What tests are required for admission?

All applicants must take the GRE General Test. Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must submit a score on either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery). Beginning June 30, 1999 international applicants who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship must also provide a Test of Spoken English (TSE) score. For further information on these tests, see our discussion of How Sociology Admissions Work. We do not require the GRE Sociology Test.

What score must I achieve on the GRE test?

The Department expects a minimum score of 500 on both the verbal and the quantitative parts of the GRE. However, admission decisions are based on the entire application file; GRE scores are only one component, albeit an important one. Students are occasionally admitted with scores below the minimum if other aspects of their application show considerable achievement and promise. Conversely, average or above-average scores do not guarantee admission.

Do you use the GRE Analytical Score?

Yes, the Department also considers the GRE analytical score. Admission decisions are based on the entire application file; GRE scores are only one component, albeit an important one.

Can I be admitted without an undergraduate major in Sociology?

Successful applicants generally have an undergraduate major in Sociology or one of its sub-fields, such as Criminology. Students with substantial course work in sociology will also be considered. Previous training in sociology or one if its subfields is important for two reasons: it gives students a good basis for a decision to undertake graduate study and it provides background for advanced study. Hence students without substantial previous training are only occasionally admitted. 

What is the deadline for fall admission?

The admission application deadline for students who are applying for fellowship or assistantship aid is January 15. All materials must be received by this date. Applications for admission alone can be accepted until approximately June 1. This latter date changes from year to year, so it is important to consult the Graduate Catalog for this year's date. 

Can I enter in January?

The university allows mid-year admission, but very few Sociology graduate students are admitted in January. The department encourages fall entrance so that students can follow the established course sequence. 

Are letters of recommendation required?

Yes, all applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. 

From whom should I request a recommendation letter?

Letters should be requested from college instructors who know your academic work well. Applicants who are not recent college graduates will have greater difficulty in identifying appropriate recommenders. We find letters useful to the degree that the writer can discuss the applicant's academic work. 

Is the GRE Sociology test required?

No. We do not require scores from the GRE Sociology Test. Some older editions of the UF Graduate Catalog (published before the 1998-99 edition) include the requirement. But, this test is no longer required for admissions or assistantship and fellowship consideration. 

Do you admit all applicants who meet the Graduate School's minimum requirements?

No. Admission is competitive and is based on evaluation of the applicant's entire record. While a strong record in one area can compensate for an average record in other areas, successful applicants generally have GRE scores and grade point averages higher than the university minimum. 

When is a good time to visit campus?

Prospective students are welcome to visit campus before applying to the graduate program, or after being notified of acceptance into the program.  We organize a recruitment weekend for selected candidates to visit the school and department each Spring.

How can I get answers to other questions?

Please contact us if you have questions that our web page doesn't answer.