{"id":8947,"date":"2021-05-27T12:50:57","date_gmt":"2021-05-27T16:50:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/polisci\/?page_id=8947"},"modified":"2026-02-04T14:24:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T19:24:07","slug":"admissions-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/polisci\/admissions\/grad-admissions\/admissions-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Admissions FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Q. Where do I submit forms and supplementary materials?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

A. All materials should be sent through the application portal. Do not send materials to the Department of Political Science. Further, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences does not accept paper materials. If you need to switch out documents after submission, please email grsphd@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Q. What are the minimum GRE scores required by the department?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

A. The department does not have a minimum required GRE score, since the admissions committee looks at many other factors, such as letters of recommendation and transcripts.<\/p>\n

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Q. Is a writing sample required for the application?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

A. Yes, it is. Please upload it with the online application.<\/p>\n

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Q. Do I have to take the TOEFL exam?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

A. Aside from the following exception, all applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)<\/p>\n

For more information please visit https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/admissions\/phd-mfa\/international-students\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Q. When will I learn of the department\u2019s decision on my application?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

A. Beginning in January, the admissions committee meets every two or three weeks to consider all complete applications. The committee will inform applicants who are admitted of its recommendation after the entire review process is completed. Those who are not accepted will generally receive official notification from the Graduate School shortly after that. Consideration of your application may be delayed if any credentials are missing.<\/p>\n

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Q. How many applicants does the department accept each year?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

A. This is variable, based on the policies of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.<\/p>\n

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Q. Of entering students, how many received financial aid?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

A. All students admitted to the Ph.D. program receive a financial aid package. Information on financial aid is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Q. How long do I have to let you know whether I am accepting an offer of admission?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

A. A deadline will be stated in the letter offering admission.<\/p>\n

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Q. I was admitted and accepted your offer. When will I hear more?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

A. You will receive a welcome e-mail from the Graduate School confirming the fact that your acceptance has been processed. In early summer the department\u2019s Director of Graduate Studies will be in touch with more details regarding orientation and registration.<\/p>\n

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Q. Do I need to secure an advisor before submitting my application?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

A. No, you do not need to secure an advisor before applying to the program.<\/p>\n

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Q. What should I include in my statement of purpose?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

A. You should include the following in your statement of purpose:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The statement should be between 1-3 pages in length<\/li>\n
  • Explain your research interests<\/li>\n
  • State faculty members with which you would like to work<\/li>\n
  • Discuss your previous professional, academic, or personal experiences that have spurred your research interests<\/li>\n
  • Explain what you would like to do with your Ph.D. and why you believe our program is best suited to you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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