How to Apply
Admission to graduate study in Comparative Literature at Penn State is based on a number of considerations. Above all we seek intellectually curious, highly motivated students whose interests suggest a good fit with our departmental strengths. We welcome well-qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds.
We are often asked what our committee looks for and the truth is that there is no standard formula. We consider GPAs and test scores (GREs and TOEFLs), but above all we look for intellectual engagement and scholarly commitment. The graduate committee that evaluates applicants seeks evidence of intellectual promise, openness to new ideas and methods, capacity for original scholarship, the ability to think critically and to write clearly, and potential for professional success. Of obvious importance for scholars who will work across cultures is appropriate language preparation. Research plans that are in synch with our areas of expertise are also of importance.
Though we admit students on a rolling basis, for full funding consideration applications should be complete by January 15. Those who apply early have the best opportunity for support.
We recognize that the vast majority of graduate students require financial assistance to complete their studies. In the majority of cases, we admit students with multi-year funding packages (two years for the M.A., four years for the Ph.D., five or six years for the M.A./Ph.D.) that include both a stipend and a tuition grant-in-aid. No separate application for financial aid or graduate assistantship is required.
Your application to Comparative Literature at Penn State consists of two groups of items:
A. Items that are provided through the on-line Graduate School Application Portal.
Admission is granted jointly by the Graduate School and the Department of Comparative Literature program. All applications are processed online through the Graduate School. Application fee information is available at http://gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/apply.html .
You may complete your application at: http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/
This on-line process includes the following items which you will input or upload:
1. Self-reporting of ETS Scores: TOEFL scores are required of applicants who do not hold prior degrees from institutions where the language of instruction is English. Applicants with degrees from U.S. institutions, on the other hand, must supply GRE scores. These are self-reported in your online application, with official scores submitted to the department of Comparative Literature at Penn State through the normal mechanisms of the agencies that administer these tests.
2. Sample of your written work, preferably an essay on literature.
3. Statement of purpose. The statement of purpose should include information on a) your education and other relevant background, including teaching experience or other activities that have prepared you for graduate work in Comparative Literature; b) your research interests; c) your language skills and their application to your research interests; d) your reasons for considering graduate work in Comparative Literature, especially your interest in our specific program.
4. Please include a cv or resume.
5. Three Letters of Reference. We do not require a specific form for recommenders. You input your recommenders' information on the application and they will be sent an email asking them to upload their letter directly.
B. Items sent directly to our department:
1. Official transcripts of all relevant university education.
2. Official ETS Scores: TOEFL scores are required of applicants who do not hold prior degrees from institutions where the language of instruction is English. Applicants with degrees from U.S. institutions, on the other hand, must supply GRE scores. These are self-reported in your online application, with official scores submitted to the department of Comparative Literature at Penn State through the normal mechanisms of the agencies that administer these tests.
3. Application for Visa Document (International Students Only)
Graduate Program in Comparative Literature
427 Burrowes Building
Penn State University
University Park, PA 16802 (USA)
We encourage you to get to know our faculty, graduate student cohort, and program thoroughly before applying. Visit our Graduate Program page to get started.
We of course hope to welcome you back here soon to start your application!
Sophia A. McClennen
Graduate Director
E-Mail: sam50@psu.edu
phone: 814.863.0589 | fax: 814.863.8882 | email: cmlit@psu.edu
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