Russian and East European Institute 
Admissions FAQs
Application and Admissions Process:
How do I apply?
Fill out the paper application or apply
online. With the exception of the application fee, all materials should
be sent directly to the REEI admissions secretary. A complete application
file consists of the following:
- Graduate School Application for Admission and Financial Aid.
- Residence Classification Form (for Indiana Residents Only).
- Statement of Purpose concerning your interests and aspirations.
- Three letters of recommendation (forms supplied, but not required).
- One official transcript from each college or university previously
attended.
- Official copy (sent electronically) of the Graduate Record Examination
General Test. (You may submit a photocopy with your application to ensure
that your file is completed in time.)
- Application fee of $50.00, mailed directly to the Graduate School
in the envelope provided with the application, or paid by credit card
online.
Do international students follow the same application procedure?
No. International students must apply to International Admissions using
the International paper application or online application. All supporting
materials should be sent to International Admissions, 300 N. Jordan Ave.,
Bloomington, IN 47405. For more details and application information contact
International Admissions at intladm@indiana.edu
or (812)855-4306.
Deadlines:
What are the admission deadlines for receipt of application materials?
Deadline for application is January 15 for admission the following fall,
September 15 for admission the following spring.
Will REEI accept late applications or applications postmarked on
the day of the deadline?
Materials must arrive at REEI on or before the deadline. Late materials
that arrive before the admissions committee begins to meet (usually a
week after the deadline) may be added to applicants' files if staff time
allows. It is to the applicant's advantage in being considered for admission
and fellowship awards to have all materials in before the deadline.
How will I know if my materials have been received?
To check your status, please e-mail the Institute at reei@indiana.edu. We will respond as soon as possible.
I'm afraid some of my materials may not reach you by the deadline.
What can I do?
We will accept faxed or e-mailed materials for temporary use. Originals
should be sent soon after.
GRE:
When registering for the GRE, what codes do I use?
When registering, be sure to record the GRE institute code as 1324, and
the department code as 2606. You can register for the GRE online or request
application materials at the official
GRE website.
When should I take the GRE?
GRE scores must be received by REEI before your file can be reviewed for
admission. We suggest that you take the GRE as early as possible, preferably
one or two months before the application deadline to ensure ample time
for scores to be reported to REEI. An applicant whose GRE scores arrive
late cannot be considered for financial aid, but the applicant may still
be considered for admission. The GRE must be taken before the admission
deadline (Jan 15th for fall).
What if my GRE scores are not above 600?
While we prefer students to have at least one score above 600, we realize
that not everyone tests well. We encourage our admissions committee to
consider the application as a whole, including GRE scores, transcript,
letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Students are not
accepted or rejected solely on the basis of their GRE scores.
Application Fee:
Where should I send my application fee?
You should send the application fee to the Graduate School in the envelope
provided with the application. If you are applying online, you must pay
the application fee online with a credit card.
May I appeal for the application fee to be waived?
Yes, fee waivers are granted under exceptional circumstances in cases
of financial hardship. Direct your appeal to the University Graduate School
at grdsch@indiana.edu.
Recommendation Letters:
Whom should I select to complete my recommendations?
Select three appropriate people to recommend you. They should be familiar
with your academic abilities and potential. We accept recommendations
from employers, but you may want to consider whether they would be the
best persons to evaluate your abilities as a scholar. If you have significant
professional experience related to the REE region (Peace Corps, NGO work,
etc.), then a letter from an employer would be appropriate and may even
make you more competitive for assistantship funding.
How do I complete the recommendations?
If using a paper application: Fill out your part of the recommendation
forms included in the application materials and provide each recommender
with a copy. They may write directly on the form or attach a letter. Provide
the recommenders with the REEI admissions address and alert them to the
application deadline. You should allow your recommenders adequate time
to complete the recommendation and forward it to REEI. It is wise to provide
recommenders with a stamped and addressed envelope to facilitate the process.
If you are applying online: you will be asked to enter the e-mail addresses
of your recommenders. The system will then send an e-mail message to your
recommenders explaining how to fill out a recommendation online. You also
have the option of printing out forms to give to your recommenders. If
you choose this method, you should follow the instructions listed above
for paper applications. Although not preferred, a recommender may send
a letter without using the recommender form. REEI will accept recommendation
letters without the forms. We will also accept letters via email or fax.
What are you looking for in a Statement of Purpose?
Your Statement of Purpose should stay within the length guidelines (300-500
words) and focus as much as possible on your specific study goals and
how a master's degree in REEI fits into your plans for a professional
career. You can also explain how you first became interested in Russian
and/or East European studies, but primary attention should go to your
current study goals and career aspirations.
Will REEI keep application materials received even if I have not
yet sent the main application form?
Yes, but an application file will not be created in your name until receipt
of the application form. If an application form is not received within
two years, application materials will be discarded.
What is the best way to contact REEI if I have questions or problems
during the application process?
The best way to contact us is via e-mail at reei@indiana.edu.
When will I be notified of admissions decisions?
The length of time depends on the individual schedules of the members
of the admissions committee. Students are notified by regular mail as
soon as admissions decisions have been made, typically four weeks past
the application deadline. Unfortunately, we are unable to release admissions
information over the phone or by e-mail. You will be notified in writing.
TOP
Financial Aid
Will I be eligible for Federal Financial Aid?
As a graduate student admitted to REEI, you may be eligible for federal
loan and work-study programs through the Office
of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). The application priority date
is March 1, with award notification starting in June. Late applications
are accepted.
Will I be eligible for merit-based fellowships through REEI?
Yes. REEI provides numerous funding opportunities for excellent students.
These include departmental grants, awards, fellowships, assistantships,
and US Department of Education
Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowships for both the
academic year and for summer programs. Most REEI fellowships and assistantships
are funded through the Title VI program of the US Department of Education
(deadline Feb 1st for academic year). Only US citizens are eligible for
federally funded fellowships.
Do I have to be enrolled in REEI to receive a FLAS?
No. REEI MA and dual degree students compete against graduate students
from other departments and professional schools for FLAS fellowships.
REEI receives approximately 80 applications for 9 academic year awards.
A FLAS recipient must be enrolled in a graduate program.
What are my chances of getting funding?
Typically, about half of our MA students receive funding. Second year
students, who have established a strong record at IU garner more of the
funding than do entering students.
How do I apply for merit-based funding?
For most funding opportunities, simply check the box on the application
form stating that you would like to be considered. However, the most commonly
awarded fellowship for new students, the FLAS, requires a separate application.
For more details and application information contact REEI.
What other Indiana University funding might I be eligible for?
Several IU departments affiliated with REEI offer opportunities for funding.
These include The Center for International
Business Education and Research program for those interested in business
study, The Polish Studies Center,
Inner Asian and
Uralic National Resource Center, West European Studies,
Center for the Study of
Global Change, and the schools with which REEI offers dual degree
programs. For more details and application information contact each department
directly.
The GradGrants
Center assists graduate students in locating funding and regularly
posts announcements for university wide graduate assistantships.
When will I hear if I have been selected for funding through REEI?
The fellowship committee begins to review files after all admissions decisions
have been made. You will be notified by regular mail as soon as recipients
have been identified, generally in mid to late March. Unfortunately, we
are unable to release funding information by phone or e-mail.
I have been listed as an alternate for funding. When will I hear
more?
Those initially offered funding must notify us of their decision (usually
by April 15th) to decline an award or before the offer can be extended
to alternates. This process can be lengthy. You will be notified by mail
at the time you are selected for funding or once all funding offers have
been accepted. Notification is usually made after April 15.
What financial aid is available for international students?
Financial aid for international students is very limited. Only under exceptional
circumstances does REEI have funding for an international student seeking
the MA. However, international students are eligible for some scholarships,
research assistantships and other financial aid opportunities offered
by other IU schools and doctoral programs.
The Office
of International Services has some funds available to help international
students, especially students who are close to graduation. If your department
is not able to provide assistance and you are having financial difficulties,
you should speak with an advisor at International Services. Available
funding includes short term loans, fee assistance awards, and on campus
employment. For more information on these opportunities, check The International
Student Aid website.
TOP
Beginning Your Studies and Campus Life
When should I plan to arrive in Bloomington?
Students entering the university for fall semester should plan to attend
the REEI new student orientation, which includes academic advising and
class registration and begins one week prior to the start of classes.
At least one month in advance, students will receive a packet that includes
the schedule for orientation. Orientation for international students begins
two weeks before the start of classes. International students should contact
International Admissions for more information. Students beginning study
in the spring semester should plan to arrive at least one week before
the start of classes.
As a new student, when and how will I register?
New students register online during new student orientation held the week
before classes start. Detailed information on academic advising and how
and where to register will be provided during orientation. New students
must receive advising prior to registration.
Will all the classes listed
on the web page and in the brochure be offered regularly?
Classes listed in the brochure have been offered within the last three
years and are expected to be offered again. While course offerings change
each semester according to faculty availability and interest, the scope
of coursework represented remains the same. On rare occasions, when an
absolutely critical course for an individual student's desired program
is not available, institute students may also take an independent readings
course if they are able to find a faculty member willing to work with
them on this basis.
Can I apply for a dual degree program after I enroll in the REEI
program?
Yes. You may apply for a dual degree program either at your
initial application or at any time later in your MA program. If you are
considering completing a dual degree, you should keep in close contact
with the REEI advisor to ensure that you take appropriate classes.
What types of organizations exist for graduate students?
IU is home to a wide range of student organizations. Groups of special
interest to our students include the Hungarian Cultural Association,
the Baltic and Finnish Studies Association, the Romanian Studies Association,
the REEI Graduate Student Association, and the South Slavic Language Club.
These organizations sponsor cultural and academic events meant to encourage
and support inquiry into their regions of specialty. Students also hold
weekly conversation hours for most of the languages taught at IU and even
a few that are not.
Is there health insurance available for graduate students?
Yes. Students may buy health insurance through IU. For more details and
application information contact the Student Insurance Office. Paid health
insurance is provided to students with academic appointments or fellowships.
How can I better prepare myself to enter the master's program at REEI?
You can prepare for your studies by reading some of the books included
on the Recommended MA Reading List, which is
a compilation of books recommended for the well-educated M.A. student
in Russian and East European studies. Included are key books that have
influenced the field and books of synthesis that provide an overview of
developments. Also included is a list of important journals and reference
works in the Russian and East European area.
TOP
What Next?
What types of careers do REEI graduates enter? What career placement
services does REEI provide?
A majority of REEI graduates gain employment within three to six months
of graduation, in their field of interest. The interdisciplinary nature
of the REEI degree opens the door to many careers, and REEI alumni can
be found in a variety of occupations.
REEI graduates are working in the United States and dozens of foreign
countries. They are employed by the US Department of State and other government
offices, in non-governmental and nonprofit organizations, business, university
administration, international exchange agencies, refugee assistance programs,
and other fields. Job placement is a high priority in our program.
REEI regularly sends current domestic and international internship and
job announcements to its students and alumni. Students receive individual
assistance from an advisor, when researching internship, study abroad
and employment opportunities. Other career resources include an online
subscription of employment opportunities in the fields of conflict management,
human rights, international development, law, government and the nonprofit
sector.
I'm planning to complete further graduate study after earning my
MA. What programs does REEI provide to help me?
REEI has several programs to help students prepare for advanced graduate
study. They include a public lecture series, workshops and conferences,
the
REEI newsletter, and
outreach speakers. These programs benefit students by providing opportunities
to present research, network with colleagues, form mentoring relationships
with accomplished scholars, write and publish articles, and give lectures
in their field of study.
In addition, the university offers a program designed specifically for
students considering a career in academia: Preparing
Future Faculty. The PFF Program sponsors activities throughout the
year to prepare aspiring college teachers, including monthly meetings,
selection of and work with a faculty mentor, colloquium presentations,
brown bag lunch presentations, campus visits, and participation in a campus
PFF conference.
TOP
| 
