:: graduate admissions

Applications are evaluated on the basis of the following materials:

Academic Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose is the single most important item in your application. The purpose of this essay is to give the faculty a clear idea of a) why you want to pursue a career in Near Eastern Studies; b) what Near Eastern questions or problems interest you; c) how you want to address these questions; d) why you want to pursue your graduate degree at the University of Michigan. This essay should be about 2 pages long and uploaded with the Rackham online application.

Letters of Recommendation. Three letters of recommendation are required for a complete application. While we prefer letters from faculty or advisors who are familiar with your potential for graduate study, letters from employers are acceptable. The recommendation form may be duplicated as needed, however, letters without the form are acceptable. Your letters of recommendation may be submitted online along with your Rackham application (preferred), or send paper copies directly to the Department of Near Eastern Studies. If you are submitting paper letters of recommendation, please have them sent to the department in a sealed envelope with the signature of the referee across the seal.

Academic Record. An applicant for admission to the Department of Near Eastern Studies is expected to have at least a grade average of B+ in his/her undergraduate course work and some preparation in Near Eastern Studies. Although it is important, the academic record is not an exclusive criterion for admission and other factors in the applicant's academic record are taken into consideration, e.g., a trend towards better grades, or graduation from a school known for its rigorous grading practice. The Department requests that applicants upload an electronic copy of transcripts showing courses taken at each post-secondary institution attended/attending, which includes any international institution, to the online Rackham application. If you have completed or are completing a degree program at an international institution, please see Rackham's website for instructions on required documentation: go to http://www.rackham.umich.edu/admissions/; select the Prospective Students Seeking Degree Status link, finally select the Submitting Transcripts link.

Please note that you must also have an official copy of all academic records mailed directly to the Rackham Graduate School at the time of application.

Writing Sample. Your writing sample should be a good representation of your academic work. It should be about 10-15 pages long. Most students submit a term paper on the subject in which they are applying to do graduate work. Please submit your writing sample electronically by uploading with the Rackham online application, in the "additional materials" section.

GRE /TOEFL/MELAB Scores. Successful applicants normally have a combined score of at least 1200 on the Verbal and Math sections of the GRE exam. The GRE should be taken by October to insure that we receive your scores by the application deadline. When filling out the form, note that the institution code is R1839, and the major field should be listed as Near Eastern Studies, code 2607. All U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, and International students who have received a degree from a U.S. institution and all native English speakers are required to submit Graduate Record Examination scores. Scores that are more than five year old will not be considered valid.

International students must have a minimum score of 560 TOEFL (paper exam), 220 TOEFL (computer exam), 84 TOEFL (internet exam), or an 85 on the MELAB exam. Scores that are more than two years old will not be considered valid.

The GRE, TOEFL or MELAB scores can only be judged in conjunction with the student's Academic Statement of Purpose, academic record, experience and background.

All Applicants must also submit the following forms:

Curriculum Vitae/Resume (4 page limit). Please upload your CV/Resume with your Rackham online application. Your CV/Resume should describe your education, work experience, research and teaching experience, professional affiliations, volunteer activity and community engagement, honors and awards.

Personal Statement (500 word limit). This statement should be uploaded with the Rackham online application and should address the following: how have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan?

FLAS Coupon (If Applicable): PhD and PhD-track students only.
For additional information on the FLAS fellowship, please visit the FLAS website.

Rackham Application: Available on-line through the Embark website.

TB Screening Test for New UM International Students

The applicant is responsible for completing the application. If possible, submit your supporting materials electronically to the Department using the Rackham online application. Any documents not uploaded with the Rackham online application can be emailed to: lsa-nes-admissions@umich.edu. Please feel free to call the Department if you have further questions. However, please be aware that the office staff is not authorized to inform students of admission decisions.

Department of Near Eastern Studies
Graduate Admissions
University of Michigan
4111 Thayer Academic Building
202 South Thayer Street
Ann Arbor, MI  48104-1608
Telephone: (734) 764-0314
Fax: (734) 936-2679
lsa-nes-admissions@umich.edu

Click here to download a NES Application Materials Checklist form.

See Rackham School of Graduate Studies for more information on graduate admissions.

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 15, 2008.