ARCHIVED SITE (last updated Fall 2005)
For current information, please visit http://www.ischool.berkeley.edu
 

Admission Requirements & Documentation

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Computer Competency
Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

What minimum GRE scores are required?

SIMS has not set any minimum scores, but normally successful applicants score in the high percentiles (80's and 90's) on the General Test.

Can the GRE scores be received after the application deadline?

All supportive application materials (test scores and letters of recommendation) must be received by the School no later than the announced deadlines.

Do applicants who have already possess a Ph.D. degree need to take the GRE?

Yes. No exemptions are granted to holders of higher degrees.

Do applicants already admitted to the UC Berkeley Graduate Division need to take the GRE?

No. The scores are already on file.

How long are GRE scores valid for admission purposes?

Five years from the time the applications are reviewed.

Are International applicants required to take the GRE?

Yes, all applicants must take the GRE.

May I substitute the GMAT for the GRE?

No, Graduate Division requires the GRE.

Computer Competency

Which programming languages meet Part B of the requirement?

Part B requires knowledge of a high level programming language such as C, C++ or Java. Programming languages such as Visual Basic and those languages used to implement and enhance database management systems (such as SQL) are not acceptable.

Are specific courses required for meeting the programming part of the Computer Competency Entrance Requirement?

No, but it is expected that applicants will have completed one or more courses in the programming languages described above.

Should any documents be submitted as evidence of completion of Part B of the competency requirement?

It is not necessary to submit any transcripts showing successful completion of an appropriate programming course, but applicants should describe their level of programming competency and name and describe completed courses in their Computer Competency Statement.

Letters of Recommendation

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation should comment upon your academic capabilities and can also reflect your work accomplishments and experiences. You should seek recommenders who can attest to your strengths as a student and potential information professional.

Statement of Purpose

What should I say in the Statement of Purpose?

The Statement of Purpose provides the application reviewers with information about your professional goals, your intended areas of study within a given academic program, and your reasons for applying to this specific program of study. It becomes a crucial element in the admissions decision process since it conveys to the faculty reviewers how well-prepared you are to undertake graduate study in information management and systems; what you intend to do with the degree; and what specializations you wish to pursue within the masters program.

Your written statement should succinctly explain your reasons for applying to SIMS, briefly review your relevant academic preparation and work experience, and describe your future professional goals once the degree is acquired. The focus should be on your preparation, experience, and aims rather than a discussion of the trends or the importance of information management and systems in general. The most successful statements are 1-2 pages in length and focus on the strengths and experiences of the applicant, providing the reviewers with evidence and justification for admitting those applicants who are qualified and well-suited for the SIMS masters program.