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EnglishHow to Apply to Graduate Programs Through Rackham Graduate School
Updated
Rackham Graduate School is the central graduate school at the University of Michigan, and its website (rackham.umich.edu) is the starting point for prospective students. To apply, you begin on the Rackham site to identify your program of study, then follow that program's specific application requirements. Rackham itself provides the Apply entry point, the Programs of Study directory, and funding information, but admission decisions and deadlines are typically set by the individual program.
Start with the Programs of Study directory
Before you can apply, you need to confirm which graduate program you are targeting. Rackham's site lists Programs of Study as a primary resource, alongside Apply, Funding, and Navigating Your Degree.
Use it to:
- Find the specific degree program (master's, doctoral, or certificate) you want.
- Confirm the program exists under Rackham's administration.
- Note the department or school that houses it, since that unit often runs the admissions process.
Because requirements vary by program, treat the Programs of Study page as a directory, not a single universal application.
Use the Apply entry point
The homepage surfaces Apply as one of the core "Resources and Information" links. This is the intended path into the application process.
A practical sequence:
- Go to the Rackham homepage.
- Select Apply under Resources and Information.
- Follow the prompts to the application system and your chosen program.
- Cross-check the program's own page for deadlines, required materials, and any supplementary forms.
The site does not publish a single universal deadline or fee on the homepage, so confirm those details on the program page rather than assuming they are uniform.
Check funding before you commit
Funding is listed alongside Apply and Programs of Study, which signals that prospective students are expected to review financial support options as part of the application process.
- Review the Funding section to understand what support Rackham and programs may offer.
- Funding availability and eligibility differ by program and degree level, so match the information to your specific target program.
- Treat funding pages as guidance; confirm specifics with the program or department.
What the site also offers prospective and current students
Beyond applying, Rackham's homepage points to resources that matter once you are deciding or enrolled:
| Section | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Student Experience | Graduate student groups, living in Ann Arbor, personal well-being |
| Student Communities | Connecting with students across backgrounds and interests |
| Resources | Campus services such as tech support and study spaces |
| Help and Support | Conflict resolution, emergencies, and other assistance |
| Events | Info sessions and virtual office hours, e.g., Rackham Consultation Services |
Events such as Rackham Consultation Services: Virtual Office Hours and information sessions (for example, a Bouchet Honor Society session) are listed on the site and can be useful for asking questions directly before or during the application process.
Common sticking points
- Assuming one application fits all programs. Rackham is the umbrella; each program sets its own requirements.
- Skipping the program page. The homepage gives you the entry points, but deadlines and materials live with the program.
- Ignoring funding until after applying. Funding is presented as a core resource, so review it early.
- Missing live help. Virtual office hours and info sessions are listed on the Events page and are a low-effort way to get answers.
If your goal is simply to understand what Rackham is, it is U-M's graduate school advancing "new directions in graduate education" with a student-centered, faculty-led approach. If your goal is to apply, start at Programs of Study, move through Apply, and confirm every requirement with your target program.