1. How can I apply on-line?
2. What are the advantages of applying on-line versus downloading an application? 
3. 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? 
4. Can I get the application fee waived? 
5. Can I have my application evaluated without paying the fee? 
6. I am an international student, do I need to have all of my transcripts, diplomas and certificates translated? 
7. What counts most when you are evaluating applications? 
8. What tests are required for admission? 
9. How long are my TOEFL and GRE scores good for? 
10. What is the minimum TOEFL requirement? 
11. I'm an international student, but I am getting a degree from a U.S. institution. Do I need to retake the TOEFL? 
12. Do I have to send my recommendation letters in together? 
13. Who should write recommendation letters for me? 
14. I'm thinking about getting a Ph.D., but I'm not sure. Should I apply for the Master's or Ph.D. program? 
15. What student groups do you have on campus? 
16. I've been accepted, what do I do now? 
17. What should I include in the Statement of Purpose? 
18. Do I have to fill out the "Worksheet for Computing Grade-Point Average"? 
19. I sent official transcripts to Rackham, - Do I have to send official transcripts to your department as well? 
20. What about Financial Aid? 
21. How can I learn more about the different Master's and Ph.D. programs offered at the University of Michigan? 
22. I am interested in seeing what type of research is being done at the University of Michigan. How can I find out more? 
23. What is a personal statement? 

1. How can I apply on-line? (back to top)
It's really easy. Go to embark.com. Click on the link that says "Apply Online to a School." Sign up for a free account (this is only to keep your information private). Next, do a search in the "Start a new application" box for "University of Michigan Rackham Application" (Rackham is the name of our graduate school, and you must apply here. Do not apply to University of Michigan College of Engineering, because this is the Undergraduate Program).

2. What are the advantages of applying on-line versus downloading an application? (back to top)
We have found that applying on-line is the easiest way for students to apply. 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 you much faster. 

3. 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? (back to top)
You MUST apply using the Rackham Graduate School link. Do not use the College of Engineering link-- it is for different programs.

4. Can I get the application fee waived? (back to top)
No, unfortunately the application fee is never waived.

5. Can I have my application evaluated without paying the fee? (back to top)
No, the fee must be paid before an application will be processed.

6. I am an international student, do I need to have all of my transcripts, diplomas and certificates translated? (back to top)
Yes, everything must be translated, and both the originals and translations must be mailed in.

7. What counts most when you are evaluating applications? (back to top)
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. For supplemental documents, you must send in your transcripts, GRE score, TOEFL score (if international applicant), letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose.

8. What tests are required for admission? (back to top)
All students must take the GRE except students who will or have graduated from a University of Michigan engineering undergraduate program, and additionally, international students must take the TOEFL.

9. For how long are my TOEFL and GRE scores valid? (back to top)
The TOEFL score is good for 2 years, and the GRE score is good for 5 years. 

10. What is the minimum TOEFL requirement? (back to top)
On the paper test, the minimum score is 570, and on the computer-based test, the minimum score is 230.

11. I'm an international student, but I am getting a degree from a U.S. institution. Do I need to retake the TOEFL? (back to top)
No, if you will have (or already have) a degree from a U.S. institution prior to enrolling at the University of Michigan, you do not need to retake the TOEFL.

12. Do I have to send my recommendation letters in together? (back to top)
Although you don't have to mail them to us in one package, please understand that it makes the processing of your application move along much quicker. We do realize, however, that sometimes this is impossible. If that is the case, simply give the person writing the recommendation letter the GPO address and we will put the recommendation letter in your file. Again, we encourage an online application, with electronic submission of the recommendation letters. 

13. Who should write recommendation letters for me? (back to top)
Usually we require letters from faculty, however, depending on your situation, a letter from a professional might be appropriate.

14. I'm thinking about getting a Ph.D., but I'm not sure. Should I apply for the Master's or Ph.D. program? (back to top)
If you are not sure, you should apply for the Master's program, but you should definitely express your interest on the application. If you know that you will want to get a Ph.D., apply directly to the Ph.D. program. This allows you to work more efficiently towards candidacy.

15. What student groups do you have on campus? (back to top)
We have many active student organizations and groups for any interest. Check out the links for more information.

16. I've been accepted, what do I do now? (back to top)
Although we understand that it is hard to wait, the registration process doesn't begin until you actually arrive on campus. We will have an orientation process to help you register. Rackham will send you a package of material including a housing application. In the meantime, check out the course descriptions and the time schedule.

17. What should I include in the Statement of Purpose? (back to top)
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.

18. Do I have to fill out the "Worksheet for Computing Grade-Point Average"? (back to top)
Yes, if you come from a grading scale that is different than a 4.0 scale, please fill out this form. If you apply on-line, this worksheet can be found in the supplemental section.

19. I sent official transcripts to Rackham, - Do I have to send official transcripts to your department as well? (back to top)
Yes. Remember, you MUST send Rackham official transcripts as well. 

20. What about Financial Aid? (back to top)
If you wish to be considered for financial aid, check the boxes on the application for each type in which you are interested. Please be aware that few students receive financial aid.

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

22. I am interested in seeing what type of research is being done at the University of Michigan. How can I find out more? (back to top)
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 Industrial & Operations Engineering website. 

23. What is a personal statement? (back to top)
A personal statement is required. Some suggested topics for your personal statement are: volunteer and/or community service; extra-curricular activities; leadership activities; educational, cultural, geographic or socio-economic background underrepresented in your discipline of graduate study; financial hardship; first generation U.S. citizen or first generation in family to graduate from a four-year college.