Frequently Asked Questions from Sociology Ph.D. Applicants
What are the appropriate GRE codes for Berkeley Sociology?
The institution code is 4833; the sociology code is 2102.
My GRE scores will not arrive until one week (or two weeks) after the deadline. Is this a huge problem?
If everything else in your file arrives by the deadline (December 14) we will accept GRE scores that are a couple weeks late. However, if other things are late as well, your chances of being considered for admission might be lessened.
What are minimum GRE scores?
There aren't any.
What are average GRE scores?
680 verbal
730 quantitative
5.3 writing
What is Minimum GPA?
3.0
What is average GPA?
3.81
Which GPA should I compute?
All courses after the first two years (or junior standing) that is, the second half of your undergraduate education. If you attended an university outside of the U.S., the GPA calculation is not necessary.
You will not be able to access the Candidate Registration page until you have completed the online Graduate Division Application. You may want to collect your electronic documents (your transcripts, writing sample and a copy of your GRE report) so they will be ready to upload once you complete your application. In the last week before the December 14th deadline, we will be uploading the new applicants daily. So it is likely that the day after you complete the Graduate Division Application you should be able to logon to the Candidate Registration page. You must submit your online Graduate Division application by Monday, December 14, but as we won't be able to upload Monday's applicants until Tuesday, December 15th, it is alright to submit your supporting documents to the Candidate Registration page through that following week (December 14-18) though sooner is better.
On the application, is it necessary to list Faculty that I have contacted or plan to contact regarding my application? If not, should I do so anyway?
It is not necessary to fill this out. If you HAVE contacted faculty, of course put their names down. It is not necessary to contact faculty before the admissions process is complete and the decisions have been made.
Should I print out and send a hard copy of the on-line application as well as submitting in over the internet?
No.
How many sets of transcripts do I need and where do they go?
One set of hardcopy official sealed transcripts should be sent to the department. An electronic copy should be uploaded to the Candidate Registration page online.
If I attended UC Berkeley before, do I still need to send Berkeley transcripts to the Sociology Department?
Yes. We do not have access to your transcripts from UCB.
How long should my paper be?
There is no minimum or maximum length. The average length is 15-30 pages.
How long should my Statement of Purpose be?
Two or three pages is a good general guideline, though there is no set limit.
What is the difference between the Statement of Purpose and the Personal History Statement?
The descriptions are listed on the online application and are as follows:
Statement of Purpose
Please describe your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in your area of specialization, including your preparation for this field of study, your academic plans or research interests in your chosen area of study, and your future career goals. Please be specific about why UC Berkeley would be a good intellectual fit for you.
Personal History Statement
In an essay, discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Please include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree.
Two or three pages is a good general guideline, though there is no set limit.
Can I use a co-authored paper?
You can, but we prefer a single authored paper because then we know that you have written it all.
Can I have more than three letters?
If you send more than 3 letters, there is not a guarantee that more than 3 will be read. More is not better. Three letters is preferred.
Can I send supplementary materials before I complete the online application?
Yes, you can have your official transcripts and GRE score hardcopy report sent before you complete your application.
When are decisions made?
Usually by the middle of February.
How many students apply? How many are admitted? How many come?
For the last 3 years, on average, we've had 380 applications, admitted 34, 16 came.
Are all students funded?
In the last few years all the entering students have gotten funding for their first year. After this initial year all students can work as Teaching or Research Assistants, if they are not otherwise funded.
Does Sociology accept applications for both fall and spring?
No, we only admit students for the fall semester.
How old is too old for the GRE and TOEFL scores?
The TOEFL needs to be taken within 2 years of the time you would be starting your program at UC Berkeley in Fall 2010 (Test scores valid as far back as June 2008).
The GRE needs to be taken within the last 5 years (Test scores valid as far back as October 2004).
What are the minimum TOEFL scores?
It depends on the form of the test. Paper test = 570. Computer test = 230. iBT (internet) test = 68.
If you are from a country where English is not the official language you must complete at least one year full-time with at least a B average in a U.S. university to be exempt from taking the TOEFL.
If I am applying to the program with a Sociology MA from another school, how will I know what will count from my past work?
Your past coursework would be evaluated in your first semester here at UC Berkeley. We are not able to consider your coursework until you arrive, as it is done on a case by case basis by the faculty advisor. Students who come in with an MA typically take 3 semesters of coursework here at Berkeley, prior to taking their qualifying exams.
I will be graduating this year/semester so my transcript is not complete, can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply. Send us a current copy of your transcript now and then once your grades (and/or degree) are posted, send us an updated copy.
Are there any prerequisites?
No.