Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Would you please send me information about your Ph.D. program in
linguistics?
A: The best source of information about our Graduate Program is our
website. Since everything is now on the web, we no longer print hard
copy materials.
Under the Graduate Program link,
you can obtain the full details about
our Ph.D. program. The Prospective
Students link has an abundance of
information for those interested in applying to our program.
Please feel free to contact us at linggradadmissions@umich.edu if you
cannot find the information you need.
Q: I am interested in applying to your graduate program. Can you send me an application?
A: The application for admission is only available online:
online
application. To
view information about a faculty member, click on Faculty. Click on their name to go to their
personal homepage for more information.
Q: What is your application deadline?
A: The application deadline is December 15th for students admitted in Fall 2008. All materials must be postmarked by this date. Applicants are
responsible for making sure that their application materials arrive on time
and that their application is complete.
Q: One of my recommenders recently informed me that he would not
be able to finish his letter by the December 15th deadline. He will be
able to complete it and mail it, but it may not make it to the institution
by the 15th. I was wondering if that would still be acceptable?
A: The application and the fee payment are the only things that
absolutely have to be in by the December 15th deadline. As long as your
recommender's letter arrives in early January, you should be okay as all
complete applicant files are submitted to the areas at that time. It is
highly recommended, however, that your credentials arrive as close to
the deadline date as possible.
Q: Can GRE scores be sent in after the application deadline?
A: Yes, it is okay if the official GRE score document arrives after the
application deadline. If you know your scores when you complete our
application, you should note them on the application. Another alternative
is to email your GRE scores to linggradadmissions@umich.edu so we can
put them in your file until the official scores arrive.
Q: What are the minimum GPA and GRE requirements for admission to
your program?
A: There are no minimum requirements or cut-offs. The admissions
committee takes all parts of your application into consideration and
reviews it as a whole. On average, entering students have GRE scores in
the 80th percentile and GPAs of 3.5 or higher.
Q: I am an international student and wonder if I have to take the
TOEFL?
A: International students are required to take the TOEFL. However, if you
obtained your undergraduate degree at an English-speaking university,
you do not have to take the TOEFL.
Q: When are applicants notified of acceptance/rejection?
A: No later than April 1st.
Q: Do you offer a Master's degree in Linguistics?
A: No, we do not offer an independent Master's degree. We offer a 5-
year, fully funded Ph.D. program. However, students may request a
Master's degree en route to their Ph.D.
Q: What is the institution code for the University of Michigan?
A: 1839
Q: What is the code for linguistics?
A: 2903
Q: I applied to the university in the past and would like to re-apply. Do
you still have the information from my previous application?
A: We keep applications for two years. You do have to re-apply by
completing a Rackham application. If you would like us to retrieve your
previous application file, please send an E-mail to
linggradadmissions@umich.edu.
You should also let us know if you plan to
submit additional information to your file.
Q: Where should the letters of recommendation be sent?
A:
We prefer electronic submission of letters of recommendation. Be sure to register your recommenders when you fill out the online application. However, we still accept paper letters of recommendation which should be sent to:
Graduate Admissions
Department of Linguistics
University of Michigan
440 Lorch Hall
611 Tappan Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1220
Q: Do letters of recommendation need to be sent directly from the
recommender to your department?
A: The recommender can send them to our office or you can collect all
three and mail them together in one envelope. However, the
recommender's letters must be in an envelope that is individually sealed
and signed.
Q: I was wondering if it would be acceptable to submit letters of
recommendation through my university's Graduate Letter Service? The
forms that would be completed by the recommenders would be similar,
but not identical, to those with the application.
A: Yes, you can submit your letters of recommendation through your
university's Graduate Letter Service.
Q: I am an international applicant. Do I have to complete the
University of Michigan Statement and Certification of Finances?
A: Since our Ph.D. program is for 5 years and fully funded, you need to
complete the certification form only if you are bringing dependents with
you.
Q: Can you tell me where to find the Letter of Recommendation forms?
A: All forms required for an application can be found at the Rackham
Graduate School website.
Q: What should I submit as my writing sample?
A: If you have written an honors or master's thesis, you should submit
that. However, many of our applicants will not have written such theses.
In that case, a term paper, preferably from a class in linguistics, would be
best.
Q: Do you offer fellowships to students?
A: All of our incoming students are funded for 5 years through a
combination of fellowships and Graduate Students Teaching/Assistant
positions. This includes full tuition, medical coverage and a stipend.
Q: How many years does it take to complete the program?
A: We hope that students will finish their dissertation at the end of the
fifth year, though it may take longer depending on the nature of the topic
and the research methods employed.
Q: Are there funds available outside of the standard funding package
available?
A: Both the Rackham Graduate School and the Department of Linguistics
have funds available for purposes such as travel to a conference or for
emergency expenses. Students should first apply to the Rackham
Graduate School for funds before applying to the department.
Q: Can I find information on housing?
A: Housing information is available
here.
Q: Do I need to complete the "Worksheet for Computing Grade Point
Average" to submit with my application?
A: If your transcript is not on a 4-point scale, then you must submit the GPA worksheet with your application. If your transcript shows letter grades, you must submit the GPA worksheet.
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