The Application Process
Most students apply to several graduate programs. Acceptance
rates fluctuate from year to year, so it is wise to apply to some
schools to which you have a high probability of being accepted as
well as a few "reach schools" or schools where your chances of
being accepted are less certain. In addition, you may find that
among the programs to which you are admitted, one offers a more
attractive funding package than another. You want to make sure you
leave yourself with options so that when all criteria are
considered, you matriculate at the school that will offer you the
most in terms of intellectual challenge, financial support, and
career opportunities. Before you can make that decision, you have
to apply. Applying to graduate programs is like taking a course in
itself. The application package has numerous components (see below
and the pdf version of the Application
Checklist), some of which may be very time consuming to
complete. Each program may require different information or
different formats, but you can plan on most application packages
requiring the following components:
- Online or paper application to the University Graduate School
and the specific department that houses your graduate program
- Application fee (usually $35-$90 per program)
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate schools
attended
- Admission test results, including the Graduate Record Exam (
GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or Miller Analogies Test
(
MAT)
-
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) results for
non-native English speakers*
- Statement of Purpose (or Personal
Statement)
- Writing sample (for humanities, social sciences, and some Fine
Arts programs)
- Portfolio of works or performances (for most Fine Arts
programs)
- Three letters of
recommendation
- Financial Aid application
Putting together an application package will take some time.
Filling out the forms is the easy part. Taking the GRE, GMAT, or
TOEFL, asking for letters of recommendation, writing a statement of
purpose, and choosing writing samples or portfolio materials may
take months. See the Application Timeline to help
schedule this busy time and come into the Office of Post-Graduate
Studies for assistance at any stage.
*Some schools will waive the TOEFL exam if you attended a U.S.
college or university for at least one year and shown satisfactory
academic success in an English language environment. Be sure to
check with each individual program as requirements vary.