Asian American Studies Graduate Program
Frequently Asked Questions

The application must be RECEIVED
by Monday, 17 December 2007, at 8:00 am
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE
OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS

WE ONLY ACCEPT FALL APPLICATIONS

Admissions

What are the program requirements for the MA program in Asian American Studies?

Please refer to the following UCLA Graduate Division link for the Asian American Studies MA program requirements:

http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/pgmrq/asianam.asp

How long does it take to complete the MA program in Asian American Studies?

Normative time-to-degree for the MA program in Asian American Studies at UCLA is two years. Normative time-to-degree for the joint programs in Information Studies, Public Health, and Social Welfare is three years. After two years (or three for the joint programs) students are considered beyond normative time, and cannot receive forms of financial support from the Asian American Studies Department.

Is there a part-time MA program at UCLA in Asian American Studies?

No, there is no part-time MA program in Asian American Studies; the program is for full-time students. Students are required to enroll in at least 12.0 units (usually three classes) per quarter. While in rare circumstances an Asian American Studies course is offered during the evening, the overwhelming majority of courses are offered between 8 am and 5 pm on weekdays. However, some graduate students have maintained part-time or full-time work in their second year of the program after they completed their required coursework and as permitted by their research and thesis writing schedules.

When do you accept applications?

We accept applications in the Fall only for admission for the following Fall term only. For example, applications received in December 2007 are for admission in Septemeber 2008.

We do not accept applications for admissions in the Winter, Spring, or Summer quarters.

When are applications available?

Online applications will be posted in Summer 2007. Please refer to the UCLA Graduate Division webpage: http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu.

How many applicants apply to the MA program annually and how many are accepted?

On the average, we receive 50 applications and have accepted up to 15 students to the program.

How do I apply for the joint programs in Information Studies, Public Health, and Social Welfare?

You must apply to each degree program separately. Follow the application requirements for each program, Asian American Studies and either Information Studies, Public Health, Social Welfare. That is, if the Public Health program requires GRE scores for admissions, you must send the department your scores.

In the statements of purpose for both applications, be sure to indicate that you are a joint program applicant and the joint program to which you are applying.

For information regarding the joint program in Information Studies, please see the departmental website at http://is.gseis.ucla.edu/. Approval is pending for the joint Information Studies degree. However, we will accept applications in Fall 2007 for entry to the Fall 2008 Information Studies joint degree program. The faculty contact for the joint program with Information Studies is Prof. Clara Chu.

For information regarding the joint program in Social Welfare, please see the departmental website at http://sppsr.ucla.edu/sw . The faculty contact for the joint program with Public Health is Prof. Marjorie Kagawa Singer.

For information regarding the joint program in Public Health, please see the departmental website at http://ph.ucla.edu/. There is currently no faculty contact for the joint program in Social Welfare. However, we are taking applications for the joint program for the 2008-2009 academic year until further notice.

Are other joint programs available with Asian American Studies?

No, there are currently no other joint programs available with Asian American Studies.

How to Apply

What does the application file consist of?

The application file for the MA program in Asian American Studies consists of seven parts that are sent to two separate offices.

The following are sent directly to the Graduate Division’s Graduate Admissions Office, which is an office wholly separate from the Asian American Studies Department:

1. Online application; and
2. Application fee.

The following are sent directly from the Asian American Studies Department:

3. Statement of purpose (the form is available at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/stmtpurp.pdf);
4. Writing sample;
5. Three letters of recommendation (the letter of recommendation form is available at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/asis/entsup/fellgrnt.htm);
6. Two copies of transcripts from each college or university that you have attended (transcript request form is available at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/trnscrpt.pdf); and
7. Supplementary Information Form (a printable, interactive PDF form can be downloaded at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/supplmnt.pdf).

To ensure that the letters of recommendation and transcripts get to the Asian American Studies Department by the 17 December 2007 deadline, request that they be sent to you first, and then send them in one package with your statement of purpose and writing sample.

What application should I use, online or paper?

UCLA’s Graduate Division no longer prints a hardcopy application form. Therefore, the Asian American Studies program and the Graduate Division strongly recommend that you apply online. It is the most efficient and quickest way–particularly during the winter holidays–to send your applications to UCLA.

Do I have to fill out the online application in one sitting or can I return to it at a later date?

No, you do not have to complete the online application in one sitting. You can start the application process and then return to it at a later date.

However, if the application is not completed within 30 days it will be deleted and you will have to re-enter your information again.

How do I pay the application fee?

The most efficient and quickest way to pay for the application fee is via the internet.  online application process will give you the opportunity to pay via the internet.   It takes approximately one day to process application fees that are submitted online.

The application is not complete until payment is received and processed by the Graduate Division. Please note that payment by check takes approximately two to three weeks to process. Therefore, if you are paying by check you must  factor in the two to three week processing time for payment to be posted by the 15 December application deadline. Please read all directons about submitting payment by check at the Gradaute Division's website: www.gdnet.ucla.edu.

DO NOT send the application fee directly to the UCLA Department of Asian American Studies. If payment is sent to the Department, it will be returned to the sender for resumbmission to the UCLA Gradaute Division.

Application Deadline

When is the application for the MA program due?

The application and all required supplementary materials–this includes letters of recommendation, transcripts, writing sample, and statement of purpose–MUST be RECEIVED (not postmarked) by Monday, 17 December 2007.

Application to the MA program is online at:
https://www.gradadmissions.ucla.edu/newapp/

The website also has the REQUIRED downloadable supplemental forms such as the statement of purpose, Supplementary Information Form, letter of recommendation, and transcript request forms

However, in addition to the online application, all supplementary materials–again, the statement of purpose, completed Supplementary Information Form, writing sample, letters of recommendation, and transcripts–must be sent directly to the UCLA Asian American Studies Department at:

UCLA Asian American Studies Department
3336 Rolfe Hall
405 Hilgard Avenue
Box 957225
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7225

Please be sure that the address is printed correctly.  An incorrect address will delay the receipt of your application.

To ensure that the letters of recommendation and transcripts get to the Asian American Studies Department by the 17 December 2007 deadline, request that they be sent to you first, and then send them in one package with your statement of purpose and writing sample.

If you are using US Postal Service FIRST CLASS, we recommend sending supplementary materials no later than 30 November 2007.

If you are using US Postal Service PRIORITY MAIL, we recommend sending supplementary materials no later than 7 December 2007.

If you are using FEDERAL EXPRESS or UPS 2-3 day delivery, we recommend sending supplementary materials no later than 10 December 2007.

If you are using an overnight carrier such as US Postal Service EXPRESS, FEDERAL EXPRESS, or UPS NEXT DAY AIR we recommend sending supplementary materials no later than 13 December 2006.

Please keep in mind that during the winter holidays mail moves much more slowly. The earlier you send the materials, the more likely it will get to our office by the 17 December 2007 deadline.

Application Processing

Who should I contact to determine if my application is complete?

Please check the Graduate Division's application webpage after 21 December 2007 to see if your application is complete:
https://www.gradadmissions.ucla.edu/newapp/Login.asp?topage=ApplicationStatus.asp

Who do I contact to make sure that my application fee was received?

Please contact the UCLA Graduate Admissions Office at (310) 825-1711. The UCLA Graduate Division handles the online application and the application fee.

The Asian American Studies Department processes the supplementary materials (statement of purpose, writing sample, letters of recommendation, and transcripts).

When will I hear about the decisions on admission to the graduate program?

We will make every effort to notify students by 15 March 2008.

Statement of Purpose

How long should my statement of purpose be?

We recommend a maximum of four pages, double-spaced, or two pages single-spaced. Please use 12 point font.

The statement of purpose form can be printed from:
http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/stmtpurp.pdf

Where can I find a statement of purpose form?

You can download the statement of purpose form at:
http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/stmtpurp.pdf

We recommend that you send the statement of purpose to Asian American Studies Department along with your writing sample, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and completed Supplementary Information Form.

What would a strong statement of purpose consist of?

A strong statement of purpose should show good writing skills. It should be proof-read for grammatical and spelling errors.

The statement of purpose should explain your reasons for pursuing an MA in Asian American Studies; your past and present experience with Asian American Studies; and your involvement within the Asian American community.

A strong statement must show your research or creative interests and goals and identify the UCLA Asian American Studies faculty that you would like to work with on this project. This takes time and requires research on your part of the Asian American Studies faculty. Faculty biographies and lists of publications are available on our website. Strong statements of purpose will show that you have read the faculty’s work and can link their research interests to your own interests.

Writing Sample

How long should the writing sample be?

There is no page limit, however, only one writing sample will be evaluated. Therefore, please send your strongest written work. Applicants in the past have turned in parts of their final class papers, seminar papers, and parts of senior honors theses.

There is no page limit, however, only one writing sample will be evaluated. Therefore, please send your strongest written work. Applicants in the past have turned in parts of their final class papers, seminar papers, and parts of senior honors theses.

If you plan to do a creative project for the Asian American Studies MA (such as a collection of poetry or short stories, novella, playscript, film, etc.) two samples will be evaluated, one creative and the other a writing sample.

What “writing sample” do I turn in if I plan to do a creative project for the Asian American Studies MA?

If you plan to do a creative project for the Asian American Studies MA (such as a collection of poetry or short stories, novella, playscript, film, etc.) two samples will be evaluated, one creative and the other a writing sample. Applicants in the past have turned in parts of their final class papers, seminar papers, and parts of senior honors theses for the writing sample. For the creative sample, applicants have turned in collections of poems, excerpts of short stories and playscripts, films, and web design.

What does a strong writing sample look like?

A strong writing sample should be proof-read for grammatical and spelling errors. It should be coherent, well-organized, and show your analytical and research skills. Your writing sample, like the statement of purpose should show that you have the research and writing skills needed for graduate-level work.

Does the writing sample have to be on an Asian American topic?

No, but the Admissions Committee prefers writing samples that are on Asian American topics. However, the Committee understands that not every college or university offers Asian American Studies courses. What is important is that the writing sample is coherent, well-organized, and demonstrates strong writing and analytical skills.

Should I send in a stronger non-Asian American Studies writing sample or a less developed Asian American Studies writing sample?

You should submit the stronger writing sample, particularly if it demonstrates your research and analytical abilities. However, the Admissions Committee recommends that you revise the Asian American Studies writing sample, if possible.

Can I edit the writing sample or should I turn it in as is?

The Admissions Committee strongly recommends that you revise the writing sample before you turn it in with your application. You may want to ask a faculty member to work with you on editing the paper before you submit it for review by the admissions committee.

It has been several years since I have been in school. Does the writing sample have to be an academic paper?

No, creative writing or a substantial community report may be submitted. However, please bear in mind that the writing sample should give the admissions committee a sense of your ability to tackle graduate-level work.

Letters of Recommendation

How many letters do you require?

We require three letters of recommendation.

Letter of recommendation forms can be downloaded at:
http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/ltrrec.pdf

We recommend that you ask recommenders to send the letters directly to you first. You can then send the letters to the Asian American Studies Department along with your statement of purpose, writing sample, transcripts, and completed Supplementary Information Form.

Who should write letters of recommendation for me?

Preferably at least two letters of recommendation should be from academic faculty. The recommender should be able to address your writing skills, research and analytical skills, and classroom interaction.

I have been out of school for several years, can I submit a letter from someone who is not a professor?

Yes, however, we recommend that at least two be from faculty. Be sure that the recommender can address your leadership ability, writing and analytical skills, or other skills and experience that would make you a good candidate for the graduate program.

Can I send in more than three letters of recommendation?

Additional letters may not be read by the Admissions Committee.

Where can I find letter of recommendation forms?

Letter of recommendation forms can be downloaded at:
http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/ltrrec.pdf

Transcripts

How many copies of the transcript should I send?

We require two copies of official transcripts.

We recommend that you ask the Registrar’s Office of the college/university that you attended to send the transcripts directly to you first. Send the transcripts to the Asian American Studies Department along with your statement of purpose, writing sample, letters of recommendation, and completed Supplementary Information Form.

Request of transcript forms can be downloaded at:
http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/trnscrpt.pdf

Do you require transcripts from all of the colleges and universities that I have attended?

Yes.

How are the transcripts evaluated?

We evaluate the entire transcript, and take into account that some applicants have changed majors during their undergraduate course of study.

What if the university that I have gone to does not offer Asian American Studies courses? Will this affect my chances of getting in to the program?

No. We understand that not all universities offer courses in Asian American Studies.

The Admissions Committee evaluates the entire application which includes not only the transcripts, but your statement of purpose, completed Supplementary Information Form, writing sample, and letters of recommendation.

GRE Scores

Are GRE scores required for the application?

GRE scores are not required.

What happens if I send in my GRE scores?

They are not required, but if you submit them, they may be evaluated with your entire file.

Supplementary Information Form

Where can I find the Supplementary Information Form?

The Supplementary Information Form is available in an interactive PDF format at:
http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/supplmnt.pdf

You can fill out the form online, print a hardcopy of it, and send it in along with your statement of purpose, writing sample, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.

Financial Support

What kind of financial support does the graduate program offer in the first year?

Students can apply to the Graduate Opportunity Fellowship Program (GOFP), a campus wide competitive fellowship, that covers registration fees and includes $12,500 stipend. There are also a small number of departmental fellowships that are administered by the Asian American Studies Department. The number students that receive fellowships in the first year is dependent upon the Graduate Division’s selection of GOFP awardees and the limited fellowship funds of the Department

Additional support is available through Special Fellowships Office of the Graduate Division.

Please refer to http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/asis/entsup/fellgrnt.htm for a listing of Graduate Division Fellowhips & Grants open to entering graduate students.

What kind of financial support can I receive for the second year?

Support for the second year comes in many forms. Students can apply for Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships with the Asian American Studies Department. There are also Asian American Studies Departmental Fellowships,; Graduate Division Fellowships; fellowships and research grants administered by the Asian American Studies Center, fellowships available from on-campus institutions; and extramural support.

What kind of financial support can I receive AFTER the second year?

The Asian American Studies graduate program is a two-year program. Therefore, we do not provide financial support beyond the second year.

How do I apply for funding?

You must fill out the financial aid statement section of the online application. Please refer to the following website:
http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/asis/entsup/fellproc.htm

International Students

Do you accept international students?
Yes, international students have been accepted to the Asian American Studies graduate program.

Do international applicants have to submit TOFEL or IELTS scores with their application?
Yes, all international applicants whose first language is NOT English are required to certify their proficiency in English.  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) OR International English Testing System examination (IELTS) must be submitted with the application.

What is the minimum TOFEL or IELTS scores for recoomendation for admission to UCLA?
The minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores, required by UCLA before a recommendation for is made by the graduate program, are 560 on the paper test or 220 on the computer-based test (TOEFL) or Overall Band Score of 7.0 (IELTS).

How long are TOFEL and IELTS scores valid?
Scores are valid for two years prior to application for gradaute admission.

Can international students apply for Graduate Division funding?
Many of the Graduate Division fellowships are restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents only.  Be sure to read the requirements of all awards that you apply for through the Graduate Division.