Application Process

The Center for Africana Studies welcomes your application to our program. All applications should be submitted on-line via the Apply/Yourself application on the Graduate Division of Arts & Sciences webpage at:

http://www.sas.upenn.edu/GAS/home/apply/admissions.html



The Graduate Group in Africana Studies admits a small class of highly qualified students to the doctoral program each year. Admission to the Graduate Group is highly competitive. When reading applications, we consider every element of the application carefully, in particular:

• The match between the applicant's intellectual interests and the strengths of our faculty.
• The academic record, with close attention to grades in history and related subjects.
• The recommendations of three faculty members.
• GRE scores. GRE scores are considered with the totality of the application. Alone, they do not determine the admissibility of a student.
• TOEFL/TSE scores, if applicable.

Recommendations can be sent on-line via the ApplyYourself application. You may also mail your three recommendations to:



Graduate Division of Arts & Sciences Admissions

University of Pennsylvania 

3401 Walnut Street, Suite 322A

Philadelphia, PA 19104-6228



Official transcripts and scores should also be sent directly to the Graduate Division of Arts & Sciences Admissions office.



All applications to the PhD program in Africana Studies must be submitted no later than midnight of December 15 for admission into the PhD program for the Fall term (beginning in September) of the next year. Applicants are urged to file their applications and supporting materials as early as possible to allow time for the most careful consideration.



Students will be notified of their admission status by mid- to late February.

Writing Sample



A writing sample is a required part of the application. The writing sample should be one paper and should match the applicant's disciplinary concentration.



All writing samples should be sent directly to the Center for Africana Studies, postmarked by December 15. Send writing samples to:



Graduate Program

Center for Africana Studies

University of Pennsylvania
 3401
Walnut St, Suite 331A

Philadelphia, PA 19104-6379

PhD Program in Africana Studies
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