Master's Program: Admission
Submission Deadlines for Kinesiology Admission Applications
Admission Criteria
Grade Point Average
Graduate Record Examination
Goal Statements, Research Interests, Background
Evaluation
Provisional Admission
International Students
Submission Deadlines for Kinesiology Admission Applications
| Admission Semester | Fall 2008 | Spring 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Admission Category: | Deadline for Applying |
|
| Domestic/International Preferred* (For priority consideration for fellowships, Assistantships, first admission consideration) |
December 1, 2007 | June 1, 2008 |
| Final | February 1, 2008 | July 15, 2008 |
* Recommended for all students: each faculty mentor has a limited number of openings each semester
** Subject to change; may be earlier
Admission Criteria
Admission is based competitively on a combination of criteria that includes: undergraduate grade point average (UGPA); Graduate Record Examination scores (GRE); compatible and clear research interests; academic letters of recommendation; and previous course work and/or experience in the intended specialization or related areas. In addition, there must be a graduate faculty member that agrees to sponsor each successful applicant. In some cases, well-qualified applicants are denied admission because a faculty member has a full quota of graduate students
Grade Point Average
The minimum standard for admission is a B average (or 3.0 average) for undergraduate study. Performance in undergraduate courses related to the intended graduate area of study are particularly important.
Graduate Record Examination
The verbal, quantitative and analytical portions of the GRE are required. Prospective graduate students should score well above the median in each area.
Goal Statements, Research Interests, Background
The application essay is evaluated in terms of both content and writing style. It should address why you desire to enroll in graduate school and why have you selected the University of Maryland and the Department of Kinesiology. Academic background and practical experiences related to the intended research specialization is expected; therefore, it should be highlighted and very clear. The essay needs to include past research experiences and your short and long-term professional goals. Research interests should be in line with one or more current faculty (see faculty pages for their research interests) and clearly addressed.
Evaluation
A departmental graduate faculty committee reviews applications only after ALL materials relative to the admission criteria are received. The status of materials received can be verified by calling the Graduate Secretary at (301) 405-2455. Applicants with no clearly stated specialization/research interest may be denied admission regardless of successful performance in other admission criteria. Final departmental admission decisions are made by the Kinesiology Director of Graduate Studies and forwarded to the Graduate School. The applicant receives notice of our recommendation directly from the Director of Graduate Studies. The Graduate School then officially notifies the applicant concerning the admission decision, and informs admitted students of registration procedures. The departmental Director of Graduate Studies notifies the student about advisor assignment and financial aid considerations.
Provisional Admission
Provisional admission status is explained in the Graduate School materials but it is rarely used by the Department of Kinesiology. If GRE scores are borderline or if prerequisite course work is insufficient, we would prefer that you request delaying action on your application until the issue has been satisfactorily remedied. Faculty may bring special cases to the Graduate Committee at the end of September (for Spring Admission) and at the end of April (for Fall Admission).
The Graduate School may use this designation if official verification of baccalaureate degree is not received. Provisional admission is not a possibility for international students.
International Students
In addition to the admission criteria listed above, international students must be able to demonstrate command of the English language through TOEFL scores, or be a native speaker of English*. Applicants must receive very high evaluations on all academic admission criteria. Also, clearance must be obtained through the Office of International Education Service (IES), which includes financial resources verification. This is a very time-consuming process and typically takes one year or more.
* See PhD Statement and the Information for Prospective Students at the University of Maryland Graduate School.
