How to Apply
The Department of Political Science requires that all application materials be submitted electronically through the Graduate School's application web site.
Be sure that all items are complete before submitting; the application may not be changed after it is submitted.
All application materials listed below must be received no later than December 15 in the year prior to your planned enrollment into the program. Late applicants will not be considered for admission.
International applicant financial information will be requested by the Graduate School only if the Department recommends you for admission.
Please also read the Graduate School application checklist.
The Graduate School sets the
minimum admission requirements for all prospective graduate students. The Department of Political Science has standards that are higher than the Graduate School minimum requirements.
All elements of the application are reviewed, but it may be helpful to know that students admitted to the program in 2012 had the following average scores:
- GPA of 3.8
- GRE Verbal score in 93rd percentile
- GRE Quantitative score in 81st percentile
- GRE Writing Analytic score in 86th percentile
- TOEFL exam (if required) iBT score of 111.
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Department of Political Science
Application Materials Checklist
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Statement of Reasons for Graduate Study, including your field(s) of interest.
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Three letters of recommendation, submitted electronically. The references identified in your online application will be sent a recommendation request by email. This email will include your name and a link to the electronic recommendation form. Contact your references in advance so that they can expect your request for recommendation. The request can be sent at any time providing you meet the December 15th deadline. You are able to change references or send a reminder through your application.
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Primary field questionnaire, which is found using the "Supplemental Application" link.
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Writing sample and abstract. Each applicant is required to submit either a research paper or thesis chapter that demonstrates your research, writing, and analytical abilities. The document should also include a research abstract of no more than 600 words (roughly one single-spaced page) that indicates the central question, arguments, data sources, methods, and conclusions of the research paper or thesis chapter being submitted.
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Copies of official transcripts or academic records from each institution attended. Documents must be issued by the school with the official seal/stamp and official signature. International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. See FAQs for additional details.
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GRE scores. Use institution code 1846. (There is not a separate departmental or program code.)
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TOEFL scores (if required) |
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All application materials should be submitted electronically. If this is not possible, or you have other questions about the application process, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator (admit@polisci.wisc.edu).