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Prospective Graduate Student Chat, Oct 3, 2019
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xizt
10:19
if I did my undergrad in a non-CS branch, can I still apply to MCIS? On the website it says "strong academic background in computer science" is necessary
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:20
Xizt, unless you have a strong non-academic background in CIS - say you have been working as a systems administrator or programmer for at least a few years, you would need to have a CIS academic background to be qualified for that program.
Qi Hneg (Mike) Ho
10:19
Hi, I'm in the process of applying to the PhD program in MEAM focusing on robotics. However, the coursework for the MSE in Robotics program is more relevant to my field of interest. Is it possible to obtain an MSE in Robotics on route to completing the PhD?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:22
Qi Hneg, it is. But this is a process you would apply for and begin after you were in the MEAM PhD program. While you can choose to apply for both at this time, you would only be able to start one in the Fall 2020 term, and then you'd apply to begin the second one after the completion of your first semester, or later.
Rhuta Joshi
10:20
So if my intended program does not have 2 admission deadlines, all applications for that program will be pooled together right?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:22
Rhuta, that is correct.
zhichun
10:22
Hi, I'm currently studying cis545 and cis419 in UPenn as an exchange. I find these courses really interesting and helpful so I'm interested in applying for the DATA Science master program. I want to know that if applying for the early admission, is there any advantage over the regular round?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:22
Zhichun, yes, historically we admit a slightly higher number of students in the early round compared to the later round.
Siddhartha
10:22
Hi,
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:23
Thanks for joining the chat, Siddhartha.
Sachin
10:22
Hi Will. Thanks for taking time out to answer our questions. I'm applying to the MEAM program with a focus on robotics, and I have a few questions. First, approx. how many students are accepted into the MEAM program every year? And how many applications do you receive?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:23
Sachin, are you looking at the MEAM Master's program, or the PhD?
Siddhartha
10:23
Just wanted to ask how much weightage do you think work experience have ? Also, what is the weightage given for GRE in application consideration? Course Applying: MSE Data Science
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:25
Siddhartha, I'm sorry, but I can't give details on how each specific part of the application is weighted. We use a holistic approach to reviewing the applications, especially because we have applicants from all over the world, and understand that an experience from a US applicant may be very different from a Chinese or Brazilian applicant, for example.
Sachin
10:25
Ah, my bad. The Master's program.
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:26
Sachin, not a problem. We received 347 applications this past year and accepted 175.
Siddhartha
10:25
I have entered 2926 as the code for sending my toefl score, Should that be a problem for my application? Do you think ill have to send my score again to 2888?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:26
Siddhartha, no, you will not need to. We will receive it if you used code 2926.
zhichun
10:26
Hi Will,
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:26
Hi Zhichun
cool 1
Emily
10:26
When I upload my unofficial transcripts for the online classes I've been taking (they are for credit), is it okay to attach a screenshot of the page showing my grades/class I'm taking (if I'm currently still taking it) as proof if the institution doesn't formally generate a report of it to export? Also, what should I do if I plan to take more online classes next semester but have no unofficial transcript as proof right now since I haven't registered yet? (It will most likely be at different institutions as well, but it's also still too early in the semester for me to register.) As a note, I am aiming to submit my application by the early deadline of 11/15.
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:28
Emily, yes a screen shot of your grade sheet for each of those courses should work as unofficial transcript. As for courses taken after the application deadline, you are able to update your transcript/course history after the deadline. However, if you are applying for the early deadline, you should receive a decision on January 15, so it may not need registration sheets for courses that you'd be starting at that time.
You could mention the courses that you are planning to take in the spring in your personal statement.
Qi Heng (Mike) Ho
10:26
Hi Will, thanks for your answer. If I were to do enroll in a PhD in MEAM in Fall 2020 and subsequently start a MSE in ROBO, would I still have to complete both coursework requirements independently? Or would it be the case that some of it can be cross-counted?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:29
Qi Heng, I would imagine that there are courses that would cross-count. Ultimately, this would be determined in conversations you'd have with the Program Coordinators for both programs.
Rhuta Joshi
10:28
Will where can i look for the faculty and their research work for CGGT Program specifically?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
zhichun
10:28
Hi Will, thanks. And I'm curious that for the toefl test, is there any specific requirement for the speaking or writing part?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:31
Zhichun, we don't have a minimum required score, but we recommend at least a total of 100.
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:32
Have you submitted your application?
Yes (0% | 0 votes)
 
Started it, but haven't submitted it (90% | 9 votes)
 
Not yet (10% | 1 vote)
 
I'm weighing all of my educational options (0% | 0 votes)
 
Total Votes: 10
Qi Heng (Mike) Ho
10:32
Can I do research with faculty in other departments (mostly within GRASP lab)?

For the PhD program at MEAM, how many are accepted and how many applications do you receive?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:34
Qi Heng, if you're focus was to be on Robotics then this would definitely be an option. Ultimately, it would be up to the faculty that you work with for your research focus. To your 2nd question, this past year we received 267 applications and admitted 30.
Sachin
10:35
Excellent. So, like I said, I want focus on robotics during my Master's degree, and I have a professor in mind under whom I want to conduct research. If I write in my SOP that I really want to work with them, and if that particular prof isn't accepting any students into the lab in Fall 2020, would my application be rejected on that basis?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:37
Sachin, I don't believe it would be, but I also can't guarantee that one way or another, if I'm being fully transparent. The other thing to consider is, would you still want to do the program if you were admitted but NOT able to study under that professor? When you apply to the MEAM PhD program, you are able to select potential advisors from a drop down list, so this is something to consider before completing the application.
Qi Heng (Mike) Ho
10:37
Thanks!
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:37
You're welcome!
Ashish Mittal
10:37
Hi, I've done a three year bachelor degree in computer science from a NAAC accredited A+ grade college in India. I want to pursue Master's in Computer Science. Am I eligible?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:37
Ashish, yes, we do accept those degrees.
John
10:37
Hi Will, can I know if it is possible that there are two deadlines, and I submit my application in the first deadline, but committee may hold my application and only make a decision after the second deadline?
AvatarWill Fenton, Asst Dir
10:38
John, it is very rare that a decision would not be returned by the early release date if your application was completed for early review. We usually return decisions to approximately 95% of applications, if not the full 100%.
cool 1
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