1.Statement Of Purpose/ Resume
The two page statement of purpose should articulate 1) your academic and
professional rational for applying to the specific MS concentration, 2) your
approach to design and research in areas related to the concentration, 3) ideas
for specific research and design work that you would like to enhance with the
degree and continue pursuing upon matriculation. The statement should draw upon
past and present work and academic experiences as well as aspirations and goals
for the future.
Resume
A good curriculum vitae or resume will give us another view of who you are
and elaborate your strengths and skills outside of the classroom, showcasing
your accomplishments. In addition to your educational experience, student
resumes should contain professional experiences, other jobs you have held, a
list of groups or organizations that you are involved in, programming languages
or other computer skills you have, community involvement or volunteer work that
you do. Think of your resume as another opportunity to tell us about
yourself.
2. Personal Statement
The personal statement should be a concise, well-written statement about how
your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural,
familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, have motivated your
decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. This is not
an academic statement of purpose, but a brief (500 word limit) discussion of the
individual trajectory that has led to your decision to seek a graduate
degree.
3. Portfolio
Submissions of examples of work should support your statement of purpose and
clearly demonstrate research and writing abilities. These may consist of
published articles, papers, portfolio or other writing samples. Examples should
be uploaded as PDF files with the online application.
4. Transcripts
Submitting your transcripts is a two-step process:
Applicants will scan and upload an official transcript/academic record that
displays the institutional seal and signature of the Registrar or Recorder of
Records into the online application.
Applicants are also required to submit an official transcript/academic record
by mail or as an e-transcript to Rackham before the graduate program application
deadline. The official transcript/academic record must be received in an
envelope sealed by the issuing institution.
5. Letters Of Recommendation
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required and should testify to your
academic and professional capacity and promise. If possible, two of these should
come from former professors.
6. Graduate Record Examination Scores
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants. Please
have an official score report sent to the University of Michigan (Institution
code: 1839, department code 4401) at least 4-5 weeks prior to the application
deadline. GRE scores are valid for five years. There is no minimum score
requirement.
If you have taken the GMAT or LSAT, we can use those scores in place of the
GRE. LSAT scores should be listed on the additional information page of the
online application.
7. English Proficiency Requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English
proficiency, unless they meet one of the criteria for an exemption listed below.
Please contact one of the testing agencies shown in the following chart and have
an official score report sent to the University of Michigan at least 6-8 weeks
prior to the application deadline. The scores must be received from the testing
agency no later than the application deadline. Language test scores are valid
two years from the test date. Photocopies and/or faxes of English proficiency
scores will not be accepted.
8. I-20 / Visa (International Applicants Only)
Please do not submit financial information at the time of application.
If you are recommended for admission and the Rackham Graduate School approves
the admission, you will be notified by Rackham to submit the Affidavit of
Financial Support for International Students along with the required financial
documentation (i.e., bank statements).