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Application Process: Tips for Success

Doctoral Program Application Process: Tips for Success 

As more than one of us in our School has commented, “we can’t know what we don’t know.” Thus, we have created this tip sheet so that we make our process and preferences more transparent for all who opt to apply. If you have any questions about these tips, please contact Dr. Benjamin R. Bates at Batesb@ohio.edu. He would be more than happy to clarify any questions, procedures, etc. 

  1. Get the Big Picture: Just as one should do when driving, applicants should strive to get an overall view of the application landscape. Be sure that you understand all of the requirements. Create an action plan for uploading all required documents and materials prior to the January 1, 2025 deadline. Please know that 51 does take a winter break in late December through early January so we recommend that all materials be received by the Graduate College no later than December 10 to ensure time for Graduate College officials to process them prior to the winter break. 
  2.  Questions about the Test: The School of Communication Studies at OU does not require or consider the GRE as part of the application package. However, per 51 requirements, individuals who are non-native English speakers must submit official results of either the TOEFL or the IELTS as part of the application packet. Notably, these test scores MUST be submitted for the application to be treated as complete so please plan accordingly so that the Graduate College receives them prior to January 1. 
  3. Making Your Best Case: As you prepare your materials, strive to envision the process as making your very best case for why (a) your research interests fit with the curriculum that we offer in the doctoral program in the School of Communication Studies and (b) you want to earn a doctoral degree in our program. Notably, our program is a “direct to doctoral” one so you do not need a MA in order to apply. A number of our students have started after completing a BA degree. As you “make your case,” we encourage you to:     
    • Select recommendation letters appropriately and persuasively: Choose individuals to write on your behalf who have direct experience of your ability to do coursework in our department. They should be able to write specifically about your ability to write, to create effective arguments, to contribute to class discussion, and/or to give presentations. 
    • Select writing samples that showcase your ability to write, to construct arguments, and, if possible, to conduct research: You can certainly submit a writing sample that has been accepted as a convention paper or journal article, but it can also be a piece from a class that you have taken. Please do not submit a co-authored manuscript.  
    • Create a meaningful statement of purpose: The statement of purpose is a very important part of the admissions package. In this document, please explain “why OU”—why do you want to be part of our doctoral program? Although your goals can change after you begin school, the committee wants to learn about your current interests—what do you want to study? Which faculty members interest you the most in terms of potential collaborations and/or a possible advisor? What attracted you to our program, and what would you like to gain from it? This document enables us to understand the fit of your research interests and professional goals with our program, and you should carefully address this issue as you “make your best case."

  4.  Keep Lines of Communication Open: After you submit your application, please be sure to keep in contact with us. We anticipate making our first round of offers in the middle of January. If you receive an offer at that point, please keep in contact with us as you consider our offer and others that you receive. Even if you aren’t ready to give us an answer, please be sure to acknowledge our follow-up e-mails. It’s perfectly fine to respond with “I’m still considering offers.” However, we strongly encourage you to respond and keep the lines of communication open.   

    Although we cannot ask for a decision prior to April 15, we would appreciate your help in letting us know as soon as you have made a decision. If you know that OU is the place for you, GREAT! We can start sending additional information to you and begin welcoming you into our community. If you decide that OU isn’t the place for you, we’ll understand and wish you the very best. Please take the time that you need to make your decision (up to April 15). We’re just asking that you let us know when you have arrived at a decision so that we can proceed accordingly. 

    If mid-January comes and goes and you do not receive an e-mail from me, please feel free to reach out and ask about the status of your application. The process of filling spots in our 2024-2025 cohort will likely continue until April, as individuals weigh offers and opportunities from various universities. If you have any questions during this sometimes stressful season, please just e-mail. I’m happy to help in any way that I can.

  5. Keep Asking Questions: Throughout the application journey, please reach out and ask questions if you are uncertain about expectations or process. We want to help you and reduce uncertainty, to the extent that we can. Just as you “can’t know what you don’t know,” we also don’t always know what might be serving as a source of confusion or stress. If in doubt, please e-mail either Dr. Bates (Batesb@ohio.edu) or his assistant, Dious Joseph, (dj713722@ohio.edu).