FAQs: The Application Process

1. I have a definite interest in anthropology. With whom can I discuss my interests?
Review the University of Washington faculty list and contact directly faculty who are working in various areas that interest you. Note: applicants admitted to the program are usually focused in the anthropological areas they wish to pursue.

2. What is the average age of the graduate students?
The Anthropology graduate students range in age from 25-57. The average age is 33.

3. I received my undergraduate degree at the UW. How does the Graduate Program feel about UW students applying to the program?
The department does not discriminate against UW graduates. Faculty may advise you, however, to consider other institutions to broaden your educational experience.

4. What are the sub-disciplines within the department?
The Graduate Program consists of three PhD programs: Archaeology, Biocultural Anthropology, and Sociocultural Anthropology.

5. Do you have a program in medical anthropology?
The department does not have a formal program in medical anthropology. It is possible, however, to do a concentration in medical anthropology by creating, in consultation with one’s advisor, a program appropriate for the student's interests.

6. Do you have a program in environmental anthropology?
The department no longer has a formal program in environmental anthropology. It is possible, however, to pursue an environmental anthropology track within one of our current PhD programs through a list of recommended courses in anthropology and other related departments.

7. Do you have a program in ethnomusicology?
The department does not have a formal program in ethnomusicology. However, it is possible to do a concentration in ethnomusicology, within the sociocultural program, by creating in consultation with one’s advisor a program combining courses from anthropology and ethnomusicology.

8. Can I apply for a Master's Degree in Anthropology?
The Anthropology Graduate Program at the University of Washington is a PhD program. A Master's degree may be earned while completing the requirements for the PhD as a step along the way.

9. I have an MA degree already. Must I get another in the UW Anthropology program?
That is up to the student and his or her major advisor. Although a University of Washington MA degree is not required to receive the PhD, the majority of graduate students in the department obtain the degree.

10. I don't have an educational background in anthropology? May I still apply to the program?
Yes. Although preferred, a degree in anthropology (either a BA or MA) is not required to apply to our program. The three sub-disciplines are structured to accommodate students who hold degrees in other related fields.

11. If I have a Master's Degree in Anthropology, would I have to repeat similar courses I have already taken at another institution?
If applicable, the student and his or her major advisor would be required to petition the Anthropology Graduate Program Coordinator to have a requirement waived.

12. How long does it take to go through the program?
Depending upon subdiscipline, length of field studies, personal and professional factors, etc., it can take as little as five (5) to as many as ten (10) years to complete the PhD. The average time to degree is around eight (8) years.

13. How much does it cost to go to the UW as a graduate student?
The approximate cost of one year for a full-time, first-year, non-resident/international student (2008-09) is $53,194. This figure includes the cost of tuition ($29,470) and estimated books and living expenses for one year (including summer). Expenses are subject to change without notice. International students cannot be admitted unless proof of funding is submitted. The Graduate School posts projected expenses for international students on the following web site: http://www.grad.washington.edu/admissions/adminfo.html

The approximate cost of one year for a full-time, first-year resident student (2008-09) is $36,903. This figure includes the cost of tuition ($13,179) and estimated books and living expenses for one year. Expenses are subject to change without notice.

14. Where can I get the money to attend the program?
There are minimal opportunities for funding from the Department of Anthropology, so applicants are encouraged to seek funding outside the department.  Applicants are urged to review the funding opportunities available on the Graduate School web page and department webpage: http://www.grad.washington.edu/fellow/FellCalendar.htm  
http://depts.washington.edu/anthweb/programs/grad_fellowship.php

15. What does the department have to offer in the way of funding per year?
Although the department is continually seeking new sources of funding, funds currently controlled by the department are limited for incoming students as well as advanced students. Each year, the department has available a limited number of Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships (TAs and RAs). Assistantships involve half-time service (20 hours per week), a monthly salary and quarterly tuition. Preference for TA appointments is given to more advanced students in the program; it is very rare for first-year students to be offered a TA appointment unless it is associated with a recruitment package. Research Assistantships may be offered to entering as well as advanced students. Entering students may contact departmental faculty regarding RA appointment availability.

The Olson Fellowship may be awarded each year to entering or advanced students with an interest in Native American studies. Application forms are available from the Graduate Program Office of the department—contact the Graduate Program Assistant at gradanth@u.washington.edu. The application deadline is December 15.

The department has a commitment to offer two (2) three-year recruitment packages each year. These packages include an assortment of RA/TA appointments and are awarded competitively to students with the strongest background and academic record each year. Recruitment packages will be awarded by April 15.

16. What about funding for international applicants?
We encourage international applicants to apply to the Department of Anthropology. Of the Department’s current graduate population of 130 students, about 17% are from outside the United States. Some international applicants do receive funding to make their studies possible. International applicants should contact faculty in their interest area for specific information regarding funding opportunities. Please be aware that the Graduate School requires that all international applicants show proof of funding (approximately $53,194 for Autumn, 2008) for expenses of one calendar year of study to meet the requirements of U.S. immigration regulations for student visa status.

17. Is there other funding available at the University of Washington that I may be eligible for?
The department is able to nominate admitted students for fellowships designated in area studies (e.g., China, South Asia, and Russia).

Additionally a limited number of Foreign Languages Area Study (FLAS) Fellowships are available in several language areas for entering students. Students who apply to our program are strongly encouraged to apply for FLAS fellowships. For further information, applicants should contact the appropriate department in the Jackson School of International Studies, 111 Thompson Hall, Box 353650, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195-3650 (phone: 206-543-6001; e-mail: jsisinfo@u.washington.edu)

And finally, the Graduate School maintains a list of fellowships and scholarship that applicants should consider when applying: http://www.grad.washington.edu/fellow/funding.htm

18. May I submit various papers or publications?
These items are not required; however, one publication or paper (limited to 10-15 pages) may be submitted. (Video/audio tapes, slides, or photographs are not acceptable.)

19. How do I apply for financial aid at the University of Washington?
Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 105 Schmitz Hall, Box 355870 (phone: 206-543-6101, e-mail: osfa@u.washington.edu) for applications to determine eligibility for work-study employment and loans. (Note: the Financial Aid forms are due as early as January 1 for priority consideration for the following academic year).

20. Must I take the subject GRE in anthropology?
No, applicants take the general GRE.

21. What if my GRE scores are low?
All aspects of your application are considered. For instance, high GPA or superior letters of recommendation, excellent statement of purpose, etc., could possibly outweigh low GRE scores. Applicants might also consider retaking the GRE test.

22. Do I have to retake the GRE exam if my test was taken several years ago?
The department requests that scores be no "older" than 5 years.

23. I won't be able to take the GRE exam until December or February. What if my scores are late getting to you?
Because it takes up to 3 weeks for the department to receive GRE scores from the testing centers, you should FAX a copy of your test results to the department as soon as you receive them (All applicants are required to send copies of their scores to the department).  The GRE exam can be taken any time by computer testing. The University of Washington Inst Code is #4854 and the Dept Code is #1701.

24. If my GRE test results are going to be late, should I go ahead and send the rest of my application materials to the department?
Yes, the complete application must be postmarked by December 15.

25. How does the Department of Anthropology evaluate applications to the department?
In addition to strong GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, etc., the programs pay close attention to the statement of purpose: is the statement clear and focused? Does the applicant know what he/she wants to do within his/her area of interest? Does the applicant write maturely and well?

26. May I have the GRE test waived?
No. Both the department as well as the Graduate School require the test of all applicants.

27. May I have the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test waived?
No. Again, the test is required of all international applicants by the department as well as the Graduate School. However, international applicants with a degree from an accredited English speaking institution do not need to submit a TOEFL score. Admission will not granted by the Graduate School unless minimum English competency has been met.

28. What is the passing test score for the TOEFL?
A score of 500 (TOEFL), 173 (TOEFLC) or 45 (TOFEL IBT-on combined reading, listening, and writing scores) or higher is required in order to be admitted. Admitted applicants with a score between 500 and 580 will need to take additional ESL courses. A diagnostic placement test will need to be taken upon arriving in Seattle to determine which course you will be placed into. For more information, please see the following website: http://www.washington.edu/oea/services/testing_center/exams/aep.html

29. If I am accepted into the program as an international student, may I begin my studies starting in the summer?
Some international students receive specific grants or other funding that indicates they must begin classes the summer before "regular" classes start. If this is the requirement of the funding institution, international students may begin their studies in the summer. International applicants must be aware, however, that they must apply for summer entry on their application materials and will need to pay extra for summer tuition. Please note that English-as-a-Second-Language courses at the University are available during the summer. For further information on English as a Second Language summer courses please call (206) 543-6242 or write: English as a Second Language Center, Box 353920, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-3920 ; http://depts.washington.edu/uwelp/ 

30. I have not received my letters of recommendation and/or transcripts. I'm concerned that I will miss the deadline.
Immediately contact the parties involved and ask that the materials be sent to you as soon as possible. If you are unable to contact an individual from whom you have requested a recommendation, don’t wait, have another person write a letter of recommendation for you. With regard to your transcripts, FAX or send unofficial transcripts to us and then send the original to the department by regular mail when they are received by you.

31. I won't be getting my BA/MA until June. Must this degree be indicated on the transcripts I send you?
No. However, if you are accepted into the program, you will need to submit up-to-date transcripts to the Graduate Admissions Office as well as the Anthropology Graduate Department after you receive the degree(s).

32. I went to several colleges/universities. Must I send you the transcripts from all these institutions?
No. The transcripts that the department (and, for international applicants, the Graduate School) requires are from your degree-granting institutions (for BA and MA degrees). Additional transcripts should be sent from the institutions at which you took the majority of your coursework (or that show the completion of important coursework in anthropology) if not your degree granting institution.

33. Can I have more than three letters of recommendation sent for my application?
The department requires three only. Please do not have additional letters sent. In addition to all the required application materials, an application file is considered complete and is evaluated by the faculty as soon as three letters are present. If an additional letter is received after the faculty review the file, there is a good chance that the faculty will not see it and would have already either admitted or denied the applicant.

34. The people writing letters of recommendation for me do not want to send the letters directly to me.
If the individual insists on not sending the letter to you, then the letter can be sent directly to the department.  Be sure to remind them of the deadline and provide envelopes with the Anthropology Graduate Program address. You also have the option to allow recommenders to upload their letters of recommendation directly to the UW Admissions website.

35. Must the people writing letters of recommendation use the letter of recommendation form?
It is preferred. However, if the form is not available, letters of recommendation can be typed on business letterhead and must be signed by the writer. The department must receive the original letter.

36. I have been out of school for many years and I have no faculty that remember me or can write letters for me. Who can I get to write the letters of recommendation?
You may have your letters written by professionals or others with whom you have worked that address what qualities you have that will make you a successful graduate student and why they feel you would do well.

37. How will I know my file is complete or is missing any materials?
You will have access to your graduate school application and when your file is complete this will be reflected in the information available to you. Additionally the department will contact you via e-mail.

38. When will I know if I have been accepted or not?
Applicants are notified by early March.

39. If I am accepted, how soon do I have to let you know that I am coming or going to another institution?
Of course, we would appreciate hearing from you right away; however, the Council of Graduate Schools (http://www.cgsnet.org/pdf/CGSResolutionFeb2005.pdf)  indicates that applicants have until April 15 to accept or decline offers of admission to all the U.S. institutions they have been offered. There is no penalty if applicants notify us after April 15; however, the program must know applicant decisions by May 1st at the latest!

40. If I am admitted should I wait to hear if I have received a departmental offer of Recruitment funding before I apply for funding outside the department?
Definitely not. We have 26-30 applicants who are competing for two three-year Recruitment fellowships. Do not wait while hoping that recruitment funding may be awarded to you. The competition is extremely high. It is urgent that you apply for other funding immediately!

41.  I am an international applicant and I heard that I must apply for admission to the Graduate School by November 1st. Is this correct?
International applicants applying for Autumn Quarter are strongly encouraged to submit the application materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions prior to November 1st due to the time required for processing the information. Applications received after this date will be processed as soon as possible, but significant delays may result. International applicants who apply to the Office of Graduate Admissions prior to the November 1st still have until December 15th to complete the application materials to the Department of Anthropology.

42. I applied last year and was not accepted (or was accepted and could not come). Can I reapply for this coming year?
Yes, the department holds applications to the Graduate School in Anthropology for one year. If you wish, you may resubmit this application or complete the paperwork for an updated application. If you feel you were weak in some areas of your previous application, you may submit updated versions. The Graduate Admissions office does not hold their application forms for U.S. applicants, but does hold transcripts of international applicants for 2 years. All applicants reapplying to the Department of Anthropology must reapply to the Graduate School (the $50 application fee applies). You may reapply directly through the Graduate School website at: https://www.grad.washington.edu/application. Be sure to let the Graduate Student Program Coordinator know that you are reapplying to the program so that we can pull last year's file for you.

43. If I am admitted, can I defer entry into the program the following year?
The department does not offer deferments. Applicants will have to reapply to the program if they wish to be considered again.

44. Is a personal interview required to apply to the department?
No. Applicants however are welcome to visit the department. Please contact various faculty and students directly for appointments. The Graduate Program Assistant may be able to assist you in obtaining contact information.

45. How many applications do you receive and how many spaces are available?
The Archaeology program receives approximately 20-30 applications with space for approximately 3-4 students, the Biocultural Program receives approximately 20-25 applications with space for approximately 3-4 students, and the Sociocultural Program receives approximately 100-120 applications with space for approximately 6-8 students.