FAQs for Prospective Students

TRANSCRIPTS:

Q: Do I send official transcripts with my application?

A: A scanned/electronic copy of the official transcript will be used for initial review by our admissions committee. You will be required to have your official transcript sent to the Rackham Graduate School only if you are recommended for admission; please see Instructions for Submitting Transcripts. Use the Academic Records/Transcript Submission Form to submit your official transcript so that it is quickly associated with your application. Be sure to include your University of Michigan ID number on all documents. If there is anything you wish to explain about your transcript, please do so in the Statement of Purpose.

Q: Do I send Official Transcripts to the Department?
A: No, unofficial transcripts or scanned copies of official transcripts should be uploaded with the application online and not sent directly to the department. Official transcripts from degree-granting institutions only should be mailed directly to Rackham Admissions if you are recommended for admission; see Instructions for Submitting Transcripts. Use the Academic Records/Transcript Submission Form to submit your official transcript so that it is quickly associated with your application. Be sure to include your University of Michigan ID number on all documents. If there is anything you wish to explain about your transcript, please do so in the Statement of Purpose.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA):

Q: How do I report my GPA?

A: All applicants should report their Grade Point Average (GPA) on page 5 of the online application. The GPA should be reported using a standard U.S. four point scale. Applicants who attended an institution outside the United States should follow the instructions to convert their international average grade point to a U.S. four point GPA (see "How to Convert Grades to a U.S. GPA" here).

Q: I am having trouble converting my GPA by using the Scholaro GPA Calculator. Who is the best person to contact about this?

A: If you are having trouble converting your GPA to the 4.0 scale or are unable to find your institution’s scale for your country, please visit https://www.scholaro.com/contact-us/gpa for assistance. If you have any questions regarding these materials you can reach out to rackadmis@umich.edu. It is the student's responsibility to report their GPA in the 4.0 scale.

Q: Is there a minimum GPA required to apply, and what are my chances of being admitted if I have a low GPA?

A: No. All applications are reviewed and evaluated relative to other applications submitted in the same year. Grades in relevant courses (math, stats, computer science, etc.) are much more relevant than the overall GPA. We do not track GPA averages of applicants. Applicants with relatively low GPAs may be admitted based on other factors.

Q: What is the average GPA of applicants?

A: We do not track GPA of our applicants and there is no formal GPA requirement, we will use a holistic analysis of an applicant’s records. Grades in relevant courses are considered more than overall GPA.

TESTS AND TEST SCORES:

Q: Which documents or standardized tests are required for application/is the GRE required for the master's program?

A: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no longer required to apply for admission to any of the master's programs. Students who have taken the GRE may include the test result as additional information in their application if they wish. The GRE scores that we do receive play a minor and supporting role in a holistic evaluation of the application. If you wish to submit your GRE score, submit a request to ETS to send it directly to the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan code is 1839.

Dates and places to take the examination may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service by creating a GRE account. The University of Michigan code for the GRE is 1839. The GRE scores are automatically added to applicant records as long as name and birth date can be matched. Applicants must request that their scores be sent to the University of Michigan using the code above, on the GRE website.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. We require official transcripts from undergraduate and any other graduate degree programs. Please follow the application instructions carefully.

Q: Do I need to take the TOEFL?

A: Non-native speakers have to take the TOEFL or IELTS unless English was the official language of instruction at the institution where they received their undergraduate degree. Applicants can qualify for an exemption from taking an English proficiency examination if one of the following criteria are met:

• You are a native speaker of English.

• You completed all four years of your undergraduate education at an institution in the United States and earned a degree from that institution.

• You completed all of your undergraduate education and earned an undergraduate degree in one of the following countries, Australia, English speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.

• You completed all of your undergraduate education and earned an undergraduate degree at an institution where all classes are taught exclusively in English.

• You completed all of your graduate education, a minimum of two years duration, and earned a graduate degree in one of the following countries, the United States, Australia, English speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom. Graduate education includes Master's, Ph.D., and professional degrees. Graduate degrees that are exclusively research based are excluded.

• Current U-M student.

Q: Do I need to obtain a waiver or documentation to verify my English language proficiency exemption? 

A: No, your English language proficiency exemption is assessed and verified when you submit your application materials. If you meet the criteria, you will be exempt.

 Q: Can the TOEFL be waived in certain cases for non-native English speakers?

A: Yes; please refer to these Rackham guidelines.

Q: My TOEFL score is below the minimum, but I have other evidence of English proficiency. Will my application be considered?

A: The only acceptable evidence of English proficiency is a score on a University-approved English test: see Rackham English Proficiency Requirements. If your score is below the minimum required by the University, your application will automatically be rejected. The department cannot waive this requirement.

Q: How long are TOEFL scores valid?

A: TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. We accept TOEFL scores expiring in late fall or early winter as long as the official report from ETS is received before the deadline.

Q: What is the minimum TOEFL score required?

A: The minimum TOEFL total score required is 84 on the Internet based test.

Q: Do you accept English language proficiency tests other than TOEFL?

A: Yes, these are the accepted tests for Rackham Graduate School: TOEFL, ECPE, IELTS, and MET. Duolingo is not an acceptable test.

For full details, including minimum overall scores and how to
submit scores to Rackham Graduate school, see about more information, see Required Tests for Non-native English Speakers on the Rackham Website.

Q: What is the institution code for the TOEFL?

A: The institution code for the TOEFL is 1839.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Q: What should I do if my recommender has not received my online invitation to recommend me?

A: This tends to be a problem with a recommender's email account set up. The emailed invitation may be either blocked or automatically filtered into a junk mail folder. An applicant can check the status of their recommendations, resend a recommendation request, and even change a recommender if the recommendation is not yet started via an applicant's Personal Activity page. This page may be accessed under the Manage Your Account section of your online application homepage and by clicking on the Review Your Activity link. Once the application is submitted, the online application cannot be modified. Please refer to the application instructions for more details.

Q: My recommenders lost the email from CollegeNET (my online application) instructing them on how to submit the recommendation letter online. Can you resend the information?

A: No, we cannot. Only you, the applicant, can log back into your online application account and resend the information to your recommenders. If that does not work, then you need to contact CollegeNET directly.

Q: Can my recommender submit their recommendation via email to the department?

A: No, all application materials must be submitted online as part of the application system.

Q: Who should write my recommendation letters?

A: Your letter writers should be people with whom you have worked closely, and who are familiar with your work.

Q: I have been in the workforce for several years. Should I ask my employer or supervisors to write letters in support of my application?

A: Yes. We are most concerned with reading letters from individuals who can speak to your skills and abilities as relevant to the program. This can be from a supervisor, project lead, or anyone else who has overseen you in a professional capacity.

Q: Must all of the letters of recommendations be academic?

A: No, but the majority should be academic.

GENERAL MATERIALS QUESTIONS

Q: May I complete a paper application?

A: All applications must be submitted online. Any materials that are mailed or emailed directly to the program will not be considered.

Q: Is it possible for me to update my application after it has been submitted?

A: No, this is not possible. You should include all relevant information in your application before you submit it. We cannot revise materials via email.

Q: Can my materials be returned to me?

A: Sorry, no. We are unable to return or forward any submitted documents.

Q: Can I receive feedback on my application?

A: Unfortunately, we receive thousands of applications for less than 100 places for each program. We are not able to offer feedback on individual applications.

Q: How can I tell if my test scores and letters of recommendation were received?

A: You should be able to see if your test scores and letters of recommendation have been received and matched with your submitted application in the Wolverine Access system. If you have any further questions about your English language scores, you can contact rackadmis@umich.edu.

Q: What if my test scores or letters of recommendations are not submitted by the application deadline?

A: A completed application form and all supporting materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (PST) on January 15  to be considered for admission. We strongly encourage students to plan ahead and get their test scores and letters submitted ahead of the deadline. For things applicants cannot control - i.e. scores and letters - it is okay if they arrive within a few days of the deadline. We encourage all materials to be received by the deadline, as review begins immediately after.

Q: How can I know if I meet the eligibility requirements to apply? 

A:Please refer to Rackham Graduate School’s minimum requirements and eligibility criteria from non-US institutions. Our diverse community of graduate students comes from many different countries and many undergraduate majors. Your application should demonstrate that you have sufficient preparation to succeed in the required courses for the degree program.

Q: How can I show that I have satisfied the prerequisites? 

A: Your application should demonstrate that you have sufficient preparation to succeed in the required courses for the degree program. How you obtain that preparation, whether it is via online education or in-person, will not penalize you in any way. 

Applied Statistics

Q: If my undergraduate major was not in Statistics, what are my chances of being admitted to the Applied Master’s program in Statistics?

A: Applicants from various academic backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply. Applicants who have not completed an undergraduate major in statistics will not be penalized, but may need to enroll in some extra classes before taking the core courses necessary for a Master’s degree.

Q: What are the prerequisites needed to apply to the Applied Master’s program?

A: It is strongly recommended that prospective students have a good background in calculus and linear algebra and have taken at least one course each in: probability; and in theoretical statistics; and applied statistics, computational statistics, or machine learning.

Q: Do you accept transfer credit?

A: Please refer to the Rackham Graduate School Academic Policies for rules about transfer of credit into the Master's degree program.

Data Science

Q: Does my undergraduate degree have to be in Data Science?

A: No. However, most successful applicants are expected to have a degree in data science, computer science, information, engineering, physics, statistics or mathematics. Your application should demonstrate that you have sufficient preparation to succeed in the required courses for the degree program.

Q: What are the prerequisites needed to apply to the Data Science Master’s program?

A: Our diverse community of graduate students comes from many different countries and many undergraduate majors, including statistics, mathematics, computer science, physics, engineering, information, and data science. While a Data Science undergraduate major is not required, it is expected that applicants will have at least the following background before they join: 2 semesters of college calculus, 1 semester of linear or matrix algebra, and 1 introduction to computing course. Students should have undergraduate college courses in these areas from an accredited institution that issues a grade and transcript. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) or extension courses are not accepted.

Q: Do you accept transfer credit?

A: Our program does not allow transfer students per se, but if admitted, students will be able to submit course waivers for any relevant courses that they have previously taken. Course waivers are not transfer credits though. The more program requirements that are waived, the fewer courses/credits are needed to complete the program. However, at least 25 credits of graduate-level coursework must be completed during residency in the Data Science program. Of these 25, 18 must be at the advanced graduate level (500 level or above in LSA, UMSI, and CoE, and 600 level or above in SPH).

Q: What programming language is used for the MS Program? 

A: The master’s programs use R, Python, and C++

Q: Is there an application fee?

A: There is a non-refundable application fee, subject to change:

• United States citizens and those with permanent resident visa status — $75
• Non-U.S. Citizens — $90

Applications received without fees will not be processed. The application fee is paid online with a credit card before the application is submitted. 

Q: Can you waive or defer the application fee?

A: If you are applying to a Statistics graduate program and need assistance with the application fee, we encourage you to apply for a fee waiver. Only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible. First, please review the options through our Rackham Graduate School. If you do not qualify for any of these fee waivers, but still need assistance, please reach out to either masprogram@umich.edu (for Applied Statistics) or mdsprogram@umich.edu (for Data Science). Requests for fee waivers must be received by January 4, please complete this form. Unfortunately, international students are not eligible for application fee waivers.

Q: What are the steps in the admission process? 

A: Please review Rackham Graduate School’s Steps in the Admissions Process and their Overview of the Application Process.

Q: For what terms are master’s students admitted to the Department of Statistics (Applied Statistics and/or Data Science)?

A: Master’s students are admitted for Fall only.

Q: What is the deadline to apply for admission?

A: The deadline for admission is January 15. More information is on the How to Apply section of our website. All application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM on January 15 to be considered for admission.

Q: I see there is an application fee. If I want to apply to more than one program at a time, do I have to submit separate applications and pay more than one application fee?

A: Yes, applicants must submit a separate application, including application fee, for each program to which they apply. It is due at the time of application and is non-refundable.

Q: Can I apply to more than one program? 

A: Yes, however you must fill out a separate application and its supporting materials for each application. Application materials are not shared between programs, even if they are in the same department. Please review Rackham’s process on How to Submit More than One Application. 

Q: What if my test scores or letters of recommendations are not submitted by the application deadline? 

A: A completed application form and all supporting materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (PST) on January 15 to be considered for admission. We strongly encourage students to plan ahead and get their test scores and letters submitted ahead of the deadline. For things applicants cannot control - i.e. scores and letters - it is okay if they arrive within a few days of the deadline. We encourage all materials to be received by the deadline, as review begins immediately after.

Q: When will I receive my decision notification?

A: The faculty  typically make admission decisions in March or April. You will be notified by email as soon as a decision has been reached. 

Q: Is there a priority deadline for application? 

A: No, all applications and their supporting materials are due on January 15.

Q: Do you conduct rolling admissions? 

A: No, all applications are reviewed after the January 15th deadline. Applications received before January 15 will be reviewed after the deadline has passed. 

Q: How can I know if I meet the eligibility requirements to apply? 

A: You can find Rackham Graduate School’s minimum requirements to apply here. Additionally, for information about eligibility criteria from non-US institutions, please go here.

Q: How can I stay informed about the status of my application?

A: There is an online process for checking application status through the Rackham Graduate School. However, this will only indicate whether a decision has been made.

Q: Can my friend/relative call and find out my status for me?

A: If you would like to give someone permission to contact us on your behalf, you must indicate this on your application before you submit it.

Q: Can I defer my admission?

A: Deferral requests are reviewed and approved by the Admissions Committee. International students must first submit financial support documentation to the Rackham Graduate School before the deferral request can be considered. Please be aware that deferrals are for admission status only; financial aid offers may not be deferred. The process for requesting deferrals is subject to change based on current situations (i.e. a global pandemic).

Q: How can I unlock my U of M Friend Account?

A: Only Rackham Admissions can unlock a Friend Account. Please send an email to rackadmis@umich.edu indicating that your Friend Account is locked. The email should include your name, UMID, and email registered in the Friend Account.

Q: Where can I learn more about information for international students? 

A: You can visit the International Center’s website and contact them if you have specific questions regarding the visa process, immigration, etc. You can find their FAQ page here.

Q: Whom can I contact if I have a specific question?

A: (Data Science) If you have a specific question that is not answered here, please contact the Data Science Graduate Program office via email at MDSProgram@umich.edu.

A: (Applied Statistics) If you have a specific question that is not answered here, please contact the Applied Statistics Graduate Program office via email at masprogram@umich.edu

Q: What is the cost of tuition and fees? 

A: Current tuition and fee information can be found here. More information about cost of attendance is on the Rackham Graduate School's website. The cost of the tuition and fees is determined by how many credits a student is enrolled in per semester and may vary for each student.

Q: If I plan to pay for the cost of completing the Master’s program myself, what is the estimated cost for tuition, books, and living expenses?

A: Cost of attendance estimates can be found here.

Q: Is there a separate application to complete to be considered for financial aid?

A: There is no separate financial aid application for department funding. All eligible applicants are considered for financial aid (see more on eligibility above). Students may be eligible for FAFSA funding; this is outside of the department and does require an additional application.

Financial Considerations

Cost of the master’s degree is the student’s responsibility. You will be responsible for tuition at in-state or out-of-state (this includes international students) rates, living expenses, and health care. 

See the Rackham Graduate School’s website for financial aid available to Masters students.

• Cost of Attendance
• Funding
• Financial Information about I-20/DS-2019 Immigration
• Other Helpful Information about Funding
• General Information for International Students

Q: How many students are admitted to the Master’s programs each year?

A: Both the number of applicants and the size of the entering class have increased over the past few years. In recent years we made well over 100 offers of admissions and around 70 students came to our programs each year.   

Q: What is the proportion of international students in the Master’s programs?

A: About 75% of the students in our programs are international.

Q: What is the average GPA of applicants? 

A: We do not track GPA of our applicants and there is no formal GPA requirement, we will use a holistic analysis of an applicant’s records. Grades in relevant courses are considered more than overall GPA.

Q: How long is the program?

A: Most students will finish the program in 2 years (4 semesters).

Q: Can I enroll part time in the program?

A: This is possible, and some of our current master’s students attend classes and work. Your course plan would need to be fully discussed with the program advisor to make sure you are enrolling in the correct courses needed to make progress towards your degree. Part-time study is typically not available to international students on F-1 visas.

Q: Do you have evening programs?

A: Only some classes are offered in the evening. It is not possible to complete the program taking only evening courses.

Q: Is this program fully online or in-person? 

A: This program is an in person, on campus program at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus. 

Q: Is this program recognized as a STEM program? 

A: Yes, this program is recognized as a STEM program and students would be eligible for an OPT-STEM extension, please see here.

Q: What are the program requirements?

A: You can review the program requirements on our websites - Applied Statistics Program and Data Science Program.

Q: How many credits can I enroll in for one term? 

A: While there is no upper limit on how many courses you can be enrolled in each term, it is strongly recommended that you do not enroll in more than 3-4 courses each semester. 

Q: What programming language is used for the MS Program? 

A: The master’s programs use R, Python, and C++

Q: Does this program require me to write a thesis or conduct research? 

A: No, this program does not have a thesis option. You can find information about research and our faculty on our website.

Q: Is completing an internship required as part of this program? 

A: No, it is not required; however many of our students find and participate in internships.

Q: How can I find an internship/job? 

A: Students may visit umjobs.org and student jobs and search for jobs. They can begin employment once they are a student; new students must wait until Fall term begins to begin employment. Plus, there are a variety of career resources on campus and offered in the department for students. We do not guarantee internship/employment, but provide many opportunities for engaging with potential employers.

Q: Where do graduates of the program find employment?

A: Our graduates find employment across various sectors - please see this page for more information.

Data Science

Q: What can I do with a Master’s in Data Science Degree?

A: Our graduates find jobs in government, insurance, banking, finance, medical research institutions, pharmaceutical industry, and others. Some go on to Ph.D. programs in statistics or other subjects, such as biostatistics or economics. Here are some sample job titles of recent graduates:

• Data Scientist
• Research Engineer
• Data Analyst
• Software Engineer 
• Statistician

Q: Is there also a Ph.D. program in Data Science?

A: No. If you decide to continue for a PhD, you would do so by applying to a disciplinary program with one of the four sponsoring units, or others.

Applied Statistics

Q: What can I do with a Master’s in Applied Statistics Degree?

A: Our graduates find jobs in government, insurance, banking, finance, medical research institutions, pharmaceutical industry, and others. Some go on to Ph.D. programs in statistics or other subjects, such as biostatistics or economics. Here are some sample job titles of recent graduates:

•    Data Scientist

•    Financial Analyst

•    Market Researcher

•    Reliability Engineer

•    Research Scientist

•    Statistical Consultant

•    Statistical Research Analyst

•    Technical Analyst

Q: I am interested in going into finance and would like to have a better understanding of statistics. Would the Applied Master’s program be an appropriate degree?

A: We have had Applied Masters alumni find careers in finance.  Some recent examples of finance jobs our graduates started upon completing the degree:

•    Quantitative Research and Trading at Worldco, LLC

•    Financial Analyst at the Quantitative Strategies Group of Goldman Sachs

•    Quantitative Operations Manager at Bank of America

•    FX Options Trader – Associate at Bank of America

•    Credit Risk Analyst at Household Credit Services