[Complete Guide] Frequently Asked Questions about Applying to Trine University + Official School Insights

School Accreditation

1. How to verify the accreditation of Trine University?
   • HLC Accreditation Page: One of the highest regional accreditations in the U.S.
   • SEVP Certification Page: Department of Homeland Security’s SEVP certification.

Application-Related Questions

1. How long do I have to decide whether to accept the offer after receiving it?
   • You can take your time to decide, but it is recommended to decide before orientation. If you accept, a $500 enrollment fee is required for the school to issue the I-20 form.
2. Are there any differences between Trine’s Detroit and Phoenix campuses?
   • No, both campuses offer the same programs.
3. Can I transfer between campuses after enrollment?
   • Yes, but frequent transfers are not recommended.
4. Is the Detroit campus safe? Do many students choose it?
   • It is very safe, sharing a building with a Ford Motor Company department. More students choose the Detroit campus over Phoenix.
5. How far in advance should I start the application process?
   • For students outside the U.S. needing an F1 visa, at least two months in advance is recommended. Domestic applicants should complete the application at least one month before the start date. If domestic applicants miss the deadline, CISI can expedite the application for free.
6. Where is the Virginia campus located, and when will it open?
   • Located in Reston, VA, 5 minutes from Dulles International Airport (IAD) and 28 minutes from the White House. It is opened in Fall 2023.
7. Can current students transfer to the Virginia campus once it opens?
   • Absolutely, all programs will be available, and students can freely choose their campus.
8. Does Trine University offer a doctoral program supporting Day 1 CPT?
   • Yes, the Doctor of Information Technology program is ideal for IT professionals.
9. What is the course schedule for a slower-paced MBA starting in Fall?
   • Fall 2024: 6 + 0.5 credits
   • Spring 2025: 6 + 0.5 credits
   • Summer 2025: 0.5 credits
   • Fall 2025: 6 + 0.5 credits
   • Spring 2026: 6 + 0.5 credits
   • Summer 2026: 0.5 credits
   • Fall 2026: 6 + 0.5 credits

Application Materials

1. What application materials are required for Trine?
   • The process is straightforward: resume, transcripts, language test scores (can be waived), degree certificate, personal statement, copies of passport and visa (even if expired), and financial proof of at least $17,250.
2. Do I need to provide proof if my bachelor’s degree was obtained in my home country?
   • Yes, you must fill in the bachelor’s information and upload transcripts and degree certificates in the online application. Official stamped transcripts must be shown onsite after admission.
3. Do transcripts from my home country need to be certified or translated?
   • No, Trine staff will handle it.
4. What are the financial proof requirements for Trine?
   • At least $17,250.
5. What are the resume requirements for Trine?
   • No specific requirements; just list your academic and work experiences.
6. Are there any content or format requirements for the personal statement (SOP)?
   • No specific requirements; just be honest and write around 350 words about why you chose Trine and how the program will benefit your future. Avoid mentioning H1B and Day 1 CPT.

Scholarship-Related Questions

1. Does Trine offer scholarships?
   • The school does not offer scholarships for graduate students. CISI provides a minimum $500 scholarship check. Contact CISI before applying to confirm eligibility.

Credit Transfer Questions

1. Does Trine accept transfer credits for master’s programs? What are the requirements?
   • Up to 6 credits (two courses) can be transferred. The courses must be master-level and similar to those offered by Trine.
2. When should I apply for credit transfer? After receiving the offer?
   • You need a GPA of 3.0 or higher in your first semester at Trine, and then you can apply after the first semester (providing original school transcripts and syllabi). Communicate with your academic advisor when selecting courses to avoid taking courses you hope to transfer.

CPT-Related Questions

1. When is the earliest date to start CPT? The first day of classes?
   • Program Start Date and Class Start Date are different. For Fall 2024, the Class Start Date is 8/19/2024, and the Program Start Date is 7/22/2024 (Orientation date), which is the earliest date to start CPT
2. Can I choose not to use CPT during my studies at Trine?
   • Yes, only the Experiential track requires CPT work.
3. Can I apply for CPT if I find a job during the semester?
   • Yes, you can apply at any time except within 30 days of the semester’s end.
4. Does the break during the semester affect CPT usage?
   • No, CPT is unaffected during breaks.
5. What should I consider if I want to complete the program within one year and keep full-time CPT under 12 months?
   • A one-year program’s actual duration is slightly less than one year (e.g., starting 8/21/2023 and graduating by 7/30/2024). CPT is issued for up to 11.5 months at a time, so you won’t exceed 12 months of full-time CPT.
6. Can a software development engineer (SDE) pursue an MBA? Will CPT be approved? Is it likely to get an RFE?
   • Yes, but your job description should include some management content. If you get an RFE, you need to prove the job’s relevance to the program. Many SDEs choose MSIS or MSEM instead.
7. What if the employer does not sign the CPT agreement?
   • You can use an Employment Verification Letter (EVL) instead. Contact CISI for approved templates from companies like Google or Amazon.
8. Does Trine’s CPT policy have any restrictions on work hours?
   • The school needs to know if you are working part-time or full-time (20 hours/week is the threshold). There is no upper limit on work hours, and students can work overtime or have multiple jobs.
9. Does the school allow long breaks? Does CPT get affected?
   • There are short breaks of 10-20 days during the semester. For summer (May-August), you can take a vacation with 0.5 CPT credits and continue working normally.
10. Can I take only 0.5 CPT credits if I start in the summer semester?
    • No, summer starters must take at least 6 credits.
11. CaWhat if I lose my job during the semester?n I take only 0.5 CPT credits if I start in the summer semester?
    • Contact the school DSO immediately to pause CPT and drop the CPT course (it will show as a W grade, not affecting GPA).

Legal Status-Related Questions

1. What is the duration of Trine’s I-20 validity?
   • Usually, it’s set for two years, but the actual study duration depends on your course load, ranging from 1 to 2.5 years.
2. What materials does Trine provide for potential RFE responses?
   • Tuition payment records, syllabus, attendance records, textbook purchase receipts, CPT approval documents, transcripts, etc.
3. What is the percentage of Trine students receiving RFE, and how successful are the responses?
   • The school does not track RFE statistics, but it’s definitely below 10%. As long as all documents are complete, approval is likely. The overall H1B approval rate last year was 97%.
4. Does Trine charge for the RFE response package?
   • No charge. Only Harrisburg charges $250.

Onsite Class Questions

1. How is the onsite class schedule arranged?
   • The onsite date is decided based on the course schedule, usually on a Saturday or Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm.
2. What if I cannot attend an onsite class due to special circumstances? Will my status be affected?
   • Contact your academic advisor in advance to reschedule. The school will assist in arranging another onsite date.
3. Is there a specific order for choosing courses? Can I choose my courses or does the school schedule them?
   • Each program has a recommended course sequence, but it can be flexible. Generally, the school schedules the first semester’s courses. If they are unsuitable, students can discuss changes with their academic advisor.

Insurance-Related Questions

1. How is the health insurance provided by the school?
   • The annual insurance fee is about $1300, and it’s a PPO plan.
2. Can I use my own health insurance?
   • All international students on an F-1 visa must have health insurance through Trine University. Waivers will ONLY be provided for sponsored students (government sponsor, employer). Individual and private insurance plans purchased by students do not qualify for a waiver.
3. Does the health insurance cover dental and vision?
   • No, but you can add dental and vision insurance for an additional fee.
4. Which insurance company does the school partner with?
   • United Health Care.

Application Process

1. Register for an online application account on the Trine website.
2. Fill in your personal information.
3. In the application form, choose to apply through CISI.
   • CISI provides new student scholarship checks starting at $500. By enrolling, students help the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization obtain operating funds, which is a form of donation. Select “International Agent” and enter “CISI & [email protected]” (no application fee).
4. Submit the application form and upload application materials.
5. Notify Trine Admissions Officer via email.
   • Email Srijana Sharma at [email protected] and CC [email protected].
6. Wait patiently for the admission response.
   • Due to the high volume of applications, if you don’t receive an immediate response, please be patient. CISI will communicate with Srijana by phone on Tuesdays and Fridays regarding the progress of CISI student applications. Offers can be received in as little as 12 hours!

Email Template

Prospective Student – [Your Name] (Month/Year of Enrollment)
Hi Srijana,

This is [your name]，I just submitted my application (reference number:#######) for the MBA/MSIS/MSEM/MSBA program starts in month/year at Trine University, please kindly review my application and let me know if there is anything else I need to provide. Thank you. 

Sincerely yours, 

[your name]