91PORN

For useful information about the 91PORN's (91PORN's) Geological Sciences programs, please read this Prospective Students page and view our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.�� Additionally, there is a "Graduate" page with more details about our program. Find this page under the Academic tab, "Graduate" bar on the menu to the right.

Our graduate program currently follows a researcher mentorship model. Therefore, it is highly recommended to read the research of, and reach out to, potential Faculty Advisors within our Department.�� It's best to read some of their research articles first, and then email a professor.�� It's recommended to not ask general questions, but instead specific questions - both about their research and if they have funding for an incoming student at the graduate level (MS or PhD) of which you are interested.��

In general, potential for success in our graduate program can be indicated in a variety of ways.�� Strong grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate or graduate courses, a clear personal statement indicating knowledge about the type of research one would like to conduct, and strong and supportive letters of recommendation��are all taken into consideration.�� Note that applicants are NO LONGER required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (as of May 2020).�� However, most��international students are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam.�� More specific information on GPA provided below.��

Typically, entering students with a solid background in Geological Sciences have completed at least 24 semester hours of basic courses in geological sciences and two semesters each of chemistry, physics, and calculus. This totals about 42-48 credits of specific prerequisite work to ensure a basis of knowledge. Note that these are intended as recommendations, rather than strictly enforced requirements for admission. Please ask the faculty you are in conversation with about their preferred pre-requisites to conduct research with them.��

If an applicant is changing fields and is interested in moving into Geological Sciences from another discipline, in some cases, applicants may consider��taking��additional undergraduate coursework to be a competitive applicant.�� Exactly how much additional coursework, and whether or not an additional Bachelor's degree would be helpful, is a question for the research faculty member(s) you would like to work with.��

Yes, we will consider applicants with undergraduate majors other than Geology.�� Note that most applicants were in a��related field, although some have gone back to school and��obtained a second bachelors degree to be competitive when applying to graduate programs.

In general, the Admissions Committee likes to see good foundational experience and coursework on your transcript in the areas of Math, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics. For more specifics, see the qestion above ("What are the minimum admission standards and requirements for the Department of Geological Sciences?")�� Note that there is a Science Summary page that is required as part of the application, which helps our faculty see the breadth of courses you have taken which could be relevant to our graduate degree.��

The short answer is yes, your application will be considered for admission to our program.�� We look at the entirety of an application package, not just one element when making a determination.�� There is often a deeper question being asked, and so if you are concerned that you will not present as strongly in your application because of numerical data - there are ways to present your qualifications favorably to give you the best chance of admission.�� First - if your GPA is lower-than-recommended, do your best to showcase your abilities on other items.��Some work with their letter-of-reference writers to convey the qualities they have which will make them a competitive candidate for gradaute school. Others take additional undergraduate courses to help raise their GPA (while pursing one's bachelors or as a Continuing Education student). Second -��find a faculty advisor within our department who would like to work with you. See the question below: "How do I apply to the graduate program in the Department of Geological Sciences?" for more details in how to do so.�� Third - in some part of your personal essay, discuss the challenges you've faced, circumstances,��and how you've actively addressed or overcome them.�� Graduate school is not about being perfect; instead it's about��resilience and overcoming challenges.�� The personal essay is a place to explain what��you've��learned from challenges and how you have picked yourself up when down, continuing to��moving forward toward your goals.�� While we do use some numerical data to help us focus our attention towards outstanding applications, we have admitted students with��lower��numbers previously through the avenues above. (Note that the GRE Exam is no longer required for our Geological Sciences application.)��We hope these tips are helpful.��

While Geologic field credit and experience is not required, it is strongly preferred and encouraged. ��Professors considering MS or PhD students like to have the students be able to come in and conduct research right away. ��While specific, demonstrable experience in a topic area is not required, one’s ability to show knowledge of research methods and the scientific process are noted. ��Obtaining previous field or lab-component research experience is viewed positively.��

The Admissions Committee likes to see good foundational experience and coursework on your transcript in the areas of Math, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics. They often look for research interests and aptitue, and the clarity with which your research interests are communicated.�� They strongly consider��GPA scores (details under "Admissions Requirements" below), your personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, fieldwork and/or research experience is valuable to our program.�� It is highly recommended that applicants contact potential Faculty Advisors prior to applying.�� Be specific with your questions; start a conversation with faculty��about their research and ask if they are taking new students in the upcoming academic year.�� Also, as an applicant once said: "Do the dance well in advance!"�� This is much like "the early bird gets the worm."�� The earlier you begin the process of finding a faculty advisor and applying, the better prepared and informed��you will be to submit quality materials ahead of (or by) the deadline.�� There are not required experiences to apply, per se, but the specific experiences mentioned above help make you a more competitive candidate for our program.��

To be considered a competitive applicant to our highly-ranked Geological Sciences program, we first recommend that students begin seeking out a Faculty Advisor in their interest area. ��While we look at the entire application from a student, applicants with a potential faculty advisor already in place are much more likely to receive funding. ��Faculty Advisors' names and specialties can be found on the Research��page in subgroups, on the right side of the webpage.�� Reach out to faculty members and contact them directly via email with specific questions. It is recommended to read a few of their published research articles to ask critical questions about their research focus and interests. Prospective students asking direct, critical, inquisitive questions about faculty research are most likely to receive responses. Do not hesitate to ask faculty if they will be accepting students for the upcoming academic year, if they have funding to support an incoming student, and what type of student funding or appointment they may have available. ��

After you've identified 3 or more��Faculty Advisors that you'd like to work with, complete the online application, including a completed personal statement (2 single-spaced pages in essay form) and Science Study Summary. Upload unofficial transcripts from each college and university attended (see Transcripts section below).�� If you are an international applicant, and do not meet the waiver stated above, send your TOEFL/IELTS scores to institution code 4841.�� Input your recommender's names into the application system (they will receive an email once entered), and when your application is complete - pay the application fee.����

Online Application

Our department accepts only online applications. You can apply at the following website:��/graduateschool/admissions/where-begin��

Initially, an applicant registers for the online application by creating a user account. You will continue to login to this same application page, and upload materials, until your application is complete.��Note which email address you use to sign up in our application portal. Email communication about your application(s) will be sent to that email address. ��

Once you have paid the application fee and submitted your application successfully, you can login to the same website to track the progress of your application.��Received and verified items will have a green checkmark next to them.�� Missing items will have a red "X", which indicates that your application is actually "Incomplete."�� You should also receive an email to this effect, so please check your email regularly.�� Follow the directions provided and continue to submit items with a red "X" to complete your application.�� Only complete applications will be considered for admission to our program.��

See these helpful FAQ's from the Graduate School about the application: /graduateschool/admissions/where-begin/graduate-application-faqs��

Subplan / Concentration Area

It is recommended to have an area of subplan/concentration determined prior to applying.�� To find our areas of concentration and which faculty are associated with which areas, please see the "Research" page and list of area specialties on the right-hand side.��

Personal Statement

This should be uploaded with the online application in essay form.

In your personal statement, please provide a personal statement in essay form according to the application directions. This essay is a combination of academic and career goals, providing a plan, and addressing personal past challenges. In addition, naming specific Geological Sciences Department faculty members is required in this essay. ��Log in to the online application for full information. Recommended formatting and length is 2 pages single-spaced with 1-inch page��margins and 11 point font.

Diversity Statement

This should be uploaded with the online application in essay form. This Diversity Statement is a required part of our application. Please follow the application directions. This essay asks applicants to describe how their educational, professional, and/or personal experiences prepare them to contribute to support diversity, equity, and inclusion during their graduate career. Log in to the online application for full information. Recommended formatting and length is 1��page��single-spaced with 1-inch page��margins and 11 point font.

Unofficial transcript submission

One unofficial transcript, with as many complete semesters as possible, needs��be uploaded for each college��and university attended.����An electronic copy of your unofficial transcript will satisfy this requriement, but a degree audit will not.��

GRE Scores

The GRE is NO LONGER REQUIRED.�� If you have taken the GRE exam within the last 5 years and desire to submit your scores, the institution code is��4841, but this is no longer necessary.

English Proficiency Scores

1. Geological Sciences's minimum overall required TOEFL score is 75 (internet based) and 537 (paper-based).��TOEFL scores submitted must be from an exam taken within the last 2 years. Institution code: 4841.
2. Geological Sciences's minimum overall required IELTS score is 6.0 (internet based).��IELTS scores submitted must be from an exam taken within the last 2 years. Institution code: 4841.
3. Geological Sciences's minimum overall required Duolingo score is 120 (internet based).��Duolingo scores submitted must be from an exam taken within the last 2 years. Institution code: 4841.

The language requirement may be waived for applicants whose native language is English or for applicants who have completed at least one year of full-time academic study at a U.S. institution (or at an institution in a country where English is the native language) within 2 years of the desired admission term.��

Details from International Admissions and Graduate School regarding English Proficiency Requirements are below. Geological Sciences' minimum scores are under the umbrella of "All others" at the bottom of the English Proficiency chart on this Graduate School webpage: /graduateschool/admissions/where-begin/international-students/english-proficiency-requirements��

Recommendation Letters��

When you apply online, you will be asked to enter an e-mail address for each recommender. Letters should be from individuals you know in a professional capacity (as a student and/or in the workplace).

Recommenders are notified by e-mail that you have requested they submit a letter once their email address is entered on the application.�� The application does not have to be submitted for recommenders to receive this email; it happens almost immediately.�� Recommenders can be reminded or "resent' the link by the applicant, by logging into the application and resending.��It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that recommendation letters are submitted by the application deadline or within the preferred grace period after the deadline of 7 calendar days.��

Science Study Summary

The Science Study Summary should be uploaded with the online application when requested. Your application will not be considered complete and eligible for consideration until a completed Science Study Summary is submitted.

Employment History

Please provide a resume or CV which lists your employment history.��

Professional Affiliations

Professional and Academic Affiliations are professional or academic groups that you may be part of or participate in within the Geological Sciences field.�� Please list any relevant affiliations��in this section of the application.��

Application Deadlines for Fall (August)��start:

International Applicants – December 1 at 9:59 pm Mountain Standard Time (11:59 pm East Coast / 10:59 pm Central / 9:59 pm MTN / 8:59 pm Pacific)

Domestic Applicants – December 15��at 9:59 pm Mountain Standard Time (11:59 pm East Coast / 10:59 pm Central / 9:59 pm MTN / 8:59 pm Pacific)

No, we do not accept applications for spring semester starts.��MS and PhD students begin��our program in fall semesters.

No, we do not offer an application��for spring semester start dates.��MS and PhD students typically begin��our program in fall semesters due to our intensive onboarding process and cohort model.��By beginning the graduate program in a Fall semester, students have a better chance of experiencing success and fewer obstacles in our program.��

It is fine to pay the application fee and submit your application with all of the materials you have direct control over by the deadline (personal statement, resume/CV, Science Summary, unofficial transcripts, etc.).�� You can submit your application without external items��like TOEFL scores, IELTS scores, Duolingo scores, and letters of recommendation, although your application will be marked "Incomplete" without these items (red "X").�� Once they are received by verifiable sources, these external items will attach to your application (green checkmark). The��application will then move from “Incomplete” to “Complete” in our system. Note: all green checkmarks mean that your application is "Complete." Red X's can appear up to 6 weeks after an application's submission date, so please check your application and email account regularly for follow-up communications from our International and/or Domestic Admissions Teams via email and online portal.��

Grace period: We require that ALL outstanding materials with a red "X" are received 7-9 calendar days after the deadline (deadlines: December 1 for International applicants and��Dec 15 for Domestic applicants).�� Therefore, for consideration, all applications to be fully complete by and no later than December 10 (International) and December 24 (Domestic).��If your outstanding materials are not received by 10 calendar days after the deadline, your application will be withdrawn from consideration due to non-compliance of deadlines. This is a Grad School and Graduate Admissions Department rule. Therefore, it is better to submit an incomplete application by the deadline than to submit a late application entirely.��

After submitting an incomplete application, you will have up to 9 calendar days afterwards to obtain all documentation from third parties like ETS, Duolingo, and letter of recommendation writers. For recommenders, please:

1. Resend the email communication to your letter writers through the application portal. (This is under applicant control in the online application.)
2. Consider adding a fourth recommender to your application to ensure that a minimum of three letters are received on time so your application will not be withdrawn. If you want to enact this option, please:
   1. See this Grad School FAQ page and scroll to the "Letters of Recommendation" section for directions of how to update and remind your recommenders: /graduateschool/admissions/where-begin/graduate-application-faqs#after-i-have-submitted-how-do-i-replace-a-recommender-or-update-a-recommenders-email-address
   2. Contact intlgrad@colorado.edu if you are an International applicant, or GradProcessing@Colorado.edu if you are a US Citizen, dual citizen, or Domestic applicant. International Admissions (intlgrad@colorado.edu) and Domestic Admissions (GradProcessing@Colorado.edu) can provide directions on how to add a fourth recommender to your application.
      1. Up to four recommenders are permitted so that a minimum of three required letters of recomendation are received within the grace period of 9 calendar days after the application deadline.
      2. Note: A fourth recommender cannot be added after an application is withdrawn from consideration due to non-compliance of deadlines. Applicants will get warning emails prior to withdrawal and stating the reason for withdrawal and by what date the application will be withdrawn if application materials are not received. Please read and follow the directions of these emails. Note that after an application is withdrawn, it is too late to add a fourth recommender then, so please add a fourth recommender as early as possible to meet Geological Sciences' minimum requirement of three letters of recommendation.��

It is the applicant's responsibility to manage one's application materials until all materials are received and the application is complete (all green checkmarks). Please check your online application and application portal regularly, up to 6 weeks after the application deadline, to make sure that all materials are received by the International and Domestic Admissions Departments. Thank you for your careful attention to this grace period and these important application completion details. Grad School FAQ's about the application here.

The GRE is NO LONGER REQUIRED.��Faculty decided in May 2021 to "hide" any scores that have been submitted, so even if submitted your scores will not be viewed. This decision remains consistent today.

If you submitted your application by the deadline and it was fully complete at the time of submission (all letters of recommendation submitted and TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores��in, etc.), your application should be in the depa