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There are generally six
parts to a graduate application: (1) the application form (usually available
online); (2) official transcripts; (3) GRE scores (some schools do not
require these); (4) a personal statement; (5) two to four letters of
recommendation; and (6) a writing sample of 12-25 pages.
Letters of recommendation
and the writing sample are typically the most important elements of
an application. As such, prospective graduate students should work to
ensure that these are as strong as possible. For letters, students should
work to build relationships with those faculty members from whom they
hope to receive recommendations-letters are significantly more
effective if they come from a philosophy faculty member (letters from
faculty of other departments should be avoided) who knows the student
and his or her work well.
Writing samples take time.
An "A" paper is merely a good place to start; much work should be done
to revise and improve it. Students should talk to faculty members for
whom they have written strong papers about whether they would make good
writing samples.
Below are some links that
discuss various aspects of the application, as well as thoughts on the
costs of applying and a rough timeline of the application process.
Writing Sample and Personal
Statement
"Philosophy
and Your Future", Harvard University
- Offers insights on what
admissions committees are-and are not-looking for
Recommendations
"How
to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation", Elijah Millgram
Transcripts
A student's transcript should aim to convey competency in "core"
areas of philosophy. Click here for a guide listing the Areas of Specialization
(i.e., the areas in which the philosopher actively publishes) for the
faculty at "Top-50"
philosophy programs.
The GRE
Official GRE Web Site
- Includes general information,
registration, practice test, costs, etc.
Costs
The average cost of applying to graduate programs (including application
fees, GRE, postage, etc.) is $75-$100 per school. Generally speaking,
public schools have lower application fees.
Timeline
Below is a rough timeline of the application process.
| Junior
Year-Fall |
Junior
Year-Spring/Summer |
- Talk to faculty
familiar with your work about your interests in graduate study
to get a sense your prospects
- Take a practice
GRE; decide whether you need to study/enroll in a prep course
- Identify 3-4 faculty
members from whom you might want to ask for recommendations;
plan on taking their classes in the fall or spring
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- Approach faculty
members about writing you recommendations
- Research graduate
programs; form an initial list [early spring]
- Take the GRE [late
spring or summer]
- Write a draft
of your personal statement
- Identify a paper
to use as you writing sample; discuss how to improve it with
faculty members
- Finalize list
of schools [summer]
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| Senior
Year-Fall |
Senior
Year-Spring |
- Consider doing
an independent study with a faculty member from whom you have
asked for a recommendation
- Circulate drafts
of your personal statement and writing sample; revise them.
- Determine deadlines
and requirements for each program you will be applying to [early
fall]
- Retake GRE (if
needed)
- Order transcripts
and GRE scores, obtain recommendation forms
- Complete and send
application materials (at least a month in advance of deadline)
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- Check that all
application materials have been received
- Most schools will
send initial notification of application status (accept, waitlist,
decline) in late February or March
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