Graduate Studies: Application
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Frequently Asked Questions 1. How do I get an application? Click on the links at right to access the forms needed to apply to our doctoral programs. There is no method for applying online. 2. What should be in my application? The application form lists all of the information we need. We request that you send the completed application form, official transcripts of all college or university work to date, a copy from ETS of your GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a 2-page essay, a check or money order for the $45 application fee, your TOEFL scores if English is not your first language, your resume/vita, and (optional) a sample of your writing. 3. Where should I send my application materials? Please mail your application materials to: Graduate Admissions, Department of Social and Decision Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA 15213-3890. 4. Can I send some of my application materials separately? We prefer that you send all of your application materials, in one packet including letters of reference, and the check or money order. However, if necessary, letters of reference can be sent separately. 5. Where should I send the check? Please mail your check with your application materials to: Graduate Admissions, Department of Social and Decision Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA 15213-3890. 6. Can I send cash or pay by credit card? We accept only a check or money order. 7. Can you waive the application fee? Sorry, we can't waive the application fee. 8. When is the deadline? Please be sure that we receive all of your application materials no later than January 08, 2008. Application materials received after this date will be considered only subject to space and funding availability. 9. What are the institution and department codes for the GRE? For the GRE, the institution code is 2074 and the department code is 2299. 10. What are the institution and department codes for the TOEFL? For the TOEFL, the institution code is 2074 and the department code is 92 (NOTE: For internet-based TOEFL exams, the Department Code is 80). 11. Can I send a xeroxed copy of my GRE or TOEFL scores? No, please have ETS send your scores to us. 12. How will I know that you received my application? You will receive an email message from Maryann Hunter within one week of receiving your application packet. 13. When will I find out whether or not I got into the program? Final admission decisions will be made by April 15, 2008. 14. How many people apply to your graduate program? We usually receive 60-80 applications each year. 15. How many students do you usually admit to your graduate program? We usually admit 4-5 graduate students each year. 16. What are you looking for in the application materials? We consider your GPA, research experience, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and other available information in our admissions decisions. We accept the candidates with the best background and fit to the department. We don't have cut-off scores for GRE, GPA, or TOEFL, but our program is highly competitive. 17. If I took the GRE or TOEFL more than once, which scores will count? We count the latest scores. 18. Do you ever waive the GRE for applicants who have already taken the GMAT or the TOEFL for international applicants who have studied in the U.S.? No, we don't waive the GRE or the TOEFL requirements. 19. When do GRE and TOEFL scores expire? ETS keeps GRE scores for 5 years, and TOEFL scores for 2 years. We require that ETS send us your scores; if ETS no longer has your scores then you will have to retake the test(s). 20. If I applied last year, can you just use the same application this year? If you are applying for the second time, please send us a new application. 21. Do you offer a stipend and tuition coverage? Yes. We offer a 9-month stipend and tuition coverage. Over the summer, our students tend to find work as research assistants. 22. What is the difference between the BDR program and the Joint Program between BDR and Psychology? Both programs are similar, but students in the Joint Program are also admitted to the Psychology program. The BDR program includes a number of elective courses. Students in the Joint Program with Psychology take their elective courses in the Psychology Department. 23. How do I apply to the Joint Program between BDR and Psychology? Students interested in the joint Psychology/BDR program are invited to apply at the end of their first year of SDS graduate studies. The application involves a short proposal for a second year paper and dissertation that is truly joint between the two departments, as indicated by co-chairs. The application will have to be approved by both departments. Students who graduate from this program will receive a joint degree from BDR and psychology. 24. If I don't have a background in one of your main disciplines, can I still get in? Yes. Many of our department members were originally trained in only one of the disciplines. In the graduate program, you will be given the opportunity to take classes in these disciplines. 25. Who should I contact if I have a question that was not addressed in this FAQ? Please contact Mary Anne Hunter, who coordinates admissions (mahunter@andrew.cmu.edu). |
GRADUATE APPLICATION
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