Master of Science in Foreign Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Materials                            Letters of Recommendation        

Economic Prerequisites                      Dual Degrees

Language Proficiency                           Visiting MSFS

Standardized Tests                               Deferral or Reactivation

International Students                           Rankings

Statement of Purpose                           Miscellaneous Questions                                                     

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Application Materials

What do I need to do to apply?
A complete application includes:

• Application form (online - please do not print)
• Supplemental Data Sheet & Foreign Language Proficiency (upload to online application form) 
• 500-700 word typed Statement of Purpose
• Official hardcopy transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended (in English)
• Three letters of recommendation (in English)
  
• Resume
• Writing samples (optional) - 5 page maximum
  
• Entrance exams (GRE or GMAT, TOEFL or IELTS)
• Non-refundable $75 application fee (NO fee waivers except for PPIA, IIPP, and Project 1000 Fellows)

  For more information on application procedures, please click here.

  When is the deadline?

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Where should I send hardcopy materials?

  Georgetown University
  Office of Graduate Admissions
  3700 O Street, NW
  Intercultural Center, Suite 302
  Box 571004 (Dept. FSER)
  Washington, DC  20057-1004

Will I be notified when the Admissions Office receives my materials?
You will receive, via email, an Application Verification letter once the Graduate School has received your application form.  The verification letter does not, however, contain information regarding supplementary materials (i.e. statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.).   If you would like to know the status of your supplementary materials, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (202) 687-5568 X4, or send an email to gradmail@georgetown.edu and include your full name, birthdate, and department to which you have applied.  If you have applied online, you can check the status of your supplemental materials by viewing the online status checklist within the online application.

How do I know if my application materials have been received?
If you have applied online, you will be able to check the status of your credentials through the online status checklist.  To access this checklist, login to your Georgetown online application (please remember to save your pin and password).  Once within your application, you will see the status of your supplemental materials.  However, please be aware that it may take the admissions office approximately one to two weeks to process all materials and update your checklist.

When will I be notified about the decision?
All decisions will be mailed on or before April 1.

Economics Prerequisite

Can I still apply if I haven't already taken Macro-Economics and Micro-Economics?

• Yes.
• On the Supplementary Data Sheet explain how and when you plan to obtain this course work before August.
• In this scenario, admission to the program will be based on the "condition" that you take one course in each, for a total of two courses in Macro-Economics and Micro-Economics, earning a grade of B or higher in each, prior to August 1. If you do not meet the admissions Economics condition in the summer months, you will not be admitted to the MSFS Program - no exceptions.
• If you are in the process of taking the courses during the Fall or Spring, include this information on the Supplementary Data Sheet or fax a copy of your final grade if it is received after January 15.

Do political economics courses count toward the Macro-Economics and Micro-Economics requirement?
No, the requirement is one course in Principles of Macro-Economics and one course in Principles of Micro-Economics for a total of two courses earning a B or higher in each course.

Can I take the Macro-Economics and Micro-Economics courses anywhere?

• Yes, but they should be for a grade and at least three academic credits.
• Courses may be taken at a community college or other accredited institution (including online courses).
• The only exception to the three academic credit rule are courses offered through www.usda.gov.

I don't know if my economics course fulfills your requirement. May I send a syllabus for your review?
Due to our large volume of prospective applicants, MSFS is unable to assess individual syllabi until applications have been submitted and the admissions process is underway. However, it is possible for you to receive "Conditional Admission" to our program if your course does not fulfill our economics prerequisite. In other words, you may be admitted on the "condition" that you will fulfill the prerequisite prior to August 1.

Do AP or IB courses count for the economics courses?
No, unless other advanced economics course work has been taken. The MSFS program expects all students to take at least two university-level Macro-Economics and Micro-Economics courses and earn a B or better in each prior to August 1.

Language Proficiency

Is there a language proficiency requirement?

• Yes. All MSFS students must pass a foreign language proficiency exam by graduation. Students who do not pass the exam cannot  receive the MSFS degree.
• Most MSFS students possess the ability to pass the foreign language proficiency exam upon entrance. The MSFS Program expects students to be proficient in a second language prior to Fall matriculation.
• Proficiency is evidenced by study (three to four years of university level courses, as well as experience in a country where the language is spoken), living experiences (Peace Corps, JET, others), or growing up in a household where the language is spoken.
• Proficiency is defined as the ability to speak the language in a clearly participatory manner and with sufficient fluency and accuracy to discuss political, economic, and international issues.
• The linguistic skills necessary to function at this level include the ability to narrate and describe with paragraph-length connected discourse in past, present and future time frames.
• Beginning level courses will not be sufficient to pass the proficiency exam.
• It is possible for students whose language skills are "rusty" to receive admission based on the "condition" that they complete a language course and earn a B or better prior to August 1.
• The admissions committee looks for current usage of the language when assessing an applicant's language ability.

Are specific languages required?

• The requirement is that a student speak one modern, foreign language in addition to English.
• There is not a list of specific languages.
• The MSFS Program has accepted students who speak everything from Afrikaans to Vietnamese.

How is the language evaluated once I am in the Program?

• Just after orientation, MSFS students take language assessment tests administered by the foreign language departments.
• Depending on the results of the language assessment, the department will recommend an appropriate level language class to improve skills or the student will be recommended to sit for the language proficiency exam.
• Language classes do not count toward the master's degree, nor will the grades be calculated into the overall master's GPA.
• The language exam must be passed in order to graduate.

What language should foreign students put down as their proficiency? What if I speak more than one language?

• All non-native English speakers must self-evaluate their English language ability on the Foreign Language Proficiency section of the Supplemental Data Sheet.
• This is in addition to the TOEFL or IELTS standardized test requirement. The TOEFL or IELTS exams are not a substitute for the SFS language exam.
• If students wish to take more than one language exam, they may do so (after passing the initial language exam).

  I do not have enough space to list all of my language coursework on the form.  What should I do?

• If space is an issue, list relevant information for the highest level of coursework you have completed. You may also summarize additional coursework that you have completed (for example, "I have completed 5 Spanish language courses over the past 3 years. The highest level course I have completed is...").

Standardized tests

Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT?

• If you received your undergraduate degree from a university in a native English-speaking country where English is the primary language of instruction (Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, etc.), you need to take the GRE or GMAT.
• If you received your undergraduate degree in a non-native English speaking country where English is not the primary language of instruction (Germany, France, Japan, Korea, etc.), you must take the TOEFL or IELTS.
• Those applying to the JD/MSFS Program may submit the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) in lieu of the GRE.
• The test must be taken before the January 15 deadline (no exceptions). MSFS strongly recommends taking standardized tests prior to December 1 in order to allow sufficient time for scores to be received.
• It is advisable to include a photocopy of score reports, with submissions of your application, for any tests taken after December.
• There are no exceptions to the January 15 deadline.
• All standardized tests are processed by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
• Original score reports, sent by ETS directly to Georgetown University, should be ordered at the time of the test or soon thereafter to ensure that the University receives scores on time.

Do I need to take any of the specialized GRE exams?
No. Only the general test is required which includes the Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical sections.

Is one part of the GRE/GMAT more important than others?
No.

Are there minimum (or cut-off) score requirements for the GRE/GMAT?
No.

What weight does the GRE/GMAT carry in the admissions process?

• The GRE/GMAT is one part of the admissions application and we will look at all the material that you submit.
• Scores of admitted applicants have varied considerably for the past several years.
• However, you should prepare as much as possible for the exam, read the test books and review the type of questions.
• Past history has shown that students who do well on the GRE/GMAT do well in the MSFS Program.
• Most students are concerned about standardized tests. If this is the case for you, then consider taking the GRE/GMAT twice. MSFS splits scores, and will take the highest result from each section, to make the strongest combination.

What if I took the exam a few years ago?
GRE scores are valid for five years from the testing date. TOEFL scores are valid for only two years from the testing date.

What if I take the exam more than once?
The MSFS admissions office will take the highest score of multiple exams.

What is the ETS code for Georgetown ?  5244

 What is the GMAT code for MSFS? JT7-GO-6O

Can I substitute the GMAT for the GRE?
We will accept either the GMAT or the GRE. 

Do I have to take the TOEFL or IELTS?

• If you received your undergraduate degree from a college/university in a non-native English speaking country where English is not the primary language of instruction, you must take the TOEFL or IELTS.
• You do not need to take the GRE or GMAT.
• The TOEFL or IELTS exams must be taken before the January 15 deadline and MSFS prefers that standardized tests are taken prior to December 1 in order to allow sufficient time for processing results.

Are any other exams substituted for the TOEFL or IELTS?
No.

What is the minimum score for the TOEFL or IELTS for admissions consideration?
The minimal TOEFL score for admissions is 600 on the paper exam, 250 for the computer exam, and 100 on the internet-based test. The minimum IELTS score for admissions is 7.0.

Will admissions applications be considered without the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS?
No. NO exceptions...

International Students

I am an international student. What's different?

• All processes are the same for domestic and international students.
• However, depending on your academic background, you may need to submit the TOEFL or IELTS standardized test rather than the GRE/GMAT. See the section above entitled "Standardized tests" for additional information.
• All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the English language sufficient to meet the admission requirement of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the following three ways:
   
  1. the receipt of a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction (please note that applicants receiving degrees at universities in U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, are required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS unless the primary language of instruction at the institution is English);
  2. submission of an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), 250 (computer-based test), or 100 (internet test) or higher.  
  3. submission of an official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Module score report with a minimum score of 7.0.
     
   
• International students generally do not qualify for Federal loans from the government. For more information on Federal assistance, access the Office of Student Financial Services at http://finaid.georgetown.edu/.

Statement of purpose

What is it?

A 500-700 word typewritten statement of purpose must be included with the application. This is the opportunity for the applicant to include personal information with his/her application. In making decisions about admissions, the Committee will consider personal attributes as well as academic records.  Note: While the online application asks for a 500 word statement, MSFS accepts statements up to 700 words.

How important is the essay?

The Statement of Purpose is one of the most important parts of the admissions process. It should:

• Assess what you have achieved in your studies and/or career, with particular emphasis on the skills acquired and international experiences you may have had that enhance your capabilities to undertake advanced studies in international affairs
• Explain your motivation for graduate study in the MSFS Program and Georgetown
• Discuss your professional goals and objectives

What if I go over 500-700 words?

• The Statement should consist of no more than 500-700 type-written words.
• Part of a graduate school education is following directions and learning to be concise.
• The Statement of Purpose is an opportunity for you to provide information that is not seen in the resume, transcripts, etc.
• It is also a writing test and should be carefully checked for grammar, spelling and language use.

Is an additional essay required?

• No, but if you wish to include a brief writing sample such as the introduction to a major research paper, letter to the editor, newsletter, or other articles you are welcome to do so.
• Please do NOT send an entire thesis, video or disk.
• Submitted materials are not returned and become the property of Georgetown University .
• Writing samples should not exceed five pages in length.

Any advice on writing the Statement?

• Good writing is rewriting - proofread and edit!
• Do not tell the Admissions Committee what you think they want to hear - be natural, don't use pompous language, write in an authentic voice.
• The statement of purpose is an opportunity to "interact" with the admissions committee, which is comprised of faculty, staff, visiting scholars, alumni and second-year students. Write with this audience in mind.
• Explain motivation for graduate study.
• Don't discuss financial aid requirements in the statement of purpose.
• Emphasize strengths and accomplishments.
• Be specific and present evidence - if a work experience is described, explain it in some depth, i.e., where did it occur, challenging aspects, duration, etc.
• Explain career goals.
• Explain the desire to attend a specific graduate program - show evidence of research into the program, its professors, concentrations, etc.
• Don't write an entire autobiography.
• Do your own work!

Letters of Recommendation

Who should write the letters?

• It is strongly recommended to include at least one academic recommendation and at least one professional recommendation.
• If you have been out of school for three or more years, you may wish to submit two letters from professional referees. However, it is recommended to have at least one academic recommendation letter.
• If you are still in school or recently graduated, at least one or two of the letters should come from an academic who is familiar with your course of studies.
• Letters should be written by individuals who will write a good letter of recommendation. A big, important name who writes one or two lines is not as impressive as a professor or lecturer who writes a detailed letter about your strengths and experience.

Can I send more than three letters of reference?
It is not recommended nor necessarily welcomed.

Can I see the letters?

• All application materials become the property of Georgetown University and are not returnable.
• Most students waive the right to see the letters prior to application and this is recommended.

Can I submit paper/hardcopy letters?
MSFS Admissions strongly prefers that recommendations be submitted online; however, if the evaluators are unable to do so or request to write a hardcopy version, these will also be accepted. Hardcopy recommendations can be written on the recommender's letterhead (there is no paper-based recommendation form). The recommendation letter should be in a sealed and signed envelope and can be mailed to the following address:

Georgetown University
Office of Graduate Admissions
3700 O Street, NW
Intercultural Center, Suite 302
Box 571004 (Dept. FSER)
Washington, DC 20057-1004

In the online application system, you still need to type the names and email addresses of your recommenders in order to submit the application. Evaluators who are sending a hardcopy recommendation should be informed that they can disregard the email they will receive from Georgetown University requesting that they complete and upload a recommendation.

You may apply online and send your recommendations in hardcopy; you may also submit some recommendations online and others in hardcopy.

Dual Degrees

Do I have to submit separate applications for the dual degree programs?

• Applicants to the dual law or business programs must file separate applications to those programs.
• If you are applying for the dual MSFS/MA in History, MSFS/MA in Economics or MSFS/MPP, you must submit the MSFS specific supplementary credentials as well as a complete online application to the Graduate School . Select the dual designation within the Graduate School online application.

Do I have to take the LSAT and GRE for the dual JD/MSFS?
The LSAT may be submitted in lieu of the GRE or GMAT for applicants to the JD/MSFS dual degree program. A paper copy of the LSAT score should be sent to MSFS.

Do I have to take both the GMAT and GRE for the MSFS/MBA?
No, the MSFS Program will accept the GMAT.

Does the admissions decision of the one program affect the other?
The admissions decisions of each program are reached independently and the decision of one Program will not affect the decision of the other.

When is the deadline for the dual degree programs?

January 15.

Can I apply for the dual degree after I am accepted into another Program?

• You can apply for the dual degree programs during the first year of either the JD, MBA or MSFS Programs.
• You may also apply for the dual MSFS/MA in History or MSFS/MA in Economics once you are an enrolled student in the MSFS Program.
• Since admissions decisions are made independently you are not guaranteed any special admissions consideration because you are already in one Program.
• The MSFS/MPP program is a direct matriculation program. No exceptions.

Can I do the dual degree with another law school or MBA program?
No. Georgetown University has agreements only with programs within the Georgetown University community.

Does the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service offer a Ph.D. program?

No. The Walsh School trains undergraduate and master's degree seeking students. However, some of the other SFS graduate programs may offer a dual degree option with the Government Ph.D. The following two web sites will assist you in your search www.georgetown.edu/sfs or grad.georgetown.edu.

Visiting MSFS

When are information sessions offered?
Information sessions are generally offered on campus on Mondays at 4 p.m. and Fridays at 2 p.m. The session (capped at five attendees) includes a brief presentation by an admissions representative and provides prospective students with an opportunity to ask any relevant questions about the program that they might have. Prospective students participating in information sessions are asked to bring a copy of their resume and should email MSFS at least one week in advance of their visit to inquire about availability. Contact msfsinfo@georgetown.edu to schedule an information session. 

I've scheduled an information session on campus -- where are you located?
We are on the 7th Floor of the Bunn Intercultural Center. Click here to find links to maps of Washington, D.C., the Georgetown vicinity and the campus.

Can I visit a class?
To schedule a class visit, please email msfsinfo@georgetown.edu and let us know what day you plan to visit campus. The MSFS Admissions Office will be happy to arrange for you to meet with an MSFS student and visit one of the classes. We ask that you provide us with at least one week of notice to make arrangements.

I'd like to communicate with students in the Program.  How can I go about doing this?

• Our students are happy to discuss the Program with prospective students.
• Please contact the admissions office at msfsinfo@georgetown.edu and we will try to match you with someone with your interests.
• Keep in mind that MSFS are full-time students and may be limited in the amount of time spent responding to emails. However, they will provide basic information about their experiences or impressions, etc.

Are interviews required?

• Since nearly 40% of our student body comes from overseas, we do not conduct interviews.
• The MSFS Admissions Office offers information sessions throughout the year.
• You must call the office at least one week in advance to reserve a space in these sessions.
• We are sorry, but we cannot accommodate drop-in visitors.

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Deferral or reactivation

What should I do if I want to defer admissions?
Because the size of the entering MSFS class is relatively small (approximately 90 students each year) we do not defer admissions. However, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will keep your file on record for one year. If you wish to reactivate the file and re-apply, you should do the following before next January 15.

1. Send an updated Statement of Purpose
2. Send one additional letter of recommendation
3. Send an updated language proficiency form (Page 2 of this document)
4. Send an updated resume
5. Include the application fee
6. Complete and submit the "Reactivation Form".

Can I re-apply if I didn't get in?

• Yes, you can re-activate your file for the next year's admissions and include the above information.
• The decision of one year will not necessarily bear any weight on the new admissions process since every admissions committee has its own dynamic.
• However, you should demonstrate improvement by taking the required economics courses, continuing work on your language skills, living (working, volunteering, studying etc.) abroad or obtaining work experience related to your interest area of international affairs

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Rankings

What is the ranking of the MSFS as compared to other graduate IR programs?

•  Graduate IR programs have not been ranked by any of the major news organizations.

• Today MSFS is recognized as one of the most selective programs in the world. As reported in the March, 2007 issue of Foreign Policy, a recent survey of international relations faculty ranked Georgetown first among the field's professionally-oriented masters degrees.

Why is it a Master of Science instead of a Master of Arts? And, why does the degree have the name Master of Science in Foreign Service?

• The degree name results from the history of the School and is reflected in our core curriculum which includes the social sciences of political science, economics, history, etc.
• In summary "Georgetown had no copyright on the term 'foreign service' although it adopted the title before the establishment of the professional 'Foreign Service of the United States' in the State Department, which was instituted by Congress through the Rogers Act of 1924."
• "As adopted and applied at Georgetown the term 'foreign service' was understood to include all major forms of foreign representation, official and unofficial, governmental and private sector, whether commercial, financial, consular or diplomatic."
• Quotes taken from Prof. Seth Tillman's School of Foreign Service : The First 75 Years.

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Miscellaneous Questions

Is a specific academic background required?

• Other than the micro and macro requirement, no specific academic degree or background is required.
• Since the MSFS core curriculum includes courses in economics, history and political science it is recommended that applicants have an interest in this type of course work.
• However, undergraduate degrees of accepted students have ranged from art history to biology to engineering!

Is there a GPA cutoff?

• Undergraduate GPAs should be 3.0 or above. Slightly lower GPAs may be considered on an individual basis and require the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences approval should that student be recommended by MSFS for admission.
• The average GPA of matriculating students is 3.6.

I applied for Georgetown undergraduate admissions and was denied - will this play any role in my graduate application?
The undergraduate admissions and graduate admissions processes are totally separate. One does not affect the other at all.

Do I have to indicate my area of concentration on the application?
No, but you should have a good idea of the direction you wish to take and try to provide a focused, well written statement of purpose.

Are undergraduates discouraged from applying directly from school?

• Most of the MSFS entering class has 4 years of experience prior to matriculation.
• The average age of the enrolling MSFS student is 26.
• A small number of students enroll directly from undergraduate institutions (7% in 2006).
• These students are expected to have strong academic backgrounds, study abroad experience, language proficiency and extra curricular activities such as internships, volunteer experience or campus leadership activities.
• 28% of the 2006 enrolling class have five or more years of work experience

Can I get information on Financial Aid?
Financial aid forms are available from the Office of Student Financial Services. Forms should be submitted by January 15 for full consideration. Scholarship information is available in the Financial Aid and Scholarship section of the web site.

Can I apply on-line?

• Yes (please do not print and mail what you submit online). We encourage students to use the online application form.

Do undergraduate students take MSFS courses?
No. MSFS has strict limits on the class size for courses, as well as on eligibility for enrollment in MSFS courses. MSFS courses are only open to graduate students in the School of Foreign Service. Space permitting, a few seats may be allocated to students in relevant graduate degree programs at Georgetown, such as Law, Business, Public Policy, Government, and CCT (Communication, Culture, and Technology). Core courses in the MSFS program are not open to students from other programs.

How does Georgetown's religious tradition impact student life?
Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character. Service to others and work for social justice are hallmarks of Georgetown's approach to education. Georgetown University has a rich tradition of embracing individuals from a wide spectrum of faiths, ethnicities, cultures, experiences, and backgrounds. As a Catholic and Jesuit University, Georgetown has long been committed to building an inclusive and respectful community, and our students, faculty and staff reflect the greater pluralism of today’s global society. For more information, please visit http://www.georgetown.edu/home/spirituality.html and http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/.