| Q:
What are the important dates for application?
A: December 31: Deadline for receipt of
on-line applications by the graduate school. February 1:
All application materials must be received from international applicants.
March/April: Group visits of accepted students
to Northwestern. April 15: general deadline for students
to accept offers of admission.
Q: My application was sent after the December 31 deadline, could it still be considered?
A: Applications received after December 31 will still be considered until all the Fellowship/RA/TA positions are filled.
Q:
Can I apply electronically?
A: Yes. The procedures for applying on-line are found here
http://www.northwestern.edu/graduate/,
click on Admission/Admission Process. You may send supporting documents
to Ms. Pat Dyess, Graduate Program Assistant, M.E. Dept., Northwestern
University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208-3111, USA. The
supporting documents include two official copies of transcripts
from all universities and colleges attended, two-three letters of
recommendation, and a photocopy of TOEFL (foreign applicants only)
and GRE scores, if available. Note that
official scores must be received by the university before a decision
is made.
Q:
Can I still use a paper application?
A: No. Only electronic application is available.
Q:
I am an international student finishing a MS program at another
university in the US. Do I need to submit TOEFL score?
A: No. TOEFL can be waived if you have received a BS or MS
degree from a US university.
Q:
I think I want to eventually get a Ph.D., but I might want to get
a Master's degree first. Should I apply to the MS program or the
PhD program?
A: In this situation you should indicate your preference
for the PhD program. The MS program refers to students who are interested
only in that degree. The MS degree is not required for the PhD in
Mechanical Engineering.
Q:
I already have a PhD degree. Can I apply to a PhD program at Northwestern?
A: No. The Graduate School does not allow holders
of a doctoral degree (even in a field different from ME or from
another country) to join the university as a graduate student. You
should consider a post-doctoral position.
Q:
Can I apply for admission during any quarter?
A: While we occasionally admit graduate students to begin
in January (winter quarter) or at other times during the year, we
strongly encourage students to apply for fall admission. This timing
provides the most flexibility in advisor selection and advantage
of fellowship consideration.
Q:
What factors are taken into account when evaluating my application?
A: We consider prior academic performance, research and other
professional experience, GRE scores, and overall potential to pursue
graduate study successfully in our department. For foreign students
from non-English speaking countries, the TOEFL score is also important.
Q:
What happens after I am accepted?
A: We encourage all accepted U.S. students to visit Northwestern
prior to making a decision about the offer. Most students visit
during one of two group visits in the spring. We will pay for most
of the expenses associated with these visits. During the visits,
students speak with faculty who are of the most interest to them,
meet with our current graduate students, and learn more about our
department and the Evanston/Chicago area.
Q:
As a foreign student, I cannot visit Northwestern prior to making
my decision. How can I learn more about the department?
A: Questions should be directed to the Graduate Studies Director
for the Mechanical Engineering Department. In addition, we have
a great graduate student organization: MEGSS. http://www.mech.northwestern.edu/students/megss/,
where you can contact our current graduate students.
Q:
When do I need to formally accept or decline an offer of admission?
A: The deadline is April 15, but if you
make your decision earlier than that, please let us know.
Q:
How do I choose a research adviser?
A: In most cases of the fall admission, new graduate students
arriving in September hear research presentations from each of the
faculty members in the department. Students will then meet with
faculty members and learn more about their research. In mid-October,
students indicate their advisor preferences. Advisers are then assigned
based on these preferences.
Q:
Can I pre-select a research advisor prior to my arrival at Northwestern?
A: Our experience is that the advisor selection method described
above gives students the most flexibility in finding a research
group that well matches their own interests. However, in specific
cases where the interests of a student are determined, he/she may
select an advisor in advance and be supported by RA from the adviser.
Students interested in this option should discuss it with the Graduate
Studies Director for the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Q:
Whom do I contact in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Northwestern
with additional questions that are not addressed here?
A: For administrative issues and the status of your application,
contact the ME Graduate Program Coordinator: Ms. Pat Dyess, j-dyess@northwestern.edu,
847-491-7190.
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