Graduate School Admission to Candidacy Checklist 

When updating a student’s record to note admission to candidacy, please ensure that the following requirements have been met:

• Completion of all course requirements for your program (showing as completed in Degree Audit)

• Maintenance of the HP-Average (see how to calculate HP average below) and Honors requirements in required coursework, excluding dissertation research courses

• At least two grades of H in one-credit courses

• Completion and passing of Qualifying Exam(s)

• Completion and passing of the dissertation prospectus

• Students are only eligible for candidacy admission when they have completed all requirements for the degree except the dissertation and any required teaching.
• If you are uncertain about an individual student case, contact the GSAS Dean’s Office or the Degree Clearance team at the University Registrar’s Office (degrees.uro@yale.edu).

How to Calculate HP Average

Each grade of Pass on the student’s transcript must be balanced by one grade of Honors. Each grade of Fail must be balanced by two grades of Honors. If a student retakes a course in which the student has received a failing grade, only the newer grade should be considered in calculating this average.