What is the application deadline? The online application (http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/admissions/applicat.htm) is due on December 1.  Supporting materials (2 sets of official transcripts and certified English translation if necessary; supplemental form; three letters of recommendation�form and narrative, statement of purpose, writing sample, GRE scores, TOEFL if applicable) should arrive on or before December 15 or the Monday after if December 15 falls on a weekend.   

Where should I send my supporting materials? Mail to Department of Sociology, Attn.:  Graduate Admission, UCLA, 264 Haines Hall, 375 Portola Plaza, Box 951551, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1551.  If you use expedited services, e.g., Fedex, omit the Box number.   

I missed the deadline, can I still apply?  It depends on how late it is.  Call 310-825-1026 or email dietrich@soc.ucla.edu to inquire. 

What are the Institution and Department codes for the GRE and TOEFL tests?

The institution code for UCLA for the GRE is 4837, the department code is 2102.

The institution code for UCLA for the TOEFL is 4837 and the department code is 96. 

Can I send parts of the supporting documents separately or must all materials arrive in one package?  Mailing everything in one package is preferred but transcripts and letters of recommendation can be mailed separately. 

Can I send my supporting materials before I submit the online application?  Yes. 

Can I send my supporting materials electronically?  No. They must be mailed or can be delivered in person. 

How should I package the supporting materials? Use staples for documents that are longer than one page such as the writing sample, statement of purpose.  Do not put documents in folders, binders, plastic covers or use spiral bindings for your writing sample.  Make sure your name is on all loose pages.  Do NOT write your social security number on your documents. 

Is it a problem if one or two items of my supporting materials (e.g., GRE or TOEFL scores or recommendation letter) arrive after the deadline? If they arrive within two to three weeks after the December 15 deadline and all other supporting materials arrived on time, we will accept them and your application will be considered.  If they are more than two to three weeks late and/or other supporting documents are missing as well, your chances of being considered for admission are greatly reduced.  If all supporting materials are received and only one letter of recommendation is missing at the end of our review period, we will consider your application at that point.  We accept photocopies of the GRE and TOEFL scores as long as they are replaced by the original test reports within four weeks of the December 15 deadline.  

Can I send more than three letters?  Yes but note that quantity does not substitute for quality. 

How long should my writing sample be?  A minimum of five pages.  There is no upper limit.  If you send a thesis, it�s advisable to send all chapters rather than select one or two chapters.  Average length is about 15-30 pages. 

What kind of writing sample would be best?  The committee uses the writing sample to assess your writing skills, analytical ability, and creativity.  You should pick a piece of writing that best reflects your ability.  An academic research paper is better than a more journalistic paper.   

What do I do if I do not have a writing sample?  You must write an academic essay on the topic of your choice of at least five pages double-spaced. 

Can I send a co-authored paper?  Yes, but we prefer a single-authored paper.  If you send a paper co-authored with a professor ask the professor to explain your involvement in and contribution to the paper.  If the paper is co-authored with other students, provide the same kind of explanation. 

Can I send more than one writing sample?  Yes. 

How do I find out whether or not all my supporting materials have arrived and my application is complete?  Within two weeks of the December 15 deadline you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your materials.  If you do not hear from the department by the end of December, feel free to follow up.  Please note that the department does not enter the information on the Check Application Status maintained by the Graduate Division Admission�s Office. 

When are decisions made?  Usually by the middle of February.  The department will notify you unofficially via email a few days after decisions have been made.  Official notifications will be sent by the Graduate Admissions Office via email notification somewhat later.   

What is the Minimum GPA?  3.0. 

What is the average GPA?  3.66 for all applicants; 3.8 for admitted students.

Which GPA should I report on the application?  Compute your GPA for your junior and senior year, i.e., the last 60 semester units, or last 90 quarter units, completed in undergraduate status.  Use a four-point system (A=4, B=3� C=2, D=1). Ignore pluses and minuses, unless the grade points are clearly stated on your transcript.  If your school uses another system, and it cannot be converted to a four point GPA, leave the GPA boxes blank.  This applies in particular to most international institutions. 

What is the required minimum TOEFL score?   560 on the paper and pencil test or 220 on the computer based TOEFL test.  On the internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT):  Writing, 25; Speaking, 24; Reading, 21; Listening, 17; Total minimum passing score:  87.  For the IELTS overall band score of at least 7.0 is the minimum required.   

Are GRE and TOEFL scores out of date?  GRE scores must have been taken within the last five years.  TOEFL scores must have been taken within two years of the date of your application. 

What are the required minimum GRE scores?  There are no minimum requirements. 

What are the average GRE scores?
Verbal (2009): 557 for all reviewed; 679 for admitted.
Quantitative (2009):  657 for all reviewed: 730 for admitted.   

What parts of the GRE scores and/or of the other application materials are given more weight? We do not weight any part of the GRE scores or individual application items nor do we use formulas based on GREs or GPAs to make decision. All applications will be reviewed and rated in comparison to the other applications. We use a holistic approach to arrive at decisions. 

Can I be exempted from the GRE or TOEFL requirement? No.  We do not consider applications without GRE scores. 

The TOEFL score is mandatory for international applicants unless you hold a bachelor�s or higher degree from a university located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the spoken language and the medium of instruction, or you have completed at least two years of full-time study at such an institution.  If you qualify for an exemption and several years have passed since you actively used English a recent TOEFL score may be helpful for our Admissions Committee to better evaluate your current level of proficiency in comparison to other international applicants.  If you meet the criteria for an exception it will ultimately be up to you to decide whether or not a new TOEFL score would strengthen your application. 

Can I apply to more than one department at the same time?  No. 

How many applicants are admitted? How many enter the program?  Each year we get about 200 applications, and aim for an incoming class of about 20.  Of course we admit more than one in ten, because many students who apply to UCLA also receive attractive offers from competing departments. 

How many international students do you admit and fund?  The number varies from year to year.  We do not have quotas for admitting and/or funding international students or any other category of students.   

Can the application fee be waived and if so how do I obtain a waiver? Current McNair Scholars and students currently receiving need-based financial aid can apply for a waiver of the application fee but must mail a letter from the McNair Director and/or their Financial Aid Office verifying their status and stating that payment of the fee would be a financial hardship.  The request for a waiver should be sent directly to the Graduate Division�s Admissions Office Box 951428, LA, CA 90095-1428.  International applicants are not eligible for fee waivers or deferred payment of the application fee.  Please note that without an approved waiver or the application fee payment you application will not be released to the department. 

Do you accept applications for winter and/or spring admission?  No. We only review once a year for fall admission. 

As an international applicant who has no or few personal financial resources and needs financial support, why must I send the completed Confidential Financial Statement form with my other application materials?  This form is not required for consideration of your application for admission and/or financial support and can be submitted soon after you are notified of your admission. However, it is required if you want to obtain a student visa upon accepting an offer of admission.  Along with documented evidence of sufficient funds it tells the Graduate Admissions Office that you qualify for a visa and allows UCLA to mail you an I-20 form that you need to take to a US consulate or embassy in your country.  If at the time of application you do not have any personal or other extramural fellowship funds available then enter 0 in the relevant sections.  It is advisable to have some personal funding in case the departmental award does not cover the minimum amount.  

As of May 2009, incoming international applicants must have available funds of $47,209.50(amount subject to change) from all sources.  For more details and the form please go to http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/admissions/antexp.htm.

Will you accept/consider students who did not major in Sociology?  Yes. 

Can I apply if I only want to get the M.A. degree?  UCLA�s small and highly selective graduate program in sociology is devoted to young scholars who seek the Ph.D. degree.  Most aspire to careers in research and university-level teaching.    The master's degree is earned as part of the process of completing the requirements for the Ph.D., and from time to time students do decide to not continue with their studies beyond the M.A. 

Do I have to have an M.A. or M.S. degree before I can apply for your Ph.D. program? No. 

Can I apply for the doctoral degree without pursuing the M.A. degree from UCLA?  No.  Our students must complete the M.A. requirements first.  If you have an M.A. degree in sociology from another institution read the next question and answer. 

Will I have to get another M.A. degree or repeat M.A. requirements if I already have an M.A. degree? If you have a master's degree in sociology you have the option of submitting your previous MA work (a research paper of no more than double-spaced 50 pages which can be based on the M.A. thesis written at another university and the transcripts from the M.A. institution) for review and approval within the first three quarters in the program.  In this review, the Department will determine whether or not you may proceed directly to preparation for the field examinations, whether additional courses need to be taken for breadth purposes, whether the submitted paper needs additional work, or whether an additional paper needs to be done, and whether theory and methodology sequence requirements have been adequately satisfied.  If your prior M.A. degree is accepted you do not need to complete our M.A. requirements and can focus on the Ph.D. requirements.  If you do not submit your materials to our review within the first three quarters, we assume that you opted to complete our M.A. requirements.   If your degree is in another discipline, you will have to complete our M.A. requirements though there is a possibility that some relevant courses from your prior M.A. could be counted by petition.   

Will my previous M.A. course work count? If you completed and received your M.A. degree, please see the previous answer.  If you have taken graduate courses but did not complete your MA degree, you can petition to transfer credit for two appropriate courses or 8 units onto your UCLA transcript.  If the petition is approved these courses will count toward your UCLA M.A. course requirements.  In addition, the department may consider petitions to waive courses based on equivalent graduate courses taken elsewhere.  

Is there a preference for students with masters over those with bachelor degrees?  No. Admission is approved on the basis of your B.A. or B.S. degree, even if you already have a Masters degree.   

Do you give preference to California residents in admission and awards?  No.   

How does resident status affect my finances? California residents pay only in-state registration fees.  U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are not California residents must pay non-resident tuition in the first year, in addition to out-of-state registration fees.  However, they can be reclassified as California residents for tuition purposes after the first year and if approved, will no longer be charged nonresident tuition.  For more information about this, go to http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/residence/.  International students cannot become California residents for tuition purposes and must continue to pay non-resident tuition until they advance to Ph.D. candidacy (i.e., completed all course and program requirements except the dissertation).  Thereafter, there will be a 100% reduction of non-resident tuition (but not of registration fees) for a total of three years.

What is the ratio of in-state/out-of-state graduate students in the sociology department? The answer to this question is complicated because of the link between California residency and tuition. After one year of residency in California, U.S. citizens or permanent residents may become California residents and be eligible for lower tuition rates. Upon entering our program we expect all admitted out-of-state students to follow the necessary steps that will qualify them to become residents for tuition purposes in their second year.  In Fall 2008 about a third of all enrolled students in our program were non-residents, many of whom were foreign students who cannot become residents for tuition purposes.  Thus all U.S. citizens and/or permanent residents from out-of-state will be nonresidents for one year only. We do not take state residency into consideration as a criterion for admission. We aim to admit the best international and national graduate students.

What makes an applicant competitive in the selection process? We are looking for bright, imaginative, and highly motivated students who have a deep and abiding interest in doing sociology.  The ideal applicant ranks uniformly high on all indicators (GRE scores, grade point average, recommendations from faculty, stature of undergraduate institution, the quality of written work, and the persuasiveness of the statement of purpose) of particular skills and shows exceptional promise of success in our program and as a future sociologist.  Decisions are based on merit, promise, and fit with the program.

Can you give me an idea about my chances of being admitted into your program and/or offered funded given my particular background? No.  Decisions are made on a comparative basis by a committee whose members and assessments may vary from year to year.  Without seeing the complete application in the context of the other applications, it is difficult to make an assessment.  

What kind of jobs do your Ph.D. graduates obtain? Most of our graduates obtain positions as faculty members at other universities and colleges.  Many of them accept postdoctoral positions first before they start these positions. Recent graduates have accepted positions at other University of California campuses (UCB, UCI, UCSD, UCD, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Yale, Indiana University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, University of Washington, University of Kansas, SUNYs, and various California State Universities as well as four-year college such as Pitzer, Loyola Marymount, Mt. Holyoke, Grinnell, Beloit.  Non-academic positions have included research oriented positions at Rand Corporation in Santa Monica and Pittsburgh, the Census Bureau, CDC, LA County Urban Research Division. 

How can I contact current graduate students and/or faculty to get their perspectives for my upcoming decisions? You can email the students who provide their email addresses on our website and faculty directly.  For faculty email addresses click on their names in the �People� section.  For students who have been admitted to our program we encourage them to attend our "visiting day" (usually in March) or visit separately around this time.  During visiting day, admitted students will be able to talk to faculty and graduate student so they can make an informed decision as to which offer of admission and support to accept. 

Do I need to contact a faculty member to sponsor or support my application? No. 

Can I pursue interest X in your program? The section about field exams contained in the program description on our web site will give you an idea as to which subspecialties are well represented in our department.  Please also read through the list of faculty and students and their interests (�People�) to get a sense of the work being done in the department. 

What is the time to completion for the PhD and is it reduced because of my prior MA?  Our normative time to degree is six years and no more than two of these years can be devoted to completing the MA requirements.  The actual time to degree varies, depending on individual circumstances.  If your prior MA is approved within the first year in the program, it can shorten the time to degree. 

Are all students funded? The department's goal is to provide funding to all entering students.  In recent years, we have been able to do and will make every attempt to continue to support all, or at least most of our entering students. 

How much financial support is usually given to incoming students? Award offers have typically been for five years at varying levels of support that include one or two years of fellowship (stipend, fees, and non-resident tuition for the first year if needed) and three or four years of assistantships.  The level of support has ranged from $15,000-21,000 (2008-09).

Can international students receive teaching assistantships?  Yes.  However international students whose native language is not English must take a campus-administered Test of Oral Proficiency (TOP) and pass it at 7.1 or above before they can be appointed as a TA.  For more information on the UCLA�s TOP test visit http://www.oid.ucla.edu/units/top/.  

Do you offer nonresident tuition fellowships to international students?  Yes.  Our award offers to international students include non-resident tuition for the first year and occasionally for the second year.  Each year thereafter, international students who have not advanced to Ph.D. candidacy compete for a pool of nonresident tuition funds administered by the Department.  Some foreign students are able to cover their nonresident tuition through other fellowships or research assistantships that include tuition remission benefits.  International students should be aware of the possibility that after the first year they may need to fund nonresident tuition through personal and/or non-UCLA resources.

How is funding allocated? All students who are admitted are considered for departmentally funded awards and campus-wide fellowship programs for which they are eligible and applied. Decisions are made by a committee and based on merit.  Our Admissions and Awards Committee determines annually what kind of support packages to offer and at what level. An application for departmentally funded awards (stipend, fees, tuition, assistantships) is not necessary in order to be considered.  Campus-wide awards require an application for consideration and nomination.  Recipients are selected by committees appointed by the Graduate Division or the FLAS centers upon the department�s nomination and recommendation.  Please see our section on Graduate Student Funding for more information.   

Is there a TA training program and are there opportunities to teach at the University?
We have a TA training course (Soc. 495) that is required of all first-time TAs in the department.  Most of our students will have an opportunity to be a TA.  TAships are part of our award packages.  A typical award offer to newly admitted students includes two or three years of assistantship which generally means a TAship.  Continuing students who have used up their guaranteed awards can apply annually for TAships though appointments in the TA title is limited to twelve quarters.  Some of our students have also had opportunities for TA employment in other campus units (e.g., Communication Studies, Women�s Studies, Honors Program).  Advanced students with the requisite prior TA experience have opportunities to teach a lower division course during one of the summer sessions or through other campus programs. 

What is expected of teaching assistants in your department?  Teaching assistants in our department are appointed at 49% time and are expected, on the average, to spend 20 hours per week during the quarter carrying out their TA responsibilities.  These responsibilities include attending the lectures of the course they are assigned to, holding three discussion sections per week with an average section enrollment of 25 students, grading papers and exams, and other duties as determined by the instructor. 

Are there opportunities for research assistantships?  Yes.  Some professors have funding that allows them to employ research assistants.  Our graduate students can also explore opportunities with faculty in other departments or research units on campus.  There is no central job bulletin board for open research assistant positions.  Students interested in research assistantships should inquire with individual faculty and campus research centers directly.   

Are registration fees and/or tuition waived for TAs or RAs?  Employment as TAs, Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs=research assistants), or Readers for 10 hours a week or more (25% time or more) entitles students to receive a reduction of registration fees, called fee remission benefits.  This applies equally to domestic and international students.  Fee remission benefits include payment of the educational and registration fees as well as the mandatory health insurance premiums.  Students are responsible for paying the miscellaneous fees.  GSRs employed at 45-50% time are also eligible for non-resident tuition remission benefits, i.e., full payment of non-resident tuition.  Tuition remission is not available to TAs. 

Can I work full-time while pursuing graduate studies?  Graduate students are allowed to work no more than 50% time on campus or the equivalent of 20 hours per week.  Appointments in academic apprentice personnel titles (TAs, GSRs) cannot exceed 18 quarters of which no more than 12 quarters can be as a TA.  We do not recommend that our students work full-time off campus.  It may be difficult if not impossible to work full-time and simultaneously attend classes and complete course work.   

I'm interested in pursuing a concurrent program for a Ph.D. in sociology and in another field.  Is this possible? Yes.  It is called an �individually designed articulated degree.�  For information about how to pursue two degrees simultaneously, read the information on http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/publications.html under "Publications and Forms", page 14 of Standards and Procedures for Graduate Study at UCLA, under section "Articulated and Concurrent Degree Program."  You would have to be admitted into one of the two programs first and after entering the program, receive approval from the other program, your home department, and the Graduate Division for your individually designed articulated degree. 

Where do your graduate students live?  Many of our entering students live in the Weyburn Terrace Housing Complex for the first two years.  The department has a limited number of guaranteed spaces each year and can nominate entering students for them.  After the first two years, most move to off-campus rentals within 5-7 miles from campus. UCLA also has other off-campus apartment complexes for single and students with families for which graduate students can apply on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information on UCLA apartments go to www.housing.ucla.edu. This site has also a link to UCLA�s Community Housing Office (www.cho.ucla.edu.) that offers listings of private off-campus housing, including rental vacancies and posted roommate notices and provides useful general information about neighborhoods.

What is the student/faculty ratio in the sociology graduate department?  We currently have 40 faculty members, 16 Emeriti, and 5 joint appointments (faculty whose appointments are in other departments) and an average enrollment of 105 (2008-09), not counting students on an approved leave of absence.  The actual faculty/student ratio varies from faculty to faculty, depending on match of interests.

Is graduate school at UCLA fun? Yes, it rocks.