F.A.Qs.

Q: Can you send me any information?

A: Due to the cost of postage, we no longer send out information. However, all information is available on the Anthropology website (http://anthropology.osu.edu) and the Graduate Admissions website (http://gradadmissions.osu.edu). The Graduate Handbook (http://anthropology.osu.edu/docs/depthandbook.doc) is the primary resource for program information. If you have any questions, concerns or requests, please contact gradreq@osu.edu.  

Q: What are the requirements to apply to the Anthropology graduate program? A: (Taken from the Graduate Handbook)

A)    Admission Criteria.  An applicant must submit documentation that fulfills the following admission criteria:

1)      An earned baccalaureate or professional degree from an accredited college or university by the expected date of entry;

2)      Ordinarily a minimum of a 3.3 cumulative point‑hour ratio (on the scale of 4.0 used at this university) in all previous undergraduate work;

3)      Ordinarily a minimum of a 3.5 cumulative point‑hour ratio (on the scale of 4.0 used at this university) in all previous graduate work;

4)      Ordinarily Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of at least 1) 1800 cumulative on verbal, quantitative, and analytic sections; or 2) 1200 cumulative on verbal and quantitative sections and 4 on the analytic component.

5)      A major in anthropology, or,

a)      At least 25 credit hours in anthropology and closely related disciplines, or,

b)      Outstanding general academic preparation and evidence of exceptional scholarly potential;

6)      A minimum score of 500 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or of 80 on the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency (MTELP).  This requirement applies to an applicant from a country where the first language is not English, unless a degree was earned in an academic institution where English is used as the instructional medium;

B)    In addition to the criteria listed above, the academic interests and objectives of applicants will be evaluated to determine if the applicant's intended program can be undertaken in this department given the interests, specialties and work load of our faculty;

Requests for transfer from another Ohio State University graduate program must be accompanied by the same materials submitted by first time applicants to the OSU Graduate Admissions. 

Q: How do I apply?

A: The Graduate Admissions Website has a step-by step guide to the application process here. (http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/step_by_step_buffer.htm)  

Q: What materials do I need to send and where do I send them?

A: It is your responsibility to send: 

1)      Three letters of recommendation (LoR), submitted either online or posted to the department. Additional letters may be submitted.

2)      A statement of purpose and CV should be sent to the department. Submission can be via post, online (for CVs only) or e-mail to gradreq@osu.edu.

3)      GRE scores must be submitted to the University before or on the December 15^th deadline.

4)      Official transcripts of all post-high school educational institutions to both the Graduate Admissions Office (GAO) and the Department of Anthropology. Even if the credits are transferred to another school, we will need the original school’s transcript. Transcript request forms can be found here: http://gradadmissions.osu.edu/download_materials.htm). 

 If you are re-applying to the program, you must resend your transcripts and GRE scores to the GAO.  

Q: To what address do I send LoRs and other application materials to the Anthropology department?

A: To send application materials to the department, use:

            Graduate Studies Committee Chair 

            Department of Anthropology

            Room 4034 Smith Lab

            The Ohio State University

            174 W. 18^th Ave

Columbus, OH 43210 

Q: I submitted my transcripts weeks ago but when I check my application status it shows them as not having been received. What should I do?

A: When you check the status of your application online, you are checking the GAO holdings. As the GAO processes all graduate applications, a backlog of submitted paperwork occurs, resulting in delays in the update of your application status. However, as long as the department receives your transcripts, your application will be considered complete. If you are still concerned, contact gradreq@osu.edu for an update on the status of your application holdings with the department.  

Q: What are the requirements for the statement of purpose?

A: While there are no length requirements or maximums for the statement of purpose, SoPs are typically 1.5-3 pages in length.  

Q: Can my GRE scores be submitted later than the deadline?

A: Like all other application materials, GRE scores must be submitted before or on December 15^th. 

Q: My CV/resume has been updated since I submitted it. Can I submit an updated copy?

A: Of course, just send it in and we will update your file.  

Q: How firm is the deadline?

A: Applications and Materials postdated after December 15^th will not be accepted. 

Q: Can I apply for admission besides the autumn quarter?                    

A: No. If you miss the admissions deadline you will need to apply the following autumn. 

Q: Based on these scores/grades/ etc what are my odds for getting into the program?

A: Unlike undergraduate education admissions where a person’s skill can boiled down into several years of grades and test scores, graduate education admissions focus much more heavily on how well that particular individual’s research interests and career goals mesh with the program they’ve applied to. If you have any interests or inquiries into a specific body of research, feel free to contact faculty or graduate students that share the similar research interests for more information about what the program can offer.

Q: How do I make an appointment to visit an advisor/to visit the department etc?A: E-mail gradreq@osu.edu requesting help to set up a visit to the department. 

Q: When will I find out if I will be accepted?

A: Notification letters are typically sent out in late March or early April. If you are concerned about the status of your application, please e-mail gradreq@osu.edu.

Q: Will I get funded?

A: Department funding is based upon many factors. However, if you are entering into the Master program, it is highly unlikely that you will receive funding. Incoming Ph.D students may receive funding, but all funding is taken on a case-by-case basis. Funding is never guaranteed. 

If you have any other questions, concerns or requests, please contact gradreq@osu.edu.

For specific questions and information, please contact our graduate studies chair, Jeffrey McKee, via email.

If you're ready to join us, apply now and become part of a remarkable, exciting group of graduate students in a journey that will take you to new places with new people! The opportunities are limitless!