How best to apply? (Source)

- You’ll need a CV, transcripts, a personal statement, letters of reference, and (possibly) GRE scores.

• Sometimes other statements are also requested (e.g., diversity). What do committees care about, you ask? TOP priority: a letter of reference from someone with whom you did RESEARCH. Ideally a serious time commitment.​

 

1- Grades: STEM grades matter most, & improvement year over year can mitigate early struggles (and should be explicitly called out if needed). Taking some advanced/challenging classes with solid performance is important. ​

• If other factors kept you from being able to do research (maybe you were holding down a job to pay for school), explain that, and emphasize how you think what you learned will be transferable to the lab.

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2-  GRE Scores: Most places know they don’t correlate with success, and an increasing number of schools has begun not to require them. But… it doesn’t HURT to report a high score. And, high GRE ADVANCED scores can be useful for securing fellowship offers. Currently, providing GRE scores report is required for all applicants.

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3- Personal Statement: Save the flowery paeans about your 6-year old epiphany with respect to science, etc. Instead, speak to the SPECIFIC program to which you’re applying. Why them for you? How do your goals align with that program’s graduate training?

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4- In Chemical Engineering, we accept a group of grad students every year from our pool of applicants. Graduate Committee will admit students to our program. If you would like to be considered for positions in my group, mention that in your personal statement and explain why?

• Such a targeted personal statement will show the program/faculty that you did your homework and are serious about them (which may garner an increased commitment of financial support). Which groups’ research excites you? What facilities impress you? Be specific.

• I can recommend students to the graduate committee, but the final decision will be made by the graduate committee.

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5- Finally, reach out to me via email (mahdi.malmali@ttu.edu). If you are applying for a Ph.D. position, you should attach your CV which includes your current professional activity, GPA, GRE Scores, TOEFL Scores (for international students), list of publications (if any). I will do my best to respond to as many emails as possible.

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6- Online Application: here is the application website link where the departmental requirements are listed: 

      http://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/Programs/GraduatePrograms.php

Once the Ph.D, Chemical Engineering option is selected, the specific requirements i.e. GRE, Letter of Reference (3), Resume/CV and Personal Statement are listed.

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