Q: I won't have the results from my GRE or TOEFL by the application deadline. What do I do?
A: Self report your scores on the RTF on-line application. The official score will be forwarded to us by the Graduate and International Admission Center when they receive it. If you don't know your score when you do the RTF on-line application, put 000 as the score on the application and send your scores to the Graduate Coordinator in RTF by email as soon as you know them.

Q: What is the average GRE score for admission?
A: Each pool of applicants is different, as is each program. While most of our applicants score a combined verbal and quantitative of between 1000 and 1350, many score much higher and some score lower. Your GRE score is just one of many factors and if you score in the high percentile, we certainly notice. However, if your GRE is low but the rest of your application is excellent, a low GRE will not make you ineligible for admission.

Q: Who should write my letters of recommendation?
A: For the Media Studies programs, the three letters should come from faculty members who know you well enough to speak to your particular strengths. For the MFA programs, at least one letter should be from a faculty member and at least one letter should be from a former employer or internship sponsor (we would like to hear about your professional experience). The third letter may come from either an academic or professional source.

Q: One of my recommenders would like to mail the letter of recommendation instead of using the on-line process. Is that okay?
A: Yes, but we highly recommend and prefer that all letters be sent via the ApplyTexas application. If it is sent by mail, please send it directly to the department using the address on the website.

Q: How long should my academic writing sample be and what should it be on?
A: You should submit a paper that you have written for one of your courses (does not have to be from a media course). It should be between 10 and 20 pages, but a longer one will be accepted if you feel it is your best work. If you no longer have any papers, please submit a 7-10 page original essay. Please do not send your Master's thesis.

Q: How long should the Statement of Purpose be and what should it say?
A: The Statement of Purpose should be between 1 _ and 3 pages, double spaced. It should tell us about your background and why you are interested in doing graduate work at The University of Texas. Avoid giving a laundry list of your accomplishments without saying specifically what your most important achievements or interests are. We want to know who you are, what you are interested in, what you can contribute to the program, and what your goals are. If you are familiar with some of our faculty or their work, by all means mention that, but be sure it is relevant to your program and interests. There are many fine examples of Statement of Purposes available on the web, but remember that your statement should be very personal and show your passion and experience.

Q: Can I continue to work while I am pursuing a degree in RTF?
A: While many of our students do work, our programs are structured for full-time students in residence. In particular, our MFA programs are intensive and most students find it hard to work more than 10 hours in their first year. We do not offer any distance learning opportunities.

Q: May I pursue an additional degree while in the RTF graduate program?
A: We offer several dual degrees in our MA in Media Studies and a few of our PhD Media Studies students have entered into portfolio and interdisciplinary degrees. However, students may not pursue another degree while in our MFA programs.

Q: If I am admitted to the program, by I defer my enrollment for a year.
A: Each admission pool is unique and we strive to balance our incoming classes carefully. This means that, except for our MA in Media Studies program, we do not allow applicants to defer, but they are welcome to apply again in the future.