In general, a complete application, transcripts of all college work, and three letters of recommendation are needed for admission to a graduate program. Generally, teaching assistants are assigned duties supporting faculty in the grading of papers and the supervision of laboratory sections. Research assistants usually are involved in sponsored-research projects that become a part of their theses or dissertations. In some cases this may be supplemented by a summer stipend or by special funds for the academic year. The normal assistantships also provide tuition for up to 10 credits for each of two semesters.
Several fellowships are available for students in particular departments and through endowed funds.
The Backlin Fund, administered by the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs provides assistance for students nearing completion of their degree requirements who are recommended by a faculty member and their department chairman. Competition for the prestigious Goddard Research Fellowship is open to U. S. citizens. Preference is given to doctoral candidates. Although applications for financial aid are considered at any time, the major distribution of aid is based upon complete applications submitted by February for the fall semester. Students interested in applying for the Rhodes Scholarships should begin to assemble documentation during the junior year.