Admissions

Minimum Requirements

Admitted students should meet the following minimum requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Applicants for the Doctoral Program must have a relevant Master's Degree (i.e. a graduate degree comparable to our M.S. in Survey Methodology)
• Applicants should have a strong analytical background in social science disciplines and statistics. We ask that MS applicants submit a supplemental form (Summary of Prerequisite Courses) describing the coursework they have taken which will prepare them for the Program in Survey Methodology. For the statistical science area of concentration, three courses in calculus, one course in linear algebra, and one statistics course are strongly recommended. For the social science area of concentration, two quantitative courses, at least one of which must be a statistics course, and at least two undergraduate courses in the social sciences are recommended.
• All applicants are required to submit GRE scores. Ideal candidates will have an average combined Qualitative and Verbal GRE score of 1335. The GRE scores must be from within the past five years.
• Proficiency in the English language. If the applicant's native language is not English he/she will be required to present evidence of competency in English (TOEFL or MELAB scores) with their application. If, however, a non-native English speaker has been granted a degree by an English speaking institution, the TOEFL or MELAB test is not required. Please refer to the Rackham Graduate School's Minimum Requirements for Admission for additional details.
• The average undergraduate GPA requirement is 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

How to Apply

I am currently a University of Michigan (UM) Graduate Student.

For current students seeking admission into the Program in Survey Methodology, please view the Current Student segment of the Rackham website to determine which application best fits your circumstances.

Current students should contact the Program in Survey Methodology at michpsm@isr.umich.edu for additional information about program content and supporting materials needed for the application (such as transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation and personal statement). The deadline for submitting the Application for Change of Program or Dual Degree form is the same as the program deadline for new Rackham applications, January 1.

I am not currently a University of Michigan (UM) Graduate Student.

This background information will be helpful: The name of the department that oversees many of the details for graduate students and graduate study at University of Michigan is Rackham Graduate School, usually referred to as "Rackham." Therefore, some of the steps you take during your application process will be for Rackham, and some will be for the Michigan Program of Survey Methodology (MPSM). You will be directing application materials to Rackham and MPSM.

Read all of these instructions carefully, because you may find that some parts apply to you and others do not.

Please visit the Rackham website and view the Prospective Students information. If you are filling out the Rackham Graduate School Application for the First Time Enrolleees, you must use the Web Application.

MS, PhD, Certificate and Non-Candidate for Degree Program Applicants

The following materials must be submitted to be considered for admission into the Michigan Program in Survey Methodology:

• The Application Fee is paid directly to Rackham Graduate School. Please follow the link for the most current fee details. Applications received without a fee payment will not be processed.
• For your convenience, we offer the ability to upload transcripts within the online application allowing you to expedite the review of your application.
  • This transcript will be considered unofficial.
  • The graduate program's admissions committee is able to make a decision based upon your submission of an electronic transcript.
  • When submitting transcripts online upload the front and back of the transcript(s).
  • Official transcripts are still required
• Two (2) sets of official transcripts from each institution attended:
  • Send one copy directly to the Michigan Program in Survey Methodology (MPSM).
  • Send one copy of transcripts directly to the Rackham Graduate School

    Rackham Graduate School
    Attn: Transcripts/U-M ID# (if known) or Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
    915 E Washington Street
    Ann Arbor MI 48109-1070
    USA

    For applicants whose degree is from a non-U.S. institution, please include official documentation of all courses taken and grades received (transcripts/records) from each undergraduate and postgraduate institution attended. Transcripts/records should be issued in the original language and be accompanied by English translations prepared by the institution's authorized official, such as a registrar. Notarized copies will not be accepted.

• (For MS applicants only) Prerequisite Courses. Please submit the supplemental form, Summary of Prior Courses, during the application process. This form will be available within the Rackham application. This form allows space to indicate specific details of the coursework you have taken that may be relevant to study in the Program in Survey Methodology. For the statistical science area of concentration, courses in calculus, linear algebra, and statistics should be listed. For the social science area of concentration, quantitative courses such as statistics and courses in the social sciences should be listed.
• Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores report.

  Please ask the GRE service to send an official copy of your scores to MPSM. The institution code is 1839. There is no department code. GRE (general) test scores are required of all applicants. Please note that January and February test scores do not arrive in time for review. Those applying to the Certificate program are not required to submit GRE scores.

• Three letters of recommendation sent directly from the recommenders to MPSM.

  Options for Submitting Letters of Recommendation (Select Only One Option)

  Recommendations can be submitted online, by mail or, for University of Michigan students, through The Career Center's Reference Letter Service (RLS).

  Option A: Use the Online Application

  Recommenders will complete the recommendation form online and submit it electronically to the graduate program. Do not send paper copies of recommendations to the graduate program or to Rackham when recommendations are submitted electronically.

  or

  Option B: Use the Postal Service and Recommendation for Admission Form

  The letters of recommendation must be sent directly to the graduate program. Please use the Recommendation for Admission form. Do not send them to Rackham Graduate School Admissions. You will need to provide the recommender with an envelope addressed to your graduate program.

  or

  Option C: Use the U-M Reference Letter Service (RLS) - For U-M Students & Alumni/ae

  Letters of recommendation can be submitted through the The Career Center's Reference Letter Service (RLS). For more information visit The Career Center's Reference Letter Service web page.

• Statement of Purpose

  The Statement of Purpose should be a concise, well-written statement (250-300 words for MS or Certificate applicants and 450-500 words for PhD applicants) about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how your graduate study in survey methodology will help you meet your career and educational objectives.

• Personal Statement

  The Personal Statement (500 word limit) should describe how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan.

  For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree.

  Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.

• Copy of Curriculum Vitae can be uploaded with other application materials

  Your curriculum vitae or resume describes your education, work experience, research and teaching experience, professional affiliations, volunteer activity and community engagement, honors and awards.

For International Students Only

In addition to the items listed above, international applicants must do the following once accepted into the program:

• Send directly to Rackham Graduate School your completed University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support for International Students with supporting documentation. This form is included with the application materials.

Application Deadlines

Admissions applications and supporting credentials must be received at the University's Rackham School of Graduate Studies by specific deadlines. These deadlines vary by program.

Program	Application Deadline
MS & PhD	January 1 for study beginning the following fall term
Change of Program, Dual Degree, & Readmission	January 1 for study beginning the following fall term
Certificate	March 15 for study beginning the following summer term July 15 for study beginning the following fall term
Non-Candidate for Degree	One month prior to the first day of classes for study beginning that fall, winter, or spring term

Applicants will be notified of the Program's admission decision no later than April 1. All applications and supporting credentials become the property of the University of Michigan.