When applying to SOPHAS you will need to submit the following items

1. Official GRE, MCAT or GMAT test scores are required (see Admission Tests Information page )
1. Have official GRE scores sent to USF College of Public Health (ETS code “4224 U SOUTH FLORIDA COLL PUBLIC HEALTH”).  This will automatically enter your scores in the SOPHAS system.
2. TOEFL scores (Applicants whose native language is not English or who have not earned a degree in the United States must also submit  TOEFL scores earned within two (2) years of the desired term of entry).  Once your TOEFL scores are sent to SOPHAS, they do not need to be sent to USF Graduate Admissions. 
3. Transcripts.
1. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning where a degree was earned and from all institutions from which courses were used to apply to a degree at another institution (for example community college coursework).
2. All foreign transcripts require a course by course evaluation from a foreign transcript evaluation service.   See also Recommended Foreign Transcript Evaluation Services  (http://www.grad.usf.edu/graduate-admissions-Foreign-Transcript-Evaluation.asp).
3. Once transcripts are sent to SOPHAS, you do not need to send a copy to USF Graduate Admissions.
4. A minimum of two letters of recommendation of a professional or academic nature. All programs in the Community and Family Health department require three letters.
5. A resume or curriculum vitae.
6. MPH, MSPH, MHA applicants must include a statement of purpose and objectives.
7. Ph.D. and DrPH applicants must include a detailed statement or purpose of less than five pages that describes why you wish to obtain a PhD or DrPH degree in Public Health.
8. The SOPHAS application fee (depends on number of schools applied to).*
9. See SOPHAS instructions for more details about the above points
10. Ph.D. applicantsmust include a writing sample (graduate level term paper, thesis, research paper, article where
    applicant is first author). The writing sample should be submitted electronically as an Email attachement to Todd
    Williams (twilli16@health.usf.edu). The format of the writing sample may be Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat (pdf), or
    text (txt). Please include your UID in your email (you will recieve your UID after you complete your application to USF
    Graduate School). Note that the writing sample is not part of the SOPHAS application and is sent directly to the College
    of Public Health.

       To start the SOPHAS application process, go to http://www.sophas.org.

Helpful Suggestions about SOPHAS

• Apply to SOPHAS EARLY.  It can take SOPHAS up to four weeks to receive all documents and verify the application materials.
• Submit your application as soon as you have completed the online information.  To facilitate the timely processing of your application, do not wait for SOPHAS to receive all your documents before you submit the online application.  Processing will begin automatically when all required official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and payments are received by SOPHAS if you have submitted your application. 
• Frequently log-in to your SOPHAS account (at https://portal.sophas.org/) and check the status of your application (see the “Status“ section of your application).  You will be able to monitor the receipt of external documents after you have submitted the SOPHAS application and see when the application is sent to USF for review.  It is your responsibility to ensure application materials and official transcripts meet designated deadlines.
• Remember, schools do NOT receive your application for review until it has passed through the SOPHAS system.

*SOPHAS Application Fee Waivers

Fee waivers for the SOPHAS application will be granted based on financial need and will apply to the first application only. Applicants will have to produce for SOPHAS tax returns to prove income of less than 200% of the current U.S. poverty level (updated annually). International applicants who currently reside in their country of citizenship and demonstrate financial need can apply for a SOPHAS fee waiver.  Contact SOPHAS directly for more information. 

Students participating in the McNair Scholars Program are eligible to be waived from the SOPHAS application fee. This waiver is accepted for up to two schools only. If you apply to three or more schools (designations) a fee will be levied based on the number of schools. Applicants are required to provide an official standard letter on McNair Scholars letterhead affirming participation.