APPLICATIONS
Are paper applications accepted, or must I apply online?
The interactive online application is the University’s preferred method of receiving application materials. To apply online, visit the CU-Boulder web site.
If you are unable to apply online, please contact the graduate program assistant for the Department of Applied Mathematics (amgradco@colorado.edu) to request a pdf version.
What does my application packet need to include?
If you are a domestic applicant (U.S. citizen), your packet should include the following:
Application
Personal statement or statement of purpose in essay form (resume optional)
GRE General Test results (Subject Test is optional)
Two official academic transcripts from each institution attended
Four letters of recommendation
$50 non-refundable application fee
If you are an international applicant (non U.S. citizen), your packet should include:
Application
Personal statement or statement of purpose in essay form (resume optional)
Financial Statement form (only if requesting financial support from department)
GRE General Test results (Subject Test is optional)
TOEFL scores
Two official academic transcripts from each institution attended
Four letters of recommendation
$70 non-refundable application fee
Supplementary application materials should be sent directly to the Department of Applied Mathematics (See below).
Is there a web site where I can check the status of my application?
One day (24 hours) after receiving an e-mail confirming that your application was successfully submitted, you will be able to check your application status through the MyCUBoulder portal using the same login credentials as the application.
You also will be able to view a checklist with information on what application materials have been received. Missing information or credentials delay application processing and may affect your chances for admission.
When will I be notified of the decision on my application?
Generally, applicants are notified of the graduate committee’s decision by April 1.
Notification may be by phone or e-mail.
Will I be notified of the decision on my application either way?
Yes, you will receive notification of the decision on your application whether or not you are accepted to the graduate program in the Department of Applied Mathematics.
SUPPLEMENTARY APPLICATION MATERIALS
Why do I need to submit two official transcripts for each institution I have attended?
One official transcript is retained by the Department of Applied Mathematics, and the second transcript is submitted to the Office of Admissions along with other application materials.
What should a personal statement or statement of purpose include?
Your application packet must include a personal statement or statement of purpose in essay form, submitted online as an additional document.
This statement should provide relevant educational and work history and background information, such as how you became interested in the field of applied mathematics and how your background has prepared you for graduate study, as well as educational and professional goals.
The personal statement is uploaded with the online application. While a resume may be included, it does not suffice as a personal statement.
Must I complete a financial statement?
All international applicants requesting consideration for financial support must complete a financial statement, which should be submitted with the online application or in a packet containing supplementary application materials. Once an international applicant is accepted to the graduate program, having the financial statement on file will help International Admissions expedite the visa process.
You can find the financial statement on the web page below:
http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/pdf/FinancialStatement.pdf
Why do I need to submit four letters of recommendation, when the standard number of letters of recommendation for comparable institutions is three?
Many criteria are considered during the application process, and letters of recommendation play a major role. The graduate committee can obtain better insight on an applicant with four letters of recommendation.
APPLYING
Can I apply for spring or summer admission or only fall admission?
Generally, the graduate committee of the Department of Applied Mathematics does not encourage spring or summer admission, largely due to the fact that required yearlong course sequences start during the fall semester.
If it is past the application deadline, can I still apply?
Competition for admission to the Department of Applied Mathematics graduate program is keen, and it is highly recommended you apply by the posted deadlines for domestic and international applications.
The graduate committee of the Department of Applied Mathematics reserves the right not to consider applications received past the deadline.
If I apply for the Ph.D. program and am not accepted to that program, will I automatically be considered for the MS program?
In the event that you are not accepted to the Ph.D. program, you will be considered for the MS program.
If I want to apply to more than one academic department at the University, do I need to submit another application for each program?
Yes, you must submit an application and fee for each academic program you apply to at the University, creating a separate account for each application submitted.
If my test scores are not available until after the application deadline, should I wait until they are reported to submit all my application materials?
No, please submit your application materials by the deadline. Competition for admission to our graduate program is keen, so you should make every effort to have as much of your application as possible submitted by the posted deadline.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Do all incoming graduate students automatically receive financial support from the department?
No, not all incoming graduate students receive financial aid from the department. However, most graduate students in the Department of Applied Mathematics enter the program with either a teaching assistantship or a research assistantship.
There are two ways to indicate that you wish to be considered for financial support. If you apply online and do not need to submit supplementary application materials separately, include the words FINANCIAL AID at the top of your personal statement. If you are sending application materials to the department, include a copy of your application with the words FINANCIAL AID in the upper right-hand corner of the first page.
I want to be considered for financial aid, but the online application does not provide a space to write this. How do I request financial support?
If you are an international applicant, please write FINANCIAL AID at the top of the first page of a printed copy of the application, which should be included with your application packet.
If you are a domestic applicant, please include the words FINANCIAL AID at the top of your personal statement, which should be submitted online as an additional document.
What are the approximate tuition and fees for the average graduate student at CU-Boulder?
While it is not possible to quote exact amounts on tuition and fees for graduate students, you can obtain an estimate using the Bill Estimator through the CU-Boulder web site. Following is a link to the Bill Estimator web page for academic year 2011-2012: http://bursar.colorado.edu/tuition-fees/bill-estimator/
MAILING/SHIPPING ADDRESS
What is the mailing/shipping address for the Department of Applied Mathematics?
Graduate Committee
Department of Applied Mathematics
University of Colorado at Boulder
1111 Engineering Dr.
526 UCB, ECOT 225
Boulder, CO 80309-0526
TESTS
What is the minimum TOEFL score for admission to the graduate program?
Minimum TOEFL scores vary depending what form of the exam is administered.
For admission to the graduate program in the Department of Applied Mathematics, the minimum TOEFL scores are: 250 (computer-administered), 600 (paper-based), and 100 (internet-based, or iBT).
What are the minimum GRE scores for admission to the graduate program?
The graduate committee of the Department of Applied Mathematics has identified the following minimum GRE scores:
Verbal: 150
Quantitative: 160
Beginning in fall 2011, ETS changed the GRE score scale from 200-800 to 130-170, with a 1-point increment vs. a 10-point increment between scores. During the transition to the new scoring system, the graduate committee will view all GRE scores converted to the new scale.
Are GRE subject scores required?
No, only GRE General Test scores are required. Subject Test scores are optional.
What is the institution code for the GRE and/or TOEFL?
The institution or college code for CU-Boulder is 4841.
Do I need to use a department code for the GRE and/or TOEFL?
No, you do not need to enter department code when ordering scores for either the GRE or the TOEFL.