Pre-Admission

How do I apply to a graduate program in College of Engineering?

An application to a College of Engineering (COE) graduate program consists of the following three parts:

-         University online application- This is the first step in your application. Create an account at the university application and complete it as soon as possible. After you complete the university application, you will be provided a link to continue to the COE application. Your account will be automatically created at COE application on accessing that link.

-         COE online application – COE application collects all the information required for evaluation of your file.  Your grades, statement of purpose, online recommendation letter (if you choose to provide online recommendation letter), etc will be asked at this stage.  While you can complete your application at any time before the deadline, it is recommended you complete it as soon as possible.  Your files are processed for evaluation only after you complete this application.  After you complete the application, your status will be displayed when you login to the COE online application website.

-         Transcripts/letter of recommendations and standardized scores – All supporting documents must be mailed to us.  You can mail the documents to us anytime before deadline for admissions. Information on what document to send as well as mailing address is provided below.

What is the minimum GPA you accept?

The University of Cincinnati required all applicants to have a minimum of 3.0 GPA to apply to Graduate School. 

What programs and courses are offered in your graduate school?

Please refer to the department web sites for program, course and department specific offerings.  The web site is http://www.eng.uc.edu/departments/. 

How do I pay my application fee and can I get it waived?

For all programs, there is a non-refundable $50.00 application fee that must be submitted with the application.  This can be paid on-line while completing the on-line application with a credit card or you can send a check or money order with your supporting documents.  Checks and money orders should be made payable to “University of Cincinnati”. 

We do not offer application fee waivers.  Applications without the necessary application fee will not be processed. 

What standardized tests must I take?

·        GRE – This is required by all applicants and must be submitted electronically to UC (with the exception of UC undergraduates in some departments.  UC undergraduates should consult their department regarding this).  This is the GRE General Test, which includes verbal, analytical writing and quantitative examination sections.  Subject tests are not required.  We will only accept tests taken within five years prior to the date of admission.  The average GRE accepted is 1250.  There is no minimum.  The University code for GRE is 1833, a department code is not required.  For testing information please go to www.gre.org. 

For international students:

·        TOEFL – This is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English – including those with F-1 visas and green cards. The TOEFL requirement may be waived for applicants with degrees (Bachelors or MS) earned in English from accredited universities and colleges in the UC, Canada, England, Australia and New Zealand.  The minimum TOEFL score accepted, Internet based, is 92.   The University code for TOEFL is 1833, a department code is not required. 

Must I submit official electronic scores of my GRE and/or TOEFL scores to UC?

Yes, we must receive official electronic scores sent to UC, code # 1833.  If electronic scores are not received we will not consider your application package complete and will not be able to offer you admission to UC.  Photocopies should be sent with the application materials for review purposes. 

How long do you keep application materials on file?

We will hold materials received for up to one year.  We will not return any materials to applicants.  After one year materials are destroyed.  If you choose to apply again one year after the first application we can use the materials already submitted.  After one year you would then have to submit new documentation for the second application. 

May I submit my application if I have not yet taken the necessary standardized tests?

Yes, you may submit your application without yet taking the necessary standardized tests.  Be sure to have your official scores of your standardized tests sent directly to the UC – Code # 1833, once you take the exam.  It can take up to six weeks for UC to receive the official results and this can delay your total application package being received in time. 

Is the TSE (Test of Spoken English) required?

No.  We do not require it or will not use it as a replacement for TOEFL. 

Admission

What is the Application Deadline?

The deadline for applications is January 31^st for applicants that want to be considered for financial aid.  The final deadline for Fall admission is March 31^st.  Applications received between January 31^st and March 31^st may not be considered for financial aid. 

How can I find out if my application package has been received?

Check the on-line web status.  It will take up to four weeks for all items to be updated. 

Can I supply you with my credentials and application details and can you tell me if I will be admitted?

We will only make decisions based on a total application package.  This will include transcripts, letters of recommendation, GPA and standardized test scores, etc. (See below for all materials needed).  We cannot tell you what your chances are of getting admission.  Once a total package is received and reviewed by the faculty a decision will be sent to you.

When will decisions be made and how will I be contacted?

The majority of decisions will be completed by April 30^th.  In some cases decisions are made before and even after this date.  You will be contacted by e-mail regarding the decisions or check your on-line status to see if the decision has been updated.  Admission decisions will not be given over the phone or by return email requests.  We appreciate your patience to hear from us.  If you admission decision indicates “Pending” then a decision has not been made yet.

How do I apply for financial aid and what financial aid is available?

All students who apply by January 31^st are automatically considered for financial aid.  There is not a separate application to be completed.  If you are accepted and granted financial aid it will be stated in your offer letter.

There are four types of financial aid. 

·        UGS – University Graduate Scholarship – This is a scholarship that covers full or partial tuition costs for the student. 

·        RA – Research assistantship.  This is an assistantship that provides a monthly stipend in the amount of $1,000 - $2,400 per month for a specified period of time to provide research assistance to professors.

·        TA – Teaching assistantship.  This is an assistantship that provides a monthly stipend in the amount of $1,500 - $2,000 per month for a specified period of time to provide teaching assistance to professors. 

·        GA – Graduate Assistantships. This is an assistantship that provides a monthly stipend in the amount of $1,000 - $2,400 per month for a specified period of time to provide research, teaching or departmental duties. 

Does your college have semesters or quarters?

The University of Cincinnati is on the quarter system.  We offer courses during the Fall quarter (Sept. – Dec.), Winter quarter (Jan. – Mar.), and Spring quarter (Mar. – June).  There is a summer quarter but full time course offerings are not available and this quarter is used for research or off time. 

Do you admit students in any quarter or do you accept transfer students?

We only admit new students in the fall of each academic year.  We do not accept transfer students mid year.  All students must complete an application and will be considered for Fall admission. 

Can I defer my application?

We do not defer applications.  Declined applicants must reapply. 

Application Documents

What materials do I need to submit for my application?

Materials should be sent in one envelope if possible.  Letters of recommendation and transcripts can be sent separately if necessary.   Please include your full name, date of birth and program which you are applying for with your documents.  Please do not staple any of your documents. 

You must submit the following

·        Transcripts – Official transcript from every university attended for undergraduate and graduate coursework 

·        Application Fee – The application fee can be paid on-line at the time of the application with a credit card or sent in with your application materials using a check or money order made payable to “University of Cincinnati” in the amount of $50.00. 

·        Letters of Recommendation – Two letters of recommendation are required.  It is optional to submit more than two.  All letters submitted will be reviewed.  Letters of recommendation can be submitted one of three ways:

§         Submit a letter of recommendation on the UC Letter of Recommendation Form found at www.eng.uc.edu.  These must be submitted in sealed envelopes.

§         Submit a letter written by the recommender on letterhead and submit in sealed envelopes.

§         Use the on-line recommendation form (available when completing the on-line application).

·        Official Standardized Test Scores

§         GRE – This is required by all applicants and must be submitted electronically to UC.  A photocopy of your scores should be sent with your application materials.  The average GRE accepted is 1250.  There is no minimum.  The University code for GRE is 1833, a department code is not required.  For testing information please go to www.gre.org. 

§         TOEFL – This is required by all applicants and must be submitted electronically to UC.  A photocopy of your scores should be sent with your application materials.  This is required of all applicants whose native language is not English – including those with F-1 visas and green cards. The TOEFL requirement may be waived for applicants with degrees (Bachelors or MS) earned in English from accredited universities and colleges in the UC, Canada, England, Australia and New Zealand.. The minimum TOEFL score accepted, Internet based, is 92.   The University code for TOEFL is 1833, a department code is not required. 

What do I do if my transcripts are not in English?

If you have a non-English transcript, you will have to have them translated by an official translating agency.  Please contact Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org) , World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Global Credential Evaluators (www.gcevaluators.com) to get an official translation of your transcripts. 

Where do I send my application materials and how many copies?  

Please send your application materials, including all letters of reference to the College of Engineering Graduate Office.  Only one set of materials is require and should be sent to the address below.  Materials do not need to be submitted to any other UC location.  We do not accept any e-mail documentation.  Addresses to use are: 

            For Express/Overnight Delivery                   For U.S. postal  mail send to:

            Fed. Ex., UPS, DHL, send to:

            University of Cincinnati                               University of Cincinnati

            2901 Woodside Drive                                      701 ERC

            701 ERC                                                          P.O. Box 210077

            Cincinnati,  Ohio  45221-0077                       Cincinnati,  OH    45221-0030

After Admission

I have been declined admission.  Can I apply again?

Every year, we receive a very large number of outstanding applications, making the admission process extremely competitive.  Admission is based upon several criteria, some of which are standardized test scores (GRE and TOEFL), past academic performance, letters of recommendation, and the similarity between your desired area of study and the program focus areas.  If you believe that you have improved your application substantially, you can apply again.

I have received an offer letter from you, what now?

If you wish to accept our offer, please email or fax your acceptance within the specified time. Delaying acceptance may result in the offer being withdrawn.  Please read your offer letter and follow the links listed in the letter for additional information.  For international students, please visit the International Student Office web site for more information: http://www.isso.uc.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=newProspective.home.