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What can I do to prepare for applying to the University of Minnesota?
We encourage you to begin early and prepare all documents needed to support your application. Register and prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Contact three of your professors regarding letters of recommendation. International applicants should request official transcripts early and have official translations prepared. Applicants from countries where English is not the official language must also register for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Can I apply on the Web?
The University of Minnesota will only accept applications through Applyyourself.
Can I have my application evaluated without paying the fee?
No, the fee must be paid before an application will be processed.
What should I write in my statement of purpose?
The statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the University of Minnesota, your preparation for this field of study, study and research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests. You should include at the bottom of the statement of purpose your three areas (or less) of interest from the following:
• Energy Conversion and Renewable Energy
• Thermal Sciences
• Fluid Flow, Combustion, and Plasmas
• Enviromental and Aerosol Science
• Nanomanufacturing
• Transportation Research
• Fluid Power
• Design, Manufacturing, and Controls
• Biomedical Devices and Bioheat Transfer
The Statement of Purpose is the only section that you need to complete through Applyyourself, the other sections do not need to be completed.
What are my chances of being admitted to the Department of Mechanical Engineering?
Because of the large volume of applications and inquiries we receive during each admissions cycle, we cannot evaluate the potential success of each applicant. Admissions decisions can only be made by the admissions committee after an application is complete (including all supporting documents).
Does Mechanical Engineering admit applicants for the Spring semester?
Yes, but our main admission cycle is fall semester. Anyone who applies by the Dec. 15th deadline will automatically be considered for financial support for fall. For spring semester financial support is rarely offered and is done by a case by case basis by the individual faculty members.
What are the minimum requirements to be considered for admission to a graduate program in Mechanical Engineering?
The only minimums are the graduate school admissions requirements for the TOEFL exam (213, or 79). Other that that we admit students based on the strength of the application pool, which is always highly competitive. Because of this it is impossible to look at an individual record and make a decision regarding admissibility.
How do I apply for graduate studies in Mechanical Engineering?
Complete instructions are located here.
What is the Department’s code to have official GRE scores sent?
To ensure that your official GRE scores are forwarded to the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota you must give ETS our department code 1502, the institution code is 6874. However ETS does not send scores directly to the department which is why we require photocopies of your TOEFL scores.
Does the Department require a GRE subject test?
The General GRE Test consisting of the verbal, analytical and quantitative sections is required. No subject test is needed to apply for graduate study in Mechanical Engineering. However the GRE is required for admission.
Does the Department of Mechanical Engineering require that I calculate and list my grade-point average (GPA) on the application?
For applicants who received their undergraduate degree at a U.S. university or college, calculate the GPA using all course work. Applicants who received their undergraduate degree outside the U.S. should not convert their grades to the U.S. scale, we are familiar with grading scales from around the world and will evaluate your transcript based on your country’s grade scale. Please list your GPA on the application reflecting the grade base of your school.
Where do I send supporting documents?
Please do not send extra items or documents that are not required, including:, theses, dissertations, papers, or diskettes. Do not send plastic covers, cases, sleeves, or bindings on documents. Please see the application checklist for required materials that need to be sent, and where they should be sent.
How many letters of recommendation are required?
For the Ph.D. program 3 letters are required. For the M.S.M.E. program letters are not required, but highly recommended especially if you are seeking financial assistance.
I have a B.S. in engineering. Can I apply to the Ph.D. program directly?
You may apply directly to the Ph.D. program, or you can apply to the M.S.M.E. program. Applicants who already hold an M.S. degree from another institution should apply directly to the Ph.D. program.
What TOEFL score do I need to be considered for admission?
The minimum TOEFL score required by the University of Minnesota for graduate admission is 550 on the paper and pencil test, 213 on the computer based test and 79 on the Next Generation TOEFL (iBT). Applicants with a score below this will not be admitted.
Will I be notified when my application has been submitted or is complete?
The Graduate School Admissions Office will send you a confirmation email after your online application is submitted. Once the Graduate School Admissions Office forwards your application to our department you will receive an e-mail if any materials are missing. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is submitted and all supporting documents are received by the Department of Mechanical Engineering by the appropriate deadline.
How do I apply for Financial Support?
Anyone who applies by the Dec. 15th deadline is automatically considered for financial assistance. All materials on the application checklist must be on file by Dec. 15th to be considered.
When will I be notified whether I have been admitted?
We will start notifying applicants in early-February and continue to do so until the admissions committee has made all of their decisions. All applicants are notified by e-mail. If your application is successful, the Department will notify you that you have been recommended for admission
Who do I contact if I would like know the status of my application?
You may contact the department at jgardner@me.umn.edu, please do not contact the Graduate School Admissions Office.
Do I need to submit a financial certification form with my application?
Not with your application. If you are accepted, we will inform you of the information we need and send you the necessary forms. Do not send financial statements in advance.
How do I accept or decline your offer of admission?
Applicants receiving an offer of admission will also receive from the Graduate School Admissions Office a request to complete an Enrollment Form. Once the Enrollment Form is complete you will be eligible to register for classes. |
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