Program Application & Merit Award FAQs

Yes. Competitive merit-based assistantship awards are available. Apply here by the early deadline (Nov. 15, 11:59 PM, ET) to be considered.

Yes, you can. Apply here by the early deadline (Nov. 15, 11:59 PM, ET) to be considered.

Only students applying for fall entry are eligible to apply for one of the three Graduate School competitive merit-based assistantship awards (Spring entry applicants are not eligible to apply for these merit awards).

No. Students may apply to only one merit-based assistantship award. Choose the option that best aligns with your background, experiences, and long-term professional goals.

View the comparison table here for a detailed answer to this question. Please note you may apply to only one assistantship.

View the comparison table here for a detailed answer to this question. Each Graduate School competitive application supports a distinct mission and student profile, so you must tailor your essay to the assistantship you select.

In addition to the merit award application requirements outlined in the comparison tables here, all essays should demonstrate: 

• Evidence of scholarly ability & research readiness
• Clear career plans tied to doctoral training
• Connection between your background and motivation and alignment with the assistantship’s mission.
• Strong writing, critical thinking, and alignment with Howard’s values 

The committee will also review your autobiographical sketch/statement and the research statement (statement of academic interest and professional goals) you submitted as part of your graduate program application. 

Students should contact the Graduate School funding and fellowship office at graduateschool@howard.edu for any clarification or with any questions.

To be considered for one of the Graduate School's merit-based assistantship awards (Bouchet, Douglass, or McNair Assistantship) you must submit your graduate program application by your program's early deadline for Fall 2026 entry (listed here) and no later than November 15, 2025.

You must also submit the Graduate School Assistantship Award 2-part application by November 15, 2025. Late or incomplete Graduate School Assistantship Award applications will not be reviewed.

Yes. Your official transcripts, recommendations, and/or official test scores may arrive electronically before or after you submit your CAS application. These materials will be matched to your file once received. In addition to requesting official transcripts, you may upload unofficial transcripts to your application for review. Final official transcripts are required if admitted, before the start of the program.

Yes. Applicants in their final semester may apply. Admission is contingent upon degree conferral before the start of the program.

Programs conduct holistic review, but some fields require specific academic preparation. Review each program page’s admissions requirements for any prerequisites that may be required.

Yes. A course-by-course evaluation from WES, ECE, IEE, or another NACES member is required. Review foreign transcript evaluation guidelines under the relevant Foreign Transcript Evaluation section on the following website: Application Steps and Required Materials. 

Yes. You may submit your application while the evaluation is in progress. The evaluation will be matched to your file once received. 

If you have a transcript from a Canadian or U.S. institution, yes. In addition to requesting official transcripts, you may upload unofficial transcripts to your application for review. Final official transcripts are required if admitted, before the start of the program.

Yes. In addition to requesting your official course-by-course transcript evaluation, if you have a copy of it, you may upload a course-by-course evaluation from WES, ECE, IEE, or another NACES member to your application. Review foreign transcript evaluation guidelines under the relevant Foreign Transcript Evaluation section on the following website: Application Steps and Required Materials. Final transcript evaluations are required if admitted, before the start of the program.

You enter recommender email addresses in the CAS application portal, and they receive a link to upload their letter.

No. Recommendations may arrive electronically via your CAS application before or after you submit your application. 

When you enter your recommender email address, be sure to indicate the deadline by which you expect the letter to be uploaded and submitted. 

While it does not automatically disadvantage you, it may raise questions. If you do not waive, committees may wonder whether the recommender felt constrained in what they could say or if they were less candid. So waiving is generally viewed more favorably.

You should prepare your recommender to write a letter that demonstrates your aptitude for graduate-level work and discuss the content of your letter with them beforehand. Many recommenders are happy to review your strengths together and talk about what they will emphasize.

Check your program’s requirements here, but recommenders typically include faculty who can speak to your academic abilities, research supervisors or PIs, or professional supervisors (when the program has indicated this is appropriate - confirm acceptable recommendation types here).

You must submit the following two statements: 

Statement of Academic Interest & Research Goals
Describes research interests, preparation, and alignment with faculty/program. View general statement guidance under the relevant statement sections on the following website: Application Steps and Required Materials. Programs may have specific requirements -check department pages here. 

Autobiographical Sketch
Highlights background, identity, experiences, and motivations. View general statement guidance under the relevant statement sections on the following website: Application Steps and Required Materials. Programs may have specific requirements - check department pages here. 

You can find more guidance on the distinction under the relevant statement sections on the following website: Application Steps and Required Materials. Be sure to label each essay appropriately before you upload it to your application. 

Yes—unless you hold a degree from a country where English is the primary language of instruction or you hold a degree from this list of TOEFL/IELTS-exempt countries. Otherwise, scores must be submitted by the application deadline. See guidelines for the English Language Proficiency Requirement here.  

Your CAS ID is located in your application system dashboard under your name in the upper-right corner of your application.