Graduate Admissions, Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will the ME/ORIE department accept applications after the deadline?
   Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. In other words, those that are complete first are reviewed first. We will accept materials after the deadline, especially letters of recommendation. However, be aware that our faculty will not view a file until it is complete. The sooner your file is complete the better your chances of receiving a financial offer.
2. I am an international student but I have a master's degree from a U.S. college or university. Do I still have to submit TOEFL scores?
   Yes. TOEFL scores are required of all international students whose native language is not English. Read about exceptions to the rule.
3. Do I have to fill out an additional application to receive consideration for financial assistance?
   No. There is not an additional scholarship/fellowship application for prospective students. However, if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you are interested in Federal Financial Aid, please review the information.
4. I am a current graduate student and would like to transfer credit to UT Austin. How does that work?
   Up to six hours of transferred graduate coursework may be considered towards your program of work once you have been accepted. This is subject to the approval of the ME Department and the Graduate School.
5. Can I defer my admission?
   Admission may not be deferred to a subsequent semester. If you are admitted and cannot attend in the semester to which you were originally admitted, you must submit a new application. You will not need to re-submit transcripts, letters of recommendation or test scores, provided that the transcripts are still current, and the test scores have not expired. In addition, please be aware that any financial offers you have received upon your original admission cannot be deferred.
6. My recommender is having trouble with the online recommendation letter system/I need to change the name of my recommender. What can I do?
   Students may update the recommendation letter information at the status page. For any problems not covered on the status check page, please send an e-mail to: gradref@austin.utexas.edu.
7. If I send my resume and test scores can you predict my chances of being admitted before I actually apply to the program?
   Our faculty takes a holistic view of your admissions files. In other words, the application, test scores, GPA, resume, letters of recommendation are all given equal consideration during the admissions review. Until we have a complete file, we cannot adequately review your chances of admission.
8. Is there funding available for students admitted for the spring semester?
   Not usually. The vast majority of the financial support, including fellowships and graduate assistantships, are awarded before the fall semester. Most students who begin graduate study in the spring will need to plan to support themselves at least for the first semester.
9. When and how will I find out the result of my application?
   Admissions decision for the fall semester take longer than for the Spring semester due to the volume of applications. We make every effort to notify you by mid-March for the fall and mid-November for the spring. However, sometimes we do add additional admits after March. You will initially be notified by e-mail of your admissions results. You can also check the status of your admission at the online.
10. How will I be notified of funding?
    If the faculty recommend you for financial assistance, you will receive a letter by mail from the department and/or the Cockrell School of Engineering notifying you of this award. These usually go out shortly after you receive notice of your admission.
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