Before Configuration

Configuration is the process of creating your branded identity within the program pages of CSDCAS. Your CSDCAS team is available to assist you with creating your page(s) and will review them prior to launch.

Outlined below are a few decisions to consider before you start the process.

Which image do you want displayed on your homepage?

Your program will have its own homepage in the CSDCAS application. While your overall image size should be 900 px by 270 px, please note the following:

• A banner with your program information will cover a bottom portion of your image.  
• You can choose to display your site’s name in the headline text if it is not already part of your image.

What will your homepage say about your program?

On your CSDCAS application homepage, a space is provided for overall instructions on how to be a successful applicant to your program. This introduction is required. It will be displayed along with your program details to applicants who have elected to apply to your program.

Suggested topics for the program homepage introduction include:

• Details on how to be a successful applicant
• Links to other websites that may be helpful during the application process
• How to contact your admissions team

Will you require applicants to answer any additional program-specific questions?

This is a great place to include questions that would have normally appeared on a supplemental application.

If you’re adding additional questions…

• What instructions will you provide on how to complete these questions?
• How will you define these questions — into blocks or groups? You can have as little as one question block with all questions, or you can create multiple blocks to ask similar questions together.

Will you require applicants to indicate which courses they have taken to fulfill each of your program’s prerequisite courses?

An applicant must specify which course from his or her academic history best fulfills each of the prerequisites listed.

If requiring that prerequisite coursework be provided, what instructions or information regarding your overall prerequisite course requirements do you wish to share with applicants?

Will you require any supplemental documents from applicants?

Programs can allow or require applicants to upload any of five document types as a part of the application. Document types include writing samples, personal statements or essays, field evaluations, etc.

Note: CSDCAS does not ask applicants to write a personal statement or essay as part of the application process. You will need to collect this information in your program materials if required.

If allowing or requiring supplemental documents:

• Which of the document types will you allow applicants to upload?
• Which of the document types will you require applicants to upload before the application is considered complete? Note: An applicant cannot submit without uploading this document if you require it?

If your program will require any information, please make sure to mention:

• Supplemental applications
• Supplemental fees
• CSDCAS GRE codes