Applying to Graduate School: Computer Science Application Toolkit
If you’re interested in applying to a computer science graduate program, Careers in Computer Science offers students and College alumni the opportunity to meet with an adviser, either in person or virtually, to strategize about target schools and to review graduate school application materials. Our team is here to help as you identify programs of interest that match your career and research goals, including Masters and PhD programs.
UChicago’s BX/MS Joint Program
You can graduate in four years with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from UChicago’s world-class Department of Computer Science. The department offers three options for undergraduate students at the college to graduate with a BA/MS or BS/MS degree in Computer Science. Visit the College Catalog for a detailed overview of each program.
Application Components
Each graduate school application generally will include the following components:
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- GRE scores
- Official transcript(s)
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Supplemental essays
Below you will find guidelines for each component. Please contact Brianne Caplan at blcaplan@uchicago.edu if you have questions or would like assistance preparing your materials.
RESUME / CV
Your resume or CV allows graduate schools the opportunity to see your previous experiences, leadership activities, and skills that demonstrate your ability to thrive in future programs of interest. Resume and CV guides are available on the Career Advancement virtual resource library, and the Careers in Computer Science team is here to help as you craft this snapshot detailing previous experiences and meaningful. You can make individual appointments with the Careers in Computer Science team as you develop your resume or CV materials.
GRE
GRE requirements can differ greatly depending on your schools and programs of interest. In preparing for the GRE, you should identify which programs have requirements and complete all required exams, including general GRE and subject GRE tests.
Comprehensive information on the GRE Test can be found at https://www.ets.org/gre, where you can find test prep information and full-length practice tests. Other organizations such as Kaplan and Princeton Review also offers full-length practice tests that are highly recommended as students prepare for these exams. If you meet certain criteria, you may qualify for a GRE fee reduction waiver.
TRANSCRIPT
You should review a copy of your unofficial transcript well before the application deadline to ensure that it’s accurate. You can view your unofficial transcript through your my.UChicago portal. If you need to make corrections, contact the Office of the University Registrar.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Your statement of purpose is an extremely important component of your application that demonstrates your motivation to pursue a graduate degree, as well as the experiences and qualifications that have prepared you for success in graduate school. These statements connect your interests, previous experiences, and career goals with specific programs that you have identified.
Careers in Computer Science advisers can help you brainstorm, review, and edit your statement of purpose.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Computer Science graduate programs generally ask for at least three letters of recommendation. Identified letter writers should be able to speak about your interests and career goals, as well as your previous experiences that have prepared you for graduate study.
You should give recommenders at least six to eight weeks’ notice before the letters are due, providing them with your resume/CV, statement of purpose, and any other helpful materials that will allow them to craft a strong letter on your behalf. For more guidance on how to approach a professor for a recommendation, please speak with a Careers in Computer Science adviser.
Top Computer Science Graduate Schools for UChicago Graduates
- UChicago
- MIT
- Stanford
- Harvard
- UC-Berkeley
- Carnegie Mellon
- Princeton
- Columbia
- University of Michigan
- Cornell
- NYU