JotCast | Admitted Graduate Student Chat - March 13, 2019

Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:14

Liad, you can fill out the FAFSA, so to qualify for loans. But there is a variety of ways, although loans are one of the primary ways.

10:15

You can also find some aid and scholarship info here: http://www.cis.upenn.edu/prospective-students/graduate/aid.php

Daniel

10:15

Hi Will, I was admitted in the MSE program. I want to ask that for Engineering students, if there are any certificate degrees or “minor” degrees we can get in cs or business school?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:17

Daniel, we really don't offer "minors," for our graduate programs. The main option that people do is that they'll apply for a second degree after completing their first semester. you can find more information here: https://grad.seas.upenn.edu/student-handbook/academic-options/#2degree

Cindy

10:17

Hi Will, what was the admission rate for bioengineering MSE last year approximately?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:17

Hi Cindy, the admission rate was 36% last year, and we had 24 start in the program.

Guest

10:17

Hi Will, I have two questions. How big is your current first year CIS PhD class? How easily can graduate students in one department take graduate courses from different schools or departments?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:18

Hi Guest, the CIS class this past fall had 26 start. As for your second question, it really depends on the specific school/course - Wharton is the hardest one to do, primarily because they have so many students in their programs already AND are in the highest demand. But overall, it's pretty easy when working with your program.

Brad MacDonald

10:18

@Will, okay, thank you! The catalog link is a nice resource. However, I was looking more for which classes will be offered this coming semester, with days of the week & times. I can see this Spring & Summer in Penn InTouch, but Fall isn't available yet. Was just wondering when that would come online.

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:20

Brad, I don't know off-hand when that will become available, but advance registration for current students opens next week, so I'd guess it will be available very soon: https://almanac.upenn.edu/penn-academic-calendar

Corey

10:20

Hi Miranda, How quickly does the housing at Sansom Place fill up? Is it first come first serve?

Liad

10:20

Thanks! Also by when should we have our FAFSA in?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:20

Liad, I'd submit it as soon as possible.

Shenglong

10:20

Hey Will Fenton, I saw the ESE department also has master of science in robotics program. I’s wondering if i can switch to this program or dual this program from Electrical engineering. Also if we switch or dual program within the same department, will that be easier than doing that across departments?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:21

Shenglong, the the Robotics MSE program is a cross-disciplinary master's program that touches on multiple depts but is it's own program. You could apply to either switch programs or add it as a second master's program. You can find out more here: https://www.grasp.upenn.edu/academics

Miranda Stewart

10:21

Hi Alex! It will depend on what you are looking for and where you are looking. I would recommend browsing the Off-Campus Housing Search database to get an idea of prices. That link is https://offcampushousing.upenn.edu/

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:22

Shenglong, the ability to transfer to a different program is really entirely up to the two programs involved and how you do in your first semester. If you do well and can convince the new program that it's the right fit for you, then you should be able to do so. We have a relatively liberal transfer policy at this time.

Miranda Stewart

10:22

Hi Dajr! We have single apartments where you would have a private bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen. We have double apartments where you would have a private bedroom and share a bathroom and kitchen with one roommate. And we have single rooms where you would have a private bedroom and share a bathroom with one roommate. You can request a specific roommate or we will assign one for you.

Brad MacDonald

10:23

Thanks, Will! I appreciate all your help. Have a great day. :)

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:23

Have you submitted your decision?

Yes (11.1% | 1 vote)

No (22.2% | 2 votes)

Yes, but waiting on other schools? (0% | 0 votes)

No, waiting on other schools (66.7% | 6 votes)

Total Votes: 9

Brad, you're quite welcome.

Dajr

10:23

Would it be possible to provide the stats (acceptance rate and # of students enrolled) for last years Electrical Engineering MSe class

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:24

Dajr, sure thing. We accepted approx 54% of applicants last year and started with a class of 86. It was our largest master's program class.

Miranda Stewart

10:24

Hi Corey! Housing at Sansom is first come first served. We recommend applying as soon as you have your PennKey if you would like to live in Sansom, and in order to have the best chance at your preferred room types. The single apartments tend to fill up first.

10:24

Will,a master student need to complete ten course unit to graduate,and one can only take 3or4 course unit in on semester,dose that mean most students finish their program in one year and a half?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:25

HH, our average time of completion is 2 years - many will do a reduced course-load for a semester, especially if they are doing research in a lab during that same time.

Dajr

10:25

What are the costs for the " private bedroom and share a bathroom with one roommate." and the "double apartments where you would have a private bedroom and share a bathroom and kitchen with one roommate."?

Jill

10:25

Hi Will, do you know when course materials will be available for IPD foundation courses that begin at the end of July?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:25

Jill, I do not. That would be a question for the IPD Program Coordinator, Maryeileen Griffith, and you can contact her at mebg@seas.upenn.edu.

Shenglong

10:26

Hey Fenton, another question. Is there any updates for the Electrical engineering course requirements? I heard from the student at UPenn says there are more courses could be considered as category A and category B, but the websites does not change

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:26

Shenglong, I only know what is available on the website, so I would recommend contacting the program - esegrad@seas.upenn.edu. That will be your best bet for specific, course-related information.

Miranda Stewart

10:26

Hi Dajr! Rent rates for each room type are posted at http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/residential-services/room-rates...

Shenglong

10:28

Got it. Thank you!

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:28

Shenglong, you're welcome.

Dajr

10:29

This reduced course-load is usually in which semester? The first?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:29

Dajr, it's actually for the 3rd or 4th semester.

Dajr

10:32

Are there on campus fitness centers, gyms, courts? are they free for students/

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:32

Dajr, yes, there are campus fitness centers and access is included in your tuition and fees.

Shaun Fedrick

10:33

Hello, I was wondering when is the deadline to accept the offer of admission?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:33

Hi Shaun - if you're a PhD, it's April 15, and if you're a master's student it's June 1.

Connecting…