Applying For Admission

How can prospective applicants obtain applications?

To obtain general application material, please visit the School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions page at http://www.seas.virginia.edu/advising/admissions.php. Application material may be downloaded from this site and paper applications may be requested from this site. In addition, http://www.seas.virginia.edu/advising/ provides more information on applying to the Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science.  Please feel free to fill out the graduate student pre-application and you will be contacted about your application.

If you are currently a Systems and Information Engineering undergraduate and are interested in the Masters Accelerated Research Program (MERP), please read through this document and follow its instructions.

When should applicants apply?

Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, financial aid decisions for fall admission are made in February, so application submission is encouraged before January 15.

What are the tuition and fee requirements for your program?

You can find these figures on the University of Virginia Student Accounts website.

What does the department look for in an applicant?

A typical applicant to the department has a balanced application. We look at all aspects of an application and we do not put more weight on one part of the application over others. A good applicant to the department has commendable recommendations, an impressive educational background, strong standardized test scores, and a well-written essay. A complete application for admissions consists of an application for admission to the University and scores from the general test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Requirements

General requirements for admission into the Graduate Program in Systems Engineering from UVA are those of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. In addition, prospective candidates should meet the following prerequisites:

• Calculus: One year of undergraduate calculus, including real analysis and ordinary differential equations. Equivalent UVA courses are: APMA 111, APMA 212 and APMA 213.
• Computer Programming. Working knowledge of at least one high level programming language such as Fortran, Pascal, or C. Equivalent UVA courses are CS 210 and CS 360.
• Probability and statistics. At least two undergraduate courses in calculus-based probability and statistics. Equivalent UVA courses are APMA 310 and APMA 312.
• Linear Algebra. At least one undergraduate course in linear algebra. An equivalent UVA course is APMA 308.

How important are my recommendations?

Recommendations provide the admissions committee with a view of how your supervisors and advisors view you. Recommendations from academic advisors provide information on your research interests, as well as your academic skill and motivation. Recommendations from employers provide us with important information regarding your interests, skills, and motivation in the work environment. Generally supervisors who have worked with you for extended periods of time on a daily basis provide the best information regarding your skills and interests. These are valued much more than recommendations provided by distant advisors or supervisors. Recommendations from advisors outside your employment or academic institution are not usually utilized in the admissions process.

How important is my academic background or previous work experience?

Strong previous academic performance is valued in the decision process. Most students have an undergraduate degree in engineering; however applicants with non-engineering degrees can apply if they show evidence of background coursework and/or work experience that together provide a basic understanding of engineering and/or mathematical processes. This is important because we want all students in the department to excel and to not fall behind due to a poor understanding of basic engineering or mathematical concepts. Previous work experience is not required but relevant work experience should be discussed in the essay.

What is the average GRE score and do I have to take the TOEFL and/or TSE?

Standardized test scores provide a standard measure from which we can compare applicants against one another. GRE General Test scores are required by all applicants. All three tests (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical) are viewed in the application process and all tests are important. The average applicant has a combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 1300. TOEFL exam scores are required by all international applicants to the program. A minimum TOEFL score of 623 is required by all international applicants. Students who indicate on their application that they require funding will be required to take the TSE (Test of Spoken English) and provide those scores before a decision on admission will be made.

What do you look for in the essay?

The essay is a crucial part of the application. A well-structured, comprehensive, and concise essay should clearly reflect an applicant's experiences, accomplishments, research interests, and professional goals. The essay is the applicant's opportunity to convince the admissions committee that he or she will be a successful addition to the graduate program. The essay provides the admissions committee with an opportunity to determine what an applicant wants in a graduate program and if the Department of Systems and Information Engineering can provide what the applicant is looking for. The graduate program values diverse research interests in diverse areas. Therefore, it is important to be honest in the essay regarding your research interests. The essay also provides the committee with a writing sample from the applicant. The formulation of arguments and the ability to present them clearly and concisely on paper is an important skill in graduate school.

How many students will get into the program during a typical year?

Not all applicants will have a perfect application. The admissions committee is looking for a diverse class every year with varying skills and interests. Poor performances in parts of the application are often compensated by outstanding performances in other parts of the application. The admission committee aims to set the target class size to 30 students. This may change year-to-year based on financial aid available. The department strives to provide all qualified students with funding in the form of research assistantships and teaching assistantships. Once accepted into the program, students may wish to defer their enrollment. The Department of Systems and Information Engineering will allow deferments for one year.