Prospective Graduate Students
Application Information
Who Should Apply?
Polymer, Textile and Fiber Engineering (PTFE) graduates are expected to become outstanding engineers and professionals. We want individuals who will be able to contribute to and benefit from the programs offered by the School. Demonstrated engineering skills, research ability, and the potential for future growth are important factors in the evaluation of applicants. We value prior experience in scientific research because it leads to an understanding of complex technical matters, provides chances to assume responsibility, and gives opportunities to take initiative in solving technical problems.
Evaluation of intellectual ability is based on academic record, graduate work (if any), Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test scores, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose, as well as other evidence. Because of the participatory nature of our graduate programs, applicants must have well-developed written and oral skills in English. Other important criteria are developed interpersonal skills and strong personal integrity, including strong ethical standards. These characteristics are assessed primarily through the biographical essay and the three required letters of recommendation. Admission to our graduate program is very competitive. Each year there are more outstanding applicants than there are places.
How to Apply
You must apply directly online through http://www.grad.gatech.edu/admissions. In addition to completing an online application, you should have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in science or engineering. Although most applicants have a degree in polymers or textile engineering, we also encourage students from other engineering programs as well as the sciences to apply. You may be required to take additional courses upon admission depending on your background.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test scores are required. We have no specific cutoffs for grade point average (GPA) or GRE score; however, a GPA of 3.0 (for M.S.) and 3.5 (for Ph.D.) is desirable. International students must also have a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 213 (on the computer test), and must file a certified statement indicating that they have the financial resources to meet all costs of their first year of graduate study. Please note that no other test for English proficiency is accepted. A TOEFL score is not required if the applicant's undergraduate or graduate degree is from a U.S. institution or earned in a country whose first language is English.
When to Apply
PTFE admits the vast majority of graduate students for the fall semester; however, applications may apply at any time for admission for the following term. International students are only accepted for admission in the fall semester of each year unless they already reside in the United States. Applications for summer or fall semester received after March first will be considered only if there are openings in a given class. Early applications are strongly advised. International students may apply as they are completing their current degree.
Deadlines
For summer and fall semesters, the application deadline is February first. For spring semester, the application deadline is October first. Applications received after these dates may be considered on a space-available basis.