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Graduate Students Frequently Asked Questions

Although not intended to be exhaustive, the following list reflects many of the most frequently occurring questions that our incoming graduate students or applicants tend to ask.

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Before You Apply

Q: I don't have a master's degree, but the Ph.D. is my ultimate intention. Can I be directly admitted to the Ph.D. program after the bachelor's?

Yes. However, you should understand that the admissions requirements for the Ph.D. program are tougher than for the master's.

Q: I'm not sure about the Ph.D. just now, so I'd like to start in a master's program. If I decide during the latter that I want to continue for the Ph.D., do I have to reapply as a Ph.D. applicant?

Yes and no. You would not have to formally reapply through the Office of Graduate Programs but you would submit an application to the ISyE Graduate Office seeking to be "converted" to Ph.D. status. That informal application, however, will be scrutinized just as if you are a new Ph.D. applicant.

Q: I'm interested in one of your master's degrees. However, my undergraduate degree was not in a technical area akin to engineering, mathematics, etc. Can I still be considered for admission?

This is a common question; it is also a bit tricky. Certainly, your record (prior degree notwithstanding) will have to be an "admittable" one, i.e., suitable GPA, GRE scores, and letters. If you pass this test, then we would examine your background and make suggestions regarding makeup work. Clearly, however, we do you no favors to admit you if you are going to be constantly working to make up deficiencies especially in key subjects such as linear algebra, and calculus-based probability and statistics courses.

Q: In your list of admissions criteria, you indicate that you seek "credible" letters of reference. What does that mean?

If the applicant is able to do so, our preference (especially for Ph.D. applicants) is to see letters from academics. Against this backdrop, it is important to have letters from highly respected faculty who have had you in rigorous classes that are relevant to the degree option that you are seeking and who are willing to say that you were one of their best students; indeed, who are willing to attest to your ability to succeed in a tough graduate program.

Q: My overall GPA is on the low side (relative to your published averages) but my GRE scores are very high. However, my best grades were in technical subjects. Will this be taken into account when reviewing my application?

Yes. An applicant with say a 3.1 or 3.2 but who earned A's in his/her courses in mathematics, engineering sciences, probability, statistics, etc. will usually fare better in the application process than a 3.5 applicant who earned C's in such courses, but had A's in softer courses and/or ones irrelevant to the graduate degree they are seeking.

Q: My undergraduate GPA is a 3.2 but it was earned in a very tough program. Will you consider that in making the admission decision?

Of course---if we can. There is little doubt that there can be substantial variation across programs and institutions relative to grading standards and the level of competition, i.e., 3.9's from some places can mean far less than 3.2's from others. Still, trying to analyze/assess these sorts of institutional and program variations is very difficult; we try our best.

Q: I would be interested in starting school in the fall semester. What's the best time to apply?

There are published deadlines and you should consult the Institute General Catalog for those. Generally, most applications come to us between December through early March. For Ph.D. applicants, it is advisable to try and have all of your documentation submitted by mid-February.

Q: Are video applicants evaluated by the same admissions standards as conventional, "day" students?

Yes.

After You Apply

Q: My application was denied. Is there any merit in asking for reconsideration or retrying next year?

It depends on the nature of the denial. It's pretty difficult to overcome an academic transcript exhibiting a GPA that is "out of bounds." On the other hand, if your rejection was on the basis of GRE scores, then we can usually reconsider a case if an applicant retakes the exam and shows appropriate improvement.

Q: I was denied admission to the Ph.D. program. Can I be considered for one of the ISyE master's degree options?

Yes.

Q: I have been admitted to the Ph.D. program but I believe that there are some Ph.D. core courses listed in my major that I am unprepared to take the first year. Can I start more slowly by taking some makeup and/or master's level courses the first year?

A: Yes. Work with your academic advisor; the Ph.D. is the "long-distance run" and you will want to build a good foundation.

Q: I was admitted to the Ph.D. program but I received no financial support. What are my chances of picking up support ultimately?

Actually, your chances are pretty good. Often, there will be a need (that was unanticipated) for TA support and you would be a candidate for that. Also, if you do well, faculty will take notice and you might be surprised at how amenable they are to offering you an RA on one of their research projects. Again, there are no promises but it turns out that incoming Ph.D. students are often picked up on some form of support during their first year, sometimes when they arrive.

Q: I have been accepted into the MSIE program but I may find that the MSOR is the better degree for me. Can I switch after I start?

Yes. Switching from one degree option to another is not such a big thing. You simply fill out a change of major form (routine) and then start on the requirements for the new option.

After You Have Been Accepted

Please also visit the "What to Do If You Are Accepted" page within our website.

Q: I will be a master's student and I have a fellowship that will allow me to spend up to two years in graduate school. Can I take two masters degrees in ISyE?

A: Sure, that's your call. Remember, however, that you will owe us the number of credit hours required for the two separate degrees, i.e., no double-counting of courses.

Q: I am coming in as a Ph.D. student but I would like to earn a master's degree during the course of my work. Is that possible?

A: Yes. Our Ph.D. students routinely pick up master's degrees along the way.

Q: I will start out as a video student but I may be able to get my company to give me a term off from work in order to come to campus for a semester of full-time study. Is that a problem?

A: No.

Q: I have accepted your offer of admission for this fall semester. However, I may have to wait a year before I can start. Is this possible?

A: Yes. Although we make the final decision, an admitted applicant is allowed by the institute to defer their admission for up to one year. ISyE has typically supported such requests.

Q: I have some prior coursework at another institution. Can it transfer?

A: You may transfer up to 6 semester hours of credit so long as it is relevant to your degree option, it has not been used for any prior degree, and you earned a grade of C or better in the prior courses. The final approval rests with the ISyE Academic Programs Office. You can deal with the paperwork involved after you are here.

Q: In my degree option, I see that a course in a particular subject is required. However, I believe that I have already taken such a course at the same level but I received credit for the latter relative to a prior degree. Does this mean that I have to "retake" this material?

A: No. We don't want you repeating material if it really has been taken previously. However, since you used it for a previous degree, it won't transfer. So, what happens is that we will work with you to find a suitable replacement course for your program of study. By the way, you should be careful in proclaiming that you've had material elsewhere. If you are unsure, please take time to check out the stated course here in order to be sure that it is indeed a replication of something you've already taken.