Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept non-ChE UG degrees?

Yes, we encourage prospective students with a wide range of UG degrees to apply to our program. The admissions committee prefers that applicants have some engineering background. Our core courses are fluids, reaction engineering, heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics and math for chemical engineers.

Is there funding for Master’s degree students?

Unfortunately, we have no funding for Master’s degree students. The University offers two competitive fellowships: Dow Sustainability and Rackham International. Occasionally, Master’s degree students are offered graduate student instructor or grader positions in the ChE Department.

Does my application need to be complete by the application deadline?

We will accept the test scores, letters of recommendation or official transcripts after the application deadline. However, please note that the admissions committee reviews the applications on an ongoing basis. The sooner that your application is complete, the better your chance of being offered admission (pending qualifying academic credentials).

What are my chances for admission if my GPA is low?

The Admissions Committee looks at the complete application including academic performance, GRE (and TOEFL if applicable) scores, research experience, letters of recommendation, and submitted statements. Applications are reviewed holistically and all materials are taken into consideration.

Can the English/TOEFL test score requirement be waived?

Only if you meet the Rackham Graduate School’s exemption criteria described at https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/tests/. The most common exemption is having a degree from a U.S. institution.

Did you receive my transcripts or do you need my transcripts?

Students with domestic transcripts: We can use the transcript that was uploaded with your application for the evaluation process. Please note that the transcript status changes to “Received” when Rackham receives your official transcript. If you only upload your transcript to the application, your transcript status would remain “Not Received”.

Students with international transcripts: It will take the Rackham Graduate School 7-10 days to evaluate and post your official transcript to your record. The status of your transcripts can be verified on Wolverine Access, New & Prospective Student Business, which is done by creating a Friend Account. (Wait for the confirmation email from the Rackham Graduate School to create your Wolverine Access Friend Account.)

Rackham only accepts the copy of your official transcripts. A transcript download from your school or a transcript with the title of “Unofficial Transcript” is not acceptable.

Will you accept letters of recommendation from my employer or research supervisor?

We will accept one recommendation letter from a non-faculty member, although we prefer that all letters come from faculty.

How important are GRE scores and should I retake them?

GRE scores are considered the least important item in the evaluation process. Only if the GRE scores are extremely high or extremely low are they taken into consideration.

If I have a test score that will expire during the application process, will you still accept it?

We will accept scores if they will expire during the application process.

Is my application complete?

To view the status of your application materials:

• Create a Friend Account (wait for the confirmation email from the Rackham Graduate School to create your Wolverine Access Friend Account)
• Log into Wolverine Access
• Select New & Prospective Student Business

Allow 10 days after submission.

Recommendations can be tracked through the online application system, ApplyWeb Account activity page, or in your Friend Account.

What are my chances for admission?

We receive more than 400 applications, many from highly qualified applicants. We are able to offer admission to only the very top applicants as funding is limited. Our target number is 30 for the PhD program and 15 for our Master’s degree program.

Are application fee waivers available?

The Rackham Graduate School administers fee waivers. To qualify you must meet the requirements for a specific fee waiver listed here.

The ChE Department administers fee waivers for qualifying U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or undocumented students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status who experience financial hardship. Applications are available here.