What it takes to enter the top 5 Journalism schools
In United States, while U.S. News and World Report publishes yearly lists of top schools in various categories, its ranking on purely journalism based schools is quite ambiguous in recent years (it’s last solid ranking list of journalism courses published in 1996). As career-path taken by journalism students are quite diversified and untraceable in nature. We have prepared a list of universities which overall ranked top in US News and world report and many other higher education ranking tables.
Go through the list to get a brief understanding on what it takes to score high acceptance rates in your dream program.
Missouri School of Journalism
According to U.S. News and World Report (2010), - it’s one of the top 50 schools of USA. Missouri School of Journalism has almost 30 subjects of interests. Armed with 80 highly accomplished faculty members and cutting-edge facilities- it offers a unique study experience.
The admission guidelines -
There are two ways students are admitted here-
a) Directly Admitted Students-
- He or she must rank in the top 10 percent of her high school class and must obtain 29 or higher on the ACT composite.
- Scores in SAT’s math-verbal section should be higher than 1290.
b)
Pre-journalism A&S students- They need to finish off their fourth journalism course along with other credits and requirements in the
sophomore year’s second semester.
Overall admission documents- - Duly filled up application form- online or conventional
- Completion and submission of high school coursework
- Standardized test scores like SAT/ ACT scores.
- Official high school transcripts
- A valid Master Card/ Visa Card or Discover Card or check or money order if you are applying through mail.
- The admission fees $50.
- The school of journalism accepts credits in the following categories – College Level Examination Program
(CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB).
Requirements for international students – - A minimum 600-score on TOEFEL (paper based) and 100 – on electronics based.
- IELTS score not below 7
Application deadline- - For spring semester (January 1) is September 1
- For fall semester (August 1) is January 1.
Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University
A constituent part of Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees and considered among the top journalism schools by US News and World Report.
Application Details
Application Deadline-
Early Decision – November 1
Regular Decision – January 1
You have to apply online and besides filling up application form, you need supplemental forms filled up by your teacher and guidance counselor. Nevertheless, there is a brief description for your benefit-
Application Documents-
- Letters of Recommendation (three)
- Writing Supplement and Common application
- Standardized Tests ( SAT/ACT, SAT subject tests, AP and IB scores, along with TOEFEL and IELTS for international students)
- Non-refundable Fess ($75)
- Secondary school report
- Counselor’s recommendation letter
- Includes high school transcript
University of Berkeley, California
Berkeley is the highest ranking public university in USA and it got 22nd rank in US News and World Report’s university list in 2011. No wonder, that UC Berkley offers country’s one of the most sought-after journalism programs.
Admission Details
-UC Berkley’s journalism program has an online application process. You need to fill up the form carefully with the following documents-
- General Information on- personal history, educational background, GPA, financial aid, foreign language profieciency, program interest etc.
- 3 personal essays ( Statement of purpose, Personal History Statement, Reflection on contemporary journalism)
- Letters of Recommendations.
- Three best journalistic work samples.
- Official transcripts.
- Current Resume.
Application Timeline–
- Submission deadline-December 1st.
- Interview and writing test- December-February.
- Notification of admission status- February.
- Spring Campus visit- March.
School of Journalism, Indiana University, Bloomington
In 2001-02, US News and World Report, ranked Indiana University, Bloomington in its list of 25 best graduate schools of the country. In journalism, it offers both graduate and under-graduate program.
Admission Requirements –
- 26 credit hours with a 2.20 GPA.
- Journalism J110, J200, J210 (with minimum C or better).
- One semester in a foreign language.
- English Composition with C or or more than C.
- Mathematical Modeling with C- or more.
The process of admission in Indianana University, Journalism School is quite easy to follow. Though most students after their freshman years apply for the journalism major but those who apply to IU and have a desire to study journalism major can be considered for the direct admission.
Time line-
Admission process takes place in May. August and December and you should apply in the semester within which you complete your admission requirements.
Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University
One of the Ivy League Universities, Columbia University ranked as the fourth best school in the country by US News and World Report, in 2011.
Admission Requirement –
Columbia University has rather detailed admission requirements for its competitive journalism program-
- Standardized Tests SAT (with two SAT subject scores) or ACT scores.
- Two letters of Recommendations.
- $85 application fee (or request of fee waiver).
- Official high school transcript.
- One high School Counselor’s recommendation.
- Complete Mid-year Report.
- Columbia first year application or Common application containing- personal info and essay, achievents and goals, and Columbia-specific questions.
Application submission deadline-
- Early Decision- November 8
- Regular Decision- January 6
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