Frequently Asked Questions
about the Graduate Programs in English
Q: May I arrange a meeting with the Director of Graduate Studies to discuss the program?
A: As a rule, the Director of Graduate Studies meets with students after they have applied and been accepted into the graduate program.
Q: What are my chances of being admitted, and what criteria do the admissions committee use in determining admission?
A: We receive approximately three hundred applications each year, and we are able to offer admission to approximately 18 of those applicants. The Graduate Admissions Committee weighs a number of factors when considering candidates. The admissions committee places the most importance on a candidate's personal statement and writing sample. These pieces of writing must show, first of all, that the applicant would like to be a part of and is capable of succeeding at a graduate program whose goal is to train students to be professional literary scholars. We look for applicants who are asking provocative and potentially productive literary questions and who are interested in exploring such questions in a rigorous intellectual environment. The personal statement and writing sample must also demonstrate that the candidate would fit in well with our program's strengths. Third, they must show that the candidate has the skills and abilities required for those who are to be trained in literary studies. Obviously, a candidate's undergraduate and -- if applicable -- graduate record is very important in determining admission, as are test scores and letters of recommendation.
Q: How long should the writing sample be, and what criteria do you use to evaluate the samples?
A: We have no official requirement regarding the length of the writing sample. We ask that you send us a piece or pieces of your writing so that we can determine from this material if you have the necessary skills to succeed as a graduate student in English and, ultimately, a professional literary scholar at a major university. Such skills would include an ability to produce close, careful readings of texts as well as the ability to situate those readings in the context of a challenging and focused argument. Twenty-five pages would not be too much to send. A four-five page analytical paper would be far too short. Whatever you send, we strongly recommend that you seek the counsel of a faculty member at your present school (if you are currently attending one) or one of your previous institutions who has some familiarity with the current state of debates in literary studies.
Q: How long should the personal statement be?
A: We have no official requirement regarding the length of the personal statement, although the typical length is between one and three pages.
Q: Do I have to take the GREs?
A: The GRE general test is required. The test should be taken well in advance of the application deadline, no later than December 2009. The GRE subject test is not required.
Q: Does the department require that students achieve a minimum score on the GRE general test?
A: The department has no minimum GRE score requirement, nor do we have an official policy stipulating an acceptable range of GRE scores.
Q: Do I have to take the TOEFL exam if my native language is not English?
A: Yes. Brown University requires this exam.
Q: May I apply to both the M.F.A. program in Literary Arts (formerly Creative Writing) and the Ph.D. program in English?
A: Yes. The applications to the English and Literary Arts programs are separate applications. If you are applying to both programs, you must submit all of your materials twice--one set of materials to the English department, one to the Literary Arts program--as well as pay two application fees. If you are accepted into two programs, you will only be allowed to matriculate in one or the other.
Q: If I am not accepted to the Ph.D. program, will my file still be considered for admission to the M.A. program?
A: No. Admission to the M.A. program and the Ph.D. program are separate processes.
Q: May I apply to both the M.A. and the Ph.D. program in English?
A: Yes. You must submit two separate applications, as well as pay two application fees.
Q: What financial support does Brown offer its graduate students in the Ph.D. program in English?
A: The University offers fellowships to all first-year students. Each fellowship includes full tuition, health insurance, the health services fee, and a stipend. In years 2 and 3, graduate students are fully supported, primarily by teaching assistantships. Teaching assistantships include full tuition, health insurance, the health services fee, and a stipend. In years 4 and 5, graduate students receive dissertation fellowships, assuming that they remain in good standing and are making good progress toward the Ph.D. Dissertation fellowships include full tuition, health insurance, the health services fee, and a stipend. (See the English Department's Graduate Student Handbook for more details about fellowships and teaching assistantships.)
Q: Is financial support offered to graduate students accepted to the M.A. program?
A: No. Institutional financial aid is not available to students accepted to the M.A. program, although loans are available. For loan information, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Q: If I submit an application online, how do I get the writing sample to you?
A: We prefer writing samples to be submitted with your online application. If for some reason you are unable to send a writing sample electronically, please mail a hard copy to Brown University, Graduate School, 47 George Street, Box 1867, Providence, RI 02912.
Q: Does the English Department have a Film/Media Studies track?
A: We do not have a Film/Media Studies track within the Ph.D. program. The Department of Modern Culture and Media offers a doctoral program in Modern Culture & Media.
Q: If I am accepted for admission, can I defer?
A: No. Acceptance into the Ph.D. program cannot be deferred from one year to another. If you are unable to begin graduate studies in September, you will need to reapply.
Q: Can I reactivate my application from one year to the next?
A: Applications and supporting materials cannot be reactivated from one year to the next.
Q: What is the admission deadline for academic year 2010-11?
A:The deadline for submitting applications for the academic year 2010-11 is January 1, 2010.
Q: Whom should I notify if the name on my transcripts, GREs, or other documents is different from the name on my initial application (maiden name, married name, etc.)?
A: Notify Maria Faria by email (Maria_Faria AT brown.edu) to avoid any mishaps with admission materials submitted to the Graduate School.
