Admission Related Questions: (prepared largely by Dr. Sooby Battarcharjee)

DEADLINES FOR ADMISSION TO OUR PROGRAM:

Fall Semester Admission (Domestic & International Students): February 1^st.

Spring Semester Admission (Domestic & International Students)): No admissions for spring 2010.

Q1. I got admitted to SDSU last semester, but could not start attending because of a personal problem. Do I have to reapply from scratch?

Your record remains in the Graduate School for one year. If you want to reactivate your file you have to submit the application fee again. Your file will be re-examined and you will be notified of the outcome officially.

Q2. I got admitted this semester, but cannot take classes because of a personal problem. Can I keep my admission alive so that I do not have to reapply?

In your first semester you must register for at least one unit of classes (in any department). You may take it for audit (if the instructor allows) if you like. That way you will be within the system. If you are a foreign student, you must be registered for 9 units to be a full time student. Your visa may require you to be a full time student.

Q3. I attended SDSU last semester, but cannot attend school for a prolonged period due to personal problems. How long can I stay out of the system without having to reapply?

You can be out of the system for one semester after being a regular student for at least a semester. If you have to stay out for another semester, you must contact the admission office and fill out a special request form. (Usually it is easily granted). If you stay out for more than two semesters in succession, you have to reapply. Of course, your old courses may still be applicable towards your degree if they are not more than six years old.

Q4. I am already a Master's student at SDSU in another department. Do I have to apply from scratch?

No! Go to Graduate School and fill out a special form. Your record at SDSU will be routed through proper channel and you will be considered for admission like any other applicant.

Q5. What GRE scores are acceptable?

The higher the better of course but a minimum of 950 in verbal and quantitative will be needed.

Q6. What is the minimum TOEFL score I need.

Applicants whose major education has not been in the English language must score the following on their TOEFL exam: 550 (paper version) and 213 (computer test).

Q7. What about GPA?

For students from US universities a GPA of 2.85 is the minimum. For students from universities outside the US, a 3.0 is a minimum. Exceptional students who have done very well in the GRE but have fell a little below these requirements, may also be considered for conditional admission.

Q8. I have exceptional Quantitative and Analytical scores in GRE, but the verbal part is deficient. Is there any way in which I can be admitted?

If your scores are very good in Quant and Analytical, you may be admitted with the condition that you get a better score in the Verbal part. If after trying repeatedly you fail to do so, while getting good grades in your coursework, you may be asked to take a remedial Technical Writing class RWS 503. You must get a B or better grade in that class.

Q9. Can I start taking courses even if I am not enrolled as a regular student? If so how can I apply those units towards my Masters?

Yes. You can take classes through what is called 'open university courses' and apply one semester worth of such classes towards your Masters. It does not matter how many classes you take, but it cannot span more than a semester. For more info on Open University classes contact Open University Program, Extended Studies, Gateway Center, SDSU

Classes/Tests Related Questions:

Q10. How do I get the schedule number for ME797?

You should be classified and advanced to candidacy before you register for ME797. You should first see the graduate advisor and then contact Ms. Emon Fatoohi, our department secretary. She will write down some information about you and give you the schedule number for registration.

Q11. I have finished all coursework and am working on my thesis. Do I need to register for 799?

You should register for 799A or 799B (if you have already taken 799A) if you are going to submit the thesis in a particular semester. If you are not enrolled in either, the grad division will not accept your thesis.

Q12. Can I register for 797 and 799 in the same semester?

Sure no problem!

Q13. I have taken a similar course at another institution. How do I transfer the credits? What is the maximum number of units I can transfer?

Transfer of units is not an easy. You have to formally apply to the MSME Graduate Advisor with all the evidence (transcript, description of the course, etc.) and fill out Petition For Adjustment Of Academic Requirement For Master's Degree. Upon receiving this letter, the Graduate Advisor sends his/her recommendation to the Graduate School where the final decisions are made. You can only transfer a maximum of 9 units.

Q14. I performed badly in a couple of courses, what is the minimum GPA I need to graduate?

You need to have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 (that includes all courses taken at SDSU since you joined the program) and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the program.

Q15. What happens to my GPA if I retake a class and do much better the second time?

Your major GPA will reflect only the later grade whereas your overall GPA will carry the earlier and the later grades.

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