JotCast | March 15 Graduate Admissions Chat (8AM-12PM EST)

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Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:35

She should be able to better assist you.

Akash

10:36

Ok. Thank you.

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:36

You're welcome.

Akash

10:36

Also, I had expressed interest in the research work of a particular professor. So should I expect that professor to be my advisor?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:37

It is possible, but there are many factors that go into who your advisor is, including how many students they are currently overseeing, their course load, research interests, etc.

Akash

10:39

Okay. Is it advisable to contact the professor? As whether I will get to associate with him or not is something that will help me finalize my decision of enrolling to the program.

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:40

Akash, you can, especially if you've already been admitted. However, please note that this is an extremely busy time of year for faculty, so they may not respond right away.

Akash

10:42

Okay

Can Masters students convert to PhD candidacy after their first year of study?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:43

No, you have to formally apply. We don't have a "convert" policy or procedure.

Akash

10:47

Okay. If I start my Masters in Fall 2019, when do I need to apply for PhD admission?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:48

Akash, the application for PhD will open in mid-September.

Akash

10:50

So I'll have to apply after mid-September 2020? My Masters will end in 2021 and I will start my PhD in Fall 2021 right?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:50

No, if you're admitted for the PhD program for Fall 2020, then you would start then and you could apply to transfer credits from the master's program. In addition, you can apply to complete the master's as part of the PhD program, if you so choose.

Akash

10:54

I get your first statement. Can you elaborate the second one? Thanks for all the clarifications.

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

10:55

You can apply to complete the master's degree as part of the overall work towards your PhD, so you ultimately graduate with both

Akash

11:00

Can I even apply to the PhD program without choosing to complete my Masters degree?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:00

Yes, you can. The application is not contingent on you completing your master's degree, since you stated you'd be applying next fall.

Akash

11:03

But I would have to complete coursework(of around 2 years) for my PhD degree as well right? So why would someone not apply for the Masters degree along with the PhD application?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:04

Akash, I'm sorry, if I'm not being clear. If you apply next fall for the PhD program, and are admitted to start the Program in Fall 2020, you would have only completed one year at the time you are starting the PhD program.

If you continue on in the PhD program, you have the option of completing the requirements to also be awarded a master's, but this is entirely up to you and your program/advisor.

Akash

11:05

Will. You are actually pretty clear. Just that I am getting new doubts after your reponses.

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:06

Akash, thank you. Perhaps it would help to think out the questions and potential answers from what you already know and understand about our process?

Sometimes writing something out can help organize one's thoughts :)

Akash

11:08

True. I was under the impression that the Masters requirements are a subset of the PhD requirements. Isnt it so?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:09

Akash, not necessarily. You'd need to look at the specific requirements for the master's program AND the PhD program.

Akash

11:11

Okay. This assumption of mine actually went wrong. Thanks for clarifying.

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:11

My pleasure!

11:12

Have you been to UPenn or Philadelphia?

Yes, I live here (0% | 0 votes)

Yes, both (33.3% | 1 vote)

Philadelphia, but not UPenn (0% | 0 votes)

I've been to the US, but not Philadelphia (0% | 0 votes)

I've never been to the US (66.7% | 2 votes)

Total Votes: 3

Akash

11:16

Will, May I know the acceptance rate for Masters in Mechanical Engineering?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:16

Akash, they accepted 50% of applicants last year.

Akash

11:17

And for the PhD program?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:18

The MEAM PhD program accepted 11% of applicants.

Akash

11:19

Okay. Thanks.

11:24

What is the scenario of funding/financial support for Masters in MEAM students?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:24

Akash, there really isn't one. Penn Engineering does not offer financial aid/grants to master's students.

11:25

You can find some potential sources here: http://www.cis.upenn.edu/prospective-students/graduate/aid.php

BRB

Folks, I'll Be Right Back

11:28

AND I'm back :)

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