Application Process

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Information Required Dates Applying

Two distinct entities review applications to our graduate program:

• The UW Graduate School oversees all graduate programs. It collects basic application data and enforces certain minimum standards.
• The Chemical Engineering Department administers the chemical engineering program. It collects additional data (details of professional experience, honors, and letters of recommendation, etc.) and imposes additional standards. Its Graduate Admissions Committee -- a group of three faculty members -- reviews each case.

It is essential that both the Graduate School and the Chemical Engineering Department receive the materials they require by the deadlines given below!

We regret that we cannot accept all qualified applicants. In particular, we can admit only a few international applicants. To be competitive, such applicants must be highly ranked (top 5%) in a respected chemical engineering program, score at least 600 (paper based) or 250 (computer based) on the TOEFL, and score at least 750 on the quantitative portion of the GRE.  Additional evidence of English proficiency, such as high GRE verbal and analytical writing scores, will strengthen the application, as will evidence of ability to carry out independent research.

Please see our frequently asked questions for additional information on graduate admissions.

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We strongly prefer that students apply for Autumn Quarter (September) admission, in which case the following timetable applies:

Those wishing to be admitted for Winter or Spring quarters must have completed at least one year of graduate course work in chemical engineering.

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Summary of Information Required

• UW Graduate School -- see their web site for details.
  • All students must supply --
    • Completed application form.
    • Non-refundable application fee (50 USD). The fee is a bit lower if you apply electronically and pay using a credit card.
  • In addition, international students (as defined by the UW Graduate School) must send to the Graduate School --
    • Official transcripts and degree statements.
    • For non-native English speakers --
      • Official TOEFL scores. The Department of Chemical Engineering requires a minimum score of 600 on the traditional test, and 250 on the computer-based test. Request Educational Testing Service, PO Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 to forward your TOEFL score report using our institution code 4854. Score reports over two years old (from the test date) are no longer valid.
      • NOTE: The Graduate school application instructions require the Test of Spoken English (TSE) with a minimum score of 55. This only applies if you have a TA appointment in your first year, which is never the case for our students. Thus, our students routinely enter the UW without this test.
        
        Prior to your second year, however, you would be required to satisfy the UW requirements for international TAs. If you have not taken the TSE, or your score is less than 55, you will have to take the UW's SPEAK test. If your score on the SPEAK test is less than 230, you will be required to take a remedial English class at your expense. Thus, it is best to pass the TSE requirement before you come here.
• UW Department of Chemical Engineering -- all students
  • Completed departmental application (including a "Personal Statement"). The required form may be downloaded.
  • Confidential evaluations by three professors (or other technical professionals). The required form may be downloaded.
  • Official GRE scores. We require the general (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) scores, but do not require a subject test. NOTE: The GRE institutional code for the UW is 4854, and the departmental code for Chemical Engineering is 1001. Make sure you use these when requesting your score report.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. NOTE: if you are sending official transcripts to the Graduate School (see above section for international students) you need only submit an unofficial copy to Chemical Engineering, but we prefer an official copy.
  • A copy of the completed Graduate School application form.

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Domestic Applicants

The following applies if you are a U.S. citizen or hold a U.S. Permanent Resident Visa (i.e., "Green Card or Immigrant").

• Take the GRE and have scores reported to the UW (School code 4854) and the Chemical Engineering Department (Program code 1001).
• Apply to the UW Graduate School.
  • If you have a MasterCard or Visa (credit or debit card) we strongly recommend that you apply electronically. It's faster and cheaper. At the end of the process you will print a copy of your completed application, which you will send to Chemical Engineering (see later step).
  • If you prefer to apply by mail, download the Graduate School application form (use the form for U.S. citizens). The form includes detailed instructions. You will be asked to complete and sign the application, then make a good quality copy. Send the original and the application fee to:

• Ask the Registrar of each college and university you have attended for one copy of your official transcript. These should be given or mailed to you in a sealed envelope. DO NOT OPEN THESE ENVELOPES. If you do, the transcripts are no longer considered official. If your institution won't release official transcripts to you, ask that they be mailed to the Department of Chemical Engineering (see address below).
• Download the Department's application and recommendation forms. Print one copy of the application form, and three copies of the recommendation (evaluation) form. Complete the top section of each recommendation form (applicant's name, waiver section, student's signature).
• Ask three people to provide evaluations. The most useful and influential evaluations are from professors and other technical professionals who know our program and have recommended other students. Include at least one professor from the school you most recently attended. Give each person a copy of the recommendation form, which they should complete and send directly to Chemical Engineering. ( As a courtesy, provide your evaluators with a pre-addressed envelope with the proper postage.)
• Complete the Department's application form (including your Personal Statement). NOTE: you will be considered for financial support unless you are applying for the non-thesis Masters degree.
• In a sufficiently large and sturdy envelope, enclose 1) the copy of your Graduate School application; 2) official transcripts; 3) Department application & Personal Statement. Mail to:

International Applicants

An international student is anyone who is not a U.S. citizen and does not hold a U.S. Permanent Resident Visa (i.e., "Green Card or Immigrant"). International students already studying in the U.S. must also use this procedure.

• Take the GRE and have scores reported to the UW (School code 4854) and the Chemical Engineering Department (Program code 1001).
• Unless you are exempt, take the TOEFL and have scores reported to the UW (School code 4854).
• Optional. Take the TSE and have scores reported to the UW (School code 4854).
• Obtain two official transcripts and degree statements from each college and university you have attended -- see instructions for obtaining official transcripts and degree statements.
• Complete and submit the UW Graduate School application form.
  • If you have a MasterCard or Visa (credit or debit card) we strongly recommend that you apply electronically. It's less expensive. At the end of this procedure you will print a copy of the completed application. Also make a high-quality copy to send to Chemical Engineering (see later step).
    
    In a sufficiently large and sturdy envelope enclose 1) a copy of the UW Graduate School application; 2) one official copy of each transcript and degree statement. Affix proper postage and mail to

• If you prefer to apply by mail, download the Graduate School application form (use the form for international applicants). The form includes detailed instructions. You will be asked to complete and sign the application, then make a good quality copy.
  
  In a sufficiently large and sturdy envelope enclose 1) The original UW Graduate School Application; 2) the required application fee; 3) one official copy of each transcript and degree statement. Affix proper postage and mail to the Office of Graduate Admissions (see address above).
• Download the Department's application and recommendation forms. Print one copy of the application form, and three copies of the recommendation (evaluation) form. Complete the top section of each recommendation form (applicant's name, waiver section, student's signature).
• Ask three people to provide evaluations. The most useful and influential evaluations are from professors and other technical professionals who know our program and have recommended other students. Include at least one professor from the school you most recently attended. Give each person a copy of the recommendation form, which they should complete and send directly to Chemical Engineering (the address is on the form).
• Complete the Chemical Engineering Department's application form (including your Personal Statement). NOTE: you will be considered for financial support unless you are applying for the non-thesis Masters degree.
• In a sufficiently large and sturdy envelope, enclose 1) a copy of your Graduate School application; 2) the second copy of your official transcripts and degree statements; 3) Department application & Personal Statement. Mail to: