Application Process

1.  I am interested in the graduate program in Computer Science at the University of Delaware. My profile is as follows: I have­ a xxx GPA, GRE score of yyy, and TOEFL score of zzz. My resume is attached. Can you tell me what are ­my chances of getting admission into your program?
   Our admission decisions are based on reviewing your application as a whole which takes a number of factors into consideration, including recommendation letters, GPA, computer science courses taken, test scores, your responses to essay questions, etc. Thus it is not possible for us to estimate your chances of admission without having a completed application from you.
2. What GRE scores do you require for admission?
   We require the GRE Aptitude test with minimum scores of 550 for Verbal, 650 for Quantitative, and 4.0 for the Analytical Writing sections. See GRE test requirements
   
3. Are these scores absolute minimums? If I have a lower score on one or more of these sections, will I be denied admission?
   No, our admission decisions are based on a totality of factors. We use these scores as guidelines, but they are not absolute minimums. If you have an overall strong application and if lower test scores are offset by other factors (such as high GPA or strong recommendation letters), you could still get admission.
4. Do you require the GRE subject test?
   The GRE subject test is not required.
5. What are your requirements for TOEFL scores?
   See TOEFL test requirements.
6. I have studied in a country where English is widely spoken, and English was the medium of instruction in my college. Do I still need to take the TOEFL exam?
   According to the University of Delaware's requirements, the TOEFL exam may be waived if you have a degree from a US institution or if you obtained your degree in a country where English is the primary language. These are University requirements and the CIS Department has no control over them. If you are a foreign applicant and you believe that you satisfy these conditions, you must apply to the Office of Graduate Studies for a waiver.
7. I will take the GRE test next week and it may take a few more weeks to submit the score. Can you process the rest of my application now without waiting for the score?
   We can only process applications that are complete. This means we must have all your transcripts, test scores, resume, essays, and at least three letters of recommendation. If even one of these is missing, your application will not be processed. It is your responsibility to make sure that your application is complete before the required deadlines.
8. I only have a Bachelor's degree. Can I still apply for the PhD program? Will I be at a disadvantage compared to other applicants who have a Master's degree?
   If you are interested in research and your career objective is to obtain a PhD, we strongly encourage you to apply for the PhD program. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree are not at any disadvantage compared to those with a Master's degree. In fact, we routinely admit a large number of students who only have Bachelor's degrees to our PhD program.
9. I just completed my application today. When can I expect to hear about your decision on my admission?
   Once your application is complete (which means that all required material have been received either physically or electronically in the Office of Graduate Studies), it still takes a few weeks for the application material to become available to our department. After that, our Admissions Committee evaluates applications on a rolling basis. This process may take a few more weeks. We receive a large number of applications, so please be patient. You will hear from us once a decision has been made.
   

Financial Aid

1. I am interested in the graduate program in Computer Science at the University of Delaware. My profile is as follows: I have a xxx GPA, GRE score of yyy, and TOEFL score of zzz. My resume is attached. Can you tell me what are my chances of getting financial aid in  your program?­
   Our financial aid decisions are based on reviewing your application as a whole which takes a number of factors into consideration, including recommendation letters, GPA, computer science courses taken, test scores, your responses to essay questions, etc. Thus it is not possible for us to estimate your chances of receiving aid without having a completed application from you.
2. I have submitted my application for admission. What else should I do to apply for financial aid. Is there a separate application for financial aid?
   There is no separate application for financial aid. All applications which are complete by the financial aid deadlines will be automatically considered for financial aid. These deadlines are October 1 for Spring semester and February 1 for Fall semester admissions. It is in your interest to make sure that your application is complete well before these deadlines.
3. I missed the financial aid deadline. Does this mean I will not be eligible for any financial aid?
   All applications that are complete by the specified deadlines are considered for financial aid. If you missed the deadline, your application may still be considered if positions are available.
4. What types of financial aid do you offer­?
   See our Financial Aid page for a description of different types of aid available. Of these, graduate fellowships, teaching assistantships, and tuition scholarships are directly offered by the department, whereas research assistantships are offered by individual faculty members.
5. How can I apply for a research assistantship?
   If you tell us your areas of research interest and if we think that you are a strong candidate for financial aid, we will show your application to faculty whose research is in those areas. However, research assistantships are awarded directly by faculty and not by the department. You are welcome to directly contact faculty in areas of your interest to see if they have any such positions available.
6. I am applying for the MS degree. Will I be considered for financial aid?
   We consider all applications that are complete by the deadlines for financial aid. However, priority for aid is generally given to applicants for the PhD program. On occasion, strong MS applicants may also be offered aid.
7. It is now past the financial aid deadline. When can I expect to know if I have been awarded an assistantship?
   Our financial aid decisions can take 4-8 weeks after the financial aid deadline. After that, the decisions on assistantships, fellowships, and tuition scholarships may be made in groups at intervals of a few weeks. If you did not qualify for aid in the first group, you may still make it at a subsequent time. If you are chosen for aid, you will hear from us.
   
8. I have received an assistantship offer from another university, but my first choice is  the University of Delaware. I have to respond to the other offer by March 15. Can I expect your decision on financial aid by that date?
   We will make our decisions on a timely basis, so you will have sufficient time to make a decision on all offers received by you. The University of Delaware and a large number of other US universities subscribe to an agreement under which you cannot be forced to make a financial aid decision before April 15. If you have accepted an offer before that date, you may change your mind by April 15. All offers accepted after April 15 are binding. See the full text of the agreement at the web page of the Council of Graduate Schools, including the full list of all universities who subscribe to this agreement.
   

XYZ