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his note sets forth certain policies and other information on the admission of graduate students that you might wish to know before you apply. Admissions have become increasingly competitive, and so, it is important that your admission application be complete and submitted on time. There are four things that count heavily in our evaluation of applicants.

Suitable background in computer science and mathematics

We do not require a bachelor's degree in Computer Science but we do require a background in computer science and mathematics. For Computer Science we require our incoming students to have had undergraduate courses in Data Structures, Discrete Mathematics, Assembly Language and Machine Organization, and Programming (in a procedural language). Further we expect several, but not all, of the senior-level courses in a typical undergraduate Computer Science program, in particular: Operating Systems, Programming Languages, Algorithms, Compilers, Artificial Intelligence, Networks, Automata and Formal Languages, and Software Engineering. Of these, Operating Systems and Programming Languages are perhaps the most important so that you may take our first-year graduate courses in these areas. We also require at least one year of college-level Calculus. In general, we do not regard work experience to be interchangeable with coursework.

Grade Point Average

The nominal minimum GPA for a successful applicant is about 3.2 (out of 4.0). More important than the overall GPA, are the grades in computer science, mathematics, and related courses. Progression counts too; for example, a slow start in college followed by a strong finish is viewed much more favorably than the converse.

GRE Scores

We require the GRE scores. The admissions committee strongly urges the CS subject test. If your major is not Computer Science, you might want to also take the subject test in your major area as a supplement to your application. You are strongly advised to take the GRE exams as far in advance of your application as possible. We will not make a decision on an application until the scores arrive. If you wait to take the exam as late as January and are applying for Fall admission, you will be handicapped because admission and financial aid offers will be made starting in January. The current nominal scores for successful applicants for admission are 750 for the quantitative part and 550 for the verbal part. The average scores of accepted applicants are generally higher than those scores.

References

These are a very important part of your application. Except in special cases, references should be written by faculty of the schools you have previously attended. Further, we expect some of the references to be from Computer Science faculty. References from employers are rarely as useful in making an overall assessment of your ability to do graduate work.

Most of our current successful applicants are strong in all four of the above parts of the application. A weakness on any one is permitted as long as there is sufficient strength elsewhere. For example, a somewhat low GPA might be balanced by exceptionally high GRE scores.

A Note to Foreign Nationals

Our current minimum requirement for the TOEFL exam is 600 but most of our accepted applicants score at least 630.

Admission and Financial Aid Deadlines

We accept applications for Fall admissions and is due by January 15. Please note that your application will not be considered until all the necessary materials has been received. Spring Admissions will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Please note that your application will not be considered until all the necessary material has been received. If you are applying for financial aid, your application must be completed by January 15.