Apply for Graduate Study
Instructions for applying for Graduate Study

Basic Instructions

Please click here to download an application form for FULL TIME graduate study in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. For additional information e-mail Kristen Gaines ( kgaines@jhu.edu). Indicate in your e-mail whether you are applying as a U.S. student or as a foreign student, and provide a full postal address where an application may be mailed. Note that the DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION is January 15 to be considered for matriculation in the following Fall Semester.

Applicants' files are maintained by the department, and admission decisions are made by departmental faculty committees. Inquiries regarding the status of an application should be made directly to Kristen Gaines (kgaines@jhu.edu).

Student Visa Information. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services is prepared to assist all foreign students who have been accepted for full-time graduate study. Upon your admission to the University you will be contacted by this office to verify that you have adequate financial resources to meet the costs of living and study in the U.S. Following this verification and a review of or application for proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL score), you will be sent the appropriate Certificate of Eligibility to assist you in obtaining your student visa. You will also receive instructions for making your visa application, and general information to help you prepare for your studies in the U.S.

English Proficiency. Johns Hopkins University requires students to have adequate English proficiency for their course of study. Students must be able to read, speak and write English fluently upon their arrival at the University. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit proof of their proficiency in English before they can be offered admission and before a visa certificate can be issued.  

Beginning in September 2005, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) will be offered in three different formats, each with its own scale of scores.  Applicants taking the paper-based test,  Johns Hopkins prefers a minimum score of 600.  Applicants taking the computer-based TOEFL should have a minimum score of 250.  For applicants taking the new Internet-based TOEFL, we prefer to see a minimum sub-score of 25 in each of the four sections.  During the early stages of the Internet-based TOEFL, we expect to see a wide range of Speaking sub-scores and will be flexible with scores for this section.  Results should be sent to Johns Hopkins directly by TOEFL.  Do not send the Student Copy.  Photocopies cannot be accepted.

Finances. Financial aid for graduate study is very limited. Awards are made on the basis of academic achievement to students of promise and ability. Foreign students who are academically qualified are eligible to apply for department fellowships, but are not eligible for federal and state government funds used to provide scholarships or funds. The Department of English does not have funds available for foreign students. A student must be prepared to make arrangements for all possible financial needs before leaving his or her country, and should not plan to obtain scholarships, fellowships, employment or other financial assistance after arriving in the U.S.