Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee

Horticulture and Agronomy Graduate Group

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Application package

Statements

The statements are limited to 4000 characters; we recommend you prepare in a word processing program, and then copy and paste it to the application. Statements must be written in your own words, i.e., not by AI or another person. Statements with vague AI generated text and ideas will be viewed very negatively and poorly graded. Instead, invest a significant amount of time writing each, developing it through several iterations. Use of generative AI tools in the next steps of your graduate program is considered plagiarism and constitutes severe academic misconduct. We expect you to develop strong critical thinking and writing skills while at UCD so please get used to not using these tools. Be honest, coherent and specific (ie. avoid broad statements and platitudes and give examples). More information on statements can be found on the Office of Graduate Studies website and below.

Research Essay
The Research Essay is a key part of your application as the Admission Committee uses it to gauge how well your interests fit within the program and your depth of understanding of the field. The essay should explain what research topics you are most interested in, and most importantly, why you are interested in those research topics. Your statement should be specific to GGHA and describe how your classwork and experiences converge to make you a good candidate for your field of study. You should articulate clear research interests and highlight your preparation and motivations, including your academic and/or community experiences. This statement should be brief but well thought-through. You will be asked what faculty members you would like to work with and whether you have been in contact with them. It is suggested that you proactively contact and identify multiple faculty members you would like to work with and include a clear and coherent justification for each.
Statement of Purpose
The Statement of Purpose of the online application is an important component of your application as we attempt to assess how well-prepared you are for the program. It should expand on your motivation for applying, your preparation for graduate school, and how your research interests fit the program. This is the place to expand on research ideas, questions, and hypotheses you may want to test. It also provides a context for your personal motivation. Make sure you address some deficiencies and how you might make up for missing prerequisites.
Personal History and Diversity Statement
The Personal History and Diversity statement is where you can provide more information related to your motivation for going to graduate school (and GGHA in particular) based upon your life experience(s), cultural background, socioeconomic status, gender, etc., and describe ways in which you would contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity of our graduate community. The purpose of this essay is to get to know you as an individual and potential graduate student and describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. The personal history section can also be used to:
Fill in the gaps about inconsistencies in your application, describe why you will succeed in graduate school even if earlier academic experiences were a struggle
Give examples of leadership, service, teaching and tutoring relevant to your academic goals.
List any successes you achieved and what you learned from them
Show how you have turned a negative into a positive and are able to persevere and excel academically in spite of any economic or social challenges you may have faced.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee

Barbara Blanco-Ulate
Patrick H Brown
Mariana Munoz-Araya (student representative)
Sheriff-Seedy Phaal (student representative)

Application Deadlines

The Fall 2025 Admission cycle is open!

Applications submitted after March 15^th will not be reviewed. The Graduate Group in Horticulture and Agronomy (GGHA) accepts applications for fall quarter admission only for both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs.

January 5^th 2025: priority admissions deadline and campus fellowship deadline
March 15^th 2025: general admissions deadline

Apply early! Don't wait until the last day. Once the deadline passes and the application closes, it can't be reopened.

All supporting materials (transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, etc) must be received by this date. Incomplete applications as of this date will not be considered.

GGHA strongly recommends that prospective students reach out and identify potential Major Professors and complete most of their prerequisite courses before beginning the application process. Apply NOW