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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How is my thesis advisor assigned, what research project will I work on?

Some students come to our department with a good idea of with whom they would like to work. In this case, it is recommended to correspond with the faculty prior to making a final decision in order to ensure that the faculty knows about your intent. It may be difficult for the faculty to make a firm commitment. In any case, in the December following admission, ALL incoming graduate students are asked to list the names of 3 faculty they would like to work with. The graduate advisor will check with the faculty and try to accommodate everyone's choice. This has worked very well in the past and most got their first choice. It is recommended that you look at the faculty's web pages for more information on the research being conducted in our department. Regarding possible research projects, each faculty may have one or several projects they will offer to incoming graduate students.

2. What type of fellowships can I expect?

Qualified applicants get extremely competitive fellowship packages. These cover all fees and tuition and include an annual salary of $15,000 to $19,000 in addition to the paid health insurance. The only out of pocket expense (except of course for the cost of living) is a campus fee of $411 per year.

3. I am self-supported how much money will I need?

Check the graduate division for the numbers.

4. I have been accepted into the program but would like to defer my start to Winter, Spring or defer one year. Can this be done?

The short answer to this question is no. We cannot defer admission to Winter or Spring as you will be off-sequence with the core courses to be taken. Also, you will be off schedule with research advisor selection (see question #1). However, there are some exceptions, e.g., if you are self-supported, or if you have already selected your research advisor (and this has been agreed upon) and if you are taking the corresponding courses at your institution.

5. I have missed the deadline for Fall acceptance, do you take applications for Winter or Spring admission?

We do not admit graduate students with fellowships in the Winter and Spring quarters. Refer to the Graduate Division web site for deadlines for admission. Self-supported students may be accepted, although this is relatively unusual.

6. My TOEFL score is below 213 (computer based) and/or my GRE scores are low (below 1200 when adding quantitative and verbal) what are my chances? Should I apply anyway?

Admission with fellowship is a very competitive process. So if your file is obviously weak, you may want to save yourself the trouble and expense of the application process. Think about possible ways to strengthen your case and apply next year.

7. Do you have any advice to increase my chances of being accepted?

Be specific in your personal statement, what are you interested in, emphasize any synergisms between your experience and our current research. Also, make sure your application is complete, i.e. pay your application fee, make sure your recommendation letter writers send in letters in time, and that original transcripts are sent. Make sure that your GRE and TOEFL (if applicable) scores are recent. Finally, make sure you list a valid email address on the application, and keep the address current. Notify us of any changes.

8. How is the visa application process?

Check the International Service Center for visa and traveling information.

9. I am in the US, can I come and visit the campus?

Yes of course, contact the department to organize a site visit. Usually, for US and resident applicants, a group visit is organized in early February. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to see the labs, meet with the faculty and current graduate students.

10. I am taking/have taken some of your core courses at my institution, can the credits be transferred?

Transfer of credit is done on a case-to-case basis. For transfer of credit, the equivalence in content needs to be established. In general, we only transfer credits taken at US institutions. Because all graduate students receiving financial support are required to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, the transferred units are expected to meet this criterion.