Application: What Do I Need?

Academic Statement

A written declaration that explains how your interests, coursework, and research experiences led you to become invested in pursuing graduate training and describes how your experiences and interests fit the program. 

• Traditionally 1-2 pages
• Focuses on intellectual and research-based aspects of your development
• Shows reviewers you’re ready to take ownership of your intellectual pursuits.

Discuss how this program will contribute to your future professional goals, even if you’re not sure what you want to do (e.g., academia, industry, etc.). Think in terms of pressing questions you want to answer, and why you’re interested in those particular questions. Try to include:

• Any resources and/or opportunities that make the program a unique place for you.
• The names (two to three) of faculty whose research interests you and could be potential mentors.

Personal Statement

The personal statement (~500 words) gives you a place to discuss your personal history in some depth, especially as it relates to your academic development. Some programs will ask that you write about specific topics; be sure to make the necessary adjustments to your personal statement if need be.

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Applicants to the Landscape Architecture program may opt to submit a portfolio to highlight any previous creative design work.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are one of the most important parts of the application and can make or break you. They give the admissions committee a chance to learn more about your qualities and limitations from those with whom you’ve worked.

• Ask the faculty who know you best and who can comment positively on the quality of your work to write a recommendation letter.
• Letters from senior faculty in your prospective discipline carry more weight than those of faculty outside your field, but don’t ask a professor who doesn’t know you just because he or she works in your area/discipline of interest.
• If you’ve worked with faculty in another area for a long time and this person can attest to your qualities and accomplishments, then ask him/her for a letter.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for a “strong recommendation letter.”
• Meet with the recommenders who are writing the letters, so they are clear in your interests.
• Prepare a “recommender’s package” with a copy of your statements, C.V. or resume, and transcript, and a list of all the schools to which they will be submitting letters, including; URLs, emails, name of the program/department, and deadline.
• Give them 6-8 weeks to write a recommendation letter. 

Applicants will register their letter writers via the online application system, which will generate an emailed set of instructions (sent to each letter writer) to upload their letter electronically at a later date.

Although letters from faculty can carry more weight, it is okay to ask non-academic supervisors or mentors for recommendations. The important thing is that they can speak about the qualities and abilities that make you a great candidate for graduate school.

Some recommenders only provide letters of recommendation if you waive your right to access the letters. Consult in advance with your recommenders about their preference.

Resumes and/or Curriculum Vitae

Your resume or curriculum vitae (C.V.) should include relevant academic and professional experience, research projects, and publications, and highlight any information that was not included in the other parts of the application. 

First, check to see which one your application requires!

• A resume is usually one page
• C.V.s can be more than one page but should have the most relevant or important information on the first page
• C.V. formats vary; use online resources to create and edit.
• GPA is usually not included in the CV; however, academic honors are. If you graduate with honors, mention it under Education or in the Honors and Awards section. 

Highlight what matters most

Prioritize experiences that are most relevant to the degree and program you’re pursuing. In your education section, include only institutions where you have received degrees at the Bachelor’s level or beyond. For your experience section, it’s fine to use multiple subheadings (such as Teaching and Related Experience, Research, or Industry) to showcase the breadth of your involvement.

Keep personal information limited to essential contact details and avoid unnecessary items such as marital status, date of birth, health, or religious affiliation. However, if you have unique or unconventional experiences that set you apart and support your application, don’t hesitate to include them – even if they may seem out of the ordinary.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Good news! In order to build more opportunities for students like you to tackle the world's greatest sustainability challenges, the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is removing barriers to education in these important fields. 

You are no longer required to submit GRE scores when you apply to SEAS.

Interviews and Visitation Weekends

Make a great first impression
Most PhD programs will invite their top candidates to visit their campus for interviews or a visitation weekend for those who have been offered admission. Use interviews and visits to introduce yourself and get to know the place and students.:

• Project professionalism in your attitude and attire
• Be prepared to explain your goals
• Show knowledge of that program
• Make sure to research the work being done by those who you will meet during your visit
• Have a list of questions
• Consider bringing a copy of your resume to leave

Follow up
After your visit, send an email to those with whom you met, thanking them for their time and restating your interests.

Accepting Offers

Congratulations! Now it’s time to look at the packages you were offered and consider the following:

Make a list of what’s important to you (and to your family), and do not be afraid to email the program if you have any questions.

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