Admissions Graduate FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the deadlines for the Fall and the Spring admission processes?

All application materials must be completed by the dates below:

• The Spring application period is August 15 through October 1.
• The Fall application period is October 15 through December 17.

What do I need to submit for my application to be considered complete?

A complete application consists of the application itself, statement of purpose, resume, three recommendation letters, transcripts, GRE score report and application fee. International applicants are also required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score report.

• Online application: Apply online!  
• Statement of Purpose and Resume: You have the option to either upload your statement of purpose and resume, or enter them directly into the online application as text.
• Recommendation Letters: Once you access the online application, you will be required to enter the names, titles, and email addresses of your three recommenders. Your recommenders will then receive a link to the online recommendation form. All recommendations must be completed online. Any hard copy letters mailed to the ECE Admissions Office will be discarded.
• Transcripts and GRE/TOEFL or IELTS Score Reports: Unofficial transcripts and score reports can be uploaded to the online application. In addition, it is required that the ECE Admissions Office receive official hard copies of these documents. In order for transcripts to be considered official, they must be received directly from the university in a signed and sealed envelope. Only one copy of your transcript is required. For test scores to be considered official, they must be reported to CMU and the ECE Department directly from ETS or the IELTS testing agency (see ETS Codes below).

Note: Please DO NOT mail any other paper documents to the ECE Admissions Office such as a resume/CV, publications, financial documents, or certificates as they will not be included in your file for review by the admissions committee. The only hard copy documents that should be mailed to the Admissions Office are official transcripts and GRE, TOEFL or IELTS score reports. If you have publications that you would like the admissions committee to review, please link to them in your online resume. Any additional hard copy material mailed to the ECE Admission Office will be discarded.

Also, please note that the ECE Admissions Office will not accept application material submitted by third party consulting companies. It is expected that each applicant will complete his or her own application. Exceptions to this policy include application material submitted by a fellowship/scholarship organization, World Education Services, or ETS.

What are the ETS Codes?

• CMU Code: 2074
• ECE Department Code: 1203
• TOEFL Code: 66

Where do I mail my transcript(s)?

Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
ECE Admissions Office
Hamerschlag Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
United States of America

Is the TOEFL test required of all international applicants?

The TOEFL test is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. Native language is defined as first language, or language spoken from birth. The TOEFL requirement cannot be waived, even if the applicant has studied at a U.S. school.

What are the minimum GRE, TOEFL, and GPA required for admission?

There are no "cut-offs" for the GRE and GPA. Both the GRE and GPA are evaluated in the context of your entire application package. For the TOEFL, it is advised that you have a minimum 600 paper-based score; or recommended internet-based score of at least 22 for reading, 22 for listening, 18 for speaking, and 22 for writing.

Can I make updates to my application after it has been submitted?

Limited sections of the online application will remain open. Applicants are still able to update test scores and upload unofficial transcripts/score reports after the application has been submitted.

Are all applicants considered for financial aid? Is there a separate financial aid form?

• Ph.D. Program: All applicants, both U.S. and international, are considered for financial support for our Ph.D. program. Ph.D. Research Assistantships are offered during both the Fall and Spring admission processes. There is not a separate financial aid form/process. Research Assistantships are awarded based upon departmental resources and available research project openings, as well as a student's overall academic and research background as shown in their application.
• Professional M.S. Program: Our Professional M.S. Program is a self-funded, course only degree program. This program takes approximately 1.5 years (3 semesters). The current tuition rate, and more information about cost of attendance can be found here:
  http://www.cmu.edu/hub/tuition/graduate/index.html
  
  Information about Financial Aid can be found at:
  http://www.cmu.edu/finaid/

How can I check my application status?

Due to the large number of applications and volume of email received daily from ECE applicants, it may not be possible to respond to individual requests for information. Once you upload documents to the application system, you will be able to see that they have been properly uploaded. The Admissions Office will contact you if any of your hard copy official documents (transcripts, GRE scores, TOEFL scores) are missing from your file.

Is it possible for my application fee to be waived?

No. Unless you are a Carnegie Mellon University student or alum, an application fee is required. If your application fee is not submitted (via credit card, check or money order), then your application will not be considered for admission.

I already have a graduate degree, can I still apply?

Yes, you are welcome to apply. In your statement of purpose, please be prepared to address your reasoning for pursuing an additional graduate degree.

If I apply to the Ph.D. program and I'm not admitted, am I automatically considered for the M.S. program?

The admission processes for Ph.D. and M.S. are separate, so we do not automatically consider Ph.D. applicants for the M.S. program. The programs are very different - M.S. is course based, while Ph.D. is research based. It is recommended that you research both programs and decide which is the best fit for you before applying. More information on the programs can be found here.

If I was not admitted, can I reapply?

Yes. The ECE Department will keep your electronic application on file. If you are interested in reapplying, please send an email request to apps@ece.cmu.edu.

My question wasn't answered here. Who should I contact?

You may contact the Graduate Admissions Coordinator at apps@ece.cmu.edu.

Graduate program applications are now being accepted for Fall 2013 admissions.

Apply online!  

If you have an old application you would like to use for Fall 2013 admissions or if you have questions about application for Fall 2013 admission, please send email to the ECE Graduate Office.