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How do I get my University of Michigan ID number? Applicants are not assigned their U-M ID#s until 2-4 days after they submit their online applications. However, if they are U-M student prospects, or have another relation with the U-M, they may already have a U-M ID#.
On what basis are admission decisions made? These are based on evaluation of your undergraduate (and/or graduate) record, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. There is NO SET MINIMUM GPA requirement; each candidate is evaluated individually by a departmental faculty committee that has the authority to make admissions recommendations to the Graduate School. However, most admitted students have a GPA of 3.5 or higher from U.S. institutions. The U-M College of Engineering requirement for GRE scores is 1200 minimum for combined scores on the verbal and quantitative sections, and 4.0 on the analytical writing section. Note that there is a score requirement on the TOEFL. International applicants who have received a degree from a U.S. institution are not required to submit a TOEFL score but may have to be evaluated at our English Language Institution before they can register for classes (contingent on an admission offer of course).
For international students, we typically admit only highly ranked students from top chemical engineering departments in a given country. Research experience is also a factor in admission.
What are my chances for admission? Each application is evaluated based on the complete application package, and ranked against the other applicants’ academic qualifications. In addition, student research openings at a particular time is a factor in admission decisions. Overall, the department receives hundreds of applications each year for 10-20 openings.
Does it help if I contact individual faculty to learn if they have openings in their research group or to make a recommendation for admission on my behalf? No, all applications are reviewed and admissions decisions are made by our departmental admissions committee, and we prefer you do not contact individual faculty.
What is the deadline for applying for admission and for financial aid? The application deadline to be considered for admission/financial aid is October 15 for Winter term (begins in January) and Jan. 15 for Fall term (begins in September). An application will be accepted and evaluated after the deadline but your chances of receiving an admission offer decrease. Offers for the Fall term admissions are typically mailed out by mid-February. We generally make very few, if any, admission offers for Winter term.
I have an engineering degree, but not in chemical engineering. What do I need in order to work towards an advanced degree in chemical engineering? These cases are handled individually. Generally some additional course work is required. Typically this involves 2-3 undergraduate classes in addition to those required for the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees.
Is it more difficult to enter the Fall term rather than the Winter term? No, in fact it is much easier since we often admit no students in the winter term.
If an applicant's ultimate goal is to receive a Ph.D. degree, do you recommend that the applicant apply to the Master's program first and then apply to the Ph.D. program after receiving a Master's degree or should the applicant apply directly to the Ph.D. program? The applicant should apply directly to the Ph.D. program.
How long does it take to finish the degree program? Master’s degree students usually finish in 1-2 years or three terms. PhD degree students usually finish in 4-6 years.
How many times do you accept international applicants in a year? It is hard to make any statements for the future, but in the last few years we have typically accepted one – three terminal Master’s international applicants and 3 – 6 Master/Ph.D. applicants.
If an applicant has a Master's degree from an American University and an undergraduate degree from a Korean University, do you consider the undergraduate and graduate GPAs with the same weight? The most recent degree has more weight, but the undergraduate transcripts are also seriously considered.
What are the most important admission criteria? GPA/ranking, school, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and research experience are all important.
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Can more than three recommendation letters be submitted for review? Yes, however, only three can be sent electronically. We will accept recommendation letters either electronically or by mail. If sent by mail, we prefer that the U-M recommendation form is sent with the recommending letter. This form is online at http://www.rackham.umich.edu/Admis/prosp/apply/doc_submit_letter.html
Letters from professors and especially research advisors are generally preferred.
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Are there any elements that make up for the low undergraduate GPA such as a high GRE score, recommendations, statement of purpose, work experience, etc.? Yes, excelling in all other areas can make up for a somewhat low GPA.
How old can my TOEFL or GRE scores be to be accepted for evaluation for admission? TOEFL scores can be two years and GRE scores can be five years old. We will accept scores that will expire during the application process.
What is the University of Michigan’s reporting code for GRE and TOEFL scores? 1839
What are the average scores of accepted students and fellowship recipients? Overall GPA: 3.6, Last 2 years GPA: 3.6, GRE Scores: V = 541, Q = 774, A = 660 and Analytical Writing = 4.64, TOEFL: 600 on the paper-based test and 250 on computer-based test
If I take the GRE more than one time which score will you take? We look at the applicant's highest GRE score.
Do minimum GRE verbal score requirements apply to international applicants? The absolute minimum GRE verbal score is 300 (although we prefer a much higher score). For international students the TOEFL score is also important.
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Are photocopies of transcripts accepted? Yes, for review only.
Will you consider my application before my last semester's transcripts are mailed? If you otherwise meet the qualifications for admission, you will be accepted, pending receipt of your final transcripts.
Must transcripts be sent directly from my school? No, so long as they are official and in a sealed envelope.
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What are the prospects of financial aid if I do not have a degree in chemical engineering? All requests for financial aid are evaluated on an individual basis. We expect that a large majority of students offered financial aid will be those with a B.S. or M.S. degrees in chemical engineering. However, outstanding students with B.S. or M.S. degrees in other disciplines, such as chemistry, physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, etc., may also qualify for admission/financial aid.
Is it necessary to submit a separate application for financial aid? No. All students who intend to earn a Ph.D. and indicate a need for financial aid on the application for admission to the Graduate School will automatically be considered for aid.
Do you offer fellowships to international students? Yes, but very few. Only about 4 out of every 100 or more international applicants receive fellowships/financial aid offers,
What sort of fellowships or financial aid are available for international applicants, and how many receive fellowships? TA: None, RA: four; Fellowships/etc.: one for first-year students.