This guide gives the official cycle dates and a simple backward plan so you submit early and don’t lose a year.
Table of Contents
Quick answers
When does SOPHAS open for Fall 2026?
The SOPHAS 2025–2026 application cycle opens August 13, 2025. (Liaison)
When does SOPHAS close?
The cycle closes August 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET). (Liaison)
What deadline should I follow — SOPHAS or the school?
The program deadline is the one that matters. SOPHAS explicitly says some programs have deadlines that differ from SOPHAS cycle dates, and you must check each program inside SOPHAS (Add Program → Deadline). (Liaison)
Can I submit at 11:59 PM on the deadline date?
Yes — SOPHAS states you can submit up to 11:59 PM ET on the program deadline date. (Liaison)
But submitting at the deadline is a rookie mistake if your materials/verification aren’t done.
How long does SOPHAS verification take after I become “Complete”?
Once your application status becomes Complete, it can take up to 10 business days to move to Verified. (Liaison)
How long do transcripts take to show as posted after SOPHAS receives them?
SOPHAS says it takes up to five business days for a transcript to post from the date they receive it. (Liaison)
International applicants: do I send my foreign transcripts to SOPHAS?
No. SOPHAS says do not send foreign transcripts to SOPHAS — they will be discarded — and foreign evaluation services can take several weeks. (Liaison)
SOPHAS also says it only accepts electronic foreign evaluations from WES, and you must order them through the SOPHAS application or they won’t be accepted. (Liaison)
Official SOPHAS cycle dates (2025–2026 cycle)
All times listed are Eastern Time (ET). (Liaison)
| SOPHAS milestone | Official date/time |
|---|---|
| Cycle opens | August 13, 2025 (Liaison) |
| Cycle closes (last day to create account, submit, request recs, order PTE, submit Academic Update coursework) | August 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET (Liaison) |
| Last date transcripts + official test scores are matched to your application | August 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET (Liaison) |
| Last date recommenders can submit recommendations (also includes PTE approval / resubmission deadline if “Undelivered,” per SOPHAS milestones list) | August 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET (Liaison) |
| Last date you can be verified | SOPHAS lists this milestone immediately before final processing ends. (Liaison) |
| All application processing ends | August 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET (Liaison) |
Reality check: most Fall 2026 MPH program deadlines are way earlier than August 2026. SOPHAS being open doesn’t protect you from missing a school’s deadline — and it definitely doesn’t protect you from verification/transcript delays.
Program deadline vs SOPHAS cycle dates (this is where people screw up)
SOPHAS has cycle dates (when the system is open), but deadlines are set by each MPH program. SOPHAS is blunt about this: a program’s deadline can differ from the cycle dates, and you’re expected to find it inside SOPHAS. (Liaison)
Where to find the real deadline inside SOPHAS (takes 10 seconds)
In SOPHAS:
- Go to Add Program
- Click the program you want
- Look under Deadline
That “Deadline” field is what you plan around. (Liaison)
Can you submit at the end of the deadline day?
Yes. SOPHAS states you can submit up to 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on the program’s deadline date. (Liaison)
But don’t act like that means you should.
Brutal reality: different schools treat “on time” differently
Here’s the part applicants don’t want to hear: programs don’t all treat verification the same way.
- Some programs say they do not receive your application until SOPHAS verifies it and warn verification can take 4–6 weeks during peak times (University of Michigan). (U-M School of Public Health)
- Other programs say your app can still be considered on time even if SOPHAS verifies after the deadline, as long as you submitted and required materials/fee were in by the deadline (University of Minnesota SPH). (Sph Umn)
So if you plan based on the “lenient” version and your target program is “strict,” you’ll lose an entire year.
The only sane strategy: plan for the strictest case
Assume the program behaves like Michigan (verified matters) unless you confirm otherwise on that program’s admissions page.
My recommendation for Fall 2026 applicants (USA):
- Target submission: 6–8 weeks before your earliest program deadline (this is your verification + fixes buffer).
- Hard minimum: 2–3 weeks before is still risky; it only works when everything goes perfectly (and it often doesn’t). UMN itself still encourages submitting at least two weeks before to avoid issues. (Sph Umn)
Don’t confuse “I clicked submit” with “I submitted”
SOPHAS warns not to wait until the last minute because submission isn’t just clicking a button — you must complete the payment flow, and busy periods can cause delays. (Liaison)
Quick decision rule (use this for every program)
When you add a program in SOPHAS and see the deadline:
- Check that program’s admissions page for wording like:
- “We do not receive applications until verified” (strict) (U-M School of Public Health)
- “Considered on time even if verified after deadline” (lenient) (Sph Umn)
- If you can’t find it, assume strict and submit early.
Backward plan for Fall 2026 (the only timeline that actually works)
Stop thinking in “months.” Pick your earliest MPH program deadline in SOPHAS, then plan backward using SOPHAS’s own recommended timeline. SOPHAS explicitly gives a suggested schedule because application processing times vary and the process can be lengthy. (Liaison)
Your SOPHAS backward timeline (copy/paste and follow it)
| When (before your earliest deadline) | What you do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Before you start | Research programs, fees, requirements; draft essays; contact recommenders; get transcripts for coursework entry (Liaison) | You can’t plan a timeline if you don’t know each program’s requirements. SOPHAS warns this varies. (Liaison) |
| ≥ 3 months | Create SOPHAS account; complete Colleges Attended; set up Recommendations (Liaison) | If you delay account setup + colleges attended, you delay transcript requests + everything downstream. |
| 10–12 weeks | Request official transcripts to SOPHAS (fix any holds); start entering coursework; sign up for PTE if using it; confirm recommenders received the email (Liaison) | Transcripts are a common bottleneck; SOPHAS also expects you to proactively monitor missing items. (Liaison) |
| 6–8 weeks | Submit your application; review verification; monitor transcript + recommendation receipt; if using PTE, watch email + approve it quickly (Liaison) | Verification doesn’t start until your app is “Complete,” and issues discovered late can push you past deadlines. (Liaison) |
| 4–6 weeks | Keep monitoring until status becomes Verified (Liaison) | SOPHAS says after you hit Complete, it can take up to 10 business days to reach Verified. (Liaison) |
What “Complete” actually means (so you don’t fool yourself)
SOPHAS is clear: you only enter the verification line when your application is Complete—and “Complete” generally requires all of the following: official transcripts received/posted, at least 2 recommendations submitted, PTE work approved (if used), payment received, and you successfully submitted the app. (Liaison)
If any one of those is missing, you’re not “in line for verification.” You’re just waiting.
Micro-checklist to avoid the most common delays
Transcripts
- SOPHAS says it takes five business days from receipt to post transcripts/test scores to your application. (Liaison)
- If it’s not posted after that window, don’t assume it’s fine—check status and follow up. (Liaison)
Recommendations
- “Requested” doesn’t mean anything. SOPHAS states recommenders must accept the request before they can submit. (Liaison)
- Recommendations update immediately once received. (Liaison)
PTE (Professional Transcript Entry)
- If you use PTE, SOPHAS notes transcript entry can take up to 10 business days and then you must review/approve it. (Liaison)
Bottom line
If you want a low-stress Fall 2026 application, treat 6–8 weeks before your earliest deadline as your submission target, not the deadline itself. SOPHAS literally designs the process around monitoring + verification timelines, and delays are common if you start late. (Liaison)
SOPHAS verification time (what “Complete,” “Verified,” and “Undelivered” really mean)
If you’re serious about Fall 2026 MPH admissions, you need to understand one thing: SOPHAS has stages, and programs don’t all treat those stages the same. Thinking “I submitted” = “I’m done” is how people get wrecked.
How long does SOPHAS verification take?
Once all required materials are received and your application status becomes Complete, SOPHAS places you in line for verification. Verification happens in chronological order and can take up to 10 business days to finish. (Liaison)
That’s the platform’s stated processing time. Your safest assumption is still: submit early enough that verification delays don’t matter.
What SOPHAS “verification” actually does (it’s not just a stamp)
During verification, SOPHAS can:
- categorize your self-entered courses,
- convert grades to SOPHAS grade values,
- calculate GPAs,
- confirm degrees (if applicable). (Liaison)
And if SOPHAS finds significant mistakes, they can return your application as Undelivered so you fix it. (Liaison)
Application status cheat sheet (and what you should do immediately)
SOPHAS doesn’t babysit you here. They explicitly say notifications are not sent for missing items and applicants are responsible for monitoring status. (Liaison)
| Status in SOPHAS | What it means | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| In Progress | Not submitted and/or not paid. (Liaison) | Finish the application and payment. No payment = no progress. |
| Received | Submitted, but still missing required documents. (Liaison) | Hunt down what’s missing (transcripts, recs, PTE approval, etc.). |
| Complete | Required materials received; your app is in line for verification. (Liaison) | Stay on top of it daily until it becomes Verified. |
| Verified | Processed; GPA calculated (if applicable) and made available to programs. (Liaison) | Now deal with the program (not SOPHAS) for admissions questions. |
| Undelivered | An error was found; your application was returned for corrections. (Liaison) | Fix immediately and re-submit (“redeliver”). Delays here are self-inflicted. |
Does a program “get” your application before it’s verified?
SOPHAS says that once you submit and pay, they send your application electronically to your designated programs, and programs choose when to review it. (Liaison)
But SOPHAS also lists reasons a program may not receive it, including Undelivered status or if your application is on hold (duplicate accounts, chargebacks, etc.). (Liaison)
Translation: don’t assume the program is seeing what you think they’re seeing, and don’t assume every program reviews at the same stage.
“Undelivered” is usually caused by preventable mistakes (especially Colleges Attended)
SOPHAS warns that failing to report all institutions attended can cause your application to be undelivered and significantly delay processing—including:
- high school courses for college credit,
- summer/community college work,
- study abroad/foreign work,
- post-bacc/graduate work,
- transferred coursework (you still list the original institution). (Liaison)
This is why sloppy applicants get punished: they treat transcript entry like a formality instead of a data integrity task.
If you get Undelivered, are you “late”?
Depends on the program. Here’s a concrete U.S. example (UC Berkeley School of Public Health): they state that if you originally submitted by the deadline, an Undelivered notice won’t change your original submission date, but you still must fix the issues and resubmit ASAP so SOPHAS can complete verification. (UC Berkeley Public Health)
So no, you’re not automatically dead—but you are on a clock.
The blunt safest rule for Fall 2026 applicants
ASPPH’s SOPHAS Code of Conduct recommends submitting your SOPHAS application and supporting documentation at least four weeks before your earliest deadline, and similarly recommends transcripts arrive at SOPHAS at least four weeks before the earliest deadline. (aspph.org)
If you’re trying to be “efficient” by submitting near the deadline, you’re not efficient—you’re gambling.
Transcript + recommendation timing (what posts fast, what doesn’t, and how to monitor it)
This is the part that quietly destroys applications: people assume “I requested it” means SOPHAS has it. It doesn’t. You need proof it arrived and posted in SOPHAS.
Transcripts: what SOPHAS actually accepts (USA/English Canada)
SOPHAS does not accept transcripts sent by email. They only accept electronic transcripts through Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse; otherwise your school must send them by mail. (Liaison)
Also: SOPHAS explicitly says express/certified mail doesn’t guarantee faster processing, and they’re not responsible for registrar delays or mail loss. (Liaison)
How long do transcripts take to post?
SOPHAS states it takes five business days from the date they receive it for a transcript (and official test scores) to post to your application. (Liaison)
That “post” step matters because a transcript can be “sent” but not “matched/posted” to your account yet.
The real transcript killers (posting delays you can prevent)
If your transcript doesn’t post within five business days, SOPHAS lists common reasons—and most are self-inflicted: (Liaison)
- Transcript missing a Transcript ID form (or has the wrong one).
- Transcript not addressed specifically to “SOPHAS.”
- You forgot to list a school in Colleges Attended (SOPHAS can’t attach the transcript if the school isn’t listed).
- Wrong school name in Colleges Attended.
- Name mismatch (name changed or misspelled on transcript or application; or you ordered before creating a SOPHAS account).
They also list reasons transcripts get rejected (unofficial/student-issued, missing pages, damaged, not a transcript, wrong student due to similar names). (Liaison)
Transcript sending checklist (do this once, avoid chaos later)
If sending by mail:
- Ask the registrar to attach the SOPHAS Transcript ID Form (strongly recommended) or print “SOPHAS” + your SOPHAS ID number on the transcript. (Liaison)
- Give the registrar everything needed to identify you (including name changes). (Liaison)
If sending electronically:
- Use Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse only. (Liaison)
- For National Student Clearinghouse, SOPHAS notes you must enter the CAS Transcript ID when prompted; if the “Enter CAS Transcript ID” field doesn’t appear, it can’t be sent electronically to SOPHAS. (Liaison)
Recommendations: what “Requested” really means (and why you should care)
SOPHAS recommendations have statuses and they’re not cosmetic:
- Requested: email was sent but the recommender hasn’t accepted/declined; they must accept before they can submit. (Liaison)
- Accepted: they accepted but haven’t submitted yet. (Liaison)
- Completed: submitted and sent to your program(s). (Liaison)
SOPHAS also says recommendations are immediately updated once received. (Liaison)
So if you’re waiting days after a recommender claims they submitted, either they didn’t submit, or they submitted for the wrong applicant, or they’re lying. (Yes, that happens.)
How to prevent recommendation delays (simple but most don’t do it)
SOPHAS tells you to choose recommenders early and specifically recommends:
- Get their preferred email address.
- Tell them to watch for an email from support@sophas.myliaison.com (and check spam/junk). (Liaison)
Recommenders receive a link, then accept/deny, then complete the evaluation (which may include essays, rating scales, and/or uploading a letter). (Liaison)
Your monitoring routine (do this like an adult)
SOPHAS says you are responsible for monitoring status and they don’t send notifications for missing items. (Liaison)
Every 48–72 hours until Verified:
- Open Check Status.
- Confirm each transcript shows Arrived and posted. (Liaison)
- Confirm recommendations are Completed (not just Requested/Accepted). (Liaison)
If a transcript isn’t posted after 5 business days from receipt:
- First confirm your school actually sent it.
- Then check the SOPHAS “posting delays” causes (Transcript ID form, SOPHAS addressed, Colleges Attended list, name mismatch). (Liaison)
If a recommender is stuck on “Requested”:
- They haven’t accepted. Re-send the request and confirm the correct email + spam folder. (Liaison)
One more critical point: SOPHAS allows you to submit before transcripts and recommendations arrive, but they explicitly say they won’t review your application until transcripts, payments, and recommendations are received. (Liaison)
So “submitted” is not “moving” unless your documents are landing.
International applicants (USA MPH): WES rules + realistic lead time (start earlier than everyone else)
If you studied outside the U.S. or English-speaking Canada, your SOPHAS timeline is automatically longer because you usually need a credential evaluation. If you start “a few weeks before the deadline,” you’re not being optimistic—you’re being careless.
Quick answers (international)
Do I send my foreign transcripts to SOPHAS?
No. SOPHAS says do not send foreign transcripts (even if they’re in English or translated); they will be discarded. (Liaison)
What does SOPHAS accept instead?
SOPHAS says most programs require a course-by-course U.S. equivalency report sent directly to SOPHAS. (Liaison)
Which evaluation service is allowed?
SOPHAS says it only accepts electronic foreign evaluations from WES. (Liaison)
Can I order WES separately and upload it later?
No. SOPHAS is explicit: you must order WES through the SOPHAS application or it won’t be accepted. (Liaison)
The only correct WES → SOPHAS workflow (step-by-step)
SOPHAS literally gives the workflow inside “Colleges Attended”:
- Add your foreign institution in SOPHAS → Colleges Attended. (Liaison)
- Click Order for that institution → then Visit WES Now. (Liaison)
- WES requires you to have your SOPHAS CAS ID first, then you must:
- add SOPHAS as the recipient and enter your CAS ID
- select WES ICAP Course-by-Course evaluation (required by SOPHAS) (WES)
- After you request it, go back to SOPHAS and click “I Ordered My Evaluation.” When WES completes it, they’ll send it to SOPHAS electronically. (Liaison)
Common failure that wastes weeks: ordering WES without your CAS ID. WES addresses this scenario and tells you what to do if you applied without it. (WES)
How long does WES take? (plan like a grown-up)
SOPHAS warns evaluation services can take several weeks after they receive your documents. (Liaison)
WES publishes current processing steps and typical ranges, including:
- document review/acceptance: typically 2 weeks (up to 4 weeks)
- evaluation phase: ranges up to 2–4 weeks depending on pathway shown (WES)
Practical planning rule for Fall 2026:
Start your WES process 8–10 weeks before your earliest program deadline. That’s not “paranoia”; it’s a buffer for real-world delays (institutions dragging their feet + document verification + backlogs).
English proficiency (international): don’t leave this for last
Many U.S. schools require an English proficiency score for international applicants, and accepted tests can include TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and Pearson Test of English (example: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg SPH). (Johns Hopkins Public Health)
Even if SOPHAS can receive scores later in the cycle, programs can still require your scores posted by their deadline. (Liaison)
How TOEFL is sent to SOPHAS (official):
- TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition) is accepted; send electronically via ETS using TOEFL code #5688; paper copies aren’t accepted. (Liaison)
How IELTS is sent to SOPHAS (official):
- IELTS sends scores electronically to SOPHAS; paper copies aren’t accepted. You must self-report with your TRF number so scores match correctly. (Liaison)
Simple rule: schedule your TOEFL/IELTS early enough that if scores don’t post as expected, you still have time to fix it—because missing test scores are your problem to chase, not SOPHAS’s. (Liaison)
Fees + fee waivers (the “hidden timeline trap” that can block submission)
Most applicants obsess over essays and forget the boring part: fees and waivers can stop you from submitting at all if you handle them late.
Quick answers (fees & waivers)
How much does SOPHAS cost?
SOPHAS charges $150 for the first program and $60 for each additional program. (Liaison)
Do schools charge extra fees on top of SOPHAS?
Sometimes. SOPHAS warns some programs may require an additional supplemental fee, paid separately (you must check each program). (Liaison)
Does a SOPHAS fee waiver cover all programs?
No. SOPHAS says each fee waiver covers only the initial $150 fee—if you apply to more programs, you pay the remaining balance. (Liaison)
How long does a SOPHAS fee waiver take to process?
Up to 10 business days. (Liaison)
Can I submit my SOPHAS application while my fee waiver request is pending?
No. SOPHAS is explicit: while a fee waiver request is pending, you are unable to submit. (Liaison)
If I’m approved for a fee waiver, how fast do I need to submit?
Within 14 days (including weekends/holidays). No extensions. (Liaison)
The cost math (so you don’t underestimate your budget)
If you apply to multiple U.S. MPH programs, the SOPHAS fee rises quickly:
- 1 program: $150
- 3 programs: $150 + (2 × $60) = $270
- 5 programs: $150 + (4 × $60) = $390
- 8 programs: $150 + (7 × $60) = $570 (Liaison)
And that’s before any school-specific supplemental fees. (Liaison)
Fee Assistance Program (fee waivers): what’s actually true
SOPHAS fee waivers are:
- limited and first-come, first-served starting at the beginning of the cycle, and funds can be depleted quickly (Liaison)
- available in two broad categories: financial-based or service/international-based (Liaison)
- restricted to one type per cycle and must be requested before you submit (requests after submission aren’t honored) (Liaison)
Some universities openly warn that SOPHAS waivers can run out and can take 10 days to process—so you should request early if you’re eligible. (Health Systems and Population Health)
The waiver “submission lock” (why this can ruin your deadline)
Here’s the trap SOPHAS spells out:
- You request a waiver → SOPHAS may take up to 10 business days to decide. (Liaison)
- During that time, you cannot submit your application. (Liaison)
- If deadlines are close, you can cancel the request to submit (but you’re forfeiting the waiver request). (Liaison)
- Once you submit your application, you become ineligible to apply for another fee waiver in that cycle. (Liaison)
So if your earliest deadline is near, “I’ll request a waiver and see what happens” is not a plan—it’s self-sabotage.
International-based waiver (only for specific countries)
SOPHAS also has an international-based fee waiver route, but it’s limited: you must be a citizen of and currently reside in a country on the UN Least Developed Countries list, per SOPHAS guidance. (Liaison)
They also mention an $80 coupon toward a WES evaluation in that form (valid only for the initial WES order; no refunds once ordered). (Liaison)
Coupon codes (another deadline trap)
Some programs provide coupon codes that offset fees, but SOPHAS warns:
- you can’t redeem a program coupon after you submit to that program (Liaison)
- if you miss a deadline because you waited for a coupon, you must request an extension from the program, not SOPHAS (Liaison)
Bottom line: treat waivers/coupons like a project with lead time, not a last-minute hack.
Real U.S. examples (Fall 2026): what “deadlines” actually look like in the wild
Here’s why your plan must be based on your earliest program deadline, not SOPHAS being open: top schools use priority deadlines, require two applications, and some won’t even “receive” your file until SOPHAS verification is done.
Example deadline patterns (all Fall 2026 entry)
| School / program (example) | Portal(s) required | What the deadline looks like | What they explicitly warn/recommend |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley Public Health (On-Campus grad programs) | SOPHAS + UC Berkeley Graduate application | Priority deadline: Dec 1, 2025 at 8:59 PM PST | They recommend sending test scores by early Oct and submitting SOPHAS in early Nov to allow SOPHAS processing. They also say both applications must be submitted by the deadline; late apps aren’t accepted. (UC Berkeley Public Health) |
| UC Berkeley Online MPH | (Program page lists deadlines for cycle) | Fall 2026 opens Sep 10, 2025; Priority: Jan 5, 2026; Final: Mar 2, 2026 (plus separate “missing materials” dates) (UC Berkeley Public Health) | |
| University of Michigan School of Public Health (Residential MPH/MHSA) | SOPHAS | Priority deadline: Dec 1, 2025 (Fall 2026); international final deadline listed separately | Michigan explicitly says they only receive applications that are completed and verified by SOPHAS, and that during peak times verification can take 4–6 weeks after submission—meaning “submit near the deadline” can be fatal. (U-M School of Public Health) |
| UCLA Fielding School of Public Health | SOPHAS + UCLA Graduate (DGE) application | Priority deadline for 2026 matriculation: Dec 1, 2025 | UCLA says you must complete both SOPHAS + UCLA DGE by the priority deadline; incomplete apps can’t be reviewed. (UCLA Fielding School of Public Health) |
What you should conclude (and stop debating):
- Many strong MPH programs have Dec 1 priority deadlines for Fall 2026. (UC Berkeley Public Health)
- Some programs require two applications, not just SOPHAS. (UC Berkeley Public Health)
- Some schools only treat your application as “received” when SOPHAS verifies it, and verification can stretch to weeks in peak season. (U-M School of Public Health)
If you plan like “I’ll submit on the deadline,” you’re basically volunteering to lose a year.
Month-by-month plan for Fall 2026 entry (U.S.-style deadlines)
This is a practical schedule that fits the real deadlines above and SOPHAS cycle timing (cycle opens Aug 13, 2025). (Liaison)
August 2025
- SOPHAS cycle opens (Aug 13, 2025) → create your account and shortlist programs. (Liaison)
- If you’re international: start WES planning immediately (because it can take weeks). (U-M School of Public Health)
September 2025
- Lock recommenders + request transcripts early (you want “Arrived/Posted,” not “sent”).
- Start SOPHAS coursework entry and program-specific essays.
October 2025
- Aim to have your essays + resume finalized and recommender submissions actively moving.
- If your target includes Berkeley on-campus, their admissions office explicitly recommends requesting test scores by early October. (UC Berkeley Public Health)
Early November 2025 (this is where serious applicants submit)
- Submit SOPHAS early November if you have any Dec 1 deadlines—Berkeley explicitly recommends this to allow SOPHAS processing time. (UC Berkeley Public Health)
- If a school needs a second application (Berkeley, UCLA), complete that immediately after SOPHAS submission. (UC Berkeley Public Health)
Late November 2025
- Monitor for “Complete” → “Verified” movement and fix anything that triggers delays.
- If your programs only “receive” verified files (Michigan’s warning), you cannot afford to be sloppy here. (U-M School of Public Health)
December 2025
- Dec 1 is a common priority deadline (UCLA, Michigan residential, Berkeley on-campus). (UCLA Fielding School of Public Health)
January–March 2026 (later-deadline programs)
- Example: Berkeley Online MPH has a Jan 5 priority and Mar 2 final deadline for Fall 2026. (UC Berkeley Public Health)
- Treat later deadlines the same way: submit weeks early, not days early, because SOPHAS processing + missing items still apply. (Liaison)
FAQs
When does the SOPHAS 2025–2026 cycle open and close?
Opens: August 13, 2025.
Closes: August 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET (last day to create an account, submit, request recommendations, etc.). (Liaison)
Are program deadlines the same as SOPHAS cycle dates?
No. Each program can set its own deadline. SOPHAS tells you to check inside SOPHAS: Add Program → Deadline. (Liaison)
Can I submit at the last minute on deadline day?
Yes, up to 11:59 PM ET on the deadline date—but SOPHAS warns you must finish the payment flow before the deadline, and busy times can cause page-loading delays. (Liaison)
How long does SOPHAS verification take?
Once your application becomes Complete, verification happens in chronological order and can take up to 10 business days. (Liaison)
What does “Complete” actually mean in SOPHAS?
Complete = SOPHAS has what it needs to review you. SOPHAS states it will not review your application until your transcripts, payment, and recommendations are received. (Liaison)
Can I submit before my transcripts and recommendations arrive?
Yes. SOPHAS confirms you can submit before transcripts/recommendations/test scores arrive—but again, they won’t review until required materials are received. (Liaison)
How long do transcripts take to “post” after SOPHAS receives them?
SOPHAS says it takes up to five business days for a transcript to post to your application from the date they receive it. (Liaison)
What’s the last date transcripts and official test scores can be matched to my application?
For the 2025–2026 cycle, SOPHAS lists August 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET as the last date transcripts and official test scores are matched to your application. (Liaison)
What’s the last date recommenders can submit recommendations?
SOPHAS lists August 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET as the last date recommenders can submit. (Liaison)
I’m international. Do I send foreign transcripts to SOPHAS?
No—don’t. They’ll be discarded. SOPHAS says foreign transcripts (even English or translated) should not be sent. Most programs require a course-by-course U.S. equivalency report, and SOPHAS only accepts electronic WES evaluations that are ordered through SOPHAS. They also warn evaluation services can take several weeks. (Liaison)
How much does SOPHAS cost?
$150 for the first program + $60 for each additional program. Some programs also charge a separate supplemental fee. (Liaison)
Do fee waivers slow me down?
They can. SOPHAS says:
- fee waivers are limited and can be depleted,
- processing can take up to 10 business days,
- while your request is pending, you can’t submit, and
- if approved, you must submit within 14 days. (Liaison)
Do some MPH programs require two applications (not just SOPHAS)?
Yes. Example: UCLA states materials should be uploaded to SOPHAS, but the application won’t be reviewed until both the SOPHAS fee and the UCLA graduate application fee have been paid (i.e., SOPHAS + UCLA application). (ph.ucla.edu)
Internal Links:
Accelerated 1-Year MPH Programs (2025 Guide): Accredited 12-Month MPH Options
Best Online MPH Programs 2025 (CEPH-Accredited)
