Frequently Asked Questions

A pressing moment in the biomechanics lab

1. The application says I can choose which semester I want to enroll – fall, spring, or summer – is this true?

No, not really. All the grad programs on campus use the same application, and some are much more flexible when allowing students to begin. Our program is not.

Our curriculums are relatively sequential and we like our students to begin in the fall, otherwise it throws them out of synch. In addition, when it comes to receiving assistantship money it is not in a student’s interest to begin in the spring or summer, as assistantships are only handed out for a year term beginning in the fall.

Finally, we offer no graduate student orientation in the spring or summer, which is particularly useful for foreign students.

With that all said, we may enroll a student into the program in the spring or summer. Students must get permission from the Graduate Program Chair to do so, and must have all the undergraduate prerequisites.

2. The application says to choose a non-thesis or thesis tract. What does that mean? Do I have to make that choice right now? Does my admittance to the program depend on what I choose?

While there are differences in curriculum in the two tracts, you do not have to make that decision right now, in fact, we really don't want you to. Unless you are absolutely sure you want to do a thesis, select the “non-thesis” tract as this will facilitate curriculum planning. If you want to switch to a thesis tract at a later time, it is relatively easy to do so. And no, acceptance into the program has nothing to do with thesis vs. non-thesis.

3. The application has room for a personal statement, but this does not appear to be required for ESS students. Should it do it anyway?

Couldn't hurt.

4. Should I send in a resume?

If you are applying for an assistantship, the answer is yes. Please send the resume to the Graduate Studies Office with your application.

5. Where is the application for an assistantship?

The assistantship application is part of the regular application for admittance to the program, PLUS you must send in 2 additional letters of recommendation that speak to your work habits and skills. We also ask that you send in a current resume.

6. Most of the jobs listed for assistantships I have no clue about and am a little worried that I couldn't do it. Should I apply anyway?

Yes. Some assistantships require very specific job skills, like athletic training (must be NATA certified) and coaching (must have high level playing experience). For most others, however, if you have the perquisites to get into the program we know you have some level of experience and we will train you for what we need you to do.

7. Can I get a copy of the application first so that I can prepare my answers before I get online?

Yes. Please contact the Graduate Studies Office.

8. I don't have all the prerequisite coursework. What should I do?

You'll have to make it up, either before coming to Ithaca or while here. First, though, consider that some of the courses you have already taken may not fall neatly into our prerequisite list, but fulfill our needs anyway. For example, undergraduate nutrition science majors may not have the "right" anatomy and physiology courses, but they may have covered sufficient topics in their biochemistry and metabolism courses to suit our needs.

The best thing to do is contact the graduate chair for advice.

9. I want to make up prerequiste coursework by taking a course at one of the online universities. Will that transfer in?

Probably not. With very few exceptions, these courses (and schools) do not meet the same standards as courses at traditional brick and mortar schools. No, we're not being snobs, but just consider "hands-on" learning and lab courses. How many of these online courses get your hands gunky with animal guts? How many of them have you hook up an electrocardiograph and a metabolic cart and conduct a maximal exercise test? Underwater weighing and other anthropometric measurements? Electromyography? What about 3-dimensional video analyses with super high-speed cameras and motion analysis software? How many have you do face to face role playing? Got the point?

10. Can I really finish in one year?

The answer is yes, if you do the non-thesis tract. We have set our curriculum up so that this can be done, but you need to think about if you really want to. If you decide on the non-thesis route, you can take 12 credits in the fall, 12 in the spring, and 12 over the summer. Pass the comprehensive exams at the end of the summer and you have done it. We routinely have students finish in one year, but perhaps even more decide to extend it a semester or two in order to do independent study projects, internships, or other projects they may have. Yes, they actually WANT to be here and take more time to absorb the experience. If you opt for the thesis tract you should expect to be here for 1.5 -2 years (2 is more likely).