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The Department of French and Francophone Studies Admission to All French Graduate Programs The Department admits new students for the fall and spring semesters and the summer session, although almost all of our students begin their programs of study in the fall. No single criterion stands as an adequate forecaster of probable success in graduate work. The successful degree applicant is evaluated on each of the following criteria: (a) undergraduate grade-point average, with emphasis given to the grade-point average in the major, (b) grade-point average in previous graduate work, (c) Graduate Record Examination scores (not required for international students), (d) at least three professional and academic references, and (e) oral and written samples of skills in the French language for English and speakers of other languages, and in the English language for Francophones. International students whose native language is not English are required to submit TOEFL scores (minimum paper score of 550 or minimum computer score of 213). It is strongly recommended that domestic applicants submit GRE scores (verbal, analytical, quantitative). Note that the scores are required for domestic students who wish to be eligible for university fellowships and/or graduate assistantships. The Department requires a speech sample in French or English of all applicants (in French for Anglophones and speakers of other foreign languages, in English for Francophones). This three-to five-minute tape recording should demonstrate the applicant's ability to speak extemporaneously and coherently about his or her study and career goals. In addition, two written texts must be submitted: a Statement of Purpose and a writing sample. Part One of the Statement of Purpose should focus on your background in French studies as well as your academic or research interests. Part Two of the Statement should list the courses that have shaped your interests in graduate studies in French, including work in related fields. We also request a writing sample (in French for Anglophones and speakers of other foreign languages, in English for Francophones) on a literary, cultural, or linguistic topic. An M.A. paper or thesis or other well-developed research project could also be appended. Both the oral and written samples must accompany the application. In considering applications for admission, the departmental Graduate Committee looks for strong credentials. It will naturally count in your favor if your grades are high. It will also help if you have taken an ambitious undergraduate program rather than seeking out less challenging courses, if you have done something unusual, such as undertaking a double major, foreign study, or interesting work experience, if your letters of recommendation are very positive, if your preparation in language is good, or if you have high scores on competitive exams or have won competitive awards. We know that grades do not necessarily tell the whole story and that the expectations vary at different graduate and undergraduate schools. We value and attempt to accredit teaching experience, publications, and workshop experience of returning students. We grant admission when we expect that you will be successful in our graduate program and when it seems that your interests and what we offer are suited to each other. For information on admissions procedures, write to: More information is also available on the Admissions page under Graduate Studies. If you are planning to apply for a teaching assistantship or a fellowship, we strongly recommend that you forward a complete dossier to us by mid-January to be considered for the following fall semester. Previous: French Graduate Population | Next: Financial Aid |
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