Asian American Studies Graduate Program
Frequently Asked Questions

The deadline for 2012-2013
UCLA Asian American Studies Master of Arts Applications
is due December 1, 2011

(for admission in Fall 2012)

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 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 2011 are for admission in September 2012.

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 2011. 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 Public Health and Social Welfare?

Go to the Academic Program section on the “Plans For Graduate Study” page of the online application.  You will find a pull-down menu titled “Academic Programs” that lists graduate programs offered at UCLA.  “--Single Degree Program--“ appears at the top of this list.  Scroll down to the bottom third of the list and to “--Concurrent Degree Programs--“.  Select the appropriate choice: “Asian American Studies MA - Social Welfare MSW” or “Asian American Studies MA - Public Health MPH”.

The “Degree Objective” pull-down menu will then list the concurrent degree for the academic program that you selected.

Although one online application is submitted for the concurrent degree program, please note that requirements must be met for two separate degree programs.  Therefore, be sure follow the application requirements for each program, that is, 1) Asian American Studies and 2) either Public Health or Social Welfare.  For example, if the Public Health program requires GRE scores for admissions, then scores must be sent to that department.

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 Social Welfare, please see the departmental website at http://www.spa.ucla.edu/sw/. There is currently no faculty contact for the joint program in Social Welfare.  However, we are accepting applications for the joint program for the 2012-2013 academic year until further notice.

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

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 process for UCLA graduate programs is comprised of two parts.  The first part is the online submission of materials such as biographical data, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and writing sample.  The information you present to the UCLA Graduate Division through the online application will be available to the Department within a day of submission.

Please have electronic versions of your documents ready before you begin the application.  Documents (the statement of purpose, writing sample, and unofficial transcripts) should be in .doc, .wpd, .rtf, .xls, .pdf, .docx, .xlsx or .txt format.  Scanned material is accepted.  Macintosh users: please note that the filename must include the appropriate three- or four-letter extension.

The size of electronic files cannot exceed 2500 KB.  Also, do not upload password-protected or macro-enabled documents as they will cause the process to fail.

Transcripts submitted electronically are unofficial and for preliminary review only. Two official, sealed hardcopies of transcripts are required.  Applications without official hardcopy transcripts will not be recommended for admission.

The second part of the application process involves the direct submission—by mail or in person—of official transcripts and any other required material (i.e., letters of recommendation, DVDs, art portfolios, etc.) that cannot be uploaded to the online application.  Hardcopy material sent to the department will not be returned to the applicant.

The Asian American Studies Department requests that the transcripts be sent first to you, then forwarded along with other material (if any) that could not be submitted with the online application.  Transcripts and additional material must be received by the December 1, 2011 deadline.

Is there a paper application?

The application process is now online.  It is the quickest and most efficient way–particularly during the winter holidays–to submit your application.

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

The application may be completed one section at a time and in multiple sittings.  An incomplete application will be held for 30 days from your last login; thereafter it will be removed from the system.

How do I pay the application fee?

The 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.

Application Deadline

When is the application for the MA program due?

The application and all required supplementary materials—this includes letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, writing sample, and statement of purpose—MUST be submitted via the online application by Thursday, December 1, 2011. 

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

If any portion must be mailed, such as the official transcripts and other audio or visual material (e.g., published articles, art portfolios, CDs/DVDs, etc.), it must be must be RECEIVED (not post-marked) by the Wednesday, December 1, 2011 deadline.

Send them to:

Attn: Graduate Admissions
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.

If you are using US Postal Service FIRST CLASS, we recommend sending supplementary materials no later than November 14, 2011.

If you are using US Postal Service PRIORITY MAIL, we recommend sending supplementary materials no later than November 21, 2011.

If you are using FEDERAL EXPRESS or UPS 2-3 day delivery, we recommend sending supplementary materials no later than November 23, 2011.

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 November 29, 2011.

Please keep in mind that due to 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 December 1, 2011 deadline.

Your application cannot be reviewed for admission until you have:

• Paid the application fee by credit or debit card in U.S. Currency ($70.00 for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents, $90.00 for all other applicants) and
• Uploaded and/or sent the required supporting documents.

All sections listed on the main menu must be completed before you can submit the application.  This must be done no later than 5:00 pm, Wednesday, December 1, 2011.

Application Processing

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

Please check the Graduate Division's application webpage after December 1, 20110 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 March 15,  2012.

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.

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 submit your strongest written work.

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 submit 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 submit it as is?

The Admissions Committee strongly recommends that you revise the writing sample before you submit it with your online 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.

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 a letter from someone who is not a professor be submitted?

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.

What if my recommender cannot submit the recommendation via the online process?

The Asian American Studies Department strongly recommends the submission of letters of recommendation via the online application process.  If, however, your recommender cannot submit a letter electronically, contact the UCLA Graduate Division Office of Admissions, Student and Academic Affairs (http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/asis/infoserv/contacts.htm) for instructions as the online application will not let you proceed if three recommenders are not entered.

In addition, a Letter of Recommendation form must be downloaded here, printed, completed, signed by you, and then given to your recommender.  Your recommender must then complete the form, check all assessment boxes, sign the form, and return the form and a letter of recommendation to you.  Submit the letter of recommendation along with two copies of official transcripts—and material which cannot be uploaded to the online application, if any—directly to the Asian American Studies Department.

The Letter of Recommendation form is incomplete if it is not signed by you and the recommender, and it will not be reviewed as part of your application.  The letter and form must be received (not postmarked) by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, December 1, 2010.

Again, the Asian American Studies Department strongly recommends the online submission of letters of recommendation.

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.

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?

No.

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.

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, non-resident tuition, and includes $15,000 stipend.  There are also a small number of 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 Fellowships & 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 graduate 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.