Frequently asked questions about graduate admissions

 

What is needed to apply?
Prospective students must apply both to the School of Kinesiology and the Graduate School. The Graduate School application must be completed online and the fee ($75 for permanent U.S. residents, $95 for international students) paid by credit card. The School of Kinesiology requires a completed School of Kinesiology application form, a copy of the Graduate School application form, GRE scores, copies of transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a scholarly writing sample. All School of Kinesiology application materials must be submitted by December 15 for the following fall semester.

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What should I do to be readmitted into the graduate program?
M.A. and Ph.D. students need to do two things:
1) Fill out a Change of Status/Readmission Application Form [.pdf], available from the Graduate School Admissions Office located at 309 Johnston Hall (which includes a $75 fee) and
2) Contact your adviser. More information can be found at www.grad.umn.edu/current_students/registration/

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What happens if my application is incomplete?
An incomplete application will not be processed until all application material, including the application fee, have been received. If something is missing from your application, you will receive one notice from the Graduate School Admissions Office. You will be automatically notified when the application is complete and under review by the faculty. The School of Kinesiology will inform you via e-mail when your application material has been received.

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What are the deadlines for application and financial aid?

M.A./Ph.D. students:
The deadline for priority applicants for the following fall semester is December 15. The graduate assistantship applications are also due at this time. Late applicants must exhibit exceptional credentials and are subject to adviser availability.

M.Ed. students:
The deadline for applicants for the following fall semester is July 1 for the School of Kinesiology.

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What are my chances of getting an assistantship?
(For M.A./Ph.D. students only)
Assistantships in the department are competitive and the number of assistantships given each year is limited. Your chances for getting an assistantship vary from year to year depending on availability and funding. Applicants must not assume that they will be awarded an assistantship automatically if they are accepted into the program.

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Should I apply for an M.A. or an M.Ed.? What is the difference?
There are a number of differences between the M.A. program and the M.Ed. Both programs are designed to educate students in their chosen degree path and prepare them for professional or academic work. For more information to help you decide which is the right master's program for you, see M.A. or M.Ed./professional studies?

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Should I contact the professor I am interested in working with?
Applicants should contact the professor that they are interested in working with. It helps facilitate the application process and familiarizes the professor with you and your interests.

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When will I hear a response?
It depends on what time of year you applied to the program and when you wish to start. Applicants that wish to start in the fall and who applied by the due date (January 15th) should find out by late March. Assistantship applicants will find out if they received an assistantship in mid-April. If you are a potential M.A. or Ph.D. student and have not received a response by mid-April, you should contact the Graduate Studies Office at 612-625-6718. M.Ed. students should contact Student Services at 612-625-6501. Applicants who apply at other times of the year will hear a response after a minimum of eight weeks.

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How do I find information about taking the GRE?
Information, descriptions of the GRE, test dates, registration, and test center locations can be found at www.gre.org. Students can also find out information about the GRE by calling 609-771-7670 or by mail at: GRE-Educational Testing Service, Box 6000, Princeton, NJ 08541.

University Counseling and Consulting Services' Testing Center's Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Center administers the GRE General and Writing Tests on the Minneapolis Campus.

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Some of the M.Ed. programs are similar, which one should I apply for?
In applied kinesiology, the options are sport and exercise science, sport management, and developmental/adapted physical education.

The M.Ed./initial licensure program is for individuals pursuing initial licensure in physical education.

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How do I register for classes?
Students first need to consult their adviser to determine what classes are required or recommended. Students should keep in mind that some classes are offered only in the fall or spring semester, and should plan accordingly. After consulting with their adviser, students should go to One Stop to register. Enter the web registration system where you will be asked for your Internet ID and password. If it is your first time registering for classes and you do not have this information, then follow the steps to initiate your internet account before registering for classes.

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Additional questions
Check the Graduate School Catalog, Graduate School Student Handbook, or the University of Minnesota’s Graduate School web site at: www.grad.umn.edu for more information.

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Revised June 2009


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The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer
Last modified on November 13, 2009