What do I need
to complete my application?
- Transcripts. All
official transcripts are required.
- GRE Scores. Only
the standard GRE scores (not the subject
area supplementary exams) are required. There
is no “cut-off” score. The GRE scores
will be considered within the context of the whole file. In terms of
the various parts of the exam, more emphasis will be placed
on the
analytical, writing, and,
especially, the verbal scores, than on the quantitative score. Scores
older than five years will not be accepted.
- Letters of Recommendation.
At least three letters should be
submitted. To the extent possible, applicants should submit
academic recommendations. It
is strongly suggested that letters of recommendation address the applicant’s
potential for graduate work as well as his or her analytical and writing
abilities.
- Personal Statement.
The personal statement should include the highlights of your
educational background; your area(s) of scholarly
interest;
your career
aspirations; and anything else you deem relevant about yourself.
Finally, give your reasons for choosing the M.A. or post-baccalaureate certificate program. The suggested length is two pages.
Where do I send my application materials?
All materials should be sent to the Graduate School, not the
History Department. When your file is complete, the Graduate
School will
send it to the History
Department for a recommendation; the History Department’s Graduate Committee
will evaluate all applications and make recommendations to the Graduate School.
To be admitted to the M.A. program, you must receive an official letter from
the Graduate School.
I don't see a way to send my personal statement online. What should I do?
Mail your personal statement to the Graduate School. Additionally, you may mail or email these directly to the History department.
I'm applying for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Museum Studies. Do I have to take the GRE?
Yes. Application requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Museum Studies are exactly the same as the requirements for the M.A. in Museum Studies.
When is the deadline for my application?
The deadline for all applications for Fall 2008 is February 1, 2008. Your complete application package, including all components listed above, must arrive at the Graduate School by February 1, 2008.
We no longer accept applications for the spring semester.
When will I hear about admission decisions?
During the last three years, there has a huge increase in applications for our graduate programs. Since we try to keep our faculty-to-student ratio small, this means that the competition for places in our graduate programs have become intense.
The Graduate School sends completed applications to the History Department for review. In general, there is a 4-6 week period between the time your application is logged as complete at the Graduate School and the time it arrives in our office. This is especially true during the months of December, January, and February, when the majority of applications arrive at the university.
The process of selecting incoming students often takes another four weeks after we receive the application. Once your completed application arrives at our office, it must then be reviewed by our Graduate Committee faculty members and decisions are made to accept, turn down, or place applicants on a wait list.
In general, the History Graduate Committee makes the first round of recommendations to the Graduate School concerning M.A. applications in mid-late March. Most students who apply for the M.A. degree by the February 1 deadline will hear from us about their status by the end of March or the first week of April. Applicants on the wait list will be informed and decisions will be made as we receive responses from the first round.
How can I arrange a tour of the campus?
The Graduate School offers informational tours for prospective graduate students. Call 336-334-5596 for more information.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions offers information about campus tours, travel instructions, and parking information for all visitors on its web site.
We look forward to your visit.