Home » Admissions » Graduate Application

Graduate Application

There are a number of ways to apply to a graduate program at Berkeley. You can use the secure online application, you can download a PDF application, or the department to which you are applying can mail you a printout of the PDF application. The online application is available each application cycle beginning on the second Monday of September (September 10, 2007, for the 2008-2009 admissions cycle).

1. Getting Started

Questions about the admissions process? Before you apply, review application procedures, requirements, and frequently asked questions:

• Before You Apply - Who Should Use this Application, Types of Applications, Readmission, Release of Information, Deadlines, Application Fee.
• Admission Requirements - Admission Criteria , Departmental Requirements, Minimum Degree Requirements, GRE, Letters of Recommendation, University Extension & Concurrent Enrollment, Transfer of Credit from other Institutions, and more.
• Application Deadlines - Please consult the list of Graduate Programs and Application Deadlines. Most departments accept students for the fall semester only.
• Frequently Asked Questions - Common questions and answers to help you through the admissions process.

2. Accuracy of Information

Please review the Accuracy of Information page prior to starting your application for admission. Find out more about how your application information and student records may be used, as well as your rights and responsibilities.

3. Application Checklist

Please review the Application Checklist prior to submitting your application to ensure you have completed all sections and gathered all required material.

4. 2008-2009 Graduate Application: Forms & Instructions.

• Apply Online
• Graduate Application Forms & Instructions: 2008-2009 – PDF version of application and instructions, Application Fee Waiver Request, Letter of Recommendation (Form G), Transcript Request (Form H), and Application Fee Payment.

5. Review & Notification

Make sure that your name as given on your application is typed or printed legibly on all official papers submitted in support of your application and on all correspondence with the Graduate Admissions and Graduate Fellowships offices and with your department.

Most departments will review applications only after they have received all required materials. If your file is not complete at the time that the department conducts its review, your application may be withdrawn from consideration. It is your responsibility to make sure that the necessary documents and test scores have been received.

Application Status: Directly contact the department/program to which you applied to obtain the status of your application.

Offer of Admission: The department will make a detailed review and initial recommendation to admit. However, only written notice from the Dean of the Graduate Division constitutes approval of admission, not correspondence with the department or with an individual faculty member.

Applicants offered admission who have also been awarded one of the fellowships will be sent a letter of admission and award by April 1. Applicants offered admission only, or admission with financial support administered by the department, will be notified as the department makes its recommendations, usually by the end of April for the fall semester.

Applicants who are not offered admission will be notified by the departments as they make their decisions.

Offer of Financial Assistance: If you applied for financial aid or a University fellowship, you will be notified separately of your status in each. Contact the department or appropriate office to find out more about the status of your application if you have not heard by the end of April. In addition, some departments provide financial assistance for which there is no formal application. A letter of denial from one office does not necessarily mean you will not receive aid from other sources.