prospective students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The BMW Connection

What is BMW's role in the Center for German and European Studies at Georgetown?

Questions about MAGES

What is the program structure?
The MAGES program is a 2-year, full-time, interdisciplinary program.
What disciplines does one study at MAGES?
The core curriculum consists of courses focusing on international relations, history, economics, comparative politics, and cultural studies. Students also take electives outside of these disciplines.
What is the difference between the MAGES program and other programs in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service?
The MAGES program offers a Master's from the School of Foreign Service with a focus on European affairs. MAGES is smaller than some of the other programs, with a student body of around 35-50 MA students; this allows for a high degree of personal attention- both in terms of academic and career advising. The student population itself is unique; between 30-50% of each class is made up of international students. The students have very diverse backgrounds due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program- their previous fields of study range from international relations to language to business.

MAGES graduates are uniquely qualified for a broad range of careers due to their interdisciplinary backgrounds. They develop skills in the program that employers in all sectors seek: solid writing and analytical skills, an understanding of current international issues, cultural insight, adaptability, and the ability to step outside of one narrow discipline and see the relationships between different facets of a changing global environment.

The BMW Center offers an extensive program of events for its students that aim to sustain the transatlantic dialogue. MAGES students have regular contact with prominent international dignitaries, government officials, and scholars.

Please visit the current student and academic programs pages of our website to learn more about MAGES.

Questions About Admissions

Applications

When is the deadline?
Materials for fall 2008 admission should be postmarked by January 15, 2008.
What do I need to submit?
See the MAGES Program Application Checklist on our "How to Apply" webpage.
Where can I get the MAGES Supplemental Data Form and the MAGES Language Proficiency Form?
The MAGES Supplemental Data Form and MAGES Language Proficiency Form should be uploaded to the online application.
Where do I get the Letter of Recommendation forms?
Recommendations are to be submitted via the online application. Should recommenders wish to submit paper recommendations, please have recommenders mail them directly to the Graduate School (not to the BMW Center or SFS).
Can I submit my application form on paper?
Please submit all materials except for transcripts online if possible. Transcripts should be sent to the Graduate School.
What if I cannot afford the application fee?
The Graduate School cannot grant fee waivers. The BMW Center only grants fee waivers for certain types of fellowship holders. If you believe you qualify for a fee waiver because you are part of a fellowship program, please email the BMW Center.
May I submit unofficial transcripts?
You may only submit unofficial transcripts as a substitute until your official transcripts arrive; attach a note that they are being sent. We will not read applications without official transcripts.
Do I need to have someone fill out MAGES Language Proficiency Forms for me?
All candidates should be evaluated in at least one non-native European language. If your native language is a European language other than English, please get evaluated in another European language. Candidates do not need to fill out a Language Proficiency Form for their native language(s). These forms show the admissions committee that candidates are actively pursuing the study of another language and culture.
Who should conduct the language evaluation and sign the form?
The form can be filled out by a professor, teacher, or native speaker in a professional setting; it should not be filled out by a fellow student or family member. University departments and language schools will perform language evaluations upon request. For the MAGES application, you need not take an official language exam; an evaluation is enough.
May I submit a language certificate in lieu of the language evaluation form?
Professional, widely-recognized language certificates may be submitted in lieu of the evaluation form. There is no advantage to submitting a professional certificate over an evaluation or vice versa.

Economics Prerequisite

Are applicants admitted without having the macro- and microeconomics prerequisites?
We do accept applicants without the prerequisites, but they may not matriculate into the program without passing these two courses. It will not affect your chances of admission if you are missing the prerequisites.
When do admitted students take the economics courses?
Admitted students should begin the coursework immediately after being accepted to the MAGES program to ensure that they have enough time to complete all requirements before MAGES courses begin in August. Students may also take courses if they know they would like to apply to the MAGES program- most graduate programs in international affairs require macro- and microeconomics as prerequisites.
Where do students take the prerequisite courses?
Students may take the courses at outside institutions, but all courses should be approved by the MAGES program before completion. Distance courses are also accepted, but should be pre-approved. All courses must be taken for a grade, at least three academic credits, and taken at an accredited institution. A grade of C or better is required. Please email Kimberly Jaeger to get courses approved. AP courses taken in high school are not acceptable.

Language Experience

The requirement that one of the two non-English European languages must be German has been removed.

What degree of language proficiency do I need when applying to MAGES?
A high level of proficiency in a European language other than English equivalent to three years of college-level instruction is expected for admission; exposure to a second European language is strongly encouraged. Although not required, it is encouraged that students choose German as one of their languages.
What if I don't speak German?
The requirement that students be proficient in German has been changed. The new requirement states that students need proficiency in 2 European languages of their choice. MAGES students may audit a 5th course, paying no extra tuition, during their time in the program to attain proficiency in another language and pass the Second Language Exam. This exam tests for research/ reading ability in a foreign language. Washington, D.C., also offers an array of language-learning options.
Which European languages are acceptable for the two-language requirement?
Students are required to be proficient in 2 European languages other than English. MAGES students may take the language exams in any widely-spoken European language; the most typical testing languages are German, French, Spanish, Russian, Italian and Dutch, but many others are offered.
What if I am a native speaker of a European language other than English?
If you are a native speaker of a European language other than English, you are exempt from the Oral Language Exam, which measures oral proficiency. Your Written Language Exam must be taken in another European language other than English. You do not need to fill out a Language Proficiency Form for your native language for admission.

GREs

Do I need to take the GRE?
All MAGES applicants, even international students, must submit GRE scores. International students are not evaluated on the same scale as native English speakers.
When should I take the GRE?
Take the GRE as early as possible before the deadline. It is a good idea to take the test before January 1 so that scores are processed in time.
How do I submit my scores?
When taking the GRE, indicate that your scores should be sent to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Georgetown University- the code is 5244. The Graduate School processes all scores for the graduate programs.
What is the GRE code?
Our GRE code is 5244.
Which part of the GRE is most important?
All parts are equally important- verbal, quantitative, and analytical/writing sections.
Is there a minimum GRE score requirement for the MAGES program?
No. Average scores for a typical incoming MAGES class are: Verbal- 620; Quantitative- 644; Analytical- 685; Writing- 5.43. GRE scores are one of many factors that determine an applicant's potential for success in the MAGES program.
If I take the GRE more than once, will MAGES take my highest scores?
MAGES only looks at the highest scores.
If I am applying for the MAGES/JD program, do I need to submit GRE and LSAT scores?
Yes. GRE scores should be sent to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; LSAT scores should be sent to Georgetown Law Center.

For more information on the GRE, see the official GRE website.

TOEFL and IELTS

Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
If you received your undergraduate degree from an institution where English was not the native language, you must take one of these two tests in addition to the GRE.
When should I take the TOEFL or IELTS?
Applicants should take the exam before the January 15 application deadline. MAGES suggests that tests be taken before December to ensure timely processing of scores.
Do I need to take both tests?
No. You should take either the TOEFL or the IELTS. MAGES has no preference for one exam.
What are the minimum scores for admission?
The minimum TOEFL scores for admission to the MAGES program are 600 on the paper exam, 100 on the internet-based test, and 250 on the computer exam. The minimum IELTS score for admission is 7.5.

For more information on the TOEFL, see the website at http://www.ets.org/toefl/. To find out about the IELTS, see http://www.ielts.org/.

International Applicants

What is different for international applicants?
International applicants must submit everything that U.S. citizens submit, plus TOEFL or IELTS scores if they have an undergraduate degree from a non-native English speaking institution.

International students have different financial aid opportunities than U.S. citizens. Please see the section below on Tuition/ Financial Aid. The BMW Center has resources for its international applicants and students; please contact Kimberly Jaeger for details.
How do I secure a student visa for study in the United States? What should I do if I have a visa already?
Information on applying for a visa will be sent to you after you have been admitted to your desired program. You will receive a Visa Student Questionnaire Form to complete and return to the Graduate Admissions Office. This form will explain the types of documentation required to show proof of funding for your study at Georgetown.

Once the Visa Questionnaire is received by the Graduate Admissions Office, the form and corresponding documentation is delivered to the Office of International Programs (OIP) on campus. OIP will process your paperwork and will issue the appropriate I-20, or other government required form, needed to apply for your visa.

Statement of Purpose

How important is the statement of purpose?
The statement of purpose is one of the most crucial parts of the admissions process. It allows the admissions committee to see a side of you that is impossible to know through scores, grades, etc...
What are the guidelines for the statement?
The statement should not exceed 500 words in length. Applicants should address their intellectual interests and their compatibility with the MAGES program, their academic and professional objectives, and their proposed topic(s) of graduate study. The statement should reflect your views, experiences, and your "voice." Do not submit the statement in a language other than English.
What if I write more than 500 words?
Part of graduate education is learning to be concise and following instructions. Do not write more or less than the required length.
What is the point of the statement?
The statement should provide the committee with information not seen in the resume, writing sample, transcripts, etc... It is also an indication of writing ability and should be checked carefully for grammar, spelling, and language use.
What advice do you have for the statement of purpose?
- Address each aspect of the guidelines- interests, compatibility, objectives, proposed topics or fields of study.
- Proofread and edit your statement; have professors, friends, colleagues, etc... read it.
- Write authentically/ be who you are. It will be obvious if you are simply telling the admissions committee what they want to hear.
- Do not mention financial aid requirements in the statement of purpose.
- Explain why you would like to attend MAGES in particular- don't recycle essays from other applications because it is very obvious to the committee.
- Do your own work.
- Emphasize your accomplishments, strengths, anything you want the committee to know about you before closing your file.
- Be specific and give examples of accomplishments, experiences, etc...
- Do not send in videos, disks, or CDs.

Academic Writing Sample

What are the guidelines for the writing sample?
The sample should be an academic writing sample written in English, preferably dealing with an issue related to your proposed course of study or a MAGES discipline- international relations, comparative politics, history, economics, or cultural studies. It must be written in English. You are not expected to write a new article or paper for the application; it is expected that you submit a previously-written work. Submit a piece that reflects your best work.
May I submit something written in German or another language other than English?
No. All writing samples must be in English. Translations of papers written in other languages will not be accepted.
How long should the sample be?
There is no minimum length for the sample. The committee typically reads about 10-15 pages of each sample; applicants usually send in 15-25 page academic papers or articles.
What if I don't have a paper relating to a MAGES discipline?
Any academic writing sample will suffice if you do not have a history, government, cultural studies, economics, international relations, etc... paper to submit. In that case, a paper dealing with any other humanities-related topic will be best.
What advice do you have for the academic writing sample?
- Send only academic papers.
- Submit a piece that reflects your best academic work.
- Be sure to use footnotes, bibliographies, citations, etc... Show that you know how to research properly.
- Journal articles, class papers, theses, etc... are all acceptable forms of writing.
- Do not send in videos, disks, or CDs.
- Keep a copy of your work since your sample will not be returned to you.

Letters of Recommendation

Can I send in more than three letters of reference?
You may, but the committee usually only reads three per candidate.
Who should write the letters for me?
If you are a recent graduate or still in school, three letters should be from an academic who is familiar with your course of study and your academic work. You may also submit two from professors and one from an employer who could address your ability to do graduate work.

If you have been out of school for a few years, you may submit letters from professional references, but it would benefit you to find at least one academic to write a letter for you.

In general, letters should be from people who will write an outstanding letter of recommendation for you. A well-known person who only writes a paragraph about you is not as impressive as a professor who writes a detailed letter about your strengths, character, experience, etc...
Is it acceptable to send letters from non-English speaking professors?
Yes, but please have the professor get them translated and notarized. They should attach them to the original letter before mailing it to the Graduate School.
May I see the letters?
Application materials become property of Georgetown University and are not returnable. Most applicants waive the right to see the letters prior to applying. This is recommended.
Where are the forms?
Letter of recommendation forms are now available via the online application only.
How should I send the letters?
It is preferred that each candidate submit recommendation letters online. Instructions are in your online application. If a professor chooses not to submit online, he/she should send the letters in separately to the Graduate School, or give them to you in a sealed envelope with a signature over the seal. It is proper etiquette to give them an addressed, stamped envelope with the form. Remember to send all materials to the Graduate School, not to the BMW Center.
Any tips for the letters of recommendation?
- Have references who know you well write the letters- detailed letters are the best.
- If you have a foreign professor write letters for you, remember that the genre of the letter of recommendation may be different in their country than in the U.S. You should be sure that he/she will write a detailed letter about you.
- If your reference would write a better recommendation for you in his/her native language, offer to find them a translator and notary. German letters need not be translated.
- Please ask your reference to type the letter; it is difficult to read hand-written letters.
- Please have your reference use the proper Georgetown University forms or send a letter on letterhead from his/her office.

Transcripts

Do the transcripts need to be official?
Yes; only official transcripts are acceptable. Your college or university registrar should send the transcript in a sealed envelope with a stamp over the seal or on the transcript itself.
If I have grades from international institutions, how do I submit those?
You should submit grades from foreign institutions in their official form (transcript, forms, etc...) with notarized translations attached. The transcripts must be in sealed envelopes from the college or university. The translations must be official/ notarized. You can usually find a notary public at banks, schools, real estate agencies, law firms, courthouses, etc... German Scheine/ Zeugnisse must be translated into English for the Graduate School records.
When are transcripts due?
All transcripts must postmarked by the application deadline in January of each year.
How can I check to be sure my transcripts have arrived at Georgetown University?
Please see the online checklist in your online application file, or contact the Graduate School Admissions Office at 202-687-5568 to check to see if your materials have arrived.
Do I need transcripts from every school I've attended?
Yes. You do need to request official transcripts from every institution you have attended beyond secondary school, even if you did not receive a degree from a specific institution. This includes junior and community colleges.
How do I know if the documents I have submitted are official?
Documents, such as letters of recommendation and transcripts, are official if they arrive at the Graduate School in a sealed envelope with either the recommender or the registrar's signature across the seal of the envelope. A completed official transcript shows conferral of an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Joint Degree Applications (MAGES/Ph.D. and MAGES/JD)

Do I submit separate applications to each degree program?
Joint applicants submit one online application, but two separate sets of materials- one for each department. All materials should be sent to the Graduate School; indicate that you are a joint degree applicant.
It is beneficial to write two statements of purpose and submit each statement to each department. In each statement, be sure to indicate why you would like to pursue a joint degree. Please indicate clearly which statement is for which department; two copies of each should be sent to the Graduate School for submission to the departments.
When you submit two sets of letters of recommendation, two writing samples, etc, the Graduate School will send the materials to both departments.
Do I have to take the GRE and LSAT for the MAGES/JD program application?
Yes. Please submit GRE scores to the Graduate school by the MAGES deadline and submit LSAT scores to Georgetown Law Center by their deadline.
When is the deadline for the MAGES joint degree programs?
The deadline for the MAGES portion of the application is January 15, 2008. Please contact the other department(s) or check the Graduate School Website for information about other departments' deadlines.
Does the admissions decision of one program affect the other?
Each admissions decision is reached independently, so one decision will not affect the other. Once initial decisions are made, the BMW Center and the department meet to discuss admissions offers and financial aid awards.
Is it possible to be admitted to one program and not the other?
Yes, it is possible and happens every year. If you are admitted to MAGES and not to the Ph.D. or JD program, you may join MAGES and then can consider re-applying during your first year of study for the joint degree. If you admitted to the Ph.D. or JD program but not to MAGES, each case must be treated individually to determine a candidate's eligibility for re-application.
Can I apply for the joint degree after I am accepted into MAGES?
You can apply for some joint degree programs during your first year at MAGES. You are not guaranteed any special admissions consideration because you are already at Georgetown University.
May I do the joint degree with another school?
No. Georgetown University has agreements only with programs within the Georgetown University community.
Does the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service offer a Ph.D. program?
No. Any joint program indicates a partnership with another section of Georgetown University. The Walsh School itself offers BSFS and Master's degrees.

Application Status

Will I be notified when the Admissions Office receives my materials?
No, but you may check what materials have been received via your personal online application checklist.
When will I be notified about the decision?
All decisions for 2008 will be mailed on or before April 1, 2008. Decisions will not be given via email, fax, or telephone due to privacy concerns.
Can I re-apply if I don't get into the MAGES program?
Yes, you can re-activate your file for next year's admissions season by updating your current application with new materials. The decision from this year will not affect future chances of admission. It is common for rejected applicants to re-apply one or more times.

You should demonstrate improvement in those areas in which you lacked experience or academic training before re-applying.
Can I find out the reasons for a rejection?
Due to the size of the applicant pool, we are unable to give feedback on applications to rejected applicants in the spring. We suggest reviewing your application with your professors and employers prior to re-applying to the MAGES program. You may ask questions about your application during the summer.
I applied for Georgetown University undergraduate admission and was denied. Will this affect my graduate school admission?
No. The admissions processes are entirely separate.
I applied for Georgetown University graduate admission to another program and was denied. Will this affect my admission to the MAGES program?
No. The admissions decisions are entirely separate.

Deferrals

Does the BMW Center grant deferrals to admitted applicants?
Under certain circumstances, the BMW Center does grant deferrals. Each case is handled individually. Typical reasons for deferral have included personal/family issues, pursuit of study related to the MAGES degree, scholarship/fellowship offers, financial difficulty, and professional opportunities related to the MAGES degree. It is not guaranteed that applicants will be granted deferrals, even for the reasons listed above.
How do I request a deferral?
If you do decide to request a deferral, you submit your deposit to the Graduate School once admitted and a deferral request form. If you are granted a deferral, you will be guaranteed a place in the fall of 2009.
The caveat is that your current financial aid award does not transfer to next year with your admission. You would have to forgo your current package and be reconsidered for aid along with the new candidates for aid in fall 2009. Because aid is awarded based on the strength of each applicant in comparison with the rest of the applicant pool, it is difficult to say if you would receive aid again, and if so, what amount.
If you were not granted the deferral, you would basically have to decide between starting in the fall of 2008 and declining the offer of admission altogether. If you were to decline admission, you would have to start the application process from the beginning if you chose to apply in the future. The Graduate School will keep your file on record for one year, but you should always submit updated materials if you choose to re-apply. Your fall 2008 application would not have any bearing on a future application.
What do deferred students need to do before attending MAGES?
Before attending the program, deferred students must submit a new statement of purpose highlighting their activities during the year off and any other supplemental material they feel is necessary to maintain their competitiveness for financial aid awards.

Tuition/ Financial Aid

Where can I get more information on tuition and financial aid?
Most questions can be answered on our tuition and financialaid pages, or on the website for the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS). Please contact either the BMW Center or the OSFS for questions if the websites do not contain the information you are seeking.
What are the basics on tuition and financial aid?
There are various options for financial aid for MAGES students. MAGES applicants with U.S. citizenship who are interested in need-based aid should contact the GU Office of Student Financial Services to fill out the FAFSA and supplemental graduate school financial aid application form. International students should contact that office to inquire about need-based aid. International students should also see the website: www.internationalstudentloan.com to find out about various financial aid options.
The BMW Center automatically ranks all applicants for merit-based financial aid; there is no separate application. Packages from the Center usually come in the form of or tuition for the 2 years of MA study. Joint MAGES/Ph.D. students usually receive joint packages from the Center and their Ph.D. departments. Because the aid from the Center is not enough to support students without supplemental funds, applicants should pursue outside forms of funding and not count on receiving aid from the Center. All BMW Center scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.
The BMW Center website contains lists of fellowships, scholarships, and grants for MAGES students or program applicants with the same interests as MAGES students. Please see the Center's additional funding webpage for the lists. It is recommended that applicants apply for any relevant scholarships even if they are not guaranteed a spot in the program; many scholarships would be valid for any program of study a MAGES applicant would pursue.

Qualifications

Please see the admissions requirements page for more information on qualifications for the MAGES program.

The FAQ sections above also contain answers to many questions about qualifications.
Does MAGES admit undergraduates who apply directly from school?
The MAGES student body is made up of students with professional experience and those coming directly from school. If you apply directly from you undergraduate school, it is especially important that you have a strong academic background, study abroad experience, strong language proficiency, and a variety of extracurricular activities- internships, volunteer experience, leadership activities.

Visiting the BMW Center

Although we do not schedule formal interviews with candidates, many applicants schedule informational interviews/ visits with Kimberly Jaeger, the Supervisor of Academic Programs. When visiting, it is possible to speak with current students and faculty and visit a course. Please contact Ms. Jaeger to schedule a visit.

Additional Information

To request a printed catalog, please click here. For more information regarding admissions and academic programs, please email Kimberly Jaeger at jaegerk@georgetown.edu, or call her at 202-687-8076 or toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at 888-565-8076.