Unfortunately, the application process to any graduate school can be a difficult, time-consuming, and stressful endeavor. At Rutgers, we try to assist the student through this process as much as possible. The following overview will assist you in a step-by-step method:
Step 1:
Plan
Check the various deadlines and requirements for the graduate school of your choice.
Listed below are the important dates to keep in mind for The Graduate School - New Brunswick:
- Domestic application deadlines vary by program. Applicants living abroad must apply by November 1 for spring and by April 1 for fall unless the graduate program specifies an earlier deadline.
- Application requirements also vary by program, so browsing the index of graduate programs will help you find the program-specific information necessary to complete the applications.
Biomedical
Bioresource
Material Science & Engineering
Chemical & Biochemical
Civil & Environmental
Electrical & Computer
Industrial & Systems
Mechanical & Aerospace
Step 2:
Gather Information
This step involves examining the specific application guidelines and satisfying the requirements on a individual basis.
The materials being gathered should include:
- Transcript - Listing all degree-specific pre-requisites
- Test Scores - GRE General Test, TOEFL/IELTS (An official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score is required of nonnative speakers of English.)
*NOTE* The scores have an age limit of 3 and 2 years for the GRE and the TOEFL respectively. Also, the GRE General Test can be taken only once per calendar month and no more than 5 times within any 12-month period. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously.
- Letters of Recommendation - Plan this step carefully, and choose writers whom you feel can provide the best picture of your abilities. Ensure you are prepared to ask for a letter by bringing examples of your work, studies, and achievements. Above all, do not waste time and do not forget that the people you are asking have their own schedules as well.
- Personal Statement - Most programs (exceptions are listed below) require a personal statement of approximately 500 words about plans for graduate study and a professional career. Include areas of study, research, or practice that are of special interest.
Step 3:
Complete Application
By this time, you have gathered all the materials to satisfy the appropriate application criteria.
Relax - it only gets easier from here:
Online Application Form
Pay $50 application fee online. An optional $30 express mail fee is for those applicants who want express notification of decisions (usually students living abroad).
Send Supporting Materials:
- A brief résumé (if work experience is relevant)
- Financial documentation (for international applicants: must document total financial resources before an official Certificate of Admission and Eligibility (I-20 and DS-2019) can be issued by graduate admissions. Amounts vary by school. If recommended for admission, first-year funds for educational and living expenses of $32,000 for 2005 and of $34,000 for 2006 must be documented (figures are updated each July). M.B.A. programs require higher amounts.)
- Three letters of recommendation (Most schools require three letters of recommendation. Letters should be from faculty members in the program field, but may also be written by others familiar with your strengths. Letters should be submitted in sealed envelopes to the applicant for inclusion with other supporting materials.
*NOTE* Be prepared to write your own Letters of Recommendation as per faculty member request.)
- Two official transcripts (Rutgers students applying online should have official transcripts sent electronically to graduate admissions from the registrar's office.
- A personal statement (not necessary if submitted online)
- All required test scores (International students should send copies of test score results with other supporting credentials.)
Step 4:
Wait For a Decision
Take a deep breath - your part of the application process is completed, and the only thing left is to wait for a reply: Check the Application Status Online.
