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Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate Studies in
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice

 

  1. Can I apply directly to a Ph.D. program, or must I apply for the Master's degree first?
  2. Can I apply for either Spring or Fall admission?
  3. When should I begin the application process?
  4. I may have some documents sent to Rice before I submit the application forms. What will happen to them?
  5. If I do not have all required documents quite ready and the January 15th deadline is approaching, what should I do?
  6. Is there a minimum GRE score?
  7. What is the minimum GPA?
  8. What if I have other questions?

 


Can I apply directly to a Ph.D. program, or must I apply for the Master's degree first?

Chemical and biomolecular engineering admits primarily applicants seeking the PhD degree and students do not have to complete an MS degree first. Few students interested solely in a master's degree are admitted and only under special circumstances.


Can I apply for either Spring or Fall admission?

The Rice Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Enginering admits graduate students for matriculation in the Fall semester only. The deadline for receiving your completed application is January 15 of the calendar year in which you wish to enter the program.


When should I begin the application process?

You should begin your application process as early as possible. To make sure scores are available when admission decisions are normally made, you should take the required GRE (and TOEFL) test(s) at least a few months before the January 15 deadline. You should also request transcripts and letters of recommendation well in advance of the deadline in order to give the senders time to send the material to Rice.


I may have some documents sent to Rice before I submit the application forms. What will happen to them?

It is always our preference that your application is self-contained, i.e., all required supporting documents (except, of course, official GRE and TOEFL scores) should be included in the same envelope. If you are mailing your application you should include the material with your application form. If you are using the electronic application, please include a cover letter with your name, address, social security number and e-mail address with the documents you are mailing. These actions ensure the fastest processing of your file.

Should any documents arrive before the application forms, however, we will hold them in a pending file until the completed forms and application fee are submitted. (Pending file items are held for one year and then destroyed.). Anything mailed separately from the application form should be accompanied by a cover letter with your name, address and social security number.

REMEMBER: Materials submitted in support of an application are not released for other purposes and cannot be returned to the applicant.


If I do not have all required documents quite ready and the January 15th deadline is approaching, what should I do?

Go ahead and send in what you have ready (including, at a minimum, your application form and the application fee). Meeting the January 15 deadline is of paramount importance, however, and you must call or write to the department if you see a delay is unavoidable for one piece of your application package. You can write to the Graduate Studies Coordinator at cega@rice.edu.


Is there a minimum GRE score?

Rice University does not have an established minimum GRE score. However, chemical and biomolecular engineering is a highly competitive program and most of our top candidates have high GRE verbal, analytical and quantitative scores.


What is the minimum GPA?

Chemical engineering has not established a minimum GPA requirement. However, our top candidates have demonstrated excellence in their performance in the undergraduate programs they have completed. Typically this means very high GPA's from former undergraduate and, when applicable, graduate institutions.


What if I have other questions?

Applicants may obtain departmental information on graduate study by contacting the Graduate Admissions Coordinator:

Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, MS 362
Rice University
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892

Fax: 713/348-5478
Email: cega@rice.edu

Further information is available on our web site: http://www.rice.edu/chbe

For substantive questions about our program and graduate training in general, contact Prof. Hirasaki, Chair of the Graduate Recruiting Committee at gjh@rice.edu.

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CHEMICAL & BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING DEPT. MS-362
Rice University PO Box 1892
Houston, Texas 77251-1892
E-mail: chbe@rice.edu
Phone: (713) 348-4902
FAX:(713) 348-5478
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