Topic Index

Topic One: Pre-Evaluations of Applicants

Topic Two: MS/PH.D and MCS Degree Programs

Questions and Answers

1. Pre-Evaluation of Applicants

Q: Do you pre-evaluate applicants?
A: We receive many requests from foreign applicants to evaluate their credentials before they send the application fee and formally apply. We realize that it is expensive to send application fees and other documents, and it would be helpful to know that in advance that you have a chance for success. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide this service. The Graduate Admissions Committee makes all admission decisions, and it is unfair to ask the members to spend time on such evaluations without the application fee. We cannot grant that option to either American or international students.

Topic Two: MS/PH.D and MCS Degree Programs

2. Differences between types of Master's degrees

Q: What is the difference between the MS and MCS degree?
A: The Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a non-thesis program requiring thirty course hours of approved courses, geared towards persons who will be entering the industrial market. The Master of Science (MS) is a thesis program geared towards persons interested in research and academic positions; in addition, thirty course hours of approved courses are required. For those in the MS/Ph.D program, the MS degree is awarded after completing certain requirements and presenting the thesis proposal.

3. MCS/MS financial aid

Q: What types of financial aid are available for MCS and MS pursuing students?
A: No aid is offered for the MCS program, so the applicant must have independent financial support. The MS program offers research assistantships. The Office of Financial Aid offers need-based aid in the form of loans and College Work Study to graduate students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or refugees.

4. Applying for both the MCS and the MS

Q: Can I apply to both the MCS and MS degree programs?
A: Yes. However, please be aware that a GRE Subject test in either computer science, math, or engineering is required for all MS/Ph.D applications. Although the subject test is recommended, it is not required for those applying to the MCS program.

5. MCS degree application requirements

Q: What are the specific requirements for applying to the MCS degree program?
A: All applicants must submit GRE standard test scores. Any applicant whose native language is not English must also take the TOEFL. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may be substituted for the TOEFL. Three letters of recommendation are also required. GRE subject test scores are also considered, though not required. Test of Spoken English (TSE) scores are given special consideration and are strongly recommended for non-native English speakers.

6. Transferring from Ph.D to MS, or from MCS to MS/Ph.D

Q: Can I transfer from the Ph.D. program to the MS or MCS program?
A: Transferring from the Ph.D. to the MS or MCS program is allowed only in the most extraordinary circumstances. If a person transfers from the Ph.D. or MS program to the MCS program all tuition from initial enrollment has to be repaid before receiving a degree.

Q: Can I apply to the MCS program and then transfer to the MS/Ph.D. program if accepted?
A. The MCS requirements have to be completed before applying to the MS/Ph.D. program; no transfers are allowed.

Topic Three: Scores

1. Average scores

Q: What is the average GRE score and GPA for admitted applicants in the Computer Science graduate program?
A: Typical GRE scores for admitted applicants are in the 90-99th percentile on the quantitative and analytical portions of the GRE for those applying to the Ph.D. program and in the 80-89th percentile for the MCS program. CGPA scores range from 3.5-4.0 based on a 4.0 scale.

2. Score substitution

Q: Can GMAT scores be substituted for the GRE scores?
A: No.

3. TOEFL minimums

Q: If my TOEFL score is below the minimum, will my application still be considered?
A: The admissions committee may still review the application; however, the application process for entrance into the computer science department is highly competitive and priority will be given to applicants with higher TOEFL scores. Minimum TOEFL scores are 600 on the paper-based test or 250 on the computer-based test.

4. Delay in submitting GRE/TOEFL scores

Q: Due to some unavoidable circumstances, I cannot get my GRE & TOEFL scores sent before the February 1 deadline. Can I apply for fall admission?
A: Because the GRE score is a requirement for admission, the admissions committee cannot consider your application without it. However, if we receive your application by the February 1 deadline, we will hold your application until the GRE scores are received. The committee may then review your application. Since the program is highly competitive, completed applications will receive priority in the reviewing process.

5. GRE score requirements

Q: What are the departmental score requirements for the general GRE and the GRE subject test?
A: The minimum score required on the general GRE is 70 percent in the analytical and quantitative sections. However, this is a minimum requirement, and applicants who are offered admission generally have much higher scores. There is no minimum score for the GRE subject test.

6. TOEFL/GRE photocopies

Q: Can I submit photocopies of my TOEFL/GRE scores instead of requesting reports?
A: Yes.

7. TOEFL/GRE score validity
Q: How long are TOEFL/GRE scores valid?
A: TOEFL scores are valid for three years and GRE scores for five years.

8: GRE exceptions

Q: Are there any instances in which an applicant does not have to submit the GRE general scores?
A: If the applicant is a Rice undergraduate, then GRE scores do not have to be submitted.

9. Multiple test scores

Q: What is your policy regarding multiple test scores? Which scores will be considered if the GRE, TOEFL, or TSE exams have been taken more than once?
A: The latest score.

10. GRE subject exam

Q: I am a Ph.D applicant, but lack a GRE subject test score. Can I apply as an MS candidate instead?
A: The GRE subject test is required for both MS and Ph.D applications.

11. GRE subject test waivers

Q: Can the GRE subject test be waived?
A: The decision to waive the subject test requirement is at the discretion of the graduate admissions committee.

Topic Four: Application Fee

1. Fee Payment

Q: What forms of payment do you accept for the application fee?
A: Checks or money orders made out to Rice University.

2. Fee Waivers

Q: How do I apply for a fee waiver?
A: Please have the financial aid office at your university write the Department of Computer Science with a letter stating the financial circumstances that require you to apply for an application fee waiver.

3. Non-applicant fee payments

Q: May I send the payment check separately from the rest of the application? If someone else is paying the fee, what procedure is necessary so my fee payment is recorded?
A: We will accept an application fee mailed separately from the application. Please ask the person writing the check to include your name somewhere on the check.

Topic Five: Tuition/Financial Support

1. Tuition

Q: How much is tuition?
A: The 2002-2003 tuition for full-time graduate study is $18,500 per year. Required health insurance and other miscellaneous fees are about $450 annually.

2. Financial Support
Q: How much financial support do Ph.D. students usually receive?
A: In their first academic year, Ph.D. students in the department normally receive financial support in the form of Rice University fellowships, that carry a stipend of between $2000 and $2222 per month, plus tuition.

Topic Six: Recommendation Letters

1. Recommendations

Q: How many letters of recommendation are required?
A: Three letters of recommendation are required for a complete application. If the applicant wishes to submit more than the required three letters of recommendation, they will be added to the applicant's file.

2. Sending Recommendation

Q: Can recommendation letters be mailed with the application? Do you accept letters of recommendation via e-mail?
A: The department encourages letters of recommendation to be mailed by the referee. However, letters mailed with the application will be accepted provided they are in individually sealed envelopes and signed by the referee on the flap of the envelope. Hard copies of recommendation letters are preferred, but e-mail letters will be accepted.

Topic Seven: Joint MBA/Masters of Engineering Program

1. Joint MBA/Master of Engineering Program

Q: How do I apply for the Joint MBA/Master of Engineering Program?
A: This program is administered by the Jones School of Business. To enter this program, applicants must be accepted by both the Jones School and the engineering department in which they wish to enroll. The program requires a special application, which may be obtained from the Jones School. Further information about the program may be obtained at the Jones Graduate School website: http://www.rice.edu/jgs.

Topic Eight: International Student Information

We are unable to guarantee visas to international students.

Topic Nine: Status of Applications

Q: How can I track the status of my application?
A: Having to process hundreds of applications, we are not able to inform you of every step in the processing of your application. If you submit your application using the online interface, it automatically gets into our database. Hardcopy applictions are acknowledged via email. Early acceptance letters are mailed out by March 1. If you are accepted early, you must notify us of your decision by April 15. If you are wait-listed, you will be contacted via email by April 20.

Topic Ten: General Questions

1. Stipends and application deadlines

Q: What is the difference between the "high stipend" award for early applications and the regular stipend award? Are applications received by the regular deadline of February 1 ineligible for the high stipend?
A: There are a limited number of "high stipend" awards for exceptional applicants. Applications for the MS/Ph.D program received by the early deadline of December 20 may be considered for a high stipend and a travel award. Applications received by the regular deadline of February 1 may be considered for a regular stipend.

2. Inquiring about application status

Q: How may I check the status of my application?
A: Send email to mcisnero@rice.edu.

3. Correct mailing address

Q: To which address should the application be mailed?
A: The application should be sent to the following address:
Graduate Admissions
Department of Computer Science
P.O. Box 1892, MS-132
Houston, Texas 77251-1892

For Courier Deliveries ONLY:
Graduate Admissions
Department of Computer Science
6100 Main St., MS-132
Houston, Texas 77005

4. Part-time degree program

Q: Does the Computer Science Department at Rice University have evening, weekend, or summer courses which lead to a graduate degree in Computer Science? Are online or distance learning programs offered?
A: The Department of Computer Science does not have classes in the evenings, on weekends, or during the summer. The possibility of part-time status can be requested only after a student has applied and been accepted in the MCS program. The MS/Ph.D. program is only for full time students. No online or distance learning degree programs are offered by this department.

5. Doing only thesis work

Q: I am working towards my Master's Degree at another university, but would like to work on my Master's Thesis in the Department of Computer Science. Whom would I need to contact about proceeding with this plan of study?
A: An applicant seeking a degree from Rice needs to go through the regular application process. If no Rice degree is expected, contact ivajean@rice.edu.

6. "Application fee received" page question

Q: I have downloaded the PDF version of the application. The fourth page starts with "Application fee rec'd". Do I have to fill in or submit this page?
A: This page, while part of the application, does not need to be submitted by the applicant. The Department fills in the information on the page and will provide it if it is not in the original document.

7. Reapplying or reactivating a prior application

Q: I am reapplying to the MS/Ph.D program. What is the procedure for reapplication or reactivation of a previously submitted application?
A: In order to reapply or reactivate an application, the applicant must send an email or written letter indicating the desire to reactivate a prior application. The $35.00 application fee must also be resent. The applicant is responsible for inquiring about the status of missing required documents/test scores, if any were missing in the prior application, and submitting missing documents/test scores before the next deadline Recommendation letters and GRE/TOEFL/TSE scores from a prior application being reactivated are not required to be submitted a second time.

8. Graduate Outreach Program

Q: I am interested in learning more about your Graduate Outreach Program. Where can I find more information about this program?
A: Contact Theresa Chatman at tlc@rice.edu for further information.

9. Transfer Credit

Q: Can I receive credit for courses taken at another university?
A: Two courses or up to a total of six hours can possibly be transferred. The courses cannot have counted towards another degree.

10. Application Deadlines

Q: What is considered the deadline for receipt of application materials: the postmarked date or the date the application is received?
A: The date the application is received.

11. Time to graduate degree

Q: How long does it take to complete the requirements for a graduate degree in computer science at Rice?
A: It takes approximately one and one-half (1-1/2) years of full time study to receive the MCS degree, up to four (4) years for the MS degree, and six (6) to seven (7) years for the Ph.D.

12. Applying with one or more advanced degrees

Q: Can a holder of an advanced degree such as a Ph.D or M.D. apply to the MS/Ph.D or MCS programs?
A: Yes.