Graduate FAQ

GRE QUESTIONS

1. Is the GRE required for admission to the University? Can it be waived?

   The GRE is required by the College of Arts and Sciences for all students who wish to enter the Department and College. This requirement cannot be waived.

2. Can I send you a certified copy of my GRE score so you can make a decision and I will follow up with an "Official" score later?

   We can only accept official test scores for the purpose of evaluating your application. A GRE score is considered official when it is sent directly from the testing center to the university Office of the Registrar. No other method is acceptable. This requirement also cannot be waived.

3. Do you count the Analytical portion of the test?

   Some of our faculty do look at all the scores but the total GRE score is based only upon the Verbal and Quantitative portion. The minimum score is 1100 ( Verbal + Quantitative ) with at least a 650 on the quantitative. Scores below 1100 are automatically denied.

4. If I score at least an 1100 will I be accepted?

   A minimum score does not assure a candidate of acceptance. The average GRE score among our graduate students is 1295.

5. Do you require the Computer Science Specific GRE test?

   No, not at this time although there is some discussion in our department about eventually using it.

6. I have not taken the GRE test yet. Can I still go ahead and apply?

   Yes you can. However, your application will not be reviewed until complete.

7. The undergraduate GPA requirement for the graduate school is 3.0. If I score very good on the GRE would that offset a poor GPA?

   Not really. Your entire folder is evaluated by our Admission and Financial Aid Committee. All aspects are looked. A strong showing in one area does not necessarilly offset a weak showing in another.

TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language ) QUESTIONS

1. I did not score high on the TOEFL test, can I still be admitted?

   The minimum score on the TOEFL test is 550 for the paper based and 213 for computer based. Falling below the minimums is an automatic denial without exception.

2. What is the average TOEFL test score?

   The average is over 610 for the paper based and 253 for computer based. We have found that students who score below 600 on the TOEFL test do not typically do well in our courses because of the lack of communication ability.

3. I have spent at least one year at another American University, do I need the TOEFL?

   No, students whose native language is not English who have transcripts for at least one academic year ( two semesters ) from another American, British, Australian, or Canadian university need not send TOEFL scores but must show they have attended another University.

4. My English is very good and I have lived in the United States since I was young. Do I need the TOEFL?

   If you are permenent resident, no. However, if you require a visa in order to stay in the country and you have not attended an American School for at least one year you need the TOEFL.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP QUESTIONS

1. What is the critieria for getting a Teaching Assistantship?

   This is a very difficult question. The Department uses Teaching Assistantships in various ways. (1) To attract highly qualified PhD students to our Department. They are given teaching assistantships in the assumption that they will eventually become research assistants. (2) To attract masters students with exceptional teaching ability to support the large number of lower level classes in computer science and computer literacy.

   Basically we look at all of the following criteria:

   • Quality and ranking of the schools attended
   • GPA
   • GRE Scores
   • TOEFL Scores ( if foreign students)
   • Teaching experience
   • Previous degree program
   • Quality of research or research potential
   • Quality of letters of recommendation
   • An overal assessment of whether the student is serious about the degree program

2. I understand that if you apply to the PhD program, you stand a better chance of getting an assistantship. Is this true?

   Yes and no. I must maintain a cadre of about 50 teaching assistants during the Fall and Spring term. These people must have acceptional public speaking abilities. Many of these students are Masters Degree seeking students. Between 5 and 10 teaching assistants are not instruction based and can tolerate lower oral communication skills. Since we rely on our PhD students to do much of the research work, some of the annual allotment for teaching assistants goes towared PhD students. Although English written and communication skills are still very important, it is not one of the leading factors in the evaluation for PhD students. The requirement for PhD students and Teaching assistants varies from year to year and the admission of candidates into a teaching assistantship is based upon requirements of the department which varies do to graduation and other factors.