1) Steps to apply to MA programs at Cooperating Universities
1Download the application form from the program web site.
2Complete the application form.
3Collect the required documents and attach them to your completed application with the application fee.
4Send your completed application to the university.
2) Required documents
1Completed Application Form (download or online application)
2Application Fee (credit card or money order)
3TOEFL Score (or IELTS Score)
4GRE Score (If required)
5Official Transcripts of Academic Records (and SMU-TESOL Transcript)
6Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose
7Most Recent Resume
8Financial Affidavit (or Bank Statement)
9Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation Letter
Letter of Recommendation
1) Purpose
- To provide global assessment of proficiency and academic performance (i.e. identify the student’s strengths and weaknesses as demonstrated in the SMU-TESOL program)
- To qualify a letter grade and explain the SMU-TESOL program and the course goals
- To indicate potential success in a graduate school program in terms of effort, time management skills, maturity, independence, creative thinking, social skills, and leadership.
2) Guidelines and Procedures
1Identify your intentions to study abroad.
Initiate a discussion with your professor while you are an SMU-TESOL student. This will allow the professor to consider your intentions and discuss your future career in TESOL and the different programs available that match your interests. It will also give the professor the opportunity to take notes about your performance in class for later reference. You may also check to see if and when the professor is available to write a letter for you.
2Research schools and programs.
Determine your area of interest. Answer the following questions for yourself.
- Which part of the world do I wish to experience?
- Which schools match my needs?
- Which courses are offered?
- Who teaches these courses?
- What skills will be required of me as a graduate student in this program?
- What scholarships are available for me?
- How much money am I able to spend?
- How long will this program take?
- How many credits from SMU-TESOL will certain programs accept?
3E-mail or call the professor to request a letter of recommendation. Follow these steps :
Introduce yourself by reminding the professor of your full name, the name you used in the class, the group you studied in as well as the year of the program. Remember that each professor has at least 150 students per semester, so it may be difficult for them to recall you by name only.
Use polite language such as, “Would you mind...?”, or “Could you ...please?”
Check with your professor to see if he/she prefers to meet you face-to-face to discuss your intentions. If so, be available to arrange a meeting time.
Identify your deadlines. Do remember, however, that this is a favor the professor is doing for you because he/she has faith in your potential as a graduate student. Because your professor may be busy with current teaching obligations, show consideration by giving your professor two weeks notice.
4Prepare the support documents and materials. This includes :
A list of the number of letters you need. Identify the title of each program and the university name.
Recommendation forms from each university. Check to see what needs to be signed and dated by you or your professor.
Envelopes for each school. Use SMU-TESOL envelopes. Affix the correct postage. Write the complete address for the university and department.
In the bottom left or top left corner write : Letter of Recommendation for (Insert your name).
A copy of your SMU-TESOL transcript.
A copy of your Statement of Purpose. This should explain your intentions for seeking further study as well as the influences that the SMU-TESOL program has had on your development as a professor of English.
5Submit these documents. Follow these steps :
Put them in a large envelope. Write your name, contact information and deadline on it.
Deliver this envelope either to your professor directly or leave it in the pocket of your professor ’s door.
6Make arrangements with the TESOL Resource Center to deliver the letters for you.
If you have wish to make alternative arrangements, be sure to inform the professor on what to do once the letters are finished. Some MA programs have online recommendation forms; in this case, provide your professor with the appropriate links in order to send your reference letter online.
7Inform further progresses to your professors.
As the professors have supported your academic achievement and also your applying process, it would be great to send them your news once you receive an approval from any program.
Visa Requirements
1) SEVIS Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20)
2) Certificate of Family Relationship (Family Census Registry)
3) Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended
4) Certificate of Employment or Business Registration Certificate
5) Financial evidence (bank books, income tax certificate, proof of scholarship)
6) Passport-sized Photo (50mm x 50mm)
7) Passport
8) Completed and signed Visa application form
9) All Korean-language documents do not need to be translated into English.