tips for success
The IMC program at WVU is extremely competitive – but there are things an applicant can do to highlight their qualifications most effectively. There are four areas emphasized during the applicant review process:
- Relevance & Professional Experience
- Motivation, Enthusiasm & Intent
- Demonstrated Academic Capability
- Graduate Level Writing Ability
Relevance & Professional Experience
The IMC program at WVU is a practical master’s degree program. Students often comment on the value of the program’s “learn it in class today, apply it at work tomorrow” focus. Not surprisingly, students with relevant work experience are able to quickly assimilate the knowledge gained through coursework into their careers. Students with professional experience are also more likely to share beneficial insight and relevant comments with colleagues and professors in their courses.
To gauge the “relevant professional experience” of each applicant, the admissions committee closely reviews their resume.
Application Pointers:
- Highlight your achievements and experiences relevant to marketing communications. If you have limited experience in this area, focus on positions where clear communication was the key to your success.
- If you submit your resume electronically, convert it to PDF format to ensure that no formatting is altered.
- If you prefer to mail a paper resume, pay attention to the small presentation features (paper quality, font, etc.) that can really make your resume stand out.
Motivation, Enthusiasm & Intent
Earning a graduate degree takes commitment. It requires individual determination to push through the difficult moments. During the application process, students who demonstrate a strong desire to be accepted by the IMC program are often remembered by the admissions committee.
Application Pointers:
- Apply early. Not only will this enable you to compete for a larger number of available seats, but early applicants clearly demonstrate enthusiasm and intent to succeed.
- Develop individual dialog with the admissions faculty.
- Attend IMC events and meet students, faculty and graduates of the program.
- Use the essay portion of your IMC program application and/or the cover letter of your resume to communicate your determination to be accepted into the program. Don’t mince your words – be confident and bold.
- Request letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your dedication, enthusiasm, and intent to complete your master’s degree from the IMC program at WVU. Letters from former professors, employers, or other sources who can testify to your academic performance and work ethic are also appropriate.
- Use your essay as an opportunity to help the admissions committee really get to know who you are, and why you want to earn your master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University.
Demonstrated Academic Capability
All applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The admissions committee considers several factors: undergraduate GPA, years since receipt of undergraduate degree, undergraduate major/emphasis, improvement in performance from freshman to senior, academic performance within major/emphasis, and GRE/GMAT scores.
The GRE or GMAT requirement may be waived for any applicant who meets EITHER of the following qualifications:
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher.
- Six or more years of marketing-related work experience.
If an applicant doesn’t meet one of the two listed criteria to have test scores waived, then GRE or GMAT scores must be submitted. If you have not yet taken the GRE or GMAT, please request that a copy of your test scores be sent directly to us upon your completion of the exam. If you have already taken the exam, please forward a copy of your officially documented scores from the GRE or GMAT to the contact listed below.
Application Pointers:
- Address any lapse in your academic performance record in your program essay. Proactively answer questions that the admissions committee is likely to have about your previous academic performance.
- If your major was in an unrelated field, draw connections between your undergraduate major and professional experience.
- Prepare for the GRE/GMAT.
Graduate Level Writing Ability
In a graduate program that focuses on professional communication, each IMC student is expected to demonstrate accomplished written communication skills. To be successful, a student must engage in critical thinking and express those thoughts through clear writing. Each assignment should maintain a consistent focus, include adequate support of the student’s viewpoints and assertions, and provide conclusions that the student has reached based upon the learning process and objectives of the assignment. Technical proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and proofreading is necessary to ensure that a professional, high-quality standard for all communications within the program is maintained.
Application Pointers:
- Proofread your application materials!
- Use the program essay to demonstrate your writing ability.
- When communicating with members of the program’s administration via e-mail, be sure to use proper writing and avoid careless typographical errors.
For questions about the IMC program’s application process or to submit materials for admission, please contact:
Shelly Stump
Director, Student Advising & Recruitment
P.I. Reed School of Journalism
West Virginia University
P.O. Box 6010
Morgantown, WV 26506-6010
T: 304-293-3505 x5450
E: shelly.stump@mail.wvu.edu
