FAQ
- I have not taken the GRE. Will you accept my scores from the GMAT instead?
- My native language is not English. What is the minimum TOEFL score required for admission to the graduate program?
- I want to begin my graduate program starting in January. Will you consider my application for spring admission?
- Is there a specific form to use for my letters of recommendation?
- Is there a special form for my statement of purpose?
- What should I write in my statement of purpose?
- What is the minimum GRE score required for admission to the graduate program?
- Do you require the subject test of the GRE?
- I have written several papers. Should I enclose them with my application?
- I cannot afford to pay the application fee. Can you waive the fee?
- If I tell you my GRE scores, grade point average, and other details about my academic life, can you tell me what my chances are for admission and/or financial aid?
- I submitted my entire application but I have not heard anything. Have you lost my materials?
I have not taken the GRE. Will you accept my scores from the GMAT instead?
No.
My native language is not English. What is the minimum TOEFL score required for admission to the graduate program?
The minimum internet-based TOEFL score is 80 overall, with no subscores below 19 for reading, listening, and speaking; and no writing subscore below 22.
I want to begin my graduate program starting in January. Will you consider my application for spring admission?
No. Due to the sequencing of our courses, we only consider applicants for the fall semester.
Is there a specific form to use for my letters of recommendation?
Yes. Your application packet should include a recommendation form that can be used or you can get the form at http://grad.msu.edu/apply/docs/recommendation.pdf. This form should be emailed, along with the letter, to ecgrdsec@msu.edu. However, you may alternatively ask your referees to write using their own letterhead stationery.
Is there a special form for my statement of purpose?
No.
What should I write in my statement of purpose?
We are assessing your potential to benefit from and to contribute to the MSU graduate program in economics. Your statement of purpose should explain your interest in graduate study. What are your particular interests? How do your interests fit with our faculty's research interests or department strengths? Why do you believe you have the capacity to make a distinctive professional or scholarly contribution to our field? Can you provide evidence of leadership potential that would be helpful in a diverse educational community? Please include relevant personal history that has shaped your interests and outlook, including evidence of overcoming social, economic, or personal obstacles.
What is the minimum GRE score required for admission to the graduate program?
We do not have a rule that specifies an admission decision based on GRE scores alone. While a person may be denied admission based on a relatively low GRE score, another applicant with a similar GRE score might be admitted if the rest of the record (including transcripts and letters of recommendation) is very strong.
Do you require the subject test of the GRE?
No.
I have written several papers. Should I enclose them with my application?
No. We will not consider anything other than test scores, transcripts, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Your letters of recommendation and statement of purpose can highlight any noteworthy research accomplishments.
I cannot afford to pay the application fee. Can you waive the fee?
No. The University assesses the application fee. The Economics department has nothing to do with this. Furthermore, we will not process any application until the Admissions Office notifies us that the fee has been paid.
If I tell you my GRE scores, grade point average, and other details about my academic life, can you tell me what my chances are for admission and/or financial aid?
No. We do not look at any one application in isolation. We consider the merits of each application relative to the entire pool of applications.
I submitted my entire application, but I have not heard anything. Have you lost my materials?
We do NOT begin processing applications until January. Decisions regarding financial assistance are not fully completed until the end of March.
