Graduate Institute

Admission to the Graduate Institute

The Graduate Institute welcomes applications for admission from qualified individuals with a Bachelor's degree; no particular field or major is required. There is no application fee. The purpose of the admissions process is to determine if applicants have a clear understanding of the program for which they are applying, a serious commitment to the work of that program and sufficient ability and preparation to undertake that work. Applicants are not judged against one another; they are considered entirely on their own merits.

In judging applications, greatest weight is given to the essays, in which applicants discuss their previous education, their reasons for interest in the Graduate Institute, and their reflections on a book of particular importance to them. Collectively, the essays should be sufficiently long, usually six to nine pages, to demonstrate the applicants' ability to express themselves in a thoughtful and articulate manner. The two letters of reference are also carefully weighed. They should be from academic sources, and, when possible, written specifically for the Graduate Institute. Transcripts are required from every institution where applicants have earned college credit. These should be mailed directly from the registrar's office in a sealed envelope. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required.

Applications are accepted and decisions are made at any time, on a rolling basis. Applicants are notified of a decision within four weeks of completing their applications.

While acceptance into the Liberal Arts program on one campus entails acceptance on the other campus as well, advance deposits and financial aid applications must be directed to the campus at which the student plans to enroll.

We welcome your interest and questions regarding the Graduate Institute in Liberal Education, and we would gladly answer any questions you may have. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions in Santa Fe or Annapolis.