Application Scoring Rubric
The EPM Admissions Committee scores each applicant on six attributes based on a rubric. These scores are then averaged and ranked. Your application should speak to each of these categories. These are synthetic categories and we look for evidence of achievement across your academic, professional and personal accomplishments. Thus, you may ask letter writers to speak to one or more of these categories.
| Academic Preparedness | Academic preparation that equips the student well for graduate coursework and project-based learning as evidenced by transcripts as well as the statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. |
| Communication Skills | Evidence that the applicant can communicate clearly and effectively, as demonstrated through their application materials and resume that conveys their capacities in professional communication as well as what letters writers say about their capacity to communicate. |
| Professional and Work Experience | Evidence of interest and accomplishment in the field through non-academic work experience or professional experiences within an academic setting. This is a measure of maturity, workplace skills and ability to clearly function at a professional level. |
| Professionalism | We are looking for students with a commitment to long-term professional goals. We look for evidence of a clear picture of a professional trajectory through the candidate’s statement of purpose, augmented by what letter writers say about the candidate. |
| Contributions to Diversity | Our program seeks to actively develop all forms of diversity in the workplace. All students have the potential to contribute to diversity in one way or another. We want to hear from candidates on their experiences in equity, inclusivity and diversity in higher education or the workplace as evidenced by life experiences, educational background (e.g. non-traditional paths) and/or working toward a more equitable society. |
| Outreach and Inclusion | The student shows commitment and/or motivation to making science accessible and inclusive of communities both within and outside the university. |