Any questions about graduate admissions that are not answered on this page should be submitted to grad-admissions@cs.tamu.edu.

The Application: Logistics & General Questions

• How can I apply for your graduate programs? What items do you need, and how and where should they be sent?

  An application for graduate study in the Department of Computer Science at Texas A&M University consists of an application and supporting materials (transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, CV/resume, relevant publications, etc.) The university and the department each have their own on-line systems that cover different parts of the application process. Electronic submission of all materials to the department is required.

  1. You must submit the basic application to the Texas A&M Office of Admissions. After you do this, you will be given a UIN (University Identification Number) that can be used to set your Texas A&M NetID and password. This process may take several weeks, particularly near the end of December or early January.

  2. After you have completed the basic application and obtained your NetID (see #1), Admissions will transmit your application materials to the department. We will then create an entry for you in the department's on-line application system, and email you. This may take a week.

  3. You will be able to use your NetID and password to log in to the department's CS@TAMU on-line application system http://apply2.cs.tamu.edu where you can submit your statement of purpose, input information regarding your recommenders (we will solicit their letter electronically), your CV/resume (optional), relevant publications (optional), and other documents. You can also update your application information, such as your contact information. Electronic submission of all materials to the department is required.

  4. Official Transcripts (from all institutions attended after high school) and test scores (GRE, TOEFL) should be submitted directly from the institution or testing service to the Texas A&M Office of Admissions as detailed on the Graduate Admissions Information webpage. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to submit unofficial transcripts and test scores (e.g., electronic or scanned versions) to the CS@TAMU on-line application system http://apply2.cs.tamu.edu so that they are available for immediate review by the admissions committee.

• What if I cannot submit submit an on-line application? Can I submit a hardcopy application?

  As mentioned above, electronic submission of all application materials to the department is required - it decreases the time required to process your application and enables you to check the status of your application at any time.

  Official Transcripts (from all institutions attended after high school) and test scores (GRE, TOEFL) should be submitted directly from the institution or testing service to the Texas A&M Office of Admissions as detailed on the Graduate Admissions Information webpage.

• It seems that both the CS and ECE departments at Texas A&M offer degrees in Computer Engineering (CE). What is the difference in the CE degrees offered by CS and ECE? Which department should I apply to?

  The Computer Engineering (CE) program at Texas A&M is jointly administered by the CS and the ECE departments. There are some slight differences in the degree requirements between the two departments. You should review the requirements and select the department which best matches your background and interests.

• I am currently enrolled in another graduate program at a university in the United States and I want to transfer to Texas A&M. What should I do?

  You need to apply for graduate studies at Texas A&M - there is no special process for transfers.

  However, you do need to be aware that Texas A&M adheres to the Council of Graduate Schools Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees, and Assistants. As part of this agreement, we will require that you submit a letter from an official from your current program noting that they have no objection to you moving to another university.

• I have applied to the graduate program in the Department of Computer Science. I received the following test scores (GRE XX/XX/XX, TOEFL YY), my rank in my class is ZZ, etc. Can you please tell me my prospects for admission?

  We are sorry, but the department does not reply to such requests. It is impossible for us to tell you anything about your chances of admission. The admissions committee considers the entire application when making a decision - this includes your previous academic performance, test scores, letters of recommendation, and previous research experience. Thus, it is not possible to evaluate your chances of admission based on a few quantitive measures such as your test scores or grade point average.

• How long does it take to obtain an M.S. or Ph.D. degree?

  The M.S. degree typically takes 2-3 years of full-time study to complete. The Ph.D. degree typically takes 5-6 years after the B.S. or 3-5 years after the M.S. There is a large amount of variation from student to student, so it is impossible to say in advance how long it will take for a particular student.

The Application: Deadlines, Status, Notification

• What are the deadlines for application to the graduate program and for applying for fellowships and assistantships?

  January 1 is the target date for applications to be considered for Fall (August) admission, and fellowships and assistantships awarded by the department. In late December and early January, there can be delays of several weeks between the time you submit an application to Admissions and it is received by the department, and you can submit your remaining documents and letters. Do not worry about this. If you submit your application by January 1, it will receive full consideration, even if you cannot submit all your materials until after that date. Note that the January 1 target date is earlier than the general Texas A&M University application deadline of March 1 for international applications for Fall (August). The university has no specified application deadline for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, but they should be received by March 1 for full consideration.

  Admission to the Department of Computer Science is very competitive and there are a limited number of openings available each year. Also, there are a number of fellowships and assistantships that are awarded by the Department and the University each year to the most competitive applicants. Applications submitted by January 1 will receive full consideration for all such opportunities. Finally, since applications are processed as they are received, all students (domestic and international) are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible, preferably by the January 1 date for Fall (August) admission.

  While most students are admitted in the Fall, the department does consider applicants for Spring admission. Applications for Spring (January) admission should be received by August 1. Applicants for Spring admission should understand that there will be few, if any, opportunities for fellowships and assistantships since most are awarded in the Fall.

• When will decisions on applications be made? How will applicants be notified of the decision on their application?

  We have no fixed notification date. Instead, we notify applicants by email as soon as a decision is made regarding their application. Please do not call or email asking the status of your application. If you have not been admitted or declined, your application is still being considered. We are aware that some programs have acceptance deadlines and we understand that you would like to know your options before deciding. We do the best we can to give you a timely response. However, we receive a very large number of applications and given the amount of time required to evaluate an application properly, it is just not possible to for us do it any faster.

• I have applied to the graduate program in the Department of Computer Science. How can I find out about the status of my application?

  The status of your application with our department can be checked using the CS@TAMU on-line application system http://apply2.cs.tamu.edu. You can also check the status of supporting materials such as test scores and transcripts on-line with the Texas A&M Office of Admissions. We are sorry but we cannot spare the time to answer questions about the status of your application - there are simply too many such questions and checking and answering them all would slow down even more our processing of the applications.

• The on-line status report is showing my application is still incomplete even though I have submitted all the required application materials. Could you please check on this?

  We are sorry but we cannot spare the time to check on this - there are simply too many such questions and checking and answering them all would prevent us from processing the applications. You should know that it often takes some time (several weeks) for documents submitted separately to be integrated into the application. Thus, it is usual for your application to continue be listed as incomplete even after all the materials have been received by the Texas A&M Office of Admissions or in our department. This is one reason it is important to submit as many materials as possible using the CS@TAMU on-line application system http://apply2.cs.tamu.edu - materials submitted there will be integrated with your application immediately.

• I have been admitted to your graduate program. I would like to defer my admission and start your program in a later semester. What is your policy on deferring admission?

  In general, we do not allow students to defer their admission. This is because admissions decisions are based on the projected needs of the department for a particular semester, and those needs vary from semester to semester.

  Thus, students who do not enroll for the semester for which they were admitted will have their admission to the university cancelled and they will need to reapply for the semester which they do want to begin their graduate studies. Exceptions to this policy may be considered by the admissions committee on a case by case basis. To request such consideration, please send your petition describing your need for the deferrment to grad-admissions@cs.tamu.edu.

• I applied for a previous semester, but I did not enroll because I was denied admission or because I was not able to begin my studies for the semester I was admitted. Do I have to re-apply if I want to be considered for admission? What materials do I need to submit?

  You will need to submit a new application, a new application fee, also a new statement of purpose, and an updated CV/resume. You may also submit new letters of reference if you feel new letters would provide a more accurate evaluation of your potential for graduate studies.

  You do not have to send test scores (GRE, TOEFL) again, unless you have retaken the test and want to submit the new scores or if your scores have expired. Similarly, you do not need to submit transcripts unless you have taken courses or received any degrees since your last application.

  If you were previously denied admission, then you should not expect a different decision this time unless something has changed in your application. For example, you have had some relevant research experience, you published a paper, you improved your test scores, etc. In this case, you should ensure that you submit materials that reflect the change in your situation.

The Application: Finances

• Do I need to complete a financial information form and submit it with my application for graduate studies?

  No. The Department does not use this information for graduate admissions. After you have been admitted, this information may be requested by other offices, such as ISS (International Student Services) or Student Business Services.

• Do I need to complete another application to be considered for teaching assistantships or fellowships/scholarships?

  No. All applicants for graduate studies are automatically considered for assistantships and fellowships if they check the box in the graduate studies application form indicating they wish to be considered. Students who were not offered an assistantship, fellowship or scholarship with admission can apply with current graduate students once they have accepted our offer of admission and have committed to attend our graduate program. Those decisions are made during late Summer for the Fall semester.

• Can you waive the application fee for me? I really want to attend Texas A&M but I cannot afford the application fee.

  We are very sorry, but we cannot waive the application fee.

• I really cannot afford to pay for graduate school and can only attend if I receive an assistantship or fellowship. What are my chances of obtaining one?

  There are a number of fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships available within the Department of Computer Science. All applicants that check the appropriate box(es) on the application form will be considered for all such opportunities. Ph.D. students receive the highest priority for departmental assistantships, fellowships and scholarships. Next priority is given to MS (thesis) masters students. Non-thesis masters students are rarely offered any type of support. Most faculty award their research assistantships similarly. We are sorry, but it is not possible for us to tell you anything more specific about your chances of being awarded support.

  Teaching assistantships are awarded by the department. International students who are not native English speakers must pass the Texas A&M English Language Institute's proficiency exam (ELPE) administered on campus at Texas A&M to qualify as teaching assistants. This is required for some non-teaching assistantships as well.

  Research assistantships are offered by individual faculty members. Inquiries about these opportunities may be initiated by individual faculty members or by students. Most faculty do not want this contact initiated before the student has been admitted.

  Additional positions are available in other campus departments where students can work in information technology support positions. Arrangements with other departments are made by the student. This is normally done after the student arrives on campus, typically in the 2-3 weeks before classes start for the semester. These jobs are posted on the Jobs For Aggies site.

  Assistantship positions require an average of 20 hours of work per week. All students with assistantships have their full-time resident tuition paid. (Having an assistantship qualifies a student for in-state tuition rates, unless they have spent more than 21 semesters at Texas A&M as a full-time Ph.D. student or taken more than 99 hours of Ph.D. level coursework as a part-time Ph.D. student). Department assistantships cover required fees. Many research assistantships cover such fees as well. Students with assistantships are eligible for University health insurance coverage and a portion of their monthly premium is paid by the employer; information on premiums and coverage is available at http://ogs.tamu.edu.

The Application: Eligibility

• What are the minimum GRE scores necessary to be admitted? What about grade point average or class rank?

  There are no specified minimum test scores, grade point average, or class rank required for admission. These quantitive measures are just one part of the application. The admissions committee considers all aspects of every application before making any decisions - this includes your previous academic performance, test scores, letters of recommendation, previous research experience, etc. Thus, it is not possible to evaluate your chances of admission based on a few quantitive measures such as your test scores or grade point average.

• My previous degree is a three year degree, which is less than the standard 4+ year bachelors degree in the U.S. Can I apply to directly enter the masters (or Ph.D.) program?

  We accept European degrees following the Bologna Process, which typically takes three years for a bachelors degree. The variations in other educational systems preclude a general answer. The best advice we can offer is that if your undergraduate education is equivalent to our undergraduate Computer Science or Computer Engineering degrees, then please do apply. After you are admitted and come to Texas A&M, then your previous degree(s) will evaluated by the Office of Admissions and Records, and they will determine how the coursework can be applied.

The Application: Standardized Tests (GRE/TOEFL)

• Do I need to take the GRE? What about the GRE subject test? How long are the scores valid? Does it matter which form of the GRE I took? How should the scores be submitted?

  All applicants are required to take the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and they are strongly encouraged, but not required, to take the GRE Computer Science subject test.

  GRE scores should be from a test date within 5 years of the date that the application reaches the Office of Admissions. The GRE general test changed several years ago, with older scores having a different form (V/Q/A) than newer scores (V/Q/W). Scores from either test type within the 5 year validity period are acceptable. Similarly, the paper, computer or Internet-based GRE exams are acceptable.

  GRE test scores should be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to Texas A&M University (Code 6003) - you do NOT need to specify a department code, only the university code 6003. The department code is not used by Texas A&M and any department code specified will be ignored - hence, there is no need for you to be concerned if you did or didn't specify a department code, or if you specified the code for the wrong department.

• Do I need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)? How long are the scores valid? How should the scores be submitted?

  The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for applicants whose native language is not English, with the exception of those applicants completing all four years of a baccalaureate degree in the United States or achieving a 400 Verbal GRE score (or 22 Verbal GMAT).

  TOEFL scores should be from a test date within two years of the date that the application form reaches the Office of Admissions.

  GRE and TOEFL test scores should be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to Texas A&M University (Code 6003) - you do NOT need to specify a department code, only the university code 6003. The department code is not used by Texas A&M and any department code specified will be ignored - hence, there is no need for you to be concerned if you did or didn't specify a department code, or if you specified the code for the wrong department.

• I took the GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT. Can I submit those scores instead of GRE test scores?

  No. The GRE is required. We do not consider the GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT exams.

• It will be some time before you will receive my official scores from ETS. Is there a way for me to submit unofficial scores that you can use in the meantime so that the processing of my application is not delayed?

  Yes. You can submit a scanned PDF file of your test scores to the CS@TAMU on-line application system http://apply2.cs.tamu.edu. Please be aware, however, that you must also send the official scores because we cannot process your admission or offer you any assistantship or scholarship without your official scores.

• I don't know my test scores yet. Can I submit the application and letters of recommendation without filling in my test scores?

  Yes. If you do not know your GRE/TOEFL scores yet (either because you didn't take the exam yet, or the scores are not yet known), then please go ahead and submit the application - simply leave it blank anywhere you are asked for your test scores. You can submit your test scores when they are available.

• What scores on the GRE and TOEFL do I need to be admitted? I obtained scores of XX/XX/XX on the GRE and YY on the TOEFL - can you please tell me my prospects for admission?

  There are no minimum scores required for admission. The admissions committee considers all parts of every application before making any decisions, and test scores are just one of the many components considered when evaluating an application. Hence, it is not possible for tell you your chances for admission based on your test scores.

The Application: Statement of Purpose

• Do you have any guidelines for writing the statement of purpose? Are there any specific details that should be included? Any that should not?

  The department does not have any specific requirements for the Statement of Purpose, but the university does provide some guidance. The committee would like to see a discussion of the following issues in the Statement of Purpose from the candidate:

  1. Why do you want to pursue graduate studies in CS?
  2. Why are you interested in Texas A&M?
  3. (Most important) What are your research interests and why do they interest you? What is your background for working in this area? Describe your research plan (if any).

  You should not recall your earliest remembrances of exposure to a computer.

• How should I submit my statement of purpose?

  You should submit your statement of purpose using the CS@TAMU on-line application system apply2.cs.tamu.edu. The statement must be in one of the following formats: PDF, PS (postscript), or ASCII (plain text). No DOC (MS Word) files will be accepted.

The Application: Letters of Recommendation

• Do my letters of recommendation have to come from my professors? Can I ask my employer for a letter?

  The preferred source of letters of recommendation are the faculty who advised you in research projects and who taught your most advanced computing courses. We are most interested in assessments of your research potential and scholarly aptitude, and your rank and performance in the courses they taught you.

  If you cannot obtain enough letters from your current or previous professors, then you may also include letters from employers. However, you should understand that in most cases such a letter will not be given the same weight as letters from your professors.

• How should my letters of recommendation be submitted?

  After you enter the names and email addresses of your recommenders into the CS@TAMU on-line application system http://apply2.cs.tamu.edu, your letter writers will receive an email with a special encrypted URL that they should use to submit their recommendation. They will be asked to answer a few brief questions and will have an opportunity to upload a letter of recommendation in PDF, PS (postscript), or ASCII (plain text) format.

• My letter writers prefer to email their letter of recommendation. Can they do that?

  No. The letter writers must upload their letters directly into the CS@TAMU on-line application system using the special URL they will be sent.

• My letter writers want to give me their letter of reference and ask me to send it to you. Is this ok?

  No. The letter writers must upload their letters directly into the CS@TAMU on-line application system using the special URL they will be sent.

The Application: Transcripts

• Do I need to provide transcripts from my previous institutions?

  Yes, you need to provide official transcripts from each post-secondary (above high school) institution that you have attended. Different institutions and different countries provide 'official' transcripts in different manners - you should use your judgement and provide an 'official' document that certifies which courses you took, the grades you received, and the degree(s) you have been awarded. Some more information about this can be found on the Office of Admission's webpage Graduate Admissions Information.

• How and where should I submit my transcript(s)?

  Transcripts should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the institution issuing the transcript. Instructions can be found on the Office of Admission's webpage Graduate Admissions Information.

  Additionally, applicants are encouraged to submit unofficial transcripts (e.g., electronic or scanned versions) to the CS@TAMU on-line application system http://apply2.cs.tamu.edu so that they are available for immediate review by the admissions committee.

Applications to Transfer from Other TAMU Departments and for Post Baccalaureate Non-Degree (G6) Status

• I am currently a graduate student in another department at Texas A&M. What do I need to do to apply to transfer to the Department of Computer Science?

  Current students in another department who wish to transfer to the Department of Computer Science should follow the procedures for degree "upgrades" outlined in Procedures for Changing Degree Programs .

• What is post baccalaureate non-degree classification? How do you apply for it?

  The Department of Computer Science very rarely admits non-degree (G6) students. Generally, this status is used to enable students to take a few courses before applying for a graduate degree program in the department.

  Applications for non-degree status will be reviewed by the graduate admissions committee with the other applications. In addition to the university application form, students applying to the Department of Computer Science for non-degree status are required to provide the following materials: a statement of purpose, a current CV/resume, and 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the student's potential to succeed in graduate school. These materials should be submitted to the department's CS@TAMU on-line application system http://apply2.cs.tamu.edu.

  Non-degree students are reviewed by the department for continuation at the end of each semester, and they must maintain a GPR of at least 3.000 on all course work attempted to remain eligible to register.

• Can I use courses taken as a non-degree (G6) student towards a graduate degree?

  Maybe. If at a later date, a post baccalaureate non-degree student is admitted to a graduate degree program, with the approval of the student's graduate advisory committee, the department head, the college dean, and the Office of Graduate Studies, a maximum of 12 credit hours taken in post baccalaureate non-degree status may be used on a student's degree plan. The student should understand, however, that a college or a department may decide whether or not to accept any G6 work toward the student's graduate degree.