# Graduate Program FAQs
**Source**: https://afvs.fas.harvard.edu/graduate-faqs
**Parent**: https://afvs.fas.harvard.edu/academics
## Graduate Contacts
Laura Frahm\
Director of Graduate Studies
Emily Amendola\
Graduate Coordinator\
Film and Visual Studies Program\
(617) 495-9720\
[amendola [at] fas.harvard.edu](mailto:fvs@fas.harvard.edu)
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### My native language is not English; do I have to take the an English language proficiency exam?
Adequate [**command of spoken and written English**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/degree-requirements/english-language-proficiency) is essential to success in graduate study at Harvard. Applicants who are non-native English speakers can demonstrate English proficiency in one of three ways:
- Receiving an undergraduate degree from an academic institution where English is the primary language of instruction.\*
- Earning a minimum score of 80 on the Internet based test (iBT) of the [**Test of English as a Foreign Language**](http://www.ets.org/toefl) (TOEFL)\*\*
- Earning a minimum score of 6.5 on the [**International English Language Testing System**](http://ielts.org/) (IELTS) Academic test.\*\*
A master’s degree or other graduate degree is not accepted as proof of English proficiency.
*\*Special note for applicants with an undergraduate degree from a US institution where English was not the primary language of instruction: if a portion of your program was conducted in English, you may petition for a waiver of the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. Contact **[admiss@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:admiss@fas.harvard.edu)** for details.*
*\*\*Some degree programs may require a higher score on either the TOEFL or IELTS. Visit your*[***degree program***](https://gsas.harvard.edu/programs-study/degree-programs)*page of interest for more information.*
### When is the application deadline for admission to the Ph.D. program in Film and Visual Studies?
December 15, 2023
### Where can I obtain an admissions application?
Applications are found on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website (<https://gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/apply>).
### Should I send my supporting documents to the Department or to the Admissions Office?
Transcripts should be uploaded directly to your online application. Test scores must be sent directly to the Admissions Office of the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and should not be sent to the department. All supporting documents must be uploaded to the application prior to its being submitted. Official test scores must be ordered directly from ETS and sent to code 3451.
### What exams do I have to take to apply?
Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold the equivalent of a US Bachelor's degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction are required to submit TOEFL scores.
### Is a GRE subject exam required?
The General GRE exam is optional, NOT required.
### What is the test code for the GRE exam?
Please see the [Application Instructions and Information page](http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/prospective_students/application_instructions_and_information.php) on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website for information regarding taking the GRE exam, as well as the current test code.
### What is the minimum GPA needed to be admitted?
There is no minimum grade point average. A candidate's complete background is taken into account in the admissions evaluation.
### My native language is not English, however I hold a Master’s Degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction, do I still have to take an English language proficiency exam?
Adequate [**command of spoken and written English**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/degree-requirements/english-language-proficiency) is essential to success in graduate study at Harvard. Applicants who are non-native English speakers can demonstrate English proficiency in one of three ways:
- Receiving an undergraduate degree from an academic institution where English is the primary language of instruction.\*
- Earning a minimum score of 80 on the Internet based test (iBT) of the [**Test of English as a Foreign Language**](http://www.ets.org/toefl) (TOEFL)\*\*
- Earning a minimum score of 6.5 on the [**International English Language Testing System**](http://ielts.org/) (IELTS) Academic test.\*\*
A master’s degree or other graduate degree is not accepted as proof of English proficiency.
*\*Special note for applicants with an undergraduate degree from a US institution where English was not the primary language of instruction: if a portion of your program was conducted in English, you may petition for a waiver of the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. Contact **[admiss@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:admiss@fas.harvard.edu)** for details.*
*\*\*Some degree programs may require a higher score on either the TOEFL or IELTS. Visit your*[***degree program***](https://gsas.harvard.edu/programs-study/degree-programs)*page of interest for more information.*
### What is the code for the TOEFL exam?
Please see the [Application Instructions and Information](http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/prospective_students/application_instructions_and_information.php) page on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website for information regarding taking the TOEFL exam, as well as the current test code.
### Which writing sample should I send with my admissions application?
Candidates should submit *only one*15–20 page paper, in 12-point type, double-spaced throughout, and with normal margins. The writing sample must be an example of *critical writing* (rather than creative writing) on a subject directly related to film, performance and/or visual studies. Applicants should not send longer papers with instructions to read an excerpt or excerpts, but should themselves edit the sample so that they submit only up to 20 pages.
### How long should the statement of purpose be?
The statement of purpose should be no longer than 1,000 words.
### How many letters of recommendation are required?
Three letters of recommendation are required.
### Does the department have a Masters Program?
No. The department does not have a terminal Masters Degree program.
### Can I take a graduate level course without being enrolled in the PhD program?
Yes. You can take courses under the special student status. For more information on this status and how to apply for it, please visit the [Categories of Admission page](http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/prospective_students/categories_of_admission.php) on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website (be sure to scroll down to the section labeled Special Student Status).
### Can I transfer credit from another program to count towards my degree program?
Students entering the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences who have done graduate work elsewhere may apply for transfer of credit at the end of one full term of satisfactory work.
The amount and kind of credit shall be decided by the DGS with the advice and consent of the FVS Graduate Committee, but in no case will it exceed four courses (16 credits). The decision will be partially based on the nature of students' work done elsewhere and on their record in their first year at Harvard.
### I am interested in coming to the department as a visiting fellow...
Please see the [Non-Degree Programs page](http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/programs_of_study/non-degree_programs.php) on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website describing the application process for visiting fellows.
### Can I get financial aid?
Please refer to the [Financial Aid page](http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/prospective_students/financial_aid.php)on the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website regarding financial aid opportunities.
### How do I make an appointment to speak with a faculty member?
Most faculty keep their own appointment schedules so you should contact the faculty member directly. Contact information for faculty is available in the [Faculty section](https://afvs.fas.harvard.edu/people-category/faculty) of the website.
### How many students are admitted each year?
The PhD program in Film and Visual Studies receives between 70 and 100 applications per year and admits 3 students each year.