To be considered seriously for admission to our graduate program, or to any graduate program, a student must have a strong background in mathematics. We usually look for students with at least seven mathematics classes beyond calculus and we expect to see good grades in these courses. What constitutes "good grades" depends somewhat on the quality of the school, so we do not have a specific GPA requirement. Some graduate programs do have minimum GPA requirements and some also require a certain score on the subject GRE, although we happen not to require that exam.

We typically have, however, many more applicants with strong backgrounds than we can admit and support financially. I read letters of recommendation closely and what these letters tell me about the student is of critical importance. In seeking letters of recommendation, an applicant should find faculty members, preferably mathematics faculty members, who can address the question: Will this student succeed in a mathematics graduate program? Professors who have had the student in one or more upper-level mathematics course are usually able to answer this question. If a student has participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) or has completed a senior thesis, the professor who directed the research project would also be an excellent candidate for writing a letter of recommendation. Indeed, especially for students coming from smaller schools, having a letter from a professor at another institution is often quite impressive.

The application deadline for our department is January 15, and we try to make initial decisions within a couple of weeks after that date. One reason for acting quickly is that we invite the applicants to whom we intend to offer admission with financial support to visit our department in late February. This brings me to a final point about the application process: One should communicate outside the formal admission process, via e-mail, by phone, or in person, with the graduate chair or with someone on the admissions committee. Doing so helps the members of the admissions committee know who is really interested in the program and why they are interested. Moreover, from the student's perspective, such direct communication helps a student know if a particular program will be a good fit and if the faculty will take the time to work with students.

One of the most important things to remember is that we look at the packet as a whole rather than focusing on any one single item. This means that even if a student is just below our minimum GPA requirement, for example, but the rest of the packet is strong, we would still consider that student. In other words, one weakness out of six does not preclude that student from being accepted into our program. It is also helpful for the student to be upfront if part of his or her application is not as strong as it could be. For example, if a student had lower grades one semester, he/she should explain why in the letter of intent (perhaps an illness or death in the family). Explaining upfront keeps us from having to guess and possibly rejecting the application. We are much more likely to consider a student's application if we know the reason behind a weakness. It is always to the student's advantage to address a weakness rather than ignore it.

The first thing the sociology graduate admissions committee looks at when we sit down to review files is whether the file is complete. If it is incomplete at our deadline, we do not review the file. However, if a file is missing only one reference letter (which may not be the student's fault) we would still consider that file if the letter arrived shortly after our deadline. This, however may move the student to the bottom of our short list.

After reviewing the files, which we typically do a few days after the deadline, we notify students within 2-3 weeks if they are admitted to our program. We also have a "back up" list, so just because a student does not hear from us right away does not necessarily mean he/she is not going to be admitted. If students have questions about their file or the process, I encourage them to email me.

In the admissions committee meetings, not only do we look at the qualifications of the individual (e.g, GRE scores, grades, writing sample) but we also look at how they fit with our department's strengths. This is where the student's letter of intent is important. Because we want students who are interested in studying in our main areas of concentration, it is to the student's advantage to make that clear. One way they can do this is by accessing our web site and looking at faculty's research. For example, if a student is interested in family sociology and sees that Professor X is doing work in that area, the student should say that they are interested in Professor X's research and that they would like to work with that faculty person. In sum, knowing that a student's areas of interest tie in closely with some faculty in the department is a definite strength and would be looked upon favorably in the application process.

In our department of Educational Administration, we have a graduate admissions committee that reviews hundreds of files each year for places in our graduate degree programs at the master's and doctoral level. There are some useful things for applicants to understand in making sure their application receives careful attention.

First - I can't emphasize enough - follow the requirements. We frequently receive calls wanting to know why our admissions committee didn't review a file. Our response is that the file wasn't complete; something was missing. Make sure that in completing applications you provide all of the information requested.

Second, take time with personal statements requested by the admissions committee. Make sure that your language is clear and correct. Proofread carefully.

Third, realize that you want your application to stand out and be remembered by the members of an admissions committee. You can do this in two ways: 1) present information about yourself that allows the committee to discriminate positively between your application and all others and 2) make your application stand out through the power of language. Look up Strunk and White's book, Elements of Style, and follow their advice about language. Do not use clichés.

Make sure your vita or your resume is current and that it portrays your accomplishments and skills.

Don't prepare your application alone. Have others critique every part of it for you. Actively seek advice.

Finally, try to see your application as the members of the admissions committee will see it. This means being self-critical.