The successful degree applicant is evaluated on each of the following criteria:

Undergraduate grade-point average, with emphasis given to the grade-point average in the major
Grade-point average in previous graduate work
At least three academic references
An oral and written sample of skills in the French language for English and speakers of other languages, and in the English language for francophones Official transcripts of all post-secondary work, showing degree(s) earned. International applicants must submit official or attested university records. If the records are not in English, certified translations must be submitted. Notarized copies are not sufficient. Minimum of three letters of recommendation from college faculty who know your work well. In seeking letters of recommendation, we would ask that the following points be addressed:
Research abilities (what concrete evidence, potential)
Teaching abilities (experience and potential)
Candidate's fluency in French, written and spoken
Two-part Statement of Purpose:
Part I
This one-page statement should focus on your background in French Studies as well as your academic/research interests. If possible, you should link your discussion to one or more of the fields of concentration at Penn State (Civilization or Literature).
Part II
Prepare a list of courses that have shaped your interests in graduate studies in French. Please include upper-level or graduate-level courses with brief descriptions and any other relevant experience. Coursework might include French/Francophone civilization, literature, linguistics and foreign language acquisition and related areas in the humanities and social sciences (linguistics, philosophy, history, anthropology, political science, etc.)
Writing sample in French, on an academic topic. If you wrote a senior or Masters thesis or other well-developed research project, please enclose a copy.
A copy of your transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
In order to help us assess your level of fluency and pronunciation, the French department requires a three-minute CD recording be mailed directly to the department, or an MP3 file may be submitted as an e-mail attachment (send to Heather Rutten hxr87@psu.edu). Talk about things you would like us to know about you and your academic interests that are not reflected in your official record.
The recording should be completed:
in French for Anglophones,
in English for Francophones, or
in both French and English for non-Anglophone, non-Francophone applicants

International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisaaional admission, enrollment, and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Revised TOEFL PBT July 2017 and later 60