Dec 06, 2024  
Graduate Record 2016-2017 
    
Graduate Record 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Additional Academic Opportunities


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Center for American English Language and Culture

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The Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC) provides an array of services to help members of the University of Virginia community attain the level of linguistic and cultural proficiency needed for success at a research university in the United States. CAELC offers a number of ESL courses free of charge to students who have matriculated in a degree program at UVA. Visiting scholars and research associates may enroll in CAELC classes as space allows. Completion of the University of Virginia English Language Proficiency Exam must precede placement in any CAELC class. Individuals can take the exam at the beginning of each semester and by appointment throughout the year. CAELC also administers the SPEAK Test in August, December, and May. The SPEAK Test is used to assess the oral proficiency of prospective graduate teaching assistants whose native language is not English. CAELC offers several courses designed to help prospective teaching assistants develop the communication skills needed for teaching in a U.S. college or university. CAELC also offers an intensive English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program through the University’s Summer Language Institute, mid-July through mid-August. The EAP program is for entering students and research associates. CAELC endorses the NAFSA Principles of International Educational Exchange and the TESOL Standards for Post Secondary Programs. Information on testing, classes, and other services is available at http://caelc.virginia.edu, caelc@virginia.edu, or (434) 924-3371.


Education Abroad

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University of Virginia views Education Abroad as an important educational endeavor, enriching both academically and personally, and crucial in preparing students for success in the global world. International learning experience combines intellectual pursuits and interactions with different peoples and their cultural traditions. It provides students with an opportunity to gain an international perspective on their chosen academic field or career path and to learn and practice important life skills - critical thinking, independence, maturity, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to interact and communicate across differences.

The International Studies Office (ISO) provides professional advising and guidance to students throughout the process of choosing the program best suited for the student’s needs and preparing the student for a meaningful sojourn. All UVA graduate and professional students traveling internationally for university-related purposes including, but not limited to, study and research will apply through or register with the ISO (see University Policy on Student Travel).

Eligibility:

  • Matriculated, degree-seeking graduate student
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Good academic standing
  • Good disciplinary standing
  • Note: individual programs may have admissions requirements different from and in addition to the general education abroad eligibility requirements.

Programs: A number of education abroad programs are available to graduate students. These include exchange programs, UVA programs, and programs sponsored by other universities or organizations. Programs vary in duration, destination, content, and the degree of immersion into the local culture.

Research, Projects, & University-Related Travel: Graduate students wishing to conduct research or academic projects outside of the US are encouraged to do so. Faculty advisors and researchers can provide excellent resources and contacts abroad.

Finances: UVA is committed to making education abroad affordable and accessible for all students. Graduate students receiving financial aid through Student Financial Services can apply that funding towards their education abroad programs provided that courses taken abroad satisfy the student’s degree requirements. Additional funding is available through several education abroad scholarships administered through individual schools, the ISO, and other university-wide offices.

Preparation: Engaging with cultures, languages, people, education systems, and other aspects of daily life that differ from one’s previous experience offers both challenges and opportunities. The ISO provides preparation and support for both logistical needs and cultural transitions through a number of means, including advising, handbooks, orientations, and workshops.

Health and Safety: The University Committee on Health and Safety in Education Abroad actively consults with the Overseas Security Advisory Council of the State Department to plan for maximum safety of UVA students on education abroad programs. UVA policy limits graduate student academic travel to areas of the world for which an active State Department Travel Warning is in effect. Special documentation is required to justify that the study or research in a travel warning zone is essential to the graduate student’s academic program. The ISO provides information and resources in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Students and the Elson Student Health Center to support students’ best possible health, safety, and security while abroad.
 
Information regarding programs, finances, logistical and cultural preparation, advising hours, as well as the applications and deadlines is available at http://www.virginia.edu/studyabroad. International Studies Office, 208 Minor Hall, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, (434) 982-3010, studyabroad@virginia.edu.


Summer Session

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Each summer, the University of Virginia offers a rich selection of programs and courses to over four-thousand students through its Summer Session. Many of these programs and courses are not available during the academic year, including the University’s well-known Summer Language Institute (SLI). UVA students commonly enroll in the Summer Session to fulfill degree requirements, double major, improve their GPA, shorten time to their degree, or explore new interests. Summer Session students have access to an array of support services and extra-curricular activities during their studies. The list of Summer Session 2016 courses can be viewed at http://summer.virginia.edu.

UVA students enrolled in the 2016 spring semester and not graduating at the end of that semester may register for Summer Session courses on-line. UVA students who graduate in May, 2016 must first complete the Summer Session application for visiting students. (Note: Any individual who wishes to enroll in the Summer Language Institute must complete the SLI application process).

The Summer Session welcomes visiting students. The majority of these individuals are enrolled at another college or university and come to UVA to complete courses not offered at their home institution. Visiting students must apply for admission to the Summer Session. Rising high school juniors and seniors with distinguished academic records may also apply for admission to the Summer Session. Admission to the Summer Session does not constitute admission to the University of Virginia. Comprehensive information on the University of Virginia’s Summer Session and application materials are available at http://summer.virginia.edu. For more information contact the Office of the Summer and Special Academic Programs, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161; (434) 924-3371; summer@virginia.edu.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) The Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC) offers an intensive language and culture program through the Summer Language Institute. EAP program is designed for non-native speakers of English who have been admitted to an undergraduate or graduate degree program at the University of Virginia. Incoming UVA research associates and visiting scholars are also welcome to apply for admission to the program. Participants fine-tune the language skills required for success in U.S. higher education through classes in academic writing, academic reading and vocabulary development, listening comprehension and note-taking, classroom discussion strategies, and presentation skills. A pronunciation assessment is conducted with follow-up work assigned as needed.

The program includes a series of workshops that provides a general introduction to U.S. higher education. Workshop topics include library and research skills, academic culture, student-faculty relationships, cross-cultural awareness, and student services. Cultural proficiency is developed through a combination of workshops and activities. Activities include social gatherings, sporting events, field trips, and frequent meetings with conversation partners. A minimum TOEFL score of 79-80 (iBT) is recommended. An overall band score of 6.0 is recommended for individuals who take the IELTS.

For further information, contact CAELC, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161; (434) 924-3371; caelc@virginia.edu; http://caelc.virginia.edu.

The Summer Language Institute (SLI) offers eight-week programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Latin, Russian, Spanish, and Tibetan. Students attend classes five days a week, six hours a day. Communication skills are developed in a student-centered environment. Participation in evening cultural activities is required five days/week. Individuals who successfully complete the Institute programs in French, German, Latin, Russian, Spanish, and Tibetan earn 12 credits, which satisfies the foreign language requirement at the University of Virginia. Participants in the SLI Arabic program earn 11 credits and those in the SLI Chinese program earn 8 credits.

Information and application materials are available at http://sli.virginia.edu. For further information, contact the Summer Language Institute, Office of Summer and Special Academic Programs, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161; (434) 924-6552; uvasli@virginia.edu.


UVA Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program

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The UVA Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program is designed for individuals with exceptional academic records who have not fulfilled their pre-medical prerequisites as an undergraduate and seek the science coursework which will enable them to apply to medical school. This full-time, twelve-month program’s focus is the education and immersion of students in the pre-medical science curriculum and the medical field through volunteering and shadowing opportunities. The Program includes MCAT preparation materials and support and individual guidance throughout the medical school application process. The Post-Bac Pre-Med Program is not designed to help students strengthen an otherwise weak academic record or to repeat premedical science course requirements. For more information visit the program online at www.scps.virginia.edu.

Admissions

College graduates from an accredited college or university who seek the requisite science courses for medical school admission may apply. Program admission is highly selective and competitive. Exceptional academic grades and letters of recommendation, along with strong commitment to and motivation for medicine are characteristic of program students. In addition, the admissions committee will give preference to applicants with work experience and/or relevant volunteer experience in a clinical setting. Acceptance into the program is on a rolling basis so it is recommended to apply early.

Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following materials:

  • A completed online application
  • Two letters of recommendation
    (Preferably one faculty reference highlighting the applicant’s academic abilities and another work-related or volunteer reference)
  • Transcripts from all previously attended colleges and/or universities, demonstrating excellent academic performance
  • A current resume reflecting education as well as work and volunteer experiences
  • Application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges, if seeking in-state tuition eligibility
  • Standardized ACT or SAT scores previously submitted to your undergraduate institution; GRE scores may be substituted – UVa Testing Codes: ACT: 4412 / EST (SAT I and SAT II): 5820 / GRE R5820

Applications for admission will be accepted annually beginning August 1. The application deadline is February 15. Review of completed applications begins each September 1 and acceptances are issued on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged. The student cohort size is approximately 35 students.

Curriculum

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The program curriculum engages students in the prerequisite science education necessary to apply to medical school as well as to prepare students to sit for the MCAT examination. The program is completed in one year of study, beginning with the summer session, followed by courses in the fall and spring semesters. Opportunities for engaging in volunteer experiences are also built into the program. The core Post-Bac Pre-Med curriculum includes an established series of science courses and labs that are required for application to medical school. This includes two semesters each of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics courses, along with associated labs. A biochemistry course is offered in the spring semester.  Additionally, Post-Bac Pre-Med students take a course on the U.S. Health Care System taught by the medical director of the program.