Application Procedures
Home > Graduate Program > Application Procedures

Applications to our graduate program are accepted beginning in September of the previous year for which you are applying. Our application deadline is December 15.

When applying to the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, the following materials will be required:

• Application
  Students must apply to our graduate program online via Embark.

• A typed statement of purpose
  The Statement of Purpose is the single most important item in your application. The purpose of this essay is to give the faculty a clear idea of a) why you want to pursue a career in Asian Languages and Cultures; b) what questions or problems interest you; c) how you want to address these questions; d) why you want to pursue your graduate degree at the University of Michigan . This statement should be about 2 pages long.

• A personal statement
  The Personal Statement is a means to introduce yourself to the faculty of the department of Asian Languages and Cultures. This statement should be at least a page long.

• At least one writing sample in English
  This should be a good representation of your academic work, between 10-30 pages long. Most applicants submit a term paper on the subject in which they are applying to do graduate work.

• At least three letters of recommendation.
  The letters of recommendation should be accompanied with the Rackham letter of recommendation cover sheet. This sheet is automatically produced for letters submitted online. Recommenders may also submit the letter of recommendation online via Embark.

• All official graduate and undergraduate transcripts

• GRE scores
  You should take the test in November, at the latest, to insure that we receive your scores in a timely manner. Note the institution code number is 1839, and list your major field as Asian Languages, code number 2601.

• For non-native English speakers only: TOEFL scores
  You may only request exeption from taking the TOEFL if you have received a degree from an accredited English-medium US institution. The institution code is 1839, and the department code is 29.

If you have questions regarding the application process or the graduate program in Asian Languages and Cultures, please visit our frequently asked questions page.