The following question and answers regarding Graduate School in CS was compiled from the Computer Science Undergraduate Student Board\'s Graduate School Panel held Jan 31st, 2006.
GRE Questions
Q: What is the GRE general test?
A: The GRE general test measures analytical writing, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking. These parts, along with a possibly unidentified section that does not count toward the final score, make up the GRE general test. It is a completely computer based test, so there is a tutorial at the beginning. At the end of the test, the unconfirmed score is shown. From there, the scores can either be cancelled or sent to the schools that have been chosen.
Q: What is the GRE subject test?
A: The GRE subject test measures the studentís abilities in a specific area, such as Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, etc. Some universities require both the GRE general test and subject test when applying for graduate school.
Q: Where can I take the GRE and how much does it cost?
A: At Purdue University, the GRE general test is administered at Prometrics Testing facility. The full cost of the test, $115, must be paid when the test appointment is made. This can be done by phone, online, or at the facility. The GRE subject test is administered at Purdue and appointments can still be made online. The subject test costs $130. Before going to make the appointment, it would be a good idea to have a date in mind.
Q: When is Prometrics open?
A: Their testing hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday. Saturday is the most requested day for testing, so appointments should be made well in advance for this day.
Q: How are my GRE scores interpreted?
A: Different schools have different requirements, so it is important to look at the score requirements for the specific university. Besides schools, the reviewer also interprets the scores differently. It is important to prepare well for this exam. These scores also matter for National Science Foundation (NSF) graduate research fellowships, which make the student much more appealing to graduate schools as well as allowing the student to choose whom to work with during graduate school.
Q: Does the order of the universities I send my GRE scores to matter?
A: Yes! When you send your scores, the school you sent them to will get to see what other schools you sent your scores to. This means you should divide up your ìgoodî schools and your ìsafetyî schools. It will show the better schools that you believe you will succeed at their institutions and not that you are just seeing if you could ever get into their school. Your safety schools also will not know that you applied to better schools, so they will not just assume that you will be going to the better schools.
For more information on the GRE and to register for testing, visit: http://www.gre.org
Graduate School Questions
Q: What are the opportunities for a Masters graduate versus a PhD graduate versus an undergraduate?
A: Undergraduate students have only a general education in the subject, whereas Masters and PhD graduates have more experience and specialization. Masters graduates do not have to do research in graduate school and may get a slightly higher salary than undergraduate students in industry. PhD graduates must do research to earn their degrees and as such, are usually more interested in research as a career. While having a PhD does open some doors, it also closes others, like working in industry development. Basically, the more education the graduate has, the more choices for the type of work after graduation.
Q: Does not being a Computer Science major affect being able to get into a Computer Science graduate school?
A: It can really depend on who is reading the applicantís file. For some application committees, having another major, like Mathematics, could actually be very useful. The major concern for this type of student is that he or she will be missing the pre-requisite computer science courses at the graduate level. The best idea is to look at the course listings and prerequisites for the target school.
Q: What are the most important factors in admissions?
A: Some of the most important factors in admissions are undergraduate performance (GPA), research, and letters of recommendation. It is important to have a good GPA in Computer Science classes, but just good grades are not enough. Quality letters of recommendation and undergraduate research can also have a large affect on how the committee sees the applicant. A clear career objective is also important because a student going for a PhD is more likely to be given a research assistantship than one going for his or her Masters.
Q: How much time is spent on the applicantís file?
A: It varies greatly from person to person or even day to day. People are reviewing each application, so many factors go into the amount of time the file is looked at, including, unfortunately, the kind of day the reviewer was having. This is one of the reasons to apply to more than just one graduate school.
Q: Where should my letters of recommendation come from?
A: At least two of your letters should come from Computer Science faculty. These faculty members should either be someone you did research with or a 400/500 level course professor that you know on a more personal level. Make sure to choose professors that know your work and that you believe will speak highly of you. Beyond that, letters may come from your boss (as long as you have been working in Computer Science related field) or other major faculty members (as long as your research in graduate school will be related to that major).
Q: When should I ask for my letters of recommendation?
A: A minimum of six to eight weeks should be given when asking for a letter of recommendation. The professor needs time not only to write it, but to get to know you better, so that a quality letter can be written. The first deadlines for applications are in December, so you need to have an idea of who to ask at the beginning of the semester.
Q: Applying to graduate school is really expensive, is there anything I can do to make this less expensive?
A: The most important thing to remember is that graduate school is a life investment, but that does not really make it less expensive to apply. When applying, make sure to narrow down the schools to those that actually have the programs that interest you. Do the research on the schools, call and e-mail the professors that you would want to work with. Applying to only the places that have the research and programs that you would like to join will save quite a bit of money.
Q: How many graduate students get assistantships?
A: At Purdue, ninety percent get assistance from the Computer Science department, including jobs such as teaching assistants (TA) and research assistants (RA). Most applications have a part to check what type of aid you are interested in, so do not be selective if you need the aid. Do not assume that you have financial assistance unless you have it in writing, but many schools will give financial aid along with acceptance.
Q: If I am a TA, can I also be an RA?
A: These two are offered from two different places. Teaching assistantships are offered by the department, while individual faculty members offer research assistantships.
Q: Is it hard to get back into graduate school after going into industry?
A: It can be. Make sure you get to know your professors before you graduate and keep in touch with them. They need to know what you are doing and still know you in order to write a letter of recommendation.
