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Admission Application Materials
Every program you apply to will have slightly different requirements; however most graduate programs will have several components in common:
In most cases, you will submit a separate online application form for each program you apply to, however some graduate programs also use a common application. Before clicking “submit,” step away from your computer for a few minutes and then review your answers with fresh eyes to make sure you don’t have any typos or incomplete answers.
Each application will require an application fee, which usually ranges between $50 and $100. Don’t be shy about asking the Admissions Office for an application fee waiver or reduction. Remember, if you are a current MSU Denver student, you can also apply for funding for graduate school application fees through MSU Denver’s Graduate School and Professional Licensure program!
You will have to request transcripts from each college and university attended and will have the transcripts sent directly from the university or through a 3rd party provided to the admission office of the specific graduate school to which you are applying.
Some graduate schools accept unofficial transcripts for the application, but official transcripts will have to be submitted before course registration. Your MSU Denver transcripts can be ordered here. MSU undergraduate students who would like to enter a MSU Denver Graduate Programs do not need to submit transcripts as they are already in the MSU Denver System.
Ideally, you should request your transcripts at least three months before your graduate school application deadlines. This extra time allows for potential processing delays and also gives you time to resolve any potential transcript holds.
The personal statement may also be referred to as a statement of purpose, letter of intent, or something similar. Your personal statement offers the opportunity for you to share why you want to attend the program and why you are a good fit. In both instances, you should offer specific examples that are tailored to the program. Using a general personal statement and changing the school’s name won’t cut it for graduate school!
Examples of why you are applying to the program can include specific faculty and their research, the program curriculum and facilities, opportunities for specialization offered and how they align with your goals, etc.
Examples of why you are a good fit for the program can include specific course work completed, conference presentations, research experience, internships, etc.
Depending on the nature of the program to which you are applying, you will need to submit a resume or CV. Much like your personal statement, your resume or CV should always be tailored to each opportunity (in this case, admission to a graduate program). Arranging your CV or resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences and putting them higher up in the document when possible is an important strategy for making your CV or resume stand out. Both your resume and your CV should be clear, concise, easy to read, and free of errors.
- A resume is a document that highlights and summarizes your relevant skills, qualifications, education, experiences, and accomplishments. Although it is often recommended to keep your resume to one page when applying for jobs, it is acceptable for your resume to be up to two pages long when applying to graduate school.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a longer, more comprehensive document and lists important milestones in your life (e.g., education, jobs, awards, publications, etc.) in chronological order.
Most graduate programs require between two and four letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources. Ideally, you should request recommendations from individuals who:
- Know you well
- Work or teach in your field
- Will give you a great (not just okay) recommendation
- Can speak to your academic preparation, interest, and resilience to complete a graduate program
When asking for a recommendation, it is important to be respectful of the individual’s time by providing them with the following information if they agree to write a letter for you:
- A list of schools (and programs) you are applying to, along with deadlines for the letters
- Key information about each program, including why you want to attend each program specifically
- A summary of your accomplishments and goals as they relate to each program
- A current copy of your resume or CV
Writing a thoughtful recommendation takes time, be sure to request your references several weeks in advance of when they are due.
Do not list a person as a reference if you do not have the explicit commitment of that person for writing a letter.
Requirements related to writing samples and portfolios will vary by program. Be sure to read the guidelines for each of your applications carefully and tailor your submissions to each program as needed. MSU Denver’s Writing Center offers an array of writing-related services, from getting started to proofreading your finished document.
Your faculty advisor can help with questions about your portfolio or audition. Costs related to submitting your portfolio or audition might be eligible for funding through MSU Denver’s Graduate School and Professional Licensure program.
See the separate “Prepare For and Take Your Entrance Exams” section.
Prepare for and Take Your Exam
If your selected graduate program requires an entrance exam (such as the GRE, the MCAT or the LSAT) as part of your admission application, you should give yourself plenty of time to prepare before taking the exam. It can also be a good idea to give yourself enough time to retake the test if needed. Each testing organization has its own rules about how many times an individual can take their exam, with some organizations also requiring a waiting period before attempting a retake.
MSU Denver offers students the opportunity to apply for up to $400 per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) to use toward entrance exam registration fees, test preparation materials, and graduate school applications.
Many testing organizations offer free test preparation materials and practice tests, as well as a limited number of need-based test fee waivers. An overview of this information of outlined below for the most common entrance exams.
Entrance Exam Information
DAT (Dental Admission Test) Website
- Free test preparation materials, practice tests, and a detailed FAQ section are available at the link above.
- A limited number of partial testing fee waivers are available from the testing organization, application instructions are available in the website’s FAQ section.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) Website
- Free test preparation materials and two free practice tests are available at the link above, along with more detailed test preparation materials for purchase.
- MSU Denver’s MBA program offer a robust collection of free test preparation materials (including live sessions with the Princeton Review) on their website.
- MSU Denver’s school code is: S51-6H-79
GRE (Graduate Record Exam) Website
- Free test preparation materials, practice tests, and online review sessions are available here, and additional test preparation materials are available to purchase
- Testing fee waivers are available from the testing organization, additional information is available here.
- MSU Denver’s school codes are:
- General: 4505
- School of Education: 2117
- College of Business: 2768
LSAT (Law School Admission Test) Website
- Free test preparation materials and practice tests are available here, along with more detailed test preparation materials for purchase.
- If you are a current MSU Denver student, it may also be possible to have some or all of your LSAT prep costs covered by MSU Denver or the Department of Political Science depending on funding. Additional information about MSU Denver’s Pre-Law advising resources is available here.
- Testing fee waivers are available from the testing organization, additional information is available here.
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) Website
- Free test preparation materials and practice tests are available here, along with more detailed test preparation materials for purchase.
- A helpful FAQ page is available here.
- Testing fee waivers are available from the testing organization, additional information is available here.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Campus Location:
Administration Building (AD)
Suite 270
(meetings by appointment only)