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(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions - History Graduate Program

 
General Information
History Events: history@ucsd.edu
Faculty Positions: Leah Tamayo-Brion
Webmaster: Donna Andrews
 
History Student Affairs
Question about the Graduate Program: Nadyne Nawar
Question about Graduate Application Process: Nadyne Nawar
 
Other Affiliated Programs
Chinese Studies Program: Julia Kwan
Japanese Studies Program: Jeannette Ibarra
Judaic Studies Program: Dorothy Wagner
Middle East Studies Program: Jeannette Ibarra
Science Studies Program: Carol Larkin

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When is the application deadline?

Fall 2007 admission is closed. For Fall 2008 the online applications must be submitted by January 2, 2008.  We are not accepting late applications.   However supporting materials can be mailed in by January 10, 2008.   Your application will not be complete if you are missing supporting documents.

Do I need a BA in History to apply to the Graduate Program?

You do not need a BA in History, but most of our students have a strong background in History, or in a similar discipline.  It would be to your advantage to take classes in History before you apply.  A Bachelors degree is required to apply to the graduate program.  For international applicants, a baccalaureate degree with above average scholarship is required.


Where do I send supporting materials?

Send all supporting materials (letters of recommendation, transcripts, and writing sample) to:

Graduate Admissions
Department of History, HSS 5016
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0104


Does History have a supplemental application?

No, but applicants must submit a writing sample (7-15 pages long) preferably in a History course.

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Please mail writing sample and other supporting materials to:

Graduate Admissions
Department of History, HSS 5016
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0104

How do I get a Graduate Application fee waiver?

The fee waiver request is done online with the online graduate application.   Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents may request a waiver of the application fee.  Waivers are provided to applicants who are: 1) currently receiving need-based financial assistance from an undergraduate or graduate institution; or 2) claiming financial hardship based on current federal tax return income data; or 3) participating in selected federal or state funded graduate school preparation programs.  You must have the name and email of the program director.  All fee waivers are granted provisionally and applicants may be required to provide supporting documentation to finalize the waiver.

How can I check to see if the department has received my application and supporting documents?

We will notify you by email if we are missing any documents.

 

How many copies of official transcripts are required?

One official transcript from each university-level institution you attended, must be provided.

Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?

Yes,  the GRE must be taken by December 2007.  There is no minimum score required.

Is the subject Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?

No, we do not require the subject GRE.

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What is a competitive GRE score?

The average GRE score is 600-650 in each category.  However, the admissions committee will look at all the documents in the applicants file.  Your entire file is considered, not just the GRE score.

What is UCSD's GRE institution code?

UCSD institution code: 4836
History Department code: 2799

When is the last day I can take the GRE?

For Fall 2008 admission, GRE scores should be submitted to us by January 2, 2008.  Test must be taken by December 2007. Your application will not be complete if your missing GRE scores or any other supporting documents, and therefore, will not be considered by the admissions committee.

For more information on the GRE.

What is History GPA requirement?

The University of California minimum GPA average to apply is a B (3.0).  The Department of History's graduate student average GPA ranges from 3.7-3.8.

Do MA students get financial support?

We do not offer financial support for MA students. However, MA students can apply for Teaching Assistantship positions or for Readerships. If MA students secure a 25% (or greater) Teaching Assistantship, or a 25% (or greater) Readership, they will be eligible for a fee remission at the end of the quarter they worked.

What type of financial support does the department offer Ph.D. students?

Upon recommendation of the department, several types of financial aid are available to graduate students: full or partial remission of fees and tuition, fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, readerships, and travel grants.  Graduate students are eligible for one or a combination of the six forms of financial support.

For a small number of outstanding incoming students, the department will award a four year package of guaranteed funding which would include two years of a fellowship and two years of employment as a teaching assistant.

Departmental policy has been to seek seven years of support for qualified students in the program.  In recent years most students needing support have received either fellowships, or teaching assistant, research assistant positions.

For more student financial support visit the OGSR website:

http://www-ogsr.ucsd.edu/financialinfo/index.htm

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How to qualify for the San Diego Fellowship.

To be considered for the San Diego Fellowship applicants must either:

  • Increase the diversity or campus by brining special perspectives, experiences, research interests or talents to your graduate program;
OR
  • have a successfully overcome an educational, social, economic or other significant barrier in the pursuit of your education, and as a result, would contribute in a positive manner to the academic and social environment of the campus.

How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. program?

Normally, Ph.D. students complete their degree in 6-7 years.

How can I visit the campus and talk to the graduate adviser or a particular professor?

Prospective students who would like to meet with faculty will need to contact the faculty member directly to arrange an appointment.  Please keep in mind that there may be times when faculty members are not available to meet with prospective students.

To arrange your visit to campus see
http://historyweb.ucsd.edu//pages/deptinfo.html

Can I contact some of your current students? I would like to ask them some questions.

The Graduate Student Affairs Advisor, Nadyne Nawar, will connect you to a graduate student representative.  Email Nadyne Nawar with the following information:

Your name:
Area of Interest: (East Asia, Europe, Latin America, History of Science, U.S.)
Possible faculty mentor:
Please be respectful of the students' time:

How do I arrange a campus tour?

Student-led walking tours are available Monday-Saturday, excluding holidays and holiday weekends, at 11:00 a.m. for prospective students and their families.  Tours depart from the lower level of the Price Center in the Theater lobby.  Please arrive at departing location by 10:45 a.m.

See Campus Tours website for more information.
http://admissions.ucsd.edu/tours/index.html

How to get a campus map.

For a campus map see http://www.ucsd.edu/map/

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Could you please send me a catalogue?

You may view it online at http://ucsd.edu/catalog. You may also purchase a catalogue from the University bookstore.

Can you send me some brochures?

All our information is on our website.

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