continue to honor the admission of first-year students as long as they meet ASU’s minimum qualifications for admission and the student’s high school certifies that they have graduated.
Is New Student Orientation being rescheduled?
- Students registered for orientations though the end of June will attend a virtual experience on the day of their confirmed orientation program. They will receive an email with details.
- Students who have paid their deposit but have not yet registered for an orientation are strongly encouraged to select a virtual orientation program to take advantage of time away from school.
Will New Student Orientation guest fees be refunded?
We have refunded guest fees for all programs that have moved to a virtual orientation.
What kind of device do I need to attend a virtual orientation?
To participate in a virtual orientation, you can use a computer, laptop or smartphone. The sessions will all be conducted via Zoom, which you can access by downloading the app or through your web browser. If you have accessibility concerns or lack access to a computer, internet or Zoom, please contact your admission coordinator online or at 480-965-2880.
What if I don't have a laptop or computer?
If you're unable to take the math placement exam due to lack of access to a laptop or internet, your advisor will work with you to get registered for classes.
Do I need to submit the required immunization records prior to orientation?
You can attend orientation and register for classes if you do not have immunization records on file.
What date is the enrollment deposit due?
Enrollment deposits are due May 1. However, to provide the most flexibility and support to students and families, a refund of the enrollment deposit will be offered to students who cancel by June 1, 2020.
All incoming first-year Arizona students with a FAFSA on file are eligible to delay payment of the enrollment deposit in My ASU. Students can pay the enrollment deposit when financial aid is disbursed for the fall semester.
After the enrollment deposit is paid or delayed, students can sign up for a virtual orientation program to register for fall classes.
If I can’t take the ACT or SAT, how will I know if I’m eligible for a first-year merit scholarship?
We will review students for scholarship eligibility after May 1, as long as ASU receives the test score prior to the first day of classes. Talk with your admission representative if you are unsure about testing options.
How can I send transcripts?
ASU is open and available to receive academic documents. If you have specific concerns or questions, please reach out to us.
Can I cancel housing if my plans change?
To support students and families during the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, incoming first-year students who have already selected a housing assignment for fall 2020 can cancel their housing assignment with no financial penalty through May 31.
From June 1 to June 30, the fee to cancel is $300. After July 1 the fee is $500.
To cancel, students should notify University Housing in writing by emailing housing@asu.edu from their ASU email account.
I deferred my admission, but my plans have changed due to COVID-19. How do I enroll at ASU?
If you deferred your admission to ASU and would like to begin earlier than you had planned due to COVID-19, we are here for you. Contact your admission representative for next steps for enrollment and to discuss your options. Learn more about returning from deferment.
How will ASU award Advanced Placement (AP) credits given the changes to the testing format announced by the College Board?
ASU recognizes the effort that students have already made in these challenging courses and will continue to award ASU credit consistent with previous years for 2020 AP exams completed.
The entire ASU community is here to support you and help you make the best decisions about your college plans. We have a dedicated team standing by to help.
Financial aid
How do I contact the financial aid office?
While classes are now held remotely, ASU continues to conduct regular business. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Services team is dedicated to helping you navigate the financial aid process. First, see if you can find the answer to your question on this page.
If you are a current student and do not find an answer to your question here, please contact Financial Aid and Scholarship Services at 855-278-5080. If you are an incoming first-year student and have questions about the fall 2020 semester, connect with your admission representative. They’re here to help.
I’m not sure how my financial situation is going to change because of the coronavirus. Should I wait to file my FAFSA?
Do not wait to file your FAFSA. It is based on your 2018 tax return, so you should still have access to all of the information you need to complete it. The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll know what you’re eligible for.
Should I refile the FAFSA since financial needs are changing because of the coronavirus?
You will not need to refile your FAFSA, since it is based on 2018 tax information. If your family’s financial situation has significantly changed, the Financial Aid and Scholarship Services office will work with you in the coming months to determine if there are any financial aid award adjustments that should be made. The first step is to complete the parent review form or the student income reduction review with the appropriate documents.
I have items awaiting verification but can’t complete them because offices are closed. What can I do?
Financial Aid and Scholarship Services is committed to helping each student ensure their financial aid is secure and available for the fall 2020 semester. If you have questions about verification, visit here and if you are unable to find an answer, contact Financial Aid and Scholarship Services at 855-278-5080 for assistance.
I can’t afford to pay the deposit by May 1. What do I do?
Enrollment deposits are still due by May 1 in order to secure your place for the fall 2020 semester. However, we know that some students may need additional time beyond May 1 and we will work with students on an individual basis after this date. Please connect with your admission representative.
If I can’t take the ACT or SAT, how will I know if I’m eligible for a first-year merit scholarship?
We will review students for scholarships and any upgrades after May 1 as long as ASU receives the test score prior to the first day of classes. Talk with your admission representative if you are unsure about testing options.
My mom can't go to her job because of the coronavirus, and she doesn't get paid if she doesn't work. This means my financial need has increased. Can I get more financial aid?
If your family’s financial situation has significantly changed, the Financial Aid and Scholarship Services office will work with you in the coming months to determine if there are any financial aid award adjustments that should be made. The first step is to complete the parent review form or the student income reduction review with the appropriate documents.
Transfer
How are pass/fail courses being accepted?
If the transcript key or the institution provides information that indicates a Pass grade is comparable to a C- or higher, the course will be counted as transferable but will not be calculated in the student’s GPA. A Fail grade will be counted as an “F” and calculated in the student’s GPA accordingly.
Will a pass/fail grade affect my transfer GPA to determine if I meet admission criteria?
Pass grades are not counted in the GPA, but may be transferable to ASU if the institution or transcript indicates the “P” grade is comparable to a C- or better. Fail grades are calculated as an “F” and will impact your GPA.
If I receive a pass/fail grade for a course, does it transfer to ASU?
If the transcript key indicates a Pass grade is comparable to a C- or higher, the course will be counted as transferable but will not be calculated in your GPA. A Fail grade will be counted as an “F” and calculated in your GPA.
If I receive a pass/fail grade, does it count toward my degree completion?
If the institution or transcript indicates the “P” grade is comparable to a C- or better and the course is on your degree map, it will count toward degree completion.
Can I be admitted to ASU with a pass/fail course on my transcripts?
The admission criteria remains the same. We will look at all submitted information to determine admissibility to ASU.
Can I be admitted into programs with higher admission requirements if I opt to receive a pass/fail grade for my courses?
GPA and test scores will still be used to determine admissibility. Pass grades are not calculated into your GPA for admission purposes, but may still be transferable. Opting for a pass grade rather than a letter grade could impact your admissibility if you need to bring up your transfer GPA to meet the criteria for a program with higher requirements. If you have the option of being issued a pass grade or a letter grade, opt for the letter grade.
Will ASU accept my AGEC completion with pass/fail grades on coursework?
Yes.
Will my associate degree transfer to ASU if I have coursework with a pass/fail grade?
Yes. Any coursework with a Pass grade that the institution indicates is comparable to C- or better is transferable.
Will pass/fail grades affect financial aid or scholarships that I receive from ASU?
No, maintaining eligibility for ASU financial aid or scholarship is based on your ASU GPA.
How does my coursework with grades transfer to ASU?
Refer to admission.asu.edu/transfer/transferring-credits for information on how credits transfer to ASU.
International
What happens if I cannot get a student visa in time to begin the fall 2020 semester?
If you are unable to join your program in person on your original start date due to travel and visa delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can begin your ASU studies in a digital format, then transition to on campus study at the first available opportunity.
Our ASU admission teams will stay in close contact with you over the next months to help create the study plans that best enable you to fulfill your ASU dreams. In the meantime, let us know anything you need and visit the ASU coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information.
I’m an incoming admitted student. Will I be able to take classes on campus in the fall?
Admitted students are important members of our campus community. ASU has every intention for students to attend classes in the fall. We continue, however, to closely monitor changes due to COVID-19. Students can see up-to-date information at ASU by visiting coronavirus.asu.edu.
If COVID-19 gets worse and I’m not able to travel, are there other options to see the campus?
We are offering virtual Experience ASU visits through Zoom. These are live online sessions with ASU enrollment and academic team members who will be able to answer questions. Every session will cover the admission and enrollment processes, with different additional sessions available throughout the week. For more information visit tours.asu.edu.
If current ASU students are studying online due to COVID-19, will I be studying online as well if I attend ASU in the summer or fall of 2020?
Admitted students are important members of our campus community. ASU has every intention for students to attend classes on campus in the fall. Students can monitor up-to-date information at ASU by visiting coronavirus.asu.edu.
I am conditionally admitted to ASU and preparing to attend the Global Launch Intensive English program in Tempe, Arizona this summer. However, because of travel restrictions, I cannot travel to the U.S. What should I do?
Global Launch will still provide the full intensive English program this summer remotely on Canvas and Zoom. You can apply for the summer 2020 session on the Global Launch website.
If you are already admitted to Global Launch for the summer 2020 session, please check your ASU email for further details, including information about registering and enrolling remotely.
I am conditionally admitted to ASU and preparing to attend the Global Launch Intensive English program in Tempe, Arizona this fall. However, many U.S. consulates are closed. What should I do if I cannot get my visa in time to travel to the U.S.?
Global Launch will still provide the full intensive English program this fall remotely on Canvas and Zoom. You can apply for the fall 2020 A and B sessions on the Global Launch website.
If you are already admitted to Global Launch for the fall 2020 A session, please check your ASU email for further details, including information about registering and enrolling remotely.
If you want to begin your English language studies sooner than fall 2020, you can still enroll in our remote IEP this summer. Contact globallaunch@asu.edu for more information.
I am an incoming graduate student planning to attend the International Graduate Preparation Program (IGPP) in Tempe, Arizona this summer. Can I attend this program remotely?
Global Launch will still provide the full IGPP option this summer remotely. You can apply for the program on the Global Launch website.
If you are already admitted to Global Launch for this summer, please check your ASU email for further details, including information about registering and enrolling remotely.
If current ASU students are attending classes remotely due to COVID-19, will I be attending classes remotely as well if I attend ASU in the summer or fall of 2020?
Admitted students are important members of our campus community. ASU has every intention for students to attend classes on campus in the fall. Students can monitor up-to-date information at ASU by visiting coronavirus.asu.edu. ASU has decided to proceed with summer courses in a digital format for all summer 2020 sessions. Students admitted to the summer 2020 semester have the option of attending classes remotely from their home country. When ASU resumes courses on campus, students will still be on track with their education plans and able to continue the rest of their program on campus. Please connect with your admission representative for more information on your options or questions on your next steps.
If I register for classes and start my coursework remotely from my home country, what will happen with my I-20 and F-1 visa?
ASU will provide you with an updated I-20 via email with updated program dates for the fall 2020 semester. You will use this updated I-20 for your consulate appointment (if you have not already had one), and when you travel to the U.S. If you have already received your F-1 visa, you will simply need the updated I-20 with updated program dates for entry to the U.S. when you travel.
Are there any allowances for I-20 documents to be sent electronically rather than by physical mail delivery due to mail restrictions in certain areas?
Yes. Effective March 26, 2020, the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) made an exception to current regulations to allow universities to either email I-20 documents to students with a digital signature, or email a scanned version of the physically signed form. ASU Admission Services began issuing I-20s via email effective March 30, 2020. If an I-20 was previously mailed through physical mail, the student should continue to use this physical document.
If I am a new student to ASU and do not want to attend classes digitally for the summer term, but would like to attend the fall 2020 term on campus, what are my options?
Please connect with your admission representative.
I am currently in the U.S. on an F-1 visa and I have been admitted to ASU to start classes for the summer 2020 semester. What do I need to do?
If you are currently in the U.S. and eligible for a SEVIS transfer, you may register and attend classes remotely via Canvas and Zoom. If you have any questions, please contact your admission representative.
What documents do I need to travel to the U.S.?
Review this webpage for instructions and a list of travel documents you need to prepare for your travel to the U.S..