HORT Application Instructions

Application Materials

First, access the online application. (In the application, select University of Minnesota Twin Cities, College of Continuing and Professional Studies, Horticulture - MPS)

All required application materials must be electronically attached to your application.

Applicant Statements

Professional statement: One to two pages, double-spaced. Your statement should include responses to the following prompts. Feel free to answer each question individually or include them in a larger narrative, if you prefer.

• Describe your academic and/or professional experience and how that work has prepared you to succeed in the program. Examples may include professional experience, research, academic work, or non-traditional experiences such as volunteer work, community engagement, or independent study that involve relevant or transferable skills.
• What are your professional goal(s) and how will this program specifically help you meet these goals? Point out features of the program that are relevant, such as coursework or program options.
• Self-efficacy skills are important for success in this program. Provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated one of the following skills: adaptability, self- motivation, perseverance, or working across differences.

Extenuating Circumstances statement: One page, double-spaced. Required if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0. You may also submit this statement if there are other areas of your academic record that you would like to address.

• Briefly describe what impacted your academic performance.
• Explain how circumstances have changed and what new supports or strategies you will use to meet the demands of graduate school (for example, time management, self-care, etc.)

Tips:

• Review the professional statement prompts and make sure your statement addresses all of them.
• Use professional discretion and intention when disclosing personal details.
• Allow time for multiple drafts.
• Have at least one person review it and give feedback.
• Avoid listing all activities from your resume/CV or application in narrative form.
• Express yourself authentically: avoid cliched or overly formal language.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required.

The best letters come from instructors who know you and your academic work, or from employers or supervisors that have knowledge of: your interest in horticulture; ability to work in the field; or transferable skills that are relevant for completing this program. The more the recommendation reflects real knowledge of you and your performance, the more useful the letter is to the admissions committee. Ask them whether they will be able to write you a strong letter of recommendation; if their answer is "no," find a different letter writer. Be advised: Letters from a family member, friend, or personal therapist cannot be accepted.

Remember to share with your letter writers:

• a current CV or resume
• professional statement
• information about the HORT program
• why you are applying to the program

Tell the letter writers to include in their recommendation:

• how long they have known you and in what capacity
• their current position and organization
• your skills and experience that will prepare you to succeed in this program
• how you have grown as a scholar or professional
• your leadership and/or collaboration experience
• your performance in their course(s) or workplace

Tips:

• Ask a current/former supervisor, colleague, or instructor.
• Ask them if they feel comfortable writing a strong recommendation.
• Have a backup writer in case of emergency.
• Talk with each letter writer about the program, your current/future interests, and professional goals.
• Give them a clear deadline (typically 4–6 weeks).
• Share your professional statement and resume or CV with your letter writers.
• Send the letter-writers a thank-you!

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts or academic records for each institution (even if you didn’t receive a degree) should be uploaded directly to the online application. International students should also upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English. If possible, make sure the institution has put your name on the transcript/record.

Resume or CV

Submit a current resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Make sure it is up-to-date and free of errors. In addition to work history, include relevant research experience or publications, volunteer activities, training, etc.

Application Fee

A nonrefundable application fee must be paid on submission.

Transferring Credits

Transferring Graduate Credits

You may be able to transfer up to 10 credits of graduate-level coursework completed prior to admission, with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.

Transfer coursework requirements:

• Taken at the University of Minnesota or another accredited institution
• Completed at the graduate level and listed on a graduate transcript
• Earned a grade of B or better
• Completed no more than five years prior to admission to the program

Transferring Undergraduate Credits

You may be able to transfer up to six of the ten transfer coursework credits taken as an undergraduate at the U of M, with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies and the Director, Graduate programs.

Please email graduate enrollment advisor Steve Wicks to learn more.

Financing Your Education

CCAPS Graduate Education programs do not provide living stipends, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships as might be expected in a typical PhD program.

• US-based students: CCAPS offers modest financial need-based scholarships to eligible students, and a limited number of merit-based scholarships. However, in most cases students work while going to school in order to cover living expenses and pay tuition out of pocket, including health insurance.
   
• International students: Are not eligible for federal financial aid or CCAPS scholarships and must provide financial evidence showing that they can cover tuition, living expenses, and the Student Health Benefit plan health insurance during their period of study. To learn more about planning for these expenses, visit Plan Your Expenses or make an appointment with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

Fellowships and Grants

Fellowships offer the opportunity to fund your education without the work requirements of an assistantship or debt payments of a student loan.

Scholarships, Loans, and Financial Aid

Visit the CCAPS financial aid website to learn more about our collegiate scholarships, federal financial aid, and non-U of M financing options.

Employer Reimbursement

Some employers may help pay for your graduate education if it relates to your goals at work. Talk with your organization's human resources representative to learn more.

Why should your company invest in your education?

• You'll be able to handle more responsibilities and roles.
• Your employer will increase productivity, which will help it grow (or help it save money).
• Your employer could attract and help keep high-quality talent.
• Your employer will demonstrate a commitment to growth and the creation of mentors and leaders.
• You can cultivate job satisfaction.

Graduate Assistantships

You may be eligible for a U of M graduate assistantship outside of the HORT program, which is basically a part-time job in research or teaching. You can view open graduate assistantships on the U of M Human Resources website.