What is Relay's Admissions Process?

Carol Kumm

Feb 20, 2026

Applying to graduate school can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to support you through the process. There are three main phases: submitting your application, completing your admissions requirements, and enrolling once you're admitted. This article walks you through what to expect at each phase.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Your application will require you to submit:

Personal and educational information
An up-to-date resume
Your response to essay questions.
One recommendation (if applicable) — You'll share contact information for your recommender, and they'll submit a letter on your behalf [LINK NEEDED: recommendation guidance]

After you submit your application, our team will review your previous transcripts and have you select the program options for which you are eligible.

You can find a step-by-step guide on submitting your application here.

Step 3: Complete Your Admissions Checklist(s)

Once you select a program, additional requirements will appear on your admissions checklist. These may include transcripts, test scores, acknowledgements, and other forms necessary for the program(s) you selected. Requirements will be unique to your program and campus location.

You may see two separate checklists:

Application Checklist: Where you can track the submission of your recommendation

Admissions Checklist(s): If you are applying for admission to both Relay as an institution of higher education (to pursue your master's degree) and Relay as an educator preparation program (to pursue certification/licensure), you will see two checklists — one for each point of admission.

Your application will be considered complete when your application is submitted and all required items on your checklist(s) have been received.

NOTE: You must submit an official transcript that demonstrates you have earned your bachelor's degree in order to be admitted to Relay.

You can find more information on transcript criteria here.

Step 4: Monitor Your Status Page

The fastest and easiest way to see when your transcripts, recommendations, and other admissions materials have arrived and been approved is by monitoring your personalized Admissions Checklist on your Status Page.

Checking the Status of Your Transcripts

After Relay has received your transcripts, we evaluate them to confirm whether or not the transcripts demonstrate that you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree. Each institution of higher education you attended will display on the Admissions Checklist.

Transcripts will appear as "✗ Awaiting" until we have received and reviewed them.
Once assessed, they will change to "✔ Received."

Checking the Status of Your Recommendations

The status page will also allow to track when we’ve received your recommendation. You can also resend notification emails, or change your recommender from this page.

Application Stages

Your status will update as your application moves through the process:

Status	What It Means
Application Incomplete	We are missing items required for admissions. Check your Application and Admissions Checklist(s) for any outstanding items. If everything shows as received, we likely recently received your transcript(s) and are in the process of reviewing them. Look for your status to change within 3-5 business days.
Application Under Review	Your application and admissions requirements are currently being reviewed by our national and campus teams.
Application Under Review - Resubmission Needed	You have been asked to resubmit an item on your status page. Check your email for details.
Waitlisted	You have been offered a decision on Relay's waitlist for admission. Check your email for details.
Admissions Decision Released	A decision has been made regarding your application. Click "View Update" to view details. If you are offered admission, you'll have the opportunity to review and sign your enrollment agreement, accepting your offer of admission to Relay.
Admitted into Relay	You have received and accepted your offer of admission to Relay.
Admitted into Relay, EPP Admission Pending	You have received and accepted your offer of admission to Relay, but have outstanding requirements to submit in order to be admitted into the educator preparation program (EPP) in your state.

Timelines to Expect

Transcript review: Please give us 5-7 business days upon receiving your transcript to approve and move you forward in the process.
Admissions decision: While timelines vary depending on your program and application details, you can expect to receive an admissions decision 4-6 weeks after you submit a complete application.

We can only review completed applications, so the sooner we receive all your materials (including your transcripts and recommendations as well as other forms on your personalized Admissions Checklist), the sooner you will receive your admissions decision and access to coursework.

Step 5: Accept Your Offer and Enroll

Once your admissions decision is ready, we'll contact you via email. Log back in to review your decision and (hopefully!) accept your offer.

To complete enrollment:

Review and sign your Enrollment Agreement(s). You may have two enrollment agreements listed if you're seeking both a degree program and an educator preparation program certification/licensure. Please review your enrollment agreement to verify your program details.
Secure a program-aligned instructional role. To enroll in Relay's teacher programs, you must secure a program-aligned instructional role. [LINK NEEDED: instructional role information].
If provisionally admitted, submit your final transcript. If you were provisionally admitted, submit an official degree-conferred bachelor's degree transcript.

You can find a step-by-step guide on accepting your offer of admission here.

Need Help?

For step-by-step application instructions: Visit our "How to Complete Your Application" article for detailed guidance on each part of the process.

For personalized support: Don't be afraid to ask! Our Admissions and Enrollment team is here to help you make the best decision for your teaching career — whether that's with Relay or elsewhere.

Email us: [email protected]
Schedule a 1:1 appointment: https://rly.gs/admissionsteam

Before you apply:
Check out Relay's website to learn about our programs, tuition and aid options, and state-specific information. Click here to learn about the program options available in your state.

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