Graduate Admission Frequently Asked Questions

APPLICATION/ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DATA

Q1. What are the application requirements?
A1. An applicant for admission must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, must have the necessary academic preparation to complete graduate level courses in computer science, and must be able to score competitively on the GRE test. The university requires at least a scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent if the letter grade system is not used. We expect at least a 3.50 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in the junior and senior years, and at least 3.50 in any graduate study. 
There are no minimum requirements for the GRE; however, the most competitive applicants earn average or above average scores compared to the computer science applicant pool. (Please see scores below). 
International students must submit a TOEFL with a score of at least 87 (computer-based) or 560 (paper-based), or an IELTS with a score of at least 7.0.

Q2. Do you accept applications for admission for study beginning winter or spring quarter?
A2. The computer science department accepts applications for fall quarter only. Applications should be submitted only between mid-September and the deadline of December 1.

Q3. How many applications did you receive last year and how many students were admitted?
A3. Following are data for applicants admitted for study beginning Fall 2012.

Q4. My academic background is not in computer science. Am I eligible to apply to your graduate program?
A4. The vast majority of applicants have a background in computer science. Other majors represented include electrical engineering, math, statistics, and physics. For undergraduate work, we recommend 2 years of calculus (through differential equations and introduction to discreet structures), 1 year of physics (mechanics; Oscillations, Waves, Electric and Magnetic Fields); and a statistics course. The M.S. breadth requirement, which most students have partially completed before they enroll in our program, will give you an idea about recommended computer science courses.

An applicant without a strong computer science background may be a very competitive applicant. Having professional experience and as well as having taken courses that are equivalent to prerequisites for upper division undergraduate coursework, and the upper division courses themselves, would be most helpful. Applicants best illustrate their professional experience by succinctly describing their skills and projects in the statement of purpose, and submitting letters of recommendation that 
relate their achievements and skills to their potential for success in their degree and career objectives.

Q5. Will my application be reviewed if any application material is submitted after December 1?
A5. In fairness to applicants and to assure the efficacy of the selection process, we cannot guarantee that your file will be reviewed if application material is submitted after the December 1 deadline. The number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats.

Q6. Are "conditional admission" offers made to applicants?
A6. No. All application material must be submitted before admission consideration is given.

APPLICATION/ADMISSION STATUS

Q1. Have you received my transcripts (or GRE, TOEFL)?
A1. Unfortunately, we are unable to verify receipt of your transcripts, GRE, or TOEFL. Unlike in previous years, the Graduate Division online document tracking site is not available this year. You will be contacted if any document or application material is missing or needed. Please do not email or call to inquire about receipt of documents as it will delay our efforts to process application material.

Q2. Will my application be reviewed if any application material is submitted after December 1?
A2. In fairness to applicants and to assure the efficacy of the selection process, we cannot guarantee that your file will be reviewed if application material is submitted after the December 1 deadline. Please make every effort to submit material by the deadline. Unofficial test scores may be emailed to the computer science department. As with many computer science departments, the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats. 

Q3. When will I be informed of my admission status?
A3. If you are a Ph.D. applicant, you will receive an email notification concerning your admission status by approximately March 11. If offered admission, you must accept or decline our offer no later than April 15. M.S. applicants will be notified by approximately March 29 and must also respond by April 15.

Q4. If I am admitted, may I defer my admission to a future term?
A4. No. The department does not offer admission deferrals. The number of 
qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats.

Q5. If I am not admitted, may I re-apply the following year?
A5. Yes. Re-applicants often have strengthened their candidacy. You would need to submit a new online application and new supplemental material. Your test scores will be available as long as they have not become outdated.

CALENDAR/TIMELINE

Q1. When is the deadline to submit application material?
A1. The deadline to submit application material is December 1. In fairness to applicants and to assure the efficacy of the selection process, we cannot guarantee that your file will be reviewed if application material is submitted after the December 1 deadline. Please make every effort to submit material by the deadline. Unofficial test scores may be emailed to the computer science department. The number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats.

Q2. When will my application be reviewed?
A2. The faculty begin reviewing Ph.D. applications in January and M.S. applications in February.

Q3. When will I be informed of my admission status?
A3. If you are a Ph.D. applicant, you will receive an email notification concerning your admission status in early February. If offered admission, you must accept or decline our offer no later than April 15. M.S. applicants will be notified in early March and must also respond by April 15.

Q4. When is the university closed for the holidays?
A4. Please visit the university's academic and administrative calendar. 

CONFIDENTIAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT (CFS): INTERNATIONAL M.S. APPLICANTS ONLY

Q1. When is the deadline to submit the CFS?
A1. PhD applicants need not submit a CFS, as funding is offered to all PhD applicants offered admission. Unfortunately, M.S. applicants are not eligible for departmental financial support. To qualify for a visa to study in the U.S., international M.S. applicants must demonstrate personal or agency financial support of at least $50,000 for the first year. Prospective M.S. applicants should apply for admission ONLY if they can provide such documentation, which will be requested if admission is offered, in early March. Information on the cost of attendance is available on the UCLA Graduate Division Cost of Attendance webpage.

Information about university-wide fellowships and grants, and external fellowships may be found at the UCLA Graduate Division funding webpage.

Q2. How much funding must I provide to qualify for a visa to study in the United States?
A2. The total amount of money needed for living and educational expenses for the 2012-2013 academic year for most programs at UCLA, including computer science, is US $49,946. This includes 1) US $29,720 for tuition and fees for three quarters, and 2) US $20,226 for basic living costs (food, rent, laundry, local transportation, books and supplies, etc.). It is estimated that the cost for the 2013-2014 academic year will be slightly greater than $50,000. Additional information about anticipated expenses is available at the Graduate Division website. 

COST OF ATTENDANCE

Q1. What is the cost of attendance at UCLA?
A1. A sample budget for most programs, including computer science, is available on the Graduate Division fees and living expenses webpage.

DEGREE OBJECTIVE AND REQUIREMENTS

Q1. May I apply to both M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs? 
A1. You may apply to either the Ph.D. program or the M.S. program but not both. Admission to the Ph.D. program is more selective than for the M.S. program. In general, the admissions committee does not consider Ph.D. applicants for admission into the M.S. program and vice versa. While a Ph.D. degree prepares students not only for careers in research and academia, Ph.D. applicants typically demonstrate significant achievement in and/or potential for advancing knowledge through independent research and teaching.
While a M.S. degree prepares students not only for careers in industry, M.S. applicants typically demonstrate interest in developing and applying technical skills and translational knowledge. M.S. applicants should be aware that the selection process is rigorous for M.S. students who later apply for admission into the Ph.D. program.

Q2. May I apply to the M.S. program if I already have earned or will soon earn a master's degree? 
A2. You will not be considered for admission into the M.S. program if you already have a master's degree in computer science or similar discipline such as information sciences or data systems. As with many computer science departments, the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of available seats.

Q3. Am I required to have a master's degree to apply to the Ph.D. program?
A3. No. In the Ph.D. classes beginning study Fall Quarter 2011 and Fall Quarter 2012, 42% and 24%, respectively, had earned only a bachelor's degree.

Q4. If I am a Ph.D. applicant, may I earn an M.S. degree while completing my Ph.D. at UCLA? 
A4. Yes, but only if you have not previously earned an M.S. degree in computer science or related field. You may petition for an M.S. degree as you fulfill the M.S. degree requirements. The Ph.D. Written Qualifying Exam (WQE) may be substituted for the M.S. comprehensive exam or thesis. Degree requirements are listed at the computer science departmental website.

Q5. Does computer science offer a distance learning program?
A5. The computer science M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs do not incorporate distance learning courses. However, the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science does offer an online M.S. in Engineering.

Q6. Does computer science offer a part-time program?
A6. No. Students must be registered and enrolled each quarter for a minimum of 12 units. Unless granted a formal leave of absence, students are expected to register every term, including the term in which their degree or certificate is to be awarded. The filing fee may be used in lieu of registration if all formal requirements for the degree, except for filing the thesis or taking the comprehensive examination, are met prior to the first day of instruction of the term.

FUNDING

Q1. Do I need to submit an application for departmental funding? 
A1. Applicants to the Ph.D. program will automatically be considered for departmental funding; no departmental scholarship application is needed. Awards will be given based on Ph.D. applicants' academic merit and potential. However, the department has limited funding and not all Ph.D. admittees will be offered financial support. Ph.D. applicants are informed of their financial support in their admission offers.
Unfortunately, M.S. applicants are not eligible for departmental financial support. To qualify for a visa to study in the U.S., international M.S. applicants must demonstrate personal or agency financial support of at least $50,000 for the first year. Prospective M.S. applicants should apply for admission ONLY if they can provide such documentation, which will be requested if admission is offered, in early March. Information on the cost of attendance is available on the UCLA Graduate Division Cost of Attendance webpage.

Information about university-wide fellowships and grants, and external fellowships may be found at the UCLA Graduate Division funding webpage.

Q2. How do I apply for a teaching assistantship (TA) position?
A2. The department accepts applications from current students in April for TA positions to be assigned the following academic school year. Ph.D. students fill nearly all TA positions. Assignments are contingent on your eligibility which includes passing CS495: Teaching Assistant Training Seminar, and for non-native speakers of English, passing the university's Test of Oral Proficiency (TOP). Students are welcomed to apply to TA positions offered in other academic departments and campus programs.

Q3. How do I apply for a graduate student researcher (GSR) position?
A3. Only a limited number of GSR positions are available for incoming Ph.D. students. These are awarded strictly on merit. GSRs are selected by individual faculty members who have externally-funded research contracts or grants.

GRE (GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION) 

Q1. What is UCLA's GRE institution code? What is the GRE department code? 
A1. UCLA's GRE institution code is 4837. The GRE department code is 0402.

Q2. I have completed a master's degree. Do I need to take the GRE?
A2. Yes, for admission consideration, you must submit an official score report of the GRE general test. 

Q3. Is the GRE computer science subject test required?
A3. No. The admissions committee does not review scores of this exam.

Q4. Does either the university or the department require a minimum GRE score? 
A4. No. There is no minimum GRE score requirement. However, the most competitive applicants earn average or above average scores compared to the computer science applicant pool.

Q5. I will not receive official GRE scores until after the application deadline. Will I still be considered for admission?
A5. Yes. As long as you complete the exam before the December 1 deadline, we will accept the scores. You may email your unofficial verbal and quantitative scores to the computer science department.

Q6. When do GRE results expire? 
A6. You must have taken the GRE within the last 5 years. For example, for applicants planning to begin Fall Quarter 2012, only exams taken since December 2007 will be accepted.

Q7. For multiple GREs, which scores do you use?
A7. Your highest scores for each of the sections are posted for review. 

Q8. Will you receive my GRE report if I did not provide or provided the incorrect department code?
A8. To avoid delays up to several weeks in matching your report to your application, it is important to use the correct institution code, 4837, and the correct department code, 0402. If you did not use the correct codes, we eventually will be able to match your report to your application. We recommend that you upload student reports to the Graduate Division application and email a copy of your student report to the computer science department.

HOUSING

Q1. Is there university housing and, if so, when can I apply?
A1. Space in university housing is limited. If you are interested, please submit an online housing application immediately after admission to the university. The application requires a $30 non-refundable fee. Information is available at the university housing website.

Q2. Are there any special housing arrangements for computer science students?
A2. The computer science department has been allocated a limited number of spaces to hold for funded, incoming Ph.D. students. Estimated monthly payments for the 2011-2012 academic year at Weyburn Terrace range from $1,300 to $1,400, including utilities.

Q3. How do students locate housing around UCLA and Los Angeles?
A3. A good place to start is the UCLA Community Housing Office (CHO) which provides an online rental database and maintains additional resources to assist those searching for housing in the Los Angeles area. Please visit the community housing website.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Q1. May I submit more than 3 letters of recommendation?
A1. Most applicants submit only 3 letters, which is the department's preference. The Graduate Division online application does allow the names of 4 recommenders to be submitted, and the department will review all letters received. (NOTE: The applicant's Graduate Division online application PDF does not show the 4th recommender, however, the Computer Science admissions committee will be able to see all 4 letters.

Q2. Can I change my recommenders or send them reminders?
A2. Yes. The Graduate Division online application allows you to change recommenders and send reminders as needed through the recommendation provider list.

Q3. Can recommendations be sent directly to the department? 
A3. We prefer that letters be submitted through the Graduate Division online application process. However, recommenders may mail, fax or email their letters to the following:

Graduate Student Affairs Office

UCLA Computer Science Department

4403 Boelter Hall

Los Angeles, CA 90095-1596
Fax: (310) 206-8133
Email: gradadm@cs.ucla.edu 

Q4. May I ask my work supervisors to submit letters of recommendation?
I graduated several years ago and am having difficulty contacting my former professors. 
A4. We prefer to receive letters from faculty members who are familiar with your academic history, however, we understand that applicants who have graduated several years ago, and/or applicants who have work experience may have recommenders outside of academia. Regardless of who writes the letter, the content should relate your achievements and skills to your potential for success in your degree and career objectives.

Q5. Will my application be considered if my recommenders submit letters after December 1? A5. Letters and transcripts are due by December 1. Typically, late letters and late transcripts received through December 15 will be reviewed, but it cannot be guaranteed.

MAJOR (FIELD OF STUDY)

Q1. Am I required to choose a major or field of study within computer science on the Graduate Division online application?
A1. Ph.D. applicants must select a field of study and preferred faculty advisor when submitting the online application. M.S. applicants are not required to selected either a field of study or preferred faculty advisor, however, most do so. Initial faculty advisors are assigned to new M.S. students during the summer before enrollment. M.S. students may choose a broad selection of courses or any combination of courses from the following fields: 

artificial intelligence; computer science theory; computer system architecture; computational systems biology; databases (information and data management); graphics and vision; network systems; and programming languages and systems.

Q2. May applicants apply to more than one academic program (e.g. CS and EE)?
A2. No. Applicants may apply to only one academic program, and within that program, only one degree objective.

MBA/MSCS CONCURRENT DEGREE PROGRAM

Q1. How do I apply to the MBA/MSCS Concurrent Degree Program?
A1. Applicants to the MBA/MSCS program submit two online applications including both GRE and GMAT and different sets of recommendations. Admission to both or either is competitive, and there is no guarantee that new or current students in one program will be admitted into the other program. To begin the application process, applicants submit online applicationsbeginning no later than December 1 to the Anderson School for management and to the Graduate Division for computer science.

Q2. What are advantages of completing the concurrent degree program?
A2. Two world-class programs uniquely prepare students for diverse professional challenges and opportunities. Students take 16 fewer quarter units in the concurrent program and are able to complete the requirements for both programs in 3 years. 

Q3. Where can I obtain additional information about the program? 
A3. Information is available on the Computer Science website and the Anderson School website.

TOEFL/IELTS (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

Q1. What is UCLA's TOEFL institution code? What is the TOEFL department code? 
A1. UCLA's TOEFL institution code is 4837. The TOEFL department code is 78.

Q2. Can my TOEFL/IELTS requirement be waived? I attended an institution at which all instruction was done in English.
A2. If you hold a bachelor's or higher degree from a university located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the primary spoken language and the medium of instruction, or who have completed at least two years of full-time study at such an institution, you are exempted from both the TOEFL/IELTS requirement and the ESLPE. Your official transcripts will verify your eligibility for exemption.

Q3. Will my application still be considered for admission if I scored below the minimum on one of the sections of the TOEFL?
A3. Yes. The computer science department will allow a score below the minimum on one section of the exam if your total TOEFL score is at least 87.

Q4. For multiple TOEFLs, which scores do you use?
A4. We use only the most recent TOEFL scores.

Q5. I will not receive official TOEFL/IELTS scores until after the application deadline. Will I still be considered for admission?
A5. Yes. As long as you complete the exam before the December 1 deadline, we will accept the scores. You may email your student report to the CS department (gradadm@cs.ucla.edu).

Q6. When do TOEFL/IELTS results expire? 
A6. You must have taken the TOEFL within 2 years prior to the current application deadline. For example, for applicants planning to begin Fall Quarter 2012, only exams taken since December 2010 will be accepted.

Q7. Will you receive my TOEFL report if I did not provide or provided the incorrect department code?
A7. To avoid delays up to several weeks in matching your report to your application, it is important to use the correct institution code, 4837, and the correct department code, 78. If you did not use the correct codes, we eventually will be able to match your report to your application. We recommend that you upload student reports to the Graduate Division application and email a copy of your student report to the computer science department.

Q8. Where may I find additional information concerning English requirements?
A8. Information on the IELTS, Test of Oral Proficiency, and ESLPE is available at the Graduate Division website.

TRANSCRIPTS

Q1. How many transcripts are required and where do I send them?
A1. All applicants are required to submit ONE (1) official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended. Official transcripts should be mailed to the address below to be received by the December 1 deadline. In-progress transcripts may be submitted. (NOTE: The Graduate Division website requests 2 transcripts. That request is outdated as of November 1, 2011. Only 1 set of transcripts is required to be sent to the Computer Science department.)

UCLA students and alumni please note: You do not have to submit official copies of UCLA transcripts.

Graduate Student Affairs Office

UCLA Computer Science Department

4403 Boelter Hall

Los Angeles, CA 90095-1596

Q2. I have requested that transcripts be sent to you, but I am concerned that you will not receive them by the deadline of December 1. If they arrive late, will I still be considered for admission?
A2. Typically, late letters and late transcripts received through December 15 will be reviewed, but it cannot be guaranteed. You may upload unofficial transcripts to the Graduate Division online application. This may expedite the department's initial review of your application; however, a departmental admission recommendation cannot be made to the Graduate Division without receipt of official transcripts.

Transcripts (International Applicants Only Q3-5)

Q3. How do you evaluate transcripts issued in a language other than English?
A3. International credentials issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by an English translation. Please submit ONE (1) set of official transcripts in both English and the native language. International applicants should refer to the Graduate Division webpage for information about submission of academic records.

Q4. My university does not assign grades on a 4.0 grade scale. Should I calculate my GPA?
A4. Staff in the computer science graduate student affairs office review and convert, as necessary, the marks or grades of all applicants.

Q5. My official transcripts do not contain all the requested information such as the month and year of award. Do I need to submit a diploma?
A5. A complete academic history must include attested or certified copies of official documents that provide the following: 1) individual subjects or classes with marks or grades; 2) class placement or overall grade; 3) degree certificate that includes degree received and degree conferral date; and 4) institutional marks/grading scale.

VISA (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

Q1. How much funding must I provide to qualify for a visa to study in the United States?
A1. The total amount of money needed for living and educational expenses for the 2011-2012 academic year for most programs at UCLA, including computer science, is US $49,946. This includes 1) US $29,720 for tuition and fees for three quarters, and 2) US $20,226 for basic living costs (food, rent, laundry, local transportation, books and supplies, etc.). It is estimated that the cost for the 2012-2013 academic year will be at least $50,000. PhD international students offered admission will be provided funding that meets the anticipated cost of attendance. (In a few instances, PhD applicants are admitted who have their own agency funding (e.g. Fulbright Fellowship, government/industry support) that meets the anticipated cost of attendance.)

Unfortunately, M.S. applicants are not eligible for departmental financial support. To qualify for a visa to study in the U.S., international M.S. applicants must demonstrate personal or agency financial support of at least $50,000 for the first year. Prospective M.S. applicants should apply for admission ONLY if they can provide such documentation, which will be requested if admission is offered, in early March. Information on the cost of attendance is available on the UCLA Graduate Division Cost of Attendance webpage.

Information about university-wide fellowships and grants, and external fellowships may be found at the UCLA Graduate Division funding webpage.

Q2. When may I apply for a visa?
A2. The Graduate Division prepares visa documents (Form I-20 for F-1 student visa) from May to September for admitted applicants who have returned the Statement of Intent to Register, Statement of Legal Residence, and CFS that includes the appropriate financial documentation. Please see information on visa procedures on the Graduate Division website.