Recruitment and Admissions
One measure of the success of a doctoral program is the quality of students applying to the program. We use a multi-dimensional approach for evaluating students. Although not used as a single criterion of potential, GRE scores are considered as part of the admissions process. For this reason, it is recommended that students who do not initially obtain GRE scores (V + Q) of at least 1000 using the old scoring system or 310 using the new scoring system retake the test to strengthen their application. In addition to GRE scores, undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) GPA is (are) considered as evidence of student academic success.
Additional criteria that are considered include letters of reference, membership in professional organizations, involvement in research activities, and relevant job experiences, as well as personal characteristics such as bilingual status or experience working with individuals with disabilities. Letters of reference from those who can attest to your ability to do coursework at the doctoral level (such as from professors), as well as from those who can attest to your ability to work well with others (employers, supervisors) are particularly helpful. The essay by the student outlining their goals, research interests and experiences is particularly helpful in trying to ensure a good fit between the students accepted and faculty interests.
Admission decisions are made only once each year, usually in January or February. All program faculty review all completed applications (due December 1st) - applications that are missing GRE scores, letters of recommendation, or other components are NOT forwarded to faculty for review. Based on the initial review, the applicant pool is ‘trimmed' to those whom faculty believe are likely to be successful in a doctoral program. From these, those students who, based on their expressed interests and experiences, appear to have the best fit with our program and faculty are then identified. Prior to final admission decision, a brief telephone interview is conducted with the identified students by a faculty member (usually the individual who will serve as temporary advisor) who shares interests with that student.
In addition to a temporary advisor, each newly admitted student is assigned a currently enrolled student as a ‘buddy' and contact. In late February, the admitted students are invited in for a brief orientation with opportunities to explore the university and community, meet current students and other new students in their cohort. Newly admitted students also have an opportunity to meet with the faculty, one of whom is designated as their temporary advisor. This visit includes informative sessions, as well as social opportunities that we hope help students in making the best choice for their doctoral studies. For students coming from out-of-state, efforts are made to subsidize the cost of travel; housing is usually provided by current students to lessen the expense involved. All admitted students need to make a decision, and notify the program in writing no later than April 15 of their intent to enroll the following fall.
