A Note From the Director of Graduate Studies....A Note From the Director of Graduate Studies....Each year, a large number of inquiries arrive about our Ph.D. program, and I want to respond quickly and frankly to your needs. with this letter I've enclosed other information, and what follows is some general advice.
By the deadline of January 3, 1996, we received over 300 applications. After intensive review of the admission papers, we made offers to about 20 students, anticipating a final yield of 10. Those odds may seem daunting, but we are open to all applicants, regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, or financial need. Our goal is to find the very best prospects for graduate study. In the past, we've found that our admits share many of these credentials:
Fluent English, if you are not a native speaker;
A reading knowledge of 1 or 2 foreign languages;
High GRE scores, especially in Verbal and Subject tests;
Three strong letters of reference, from people who know your writing;
Consistently high grades in literature courses for a B.A. or M.A.;
An interesting array of extracurricular activity;
A superior writing sample, preferably of a critical nature;
A concise personal statement that describes why you wish to study here.
If you need financial aid, please apply for it. Most admits receive tuition grants and many also receive stipends to cover living expenses. We are especially interested in students who receive government or foundation support. The Graduate School Announcement (mailed to formal applicants) describes all fellowship opportunities and graduate courses.
We make our decisions in early February. If you do not receive your GRE or TOFEL scores until late January, please send them to us at once, preferably by express mail. Thank you for your interest in Princeton, and best of luck in the admissions process.
Sincerely,
Esther Schor, Director of Graduate Studies
Graduate Program Overview| Graduate Academic Calendar | Graduate Students E-Mail
For Further Information on our Graduate Studies Program, please send mail to:
Marilyn Walden
(609) 258-4224
Graduate Assistant
11 McCosh Hall