Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate Admissions in the College of Computing
General Admissions
How do I apply?
Georgia Tech’s application for graduate study is only available online. (http://www/grad.gatech.edu/admissions/). We do not accept paper applications.
When is the application deadline?
December 15 for Ph.D. programs, February 1 for M.S. programs.
What are my chances of getting in?
That is a difficult question that requires complex analyses and knowledge
of all your application materials. No particular component of an
application is given special weight. All the factors are considered
together to develop a summative view of an applicant's potential.
That is, we can't tell you now---the committee decides.
Do I have to take the GREs?
The CS GRE test is required for all applications to graduate programs in
the College of Computing unless the specific program rules list exceptions.
The CS GRE test requirement was waived for a couple of past years because ETS
discovered a problem with the test and didn't offer it for about 13
months straight during 2003-2004. ETS has since fixed the problem and resumed the regular
test-offering schedule so we are back to requiring the test for Fall
2005 admission.
Do I have to take TOEFL and/or TSE?
We require the TOEFL, not the TSE. If you have attended a US college or university for at least one full academic year, you are exempt from the TOEFL.
Can you waive my application fee?
The application fee is a Georgia Institute of Technology requirement, not the College
of Computing. Hence, the College is not able to waive the fee for candidates.
Will you accept photocopies of my score reports?
No. We must have your scores reported to us electronically by the Education Testing Service. You have not met the testing requirements unless ETS has reported your scores to us. Please do not send us any paper score reports.
My application will be late. Is this acceptable?
We make no promises about the consideration of late applications. If positions
in the program are still open, late submissions will be considered
according to the discretion of the admissions committee at that time.
When will I know if I am accepted or declined?
Acceptance decisions begin occurring shortly after the application deadline.
All accepted students are notified promptly once a decision has
been made. Every effort will be made to complete all decisions by
March 15 for PhD applicants and by April 15th for MS applicants.
What do I do if I have a problem with my online application?
If you have technical difficulties while completing your application or letters of recommendation, you should send an e-mail to help@collegenet.com and include your User ID in the e-mail. The technicians at CollegeNet will be able to look at your application or letters of recommendation and help clear the problem.
What if all my supporting documents don’t arrive by the deadline?
They may not be considered in the review of your application. It is your responsibility to make certain that your application is complete and that the required materials reach us by the above stated deadlines. You may use your GTID and Password to check your submitted application to make certain that it is complete.
Can I transfer into a program from another College/University?
No. You must submit an application, and be accepted into a program.
Where do I mail my transcripts?
Graduate Admissions
Georgia Institute of Technology
631 Cherry Street, Room 318
Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0321
What should I do if the deadline has passed and one (or more) of my recommenders has not submitted their recommendation?
Please send an email reminder to that person. We do not notify the recommenders if they have not submitted their letter. It is your responsibility.
If I am an international student, What do I need to know about an I-20?
Any student on an I-20 who changes from the master's program to the doctoral program in your school/college needs a new I-20.
An F-1 student going from special non-degree to degree-seeking needs a new I-20.
An F-1 student changing majors (and therefore program) needs a new I-20.
An F-1 student transferring to Georgia Tech from another U.S. university needs a new I-20.
An F-1 student going from undergrad to grad at Georgia Tech needs a new I-20.
An F-1 graduate student who is readmitted may need a new I-20.
New graduate students or students transferring here from other schools request an I-20 from their major school (in this case, Graduate Programs, CoC). A student changing status or majors will get their I-20 from the Office of International Education(OIE). There is a form on OIE's website to request the change that must be signed by OIE and the academic department.
A student whose old I-20 is expiring also needs a new I-20, even if the I-94/visa is still current. This new I-20 for program extension will be prepared by the Office of International Education. Please contact them for more information at 4-7475.
PhD Admissions
I would like to complete a Ph.D. part-time while I continue to work. Is that OK?
No. It won't happen. Ph.D. studies will require all your efforts.
I am Master's Student in CoC already. Is there a special PhD admissions process for me?
Yes. Please contact the M.S. academic advisor for details. It is expected that such a student will have at least two letters of recommendation from College of Computing faculty.
Is it possible to visit the campus and the College of Computing? We ask that you wait until you have been admitted to a program before you visit. If admitted, you will be invited to attend our Ph.D. recruiting weekend that takes place sometime in March or April. If you are going to be in the Atlanta area at any time, you are welcome to stop by the College of Computing, however, we will not be able to make any appointments for you at that time.
How and when will I be notified if I am admitted? If you are admitted, you will receive an email informing you that you were admitted. This will be followed by an express mail package with your formal acceptance letter and other important information on the program and recruiting weekend. All applicants will receive notification of their status by March 15. We realize that waiting is very difficult; however, we request that you do not call our offices to inquire about the status of your application.
Master's Admissions
I would like to complete a M.S. part-time while I continue to work. Is that OK?
The M.S. inComputer Science is a full-time day program. The M.S. in Information Security is a full or part-time day program. We evaluate part time students on a case by case basis during the admissions process.
Do Master's students receive financial assistance?
The College is unable to offer financial aid to all graduate students. A small number of Master's students do have the chance to act as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs). However, applicants to the Master of Science programs should not expect financial aid.
My prior degree is not in computer science. Can I still apply and what are my chances?
The College of Computing prides itself on an interdisciplinary research focus,
in addition to studies of traditional core computer science topics.
Consequently, students with unique, varied backgrounds have the
potential to make significant contributions here. Now, this must
be balanced with the potential to acquire expertise in computing
at a future point also. Consequently, the College encourages applications
from candidates with non-CS backgrounds, as long as the candidate
exhibits excellence and technical aptitude in some other discipline
and has the desire to bridge this knowldege to computing.
Graduation
What do I need to do to graduate?
For each program, you must satisfy the degree requirements. The semester prior
to graduation, you must complete a petition to graduate. You may find the Registrar’s Deadlines here ( http://www.grad.gatech.edu/thesis/thesisdeadlines.html). If you are a Master's student,
you must complete a program of study form, as well. If you are a PhD student, or a
thesis option Master's student, you must also comply with the thesis submission deadlines
and policies.
What if I cannot register for the classes on my Program of Study?
If you are certain that you have met the degree requirements, then there is
no issue. If you have a question about whether you still meet the degree requirements,
you should speak to an advisor.
Other questions
I am a Master's student. Who is my academic advisor?
If you are working on a project or thesis, your project/thesis advisor is
also your academic advisor. If you have chosen an area of specialization,
you can go to that area advisor. If you haven't decided, yet, you can see the
MS Program Coordinator.
Will the College help support my travel to a conference?
The College has limited funds to help support student travel. Contact Barbara Binder (binder@cc.gatech.edu) for more information.
Are there any time limits for graduate students in the Ph.D. program?
All degree requirements must be completed within seven years from the end of the term in which a student passes the Qualifying examination.
Students must submit the petition for graduation during the term preceding the one in which they wish to receive their degree.