Finding a prospective major professor

Q: How do I identify a major professor?
A: You should contact SUSAG faculty faculty members who conduct research in your anticipated area of research to discuss the potential for their support as an advisor and graduate assistantship funding. A listing of our faculty can be found in our directory.

Once you have identified one or more potential faculty members to contact, send each a brief (1-page maximum) email message with information including:

• A paragraph explaining your background, why you applied (or will be applying) to the program, and your specific area of interest.
• Paragraph noting why you are interested in working with them and how you think you can help them achieve their research goals.
• Semester and year when you plan to begin your studies.
• A request to join their research group and for funding via a research or teaching assistantship.

Letters of Recommendation

Q: How will my recommenders be notified?

A: After you submit your application, your recommenders will receive an email notification from the Office of Admissions with instructions for submitting their recommendation through the application system.

Q: Where should letters of recommendation be sent?

A: Letters of recommendation should be submitted through the application system. Recommenders should not send letters directly to the program.

Transcripts

Q: Where should institutions send electronic transcripts?

A: etranscript@iastate.edu 

Q: Why won't the application system accept my electronic transcript?

A: Electronic transcripts can't be uploaded directly as the electronic signature is encrypted. You will need to print a copy, scan it, and then upload.

Q: Are official transcripts required?

A: Official transcripts are required by the university upon admission. However, unofficial transcripts will be accepted for program review purposes.

NOTE for students from India: We require semester or annual marksheets. College-issued mark sheets will only be accepted from autonomous colleges. Consolidated mark sheets are not accepted unless all attempts, retakes, and failures are included. Degree Statements must be issued and certified by the granting university, not the college. When uploading marksheets to your application account, select “Transcripts” not “Exams.”  

Academic records should be in the official language of the country in which they were earned. If that is not English, an English language translation should be uploaded in addition to the official foreign language academic record. We will accept literal (not interpretative) English translations from any qualified translator.

Q: Are three year degrees accepted?

A: 3-year degrees from India, Bangladesh, Canada (excluding Quebec), Nepal, and Pakistan are not accepted. 3-year degrees from other countries are reviewed on an individual basis. 

GRE

Q: Do you require the general GRE score in order to be considered for admission?

A: No. The GRE score is no longer required by the SUSAG program.