Admission
Departments recommend admission by comparing the academic merits of all applicants applying in the same field. Academic records are examined to determine whether the applicant has established a firm basis for graduate work in the proposed field of study. Letters of recommendation and the statement of academic purpose are given very serious consideration, and some departments require submission of prior work. The results of the GRE provide additional evidence of the applicant’s aptitude and knowledge. Consideration is given to scholarly promise as well as achievement.
Admission to the Graduate School is highly competitive. Historically, one in twelve applicants has been offered admission. The Graduate School will not admit applicants who seek to earn a second Ph.D. in the same or a closely related field. Applicants may apply to only one academic department or program in any given admission year. The Graduate School does not require or conduct interviews, although some departments may welcome them.