International Applicants - Frequently Asked Questions

11/12/2013 Katrina Hagler, Assistant Director of Graduate Recruiting and Admissions

Written by Katrina Hagler, Assistant Director of Graduate Recruiting and Admissions

Good afternoon, all!  Applications are rolling in, and we have just a little over a month until our priority deadline (Dec. 15th).  Today I am posting some frequently asked questions that our international applicants may have. 

Q:  Is there a different deadline for international applicants?
A:  We do not have different deadlines for international applicants.  For all applicants, the deadline for full funding consideration is December 15th.  We will continue to accept applications until January 4th. 

Note:  Deadlines are firm.  Applicants are advised not to wait until the last minute to submit application materials.  MechSE cannot make exceptions for computer/internet shortages, fee payment issues, or time zone differences---this is the responsibility of the applicant.

Q:  Am I required to provide proof of funding/evidence of financial resources?
A:  MechSE does not require this for admission purposes; it is only required if you are admitted and decide to enroll here.  If you would like more information on the documents required, should you choose to provide them at this time, please see http://www.grad.illinois.edu/admissions/instructions/04d.

Q:  I am an international applicant, but I have (or will have) a degree from a U.S. institution.  Do I need to provide TOEFL scores?
A:  Applicants who will have a degree from a U.S. institution within the last 5 years are not required to provide TOEFL for admission purposes.  However, we recommend these applicants provide valid (within 2 yrs) TOEFL scores anyway, as doing so can increase one's eligibility for financial support.

Q:  My previous institutions are on a different grading scale.  How do I calculate my GPA on a 4.0 scale?
A:  We verify all GPA's as part of the review process, so we will recalculate and convert the GPA once you've submitted your application.  You can report you GPA on the institution's scale, and we will convert it.

Q:  Does MechSE require any documents to be sent via postal mail?
A:  The entire application process is online, and you do not have to send us anything via postal mail.  We do not require official transcripts for the application; you can submit electronic copies of your transcript in the application.

Q:  Does MechSE have any "Program Specific" questions?
A:  MechSE does not have any program specific questions; you can skip that portion of the application.

 

As always, if you have any questions, you can contact me at mechse-grad[figure="" class="align-center" width="10"]illinois [dot] edu.  I look forward to working with you as an applicant to our programs!

 

 

Have a question for MechSE Grad?  Have an idea for a blog post? Contact mechse-grad[figure="" class="align-center" width="10"]illinois [dot] edu.


Share this story

This story was published November 12, 2013.