Domestic Applicant FAQs « Admissions « Graduate Studies

Listed below are a number of questions that are often asked by applicants to our graduate programs, and answers to those questions. If your questions are not answered here, or if you need any more information, please contact EALC .

When is the application deadline?
- The domestic application deadline for MA and PhD programs at Indiana University is January 15th. All of your materials need to be submitted by that date.
When will I get my admission decision?
- Admission decisions will be mailed at the beginning of March. Only acceptance letters will be sent by e-mail. If you are admitted to any EALC program, you will need to give EALC your decision by April 15th.
What sort of financial aid is available?
- Since EALC is a very small department, we have only a few fellowship offers available and those are very competitive. Assistant Instructor (AI) positions are also available, but these are also very competitive.
I would like to apply for one of your graduate programs, but my undergraduate degree is not in a field related to East Asia. Can I still apply?
- For MA applicants: Although a BA in an East Asian field is listed as a requirement for admission to the MA programs, in some cases the admissions committee will admit students who do not meet that requirement if they have a strong background in Chinese, Japanese or Korean. You are encouraged to apply even if your undergraduate work is in another field, and as part of the personal statement section of the application, be sure to discuss the relevant work that you have done in an East Asian field.
- For PhD Applicants: Students with an MA in a field unrelated field are welcome to apply for the PhD program, but should be aware that admission to the program without a very strong background in an East Asian field is unlikely.
I am interested in the MA in Chinese Flagship Program Track. What additional materials are needed for my application?
- You will need to submit an extra essay written in Chinese (about 800 characters ) and complete some outside Chinese language assessments. You will be contacted about the language assessments after you submit your application. The Chinese essay can be uploaded along with your other documents in the online application.
Is there a minimum GRE score for admission to your program?
- There is no minimum GRE score to be considered for admission.
- However, if you are not a native speaker of English, to be considered for departmental financial aid, you must score at least the following on the TOEFL:
  - 93 Internet Based Test (iBT)
  - 580 paper based test
What is the ETS code for reporting my GRE scores?
- The ETS code for Indiana University is 1324. For the department/program code, please use 2601 for "Asian Languages". You can have your scores submitted electronically, or in a paper format, but official scores must come directly form ETS. Student-reported scores (including photocopies of score reports) are not considered official and will not be accepted by the University Graduate School.
It has been several years since I took the GRE. Do I need to take it again and send my more recent scores?
- Since GRE scores are just one part of the entire graduate application, EALC will accept older GRE scores. However, if you are unhappy with your previous scores, and feel that they do not accurately reflect your abilities, we would encourage you to retake the test and submit new scores.
Do I really have to submit transcripts of ALL college and univesity work?
- Yes. The university requires that official transcripts of all of your college and university coursework be submitted. This is true even if the classes on a transcript have no relation to the degree program you are applying for, and even if the credit appears as transfer work on another school's transcript.
Can I submit letters of recommendation which are written in a language other than English?
- No. Since the admissions committee is made up of many faculty members, some of who might not read Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, you should have all of the letters written for you in English. Since letters of recommendation are confidential, it is not appropriate for you as the applicant to translate letters for your application.
What is the best way to have my letters of recommendation submitted?
- Letters of recommendation can be submitted online by your recommenders, or hard copies can be sent directly to the department. Both are equally acceptable.
I just discovered an error in the personal statement or writing sample that I have already submitted. Can I submit a revised version?
- Unfortunately, no. All application materials are considered final when they are submitted and we do not accept revised versions. Please be sure to proofread your materials carefully before submission.
Can I submit a paper application?
- The online application is the preferred application method for all applicants. It is much easier, quicker, and can save you money on postage. If you have limited or poor computer access, you can request to have EALC send you a copy of the paper application. You should expect to wait one to two weeks to receive the application if it is sent by mail.
Where should I send my application materials?
- Please submit the following online at:
  - Online Application for Graduate Admission
  - Statement of purpose (500-1000 words)
  - Three letters of recommendation (submitted by your recommenders)
  - Academic writing sample (usually a five to ten page paper) in English
  - $55 Non-refundable application fee
- These materials should be sent directly to EALC:
  - Complete official transcripts of ALL college and university credit
  - Three letters of recommendation (only if not submitted online)
- If you have studied at any international university, you will need to submit the Supplemental Application for admission to the Office of International Admissions along with your official transcripts from that university. These should be sent to:
  
  Indiana University
  East Asian Languages and Cultures, Graduate Admissions
  Goodbody Hall, Room 230
  1011 E 3rd Street
  Bloomington, IN 47405