Resources for prospective graduate students
Thank you for your interest in the graduate program in Computer Science at Rensselaer. We have one of the strongest computer science programs in the nation, and are actively looking for graduate students with a solid undergraduate record and a strong potential for research. Below you will find answers to many of the questions frequently asked by applicants to our program.
What is the application deadline?
In order to give you full consideration for financial aid, we need to receive all your materials by January 1 for fall admission or August 15 for spring admission. We will not look at your application until we have received all required documents. After the deadline, we will look at your application whenever we receive all required documents, but the later it is, the less likely it is that there will be aid available and that we can get the decision to you in time for you to make arrangements to enroll.
How do I apply for financial aid?
I do not have a Master's degree. May I apply directly to the PhD program, or do I have to apply to the MS program, and then apply to the PhD after completing the MS?
I have a 3-year bachelor's degree. Am I eligible to apply for your graduate program?
I am interested in a Master's degree. Should I apply to the Computer Science Department or the Information Technology Department?
What are the chances I'll be admitted?
What type of academic background is required for admission?
What are the GRE requirements for admission?
What are the TOEFL requirements for admission?
What are the chances I'll be granted financial aid?
Do you offer financial aid in the spring semester? Do you offer financial aid to international applicants? Do you offer aid to MS students?
May I apply to start in summer?
Applicants normally start in either fall or spring. We do not offer any graduate level courses in the summer. Occasionally a student will start in summer if they have arranged with a faculty member to do research with them during the summer.
Can my recommenders submit hard copy letters?
Yes. Your recommenders can mail the letters to the Admissions Office.
Will you accept a photocopy of my test scores or transcripts?
Will you waive the application fee?
My school does not compute rank/GPA. Is that okay?
Yes, just submit your transcript.