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Frequently Asked Questions

Application Information
  1. What are the advantages of applying on-line versus downloading an application?

  2. I want to apply on-line; do I need to apply to the "University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School," or should I apply to the College of Engineering?

  3. Can I get the application fee waived?

  4. Can I have my application evaluated without paying the fee?

  5. I have a bachelor's degree and I am thinking about getting a Ph.D., but I'm not sure - Should I apply for the Master's or Ph.D. program?


Application/Admissions Criteria
  1. What counts most when you are evaluating applications?

  2. What should I include in the Statement of Purpose?

  3. What should I include in the Personal Statement?

  4. In addition to the Statement of Purpose and the Personal Statement, should I also submit my resume/curriculum vitaes/publications, etc.?

  5. Does the Mechanical Engineering Department have minimum GRE and GPA requirements?

  6. What tests are required for admission?

  7. What is the minimum TOEFL requirement?

  8. How long are my TOEFL and GRE scores good for?

  9. If I have a test score that will expire during the application process, will you still accept it?

  10. What are the ETS Institution and Department Codes?

  11. How many letters of recommendation are required?

  12. Who should write recommendation letters for me?

  13. How should I send my letters of recommendation?


International Applicants
  1. I am an international applicant and I sent my official transcripts to Rackham. Do I have to send my official transcripts the Department of Mechanical Engineering as well?

  2. What are the minimum requirements on English language tests for international students?

  3. I am an international applicant, but I am getting a degree from an institution where the medium of instruction is English. Do I need to take a language test?

  4. I am an international applicant. Do I need to have all of my transcripts, diplomas and certificates translated?

  5. Do I need to submit an Affidavit of Financial Support or any finanical documentation?


Admissions Decisions
  1. The Department of Mechanical Engineering has recommended me for admission. Does this mean I have been accepted?

  2. I've been accepted by Rackham Graduate School. What do I do now?

  3. Can I defer my admission?

  4. I was not accepted into your program. Can my application be reinstated and considered for a different term?


Programs, Research, and Student Groups
  1. How can I learn more about the different Master's and Ph.D. programs offered at the University of Michigan?

  2. I am interested in seeing what type of research is being done at the University of Michigan. How can I find out more?

  3. What student groups do you have on campus?


Financial Aid
  1. What about Financial Aid?


Application Information

  1. What are the advantages of applying on-line versus downloading an application?
    Applying on-line is the easiest way to submit an application. By applying on-line, your application and fee are sent directly to their appropriate places. Also, we are able to see your completed application immediately, which allows us to process it much faster.

  2. I want to apply on-line; do I need to apply to the "University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School," or should I apply to the College of Engineering?
    You MUST apply using the Rackham Graduate School link. Do not use the College of Engineering link. The Mechanical Engineering program is a Rackham Graduate School program - NOT a College of Engineering program.

  3. Can I get the application fee waived?
    Application fee waivers/grants are available on a limited basis. Only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for waiver consideration. Applicants interested in applying for a Rackham Graduate School fee waiver must contact rackhamappfees@umich.edu for more information. Documentation regarding the applicant's financial status is required.

  4. Can I have my application evaluated without paying the fee?
    No, the fee must be paid before an application will be processed.

  5. I have a bachelor's degree and I am thinking about getting a Ph.D., but I'm not sure - Should I apply for the Master's or Ph.D. program?
    If you are not sure, you should apply for the Master's program, but you should definitely express your interest on the application. If your long-term interests are to obtain a Ph.D., apply directly to the Ph.D. program. This allows you to work more efficiently towards candidacy.

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Application/Admissions Criteria

  1. What counts most when you are evaluating applications?
    When evaluating applications, we look at the whole picture and every piece is important. This is why we wait until we have all of your documents before we will look at your application.

  2. What should I include in the Statement of Purpose?
    This is a chance for you to show the admissions committee who you are. You will want to talk about your engineering experiences, your motivation for pursuing a higher degree, your long-term goals, as well as your specific interests.

  3. What should I include in the Personal Statement?
    How have your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan? This is not an Academic Statement of Purpose, but a discussion of the personal journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree.

  4. In addition to the Statement of Purpose and the Personal Statement, should I also submit my resume/curriculum vitaes/publications, etc.?
    We do NOT require that you submit any additional information other than the two writing samples (Academic Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement). Therefore, you may skip Page 7 in the online application. However, if you wish, you may list briefly your publications, additional school or employment information, or any other information that you consider important to your application on Page 8 of the online application.

  5. Does the Mechanical Engineering Department have minimum GRE and GPA requirements?
    There are no specific minimums, however, the successful applicants are those students who are strong in at least 3 out of the 4 areas below:

    • Average GPA in the 3.2 - 3.5 range on a 4.0 scale
    • GRE scores in the 80th-90th percentile
    • Strong letters of recommendation
    • Strong Statement of Purpose

  6. What tests are required for admission?
    All students must take the GRE.
    Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Applicants are required to provide an official score report from either the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS).

  7. What is the minimum TOEFL requirement?
    On the Paper-Pencil TOEFL, the minimum score is 560.
    On the Computer-Based TOEFL, the minimum score is 220.
    On the Internet-Based TOEFL, the minimum score is 84.

  8. How long are my TOEFL and GRE scores good for?
    The TOEFL score is good for 2 years, and the GRE score is good for 5 years.

  9. If I have a test score that will expire during the application process, will you still accept it?
    We will accept all scores as long as they are sent to us officially from the testing source, even if they will expire during the application process. We will not accept photocopies as official test scores.

  10. What are the ETS Institution and Department Codes?
    For the GRE: Institution Code 1839 / Department Code 1502
    For the TOEFL: Institution Code 1839 / Department Code 68

  11. How many letters of recommendation are required?
    For the Ph.D. program 3 letters of recommendation are required.
    For the Master's Program only 2 letters of recommendation are required unless you are applying to the SGUS Master's Program in which case 3 letters are required.

    12. .
  12. Who should write recommendation letters for me?
    Letters of recommendation must come from individuals who have had sufficient opportunity and evidence to assess your academic abilities and potential. In most cases, faculty are most qualified to write these letters. However, there may be instances when previous employers in industry and research may also provide relevant information.

    • Ph.D. program: 2 of your 3 letters must come from faculty.

    • Master's Program: 1 of your 2 letters must come from faculty.

  13. How should I send my letters of recommendation?
    We prefer that all your letters of recommendation be submitted electronically. Please follow the instructions on the Rackham online application to submit the names of your recommenders, who will in turn receive an e-mail notification that will prompt them to submit their letter directly online on your behalf. This is the most efficient and preferred method of submitting letters. However, in the event that your recommender is unable to submit their letter online, please ask that they mail it to the following address:
    University of Michigan
    Department of Mechanical Engineering
    Academic Services Office, 2206 GG Brown
    2350 Hayward Street
    Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2125
    Tel: 734.763.4277
    Fax: 734.647.7303
    E-mail: me.grad.application@umich.edu
    WWW: http://me.engin.umich.edu

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    International Applicants

    1. I am an international applicant and I sent my official transcripts to Rackham. Do I need to send my official transcripts the Department of Mechanical Engineering as well?
      We would appreciate official transcripts sent to us; however, if you have good, quality copies we will accept those. Remember, you must send Rackham official transcripts. It is very important that you leave these transcripts in sealed envelopes.

    2. What are the minimum requirements on English language tests for international students?
      • A minimum total score of 560 on the Paper-Pencil TOEFL
      • OR, a minimum total score of 220 on the Computer-Based TOEFL
      • OR, a minimum total score of 84 on the Internet-Based TOEFL
      • OR, a minimum total score of 80 on the MELAB
      • OR, a minimum score of 6.5 on IELTS

    3. I am an international applicant, but I am getting a degree from an institution where the medium of instruction is English. Do I need to take a language test?
      Applicants who have earned a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English, (i.e. U.S., United Kingdom, Australia) are exempt from submitting a MELAB, TOEFL, or IELTS score.

    4. I am an international applicant. Do I need to have all of my transcripts, diplomas and certificates translated?
      Yes, everything must be translated, and both the originals and translations must be mailed in.

    5. Do I need to submit an Affidavit of Financial Support or any finanical documentation?
      No, you do not need to submit any financial documents at the time of application. However, if you are offered admission, Rackham School of Graduate Studies will contact you with a request to provide this information at a later date.

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      Admissions Decisions

      1. The Department of Mechanical Engineering has recommended me for admission. Does this mean I have been accepted?
        Not necessarily. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is responsible for the evaluation of an application, and as per University of Michigan policy, makes a recommendation to either admit or deny an application. After the Department communicates this decision to Rackham Graduate School, Rackham reviews this recommendation, makes the final decision on admission, and notifies the applicant (by e-mail) of their decision.

      2. I've been accepted by Rackham Graduate School. What do I do now?
        Please visit Rackham Graduate School's website: What Do I Need to Know When Rackham Graduate School Notifies Me of Admission?

      3. Can I defer my admission?
        Once your admission has been finalized by Rackham Graduate School, you may request admission deferral. Admission can be deferred ONE time only - either for one term or one year. Please contact the Department if you wish to defer your admission.

      4. I was not accepted into your program. Can my application be reinstated and considered for a different term?
        If you wish for your application to be reconsidered for a future term, you must completely reapply for admission.
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      Programs, Research, and Student Groups

      1. How can I learn more about the different Master's and Ph.D. programs offered at the University of Michigan?
        The best way to research our Master's and Ph.D. programs are to check them out on-line.

      2. I am interested in seeing what type of research is being done at the University of Michigan. How can I find out more?
        The University of Michigan faculty includes many researchers who work in a variety of labs. You can learn more about current projects in the research activities section of the Mechanical Engineering website.

      3. What student groups do you have on campus?
        We have many active student organizations and groups for any interest. Check out the links for more information.

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      Financial Aid

      1. What about Financial Aid?
        Every applicant is immediately considered for financial aid if they apply by the financial aid deadline (October 1 for Winter admissions and January 5 for Fall Admissions). Many of our students are supported through various types of funding. There are Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions, Research Assistantship (RA) positions, and departmental fellowships. There are also external fellowships that you can apply for.