EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

APPLYING TO
GRADUATE SCHOOL
AT WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
Table of Contents
3 Choosing Graduate School at WVU
4 Research-Based Academia: West Virginia University Holds R1 Status
6 What Kind of Candidates Does WVU Look For?
7 Do this Before You Begin Your Application
9 Statement of Purpose
12 Ready to Apply
13 Reviewal Process
14 Getting Notified
15 Financing Graduate School at WVU
18 About Graduate Education at West Virginia University
Choosing Graduate School at WVU Click Here to Return to TOC

Choosing
Graduate School
at WVU
If you’re thinking about applying to a master’s
or doctoral program at West Virginia University,
then this resource is a must-read. The Graduate
Admissions and Recruitment Team put together
this guide in order to provide you with an in-
depth look at West Virginia University’s graduate
programs’ application process. The content here
will show you how to best prepare your application
in order to present yourself as the most appealing
candidate possible.

3
Research-Based Academia: West Virginia University Holds R1 Status Click Here to Return to TOC

Research-Based Academia:
West Virginia University
Holds R1 Status
Before diving into the admission details you need to know, let’s
first explore why you should consider attending graduate school
at West Virginia University — WVU’s R1 status.

There are 115 institutions in the U.S. classified as R1 institutions

by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Higher
Education, and WVU’s research classification is described as
fitting into the “highest research activity” classification for doctoral
universities.

4
Research-Based Academia: West Virginia University Holds R1 Status Click Here to Return to TOC

R1 institutions are engaged at the frontiers of knowledge discovery

across the spectrum – from STEM education to the Humanities,
from Creative Arts to the Social Sciences. These are the best
research universities in the U.S. and where the majority of academic
research is conducted. Much of the research at R1 universities is
funded by federal or private sources.

Students at Carnegie R1 institutions, whether they are studying

at the undergraduate or graduate level, have the opportunity to
engage in research at the forefront of their discipline. Students
at R1 universities also work with faculty who remain active in the
discovery of knowledge and who bring the latest findings from their
research and that of their colleagues into the classroom.

Students who graduate with a degree from an R1 institution have

the most current understanding of the state of the art in their major
field of study. In other words, R1 classified schools are up-to-date
with the most recent findings and trends impacting that area.

5
What Kind of Candidates Does WVU Look For? Click Here to Return to TOC

What Kind of Candidates

Does WVU Look For?
While having a near-perfect GPA and impressive test scores are a plus for any
prospective graduate student, West Virginia University’s standards for their students
extend beyond the numbers. WVU is dedicated to accepting individuals from many
walks of life who value and perpetuate diversity of thought.

6
Do this Before You Begin Your Application Click Here to Return to TOC

Do this Before
You Begin Your Application
Starting an application may seem like the obvious first step, but there are actually a
few things you should do even before that.

First, review the minimum WVU admissions requirements for your

program of interest. While you’re there, you will want to see if there
are any program-specific requirements that need to be included with
your application. This might include things like a personal statement
or essay, or a specific number of letters of recommendation. It is
important to know exactly what should be included in your application
as you will not be able to submit without the required documents.

7
Do this Before You Begin Your Application Click Here to Return to TOC

Second, you’ll want to be sure you have completed all the necessary exams for
your program of interest. Be sure you know what entrance exam might be required
such as the GRE or GMAT. If you have taken the required exam, then you will need
to request your test scores be sent and then confirm they have been received. You
will also want to request official transcripts from your bachelor’s degree granting
university. These are required for admission consideration. Next, start focusing
on gathering your letters of recommendation. How many are required? Are there
requirements as to who the letters should come from? If not, then it is generally a
good rule of thumb to have one or two letters from a former professor or academic
advisor who can speak to your overall academic performance. Additionally, a letter
from a former boss or coworker who can speak about your work ethic is usually
helpful.
Pro Tip: Nervous about taking the GRE? We invite you to download our GRE Cheat Sheet, a resource
designed to help you with your GRE test prep (practice questions and answers included!).

Pro Tip: Want to know more about interpreting GRE scores? Check out the GRE Guide to the Use of Scores.

Third, most graduate programs require a statement of purpose — also known as

a letter of intent, or personal statement. This letter will contain personal information
that highlights why you want to attend this university and what makes you a qualified
candidate. This should make a clear case for why you want to pursue study in a
particular program, why you are a good fit for the program, and what you plan to do
once you have achieved the degree.

8
Statement of Purpose Click Here to Return to TOC

Statement of Purpose

Standard Formatting
There are a few different ways that you can draft a proper Statement of Purpose, but you can’t
go wrong if you follow these formatting guidelines:
• Two pages in length unless the application requirements say otherwise.
• 12-point font
• Times New Roman
• Printed on white or off-white paper

In the upper left hand corner:

• Full Name
• Current Address
• Current Phone Number.

Following that information, include: the date as well as the

name, school, and address of the person to whom
you are sending the letter.

9
Statement of Purpose Click Here to Return to TOC

Body of the Letter

Starting any important paper always seems to be the hardest part, so we’ll
help you out a bit.

This letter should begin with a few personal details, which will foreshadow the
remainder of the letter. Often a specific program of interest will prompt you
with a question or topic that should be addressed somewhere in your essay.
This is where you discuss why you chose this career path or field of study and
how it relates to you.

Following that section, highlight your recent work and accomplishments as it

pertains to your career path. This might include information on what inspires
you, what motivates you, or what keeps you interested in this field. This
should align to the type of coursework, teaching, and research being offered
at the program to which you are applying.

Lastly, concisely explain your career goals and how this university and
program will help you achieve them. Be specific, clear, and concise. This is
your chance to show an admissions professional why you should be accepted
to their school and program.

10
Statement of Purpose Click Here to Return to TOC

Conclusion
The final portion of your letter should be a conclusion that wraps up the theme
of your letter. This is where you want to leave a lasting impression while also
summarizing your letter.

Reiterate your interest, thank them for their time and consideration, and then —
PROOFREAD!

Pro Tip: Read your paper aloud to see how it sounds and to catch any spelling or grammatical errors
that you may have made. There is nothing worse than a simple spelling mistake as you plead your case
to be a qualified applicant!

11
Ready to Apply Click Here to Return to TOC

Ready to Apply
After you have completed the previous steps, you
are finally ready to begin filling out your application!
• Create an account
• Fill out the application
• Submit the nonrefundable $60 application fee
• Submit your official transcripts (from your
bachelor’s degree granting institution)
• Reviewal process

Start Your Application!

If you’re ready to apply to WVU, we invite you to click on the button
below and start your application!

Apply Now
12
Reviewal Process Click Here to Return to TOC

Reviewal Process
So, you’ve submitted your application — what
happens next?

Each application is reviewed by a member of our

graduate admissions team. The application is then
sent to your program for review and admission
consideration. Once the program has made an
admission decision, you are notified.

13
Getting Notified Click Here to Return to TOC

Getting Notified
This is the exciting part!

If you are accepted into a WVU graduate program,

you will be notified via email and receive an official
admission letter from the Office of Graduate
Admissions and Recruitment. You may also receive
communication via email, mail, or phone directly
from the graduate program. You will then receive a
follow-up letter in the mail outlining next steps in the
admission process.

Unfortunately, we can’t accept every applicant,

and for those who don’t get accepted, you will be
notified via email and a letter in the mail from the
Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment.

14
Financing Graduate School at WVU Click Here to Return to TOC

Financing Graduate School at WVU

Making the decision to start a graduate level academic journey is the first step in achieving
success for your preferred future. But the next major hurdle to jump through is to comprehend
and plan for a financial commitment. Perceiving graduate school as an investment for you,
gives you a perspective that will guide you through the subsequent costs and commitments,
both financial and personal. Visit WVU’s Student Financial Support and Services to learn more
about financing graduate school.

Understanding Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are a form of academic employment for which students must apply
and be accepted based on academic excellence and faculty referral. Graduate assistants
receive a University tuition waiver based on the tasks they perform for faculty members or
departments.

In addition to payment, graduate assistantships are a strategic way for PhD and master’s
degree students to gain practical field experience, deepen academic understanding, and
network with thought leaders and students in their field.

15
Financing Graduate School at WVU Click Here to Return to TOC

WVU offers 3 kinds of graduate assistantships:

West Virginia University awards approximately 1,700 graduate assistantships annually to incoming
and continuing graduate students. All graduate assistants must be accepted into a graduate degree
program and are required to be enrolled full-time while employed during the fall and spring terms (9
credits or more).

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships — teach courses, laboratory sections, and recitation

sections, or provide other forms of instructional assistance
• Graduate Research Assistantships — help faculty members with their research activities
• Graduate Service Assistantships — work in one of the administrative or service offices of WVU
in positions related to their program of study and that contribute to their educational experience

Regular graduate assistants work an average of 20 hours per week and partial graduate assistants
work an average of 10 hours per week as teaching, research, or service assistants. For additional
information on Graduate Assistantships visit the Graduate Education and Life website.

Pro Tip: For more articles on financing graduate school at WVU, visit our blog, The Summit Ahead.

16
Check Out Our Other Guides Click Here to Return to TOC

Check Out Our Other Guides

A Guide for Social Change in Grad Programs and Online Graduate

Literacy Educators Public Health Careers in STEM School Toolkit

Career Changers Research-Based A Guide to Graduate A Guide to Financing

17
Graduate Programs Assistantships Graduate School
About Graduate Education at WVU
West Virginia University is located in beautiful Morgantown, WV, a community noted for its central
location near Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, and New York City. Founded in 1867 as a land-
grant institution, WVU promises to “… deliver high-quality education, excel in discovery and innovation,
model a culture of diversity and inclusion, promote health and vitality, and build pathways for the
exchange of knowledge and opportunity between the state, the nation, and the world.”

The stimulating graduate community of scholar-teachers and passionate learners at WVU creates an
environment that welcomes your desire to grow, to learn, and to add to the growing body of knowledge
in your field. As a WVU graduate learner, you engage in internationally recognized academic programs.

If you want more information about graduate admission requirements, graduate assistantships,
financial aid, or to learn more about the graduate application process, visit WVU’s Office of Graduate
Admissions & Recruitment website.

Apply Now Request More Info Explore Programs

Connect With WVU

Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment
West Virginia University
PO Box 6510
Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
Phone: 304-293-5980 Fax:304-293-1147
GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu 18