1. UCLA now requires that you apply online. There are no more paper applications. However, you will submit your Supplemental Material via mail directly to us at the M.A. Program in Afro-American Studies. Please consult the "To Mail to Us"and Graduate Division homepage: http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/ for details.

2. If you want to check your online application before sending, fill out and print each page but do not press “send.” After double-checking all information, re-enter and send.

3. Fee Waivers-For fee waiver questions, call UCLA Graduate Admissions: (310) 825-1711 or (310) 825-7290.

4. TRY TO GET ALL OF YOUR MATERIALS IN BY THANKSGIVING. Be sure to apply EARLY for best consideration. If at all possible, get your complete application package in (including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores) at least two weeks before the program's application deadline (December 15th). Note: this is not a postmarked date, but a date when the package must arrive at the program. (Remember, it takes up to three days for mail to be processed in campus mail and arrive at the program, so allow for that extra time when you mail.)

Admission Criteria

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Make sure that your Statement of Purpose is clear. The Statement of Purpose discusses your academic achievements and goals. Do not be vague, i.e. “I want to become a teacher.” What kind of teacher? The Statement should also stress your growth and development. You should ask a local teacher or professor to look over your statement before submitting it.

GRE EXAM

1. It is necessary to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Please consult the enclosed sheet for more information. We strongly urge you to take a GRE prep course and allow enough time to take the examination twice, if necessary. Your public library should also have GRE prep materials.

2. We cannot provide you with data regarding test scores, such as a minimum test score for entry into the program. If you like, consult your college counselor or published reference materials for national comparative averages.

FELLOWSHIPS AND FUNDING

1. For information on fellowships (which are graduate-level scholarships you do not have to pay back) please consult: http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/asis/entsup/finsup.htm and the UCLA Grapes Database at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/grpinst.htm for more information. Note: The funding applications tend to have very early deadlines, so plan accordingly.

2. BE SURE TO APPLY AT LEAST FOR THE UCLA GRADUATE OPPORTUNITY FELLOWSHIP. You are eligible for various kinds of funding through Graduate Division, so it is advised that you apply for grants and fellowships through Graduate Division. The complete fellowship application is also due no later than December 15th. (Please apply early as funds are limited.)

3. Also apply for other national and extramural fellowships. Check with your college or local library’s reference desk for books on appropriate foundations and funding institutions.

4. Submit a two-page Personal Statement with the UCLA fellowship application, in addition to the Statement of Purpose. The Personal Statement primarily focuses on your financial need and the challenges you have faced.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

1. Request your letters of recommendation very early, since your instructors are very busy.

2. Ideally, your letters should come from three faculty members with whom you have taken classes or worked in some capacity, so they can provide specific information about your academic achievements. If absolutely necessary, one could come from an employment supervisor.

3. Remember that your application package cannot be considered complete until all three of your letters of recommendation have been received at the program. Be sure to check that your instructors have mailed your letters in a timely fashion or your application cannot be considered.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

For more information on the M.A. Program in Afro-American Studies and assistance with the application process, please contact us at the number or email below.

We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you in the future. Please do not hesitate to call or email.