Thank
you so much for your interest in our M.A. program in Afro-American
Studies. To assist you in the application process, I have
enclosed information on the program. Here are the answers
to some of the most frequently asked questions. Please also
consult the Bunche Center website: http://www.bunchecenter.ucla.edu/ for
further information. We want you to be successful here at UCLA!
THE APPLICATION PACKAGE
1. UCLA now requires that you apply online. There are no more paper
applications. However, you will submit your Supplemental Material
via mail directly to us at the M.A. Program in Afro-American
Studies. Please consult the Bunche Center website and Graduate
Division homepage: http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/ for details.
2. If you want to check your online application before sending, fill
out and print each page but do not press “send.”
After double-checking all information, re-enter and send.
3. TRY TO GET ALL OF YOUR MATERIALS IN BY THANKSGIVING. Be
sure to apply EARLY for best consideration. If at all possible,
get your complete application package in (including transcripts,
letters of recommendation, and test scores) at least two weeks
before the program's application deadline (December 15th).
Note: this is not a postmarked date, but a date when the package
must arrive at the program. (Remember, it takes up to
three days for mail to be processed in campus mail and arrive
at the program, so allow for that extra time when you mail.)
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Make sure that your Statement of Purpose is clear. The Statement
of Purpose discusses your academic achievements and goals. Do
not be vague, i.e. “I want to become a teacher.”
What kind of teacher? The Statement should also stress your
growth and development. You should ask a local teacher
or professor to look over your statement before submitting it.
GRE EXAM
1. It is necessary to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Please consult the enclosed sheet for more information.
We strongly urge you to take a GRE prep course and allow enough
time to take the examination twice, if necessary. Your public
library should also have GRE prep materials.
2. We cannot provide you with data regarding test scores, such as
a minimum test score for entry into the program. If you like,
consult your college counselor or published reference materials
for national comparative averages.
FELLOWSHIPS AND FUNDING
1. For information on fellowships (which are graduate-level scholarships
you do not have to pay back) please consult: http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/asis/entsup/finsup.htm
and the UCLA Grapes Database at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/grpinst.htm for
more information. Note: The funding applications tend
to have very early deadlines, so plan accordingly.
2. BE SURE TO APPLY AT LEAST FOR THE GRADUATE OPPORTUNITY FELLOWSHIP.
You are eligible for various kinds of funding through Graduate
Division, so it is advised that you apply for grants and fellowships
through Graduate Division. The complete fellowship application
is also due no later than December 15th. (Please apply early
as funds are limited.)
3. Also apply for other national and extramural fellowships. Check
with your college or local library’s reference desk for
books on appropriate foundations and funding institutions.
4. Submit a two-page Personal Statement with the UCLA fellowship
application, in addition to the Statement of Purpose).
The Personal Statement primarily focuses on your financial need.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
1. Request your letters of recommendation very early, since your
instructors are very busy.
2. Ideally, your letters should come from three faculty members with
whom you have taken classes or worked in some capacity, so they
can provide specific information about your academic achievements.
If absolutely necessary, one could come from an employment supervisor.
3. Remember that your application package cannot be considered complete
until all three of your letters of recommendation have been
received at the program. Be sure to check that your instructors
have mailed your letters in a timely fashion or your application
cannot be considered.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
For more information on the M.A. Program in Afro-American Studies
and assistance with the application process, please contact
me at the number or email below.
We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you in the future.
Please do not hesitate to call or email.
Brenda Stevenson, Ph.D., IDP Chair
Lisbeth Gant-Britton, Ph.D., Student Affairs Officer
lbritton@bunche.ucla.edu
Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies
at UCLA
160 Haines Hall, Box 951545, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1545
(310) 825-3776
