Application Checklist

Questions?
Please direct any questions regarding the
Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures, and Media
(AMCM) program to amesgrad@umn.edu

To apply to the Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures, and Media (AMCM) program you must complete the online application, completing the required fields and uploading the materials described below. Long shortlisted applicants may be invited for an online interview. 

Required Fields:

  • Personal information
  • Application information
  • Educational background
  • Test information (GRE, and IELTS or TOEFL)
  • Languages
  • Awards & activities
  • Employment/residence information
  • Financial support
  • Applicant statement (see below for description)
  • Graduate program additional application
  • Writing sample
  • Letters of recommendation

Optional fields: All other fields or application materials are optional, but will be taken into consideration if submitted. 

Application Fee

  • A separate application fee must accompany each program application for admission.
  • The application fee cannot be waived nor deferred, and is non-refundable.
  • Pay the application fee by using a valid credit card. Visa, Discover, American Express and MasterCard are accepted. Debit cards may also work, but are not as reliable as credit cards.

Transcripts

Attach unofficial transcripts or academic records directly to the online application. International students should also attach an English translation if the transcript is not in English. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts. There is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material.

Important information on the University of Minnesota Graduate School site about uploading your transcripts and credentials. 

English Language Test Scores (IELTS and TOEFL)

Official scores for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are preferred, but if that test is unavailable, scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) will be accepted. Please note that we will not admit any students whose test scores are below the minimum levels determined by the Graduate School. Scores should be entered in the Test Information-Self-Reported field in the application.

More information about TOEFL and IELTS scores is available on the University of Minnesota Graduate School site.

Applicant Statement

The applicant statement is an essay in which you discuss your intellectual interests and relevant experiences. The Graduate Studies Committee will pay special attention to:                         

  • Your specific intellectual interests
  • Why you have chosen to apply to our particular program
  • Compatibility between your interests and our program’s strengths

Please keep your statement under 3 pages (preferably 2). Attach it under Statement #1 in the Applicant Statements section in the application. Even though the Graduate School requires you to submit separate documents, the department will consider your application if you include your personal statement and research statement in the same document. 

Writing Sample

The writing sample is one paper that, in your view, best represents your academic interests and ability. There are no length guidelines for this paper, but if it was written in a language other than English, please write a 5-6 page English-language summary of the main arguments and attach it to your paper.

Attach it under Writing Sample in the Program Supplementary Information section in the application.

Letters of Recommendation

You will need three letters of recommendation from people who can judge your academic performance and your promise as a graduate student. No form is required for the letter, but the recommender should use institutional letterhead. Recommendation letters should be submitted directly to the online application admissions system. If, however, there is a particular problem with doing so, recommendation letters may be emailed (by the recommenders) to the department office: amesgrad@umn.edu. Letters sent by the applicant are not acceptable. 

Optional Materials

GRE Scores

Scores from a GRE taken within the last five years are required. To report GRE scores, please indicate category 2601 “Asian Languages” from the department code list in the GRE Information Bulletin on your registration form if you are registering to take the exam for the first time. Mark it on the Additional Score Report Request Form if you already have taken the GRE. Scores should be entered in the Test Information-Self-Reported field in the online application. For PhD AMCM admissions for Fall 2024, the GRE will be optional.

More information about the GRE is available on the University of Minnesota Graduate School site.

Publications

Attach up to three of your publications and articles under Other Credentials, Upload 1, and Upload 2 in the Program Supplementary Information section in the application. Publications make your application stronger; however, they are not mandatory.