APPLYING TO THE MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAM

Like all graduate programs at Georgetown University, CLAS' application processes is managed by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Applicants are strongly advised to use the online application. Use of the online application significantly expedites the submission and processing of the application, and CLAS prefers the submission of online applications. If you are unable to apply online, request a paper application, or contact the Graduate School Admissions Office at:

Georgetown University
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Office of Graduate Admissions
Box 571004
Washington, D.C. 20057-1004
tel. (202) 687-5568
fax (202) 687-6802

All applicants must visit visit the Graduate School's Prospective Student Website to learn about application fees and where to submit your application.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Requirements for admission to Georgetown's M.A. program in Latin American Studies generally conform to those of the Georgetown University Graduate School. Applicants must submit the Graduate School online application form, transcripts from every academic institution they have attended, a 500-word statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation (preferably academic), and the CLAS Supplementary Data Form. The GRE is required of all applicants who completed their undergraduate degree in an English-speaking environment, regardless of nationality. Those applicants who completed their undergraduate degrees in a non-English speaking environment must achieve a TOEFL score of 550 or higher on the written test (or 213 on the computer-based test). All application materials need to be submitted online, except for transcripts and the CLAS Supplementary Data Form. Applications will not be complete and/or reviewed until a hard copy of transcripts and the CLAS Supplementary Data Form have been received.

All candidates for admission must have successfully completed at least six semesters of lower-division Spanish or Portuguese, or completed the equivalent of Advanced II in either language. Native speakers of Spanish or Portuguese must meet Georgetown University's standards for English. A strong, broad, multi-disciplinary preparation in studies of Latin America is recommended.

CLAS takes a holistic approach to evaluating applications for admission. GRE scores and grades are important; however, just as important are the applicant's essay, the letters of recommendation, and the experiences and goals conveyed through the personal statement. CLAS looks carefully at all of these elements when considering applications and aims for an overall evaluation based on the combined strength of the complete application.

A complete application to the Masters in Latin American Studies will include:

1) The Graduate School online application

2) A personal statement describing your academic interests and future goals

3) Three letters of recommendation: At least two of these should be from professors or others who know your academic strengths. The third letter may be from a professional reference. If it is impossible for you to obtain letters from academic references, please state your reasons in your personal statement.

4) Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate degree programs (hardcopy)

5) Test scores: Applicants who have completed any undergraduate or graduate degree in an English-speaking college or university should submit GRE general scores. Applicants who have completed any undergraduate or graduate degree in a non-English-speaking college or university should submit TOEFL scores. All scores are to be submitted to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Applications without test scores will be considered incomplete.

6) The Center for Latin American Studies Supplementary Data Form (hardcopy)

ATTENTION JOINT DEGREE APPLICANTS:

• Online applicants to the joint M.A./JD Progam must submit two separate applications, including separate credentials (transcripts, statements, and letters). One application and credential set is for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (M.A. in Latin American Studies program) and the other application and credential set is for the Georgetown Law Center (J.D. program).
• Online applicants to the joint M.A. in Latin American Studies/Ph.D. in Government must submit via regular mail a separate M.A. in Latin American Studies personal statement specific to their interests in Latin American Studies, along with a hardcopy of the CLAS Supplementary Data Form. Applicants using a paper application must submit two sets of credentials (i.e. transcripts, statements, recommendation letters), one for the M.A. in Latin American Studies program and one for the Ph.D. in Government program.

For any questions concerning admissions requirements and deadlines, please contact:
Dr. Angelo Rivero-Santos, Director of Academic Affairs
Tel: (202) 687-0144
Email: ar93@georgetown.edu