Graduate Admisions FAQ

What is the deadline for applications?

The postmark deadline to submit application materials for the MFA in Dance is December 1st. The postmark deadline to submit application materials for the MA/PhD in Culture and Performance is December 15th. Review of application materials sent after the deadline cannot be guaranteed.

How can I apply?

Applicants enroll online using the application found on the Graduate Division Web Site at www.gdnet.ucla.edu.

What is the acceptance rate is for the MA/PhD in Culture and Performance program?

The department admits approximately 10 students each year out of a pool of 75 to 100 applicants.

What is the acceptance rate for the MFA in Dance program?

Admission varies according to the number of those already enrolled in the program. The number of applicants also varies each year. In general, the department aims to admit 6-8 students per year.

Could you provide me with more information about the required writing sample for the MA/PhD application?

The writing sample is a very important part of your application materials. It should demonstrate the clarity of your analytical thinking and its expression. It is taken as a strong indicator of a prospective student's ability to engage with scholarly materials. In general faculty reviewers can comfortably read up to about 20 pages. Longer documents such as master's theses might be excerpted or sent in full with sections to read specified. We are looking for quality in whatever genre is submitted. We would be particularly interested in writing that demonstrates the kind of research, analysis, and synthesis that is essential in the scholarly aspects of our doctoral program. But, if you feel your best writing falls into other genre categories, you might consider a portfolio approach to provide a good sense of the character and range of your writing skills.

What are you looking for in the Statement of Purpose for the MA/PhD application?

This section of the application is your chance to tell us what you want to do here in in Culture and Performance program. Describe your research interests in particular. What questions do you want to investigate in relation to what materials? What new knowledge and skills that apply to this interest area are you expecting to develop through graduate study in our program? Do you see evidence that the necessary resources are available at UCLA? Of course you should also address the topics given in the application materials: your purpose in applying, your area of specialization, your plans for future occupation or profession, and any additional information that may aid us in evaluating your preparation and your aptitude for graduate study at UCLA.

Do you have a minimum GRE score requirement?

The Department does not have a minimum GRE score requirement. The GRE is just one part of the overall application that is reviewed by faculty. It would not be the sole criteria for admission or denial. The faculty evaluates it as an indication of how applicants score on a "registered" exam.

Does the Foreign Language requirement have to be completed before entering the MA or PhD program?

No, MA students have to complete the requirement before advancing to candidacy (completing all courses being applied to the degree) -/www.wac.ucla.edu/ma_program.php, and PhD students must complete the requirement no later than the end of the fifth quarter of residence in the major - www.wac.ucla.edu/phd_program.php.

What kind of funding is available for entering graduate students?

Entering students apply for fellowships in conjunction with their admission application. Nominations for campus-wide awards as well as Departmental support are made by faculty and forwarded to the necessary faculty committees for decision. Factors considered include academic strength, creative work, and in some cases, financial need.In general, teaching assistantships and graduate student researcher positions are offered to our second year graduate students. Unfortunately, we are not able to fully fund all of our students.

Please visit the Graduate Division Website at www.gdnet.ucla.edu, which provides extensive financial information for the prospective student.

When would I be notified if I am accepted or not?

The Graduate Division notifies students of their decision status online. Paper letters of admission or denial will not be mailed.

Check your decision status

For a variety of reasons admission can often take a few months. This is a long process. Generally, applicants are informed sometime in March.

How many units of coursework taken outside of the University can be applied towards the graduate program?

This is something that is considered individually, through faculty advisement. In general, the Graduate Division accepts up to two courses (a maximum of 8 quarter units or five semester units) for coursework completed outside the UC to be applied toward a student's graduate degree.

Is there a way of enrolling in classes without already being admitted to the program?

Opportunities to enroll are based upon space availability and instructor consent through the "concurrent enrollment" program offered through UCLA Extension : 711 Extension Admin Building (310) 206-8456.

Can I arrange to visit to meet with an advisor in person? Would I be able to sit in on some classes, etc. if I do that?

You are welcome to visit our Department and visit classes with instructor consent. You may be better served by contacting one of our faculty members before your visit to arrange a time to meet and/or with specific questions about the particular area of study that you are interested in.

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