Department of Statistics

How to apply

You will need to submit an online application. Please read the instructions carefully and make sure that the right materials are sent to the right office (Rackham or the department of choice). The Fall 2009 online application will be available by mid August 2008.

If you have any questions about these procedures, please contact Lu Ann Custer by email at lac@umich.edu or by phone at 734-763-3520.

GRE

The department expects the GRE Aptitude Tests for admission to any of its graduate programs. We receive applicants from students from a great many institutions in the U.S. and abroad; the GRE scores provide us with a measure that is common to all the applicants. No decision we make is based solely on GRE scores, nor do we believe that high GRE scores are by themselves good predictors of success. You should make arrangements to take these tests as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. The GRE's are given by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It usually takes a few weeks after the exam for the scores to reach us in official form. We encourage applicants to take the GRE's no later than December. Request that ETS send your official scores to our Rackham Graduate School . Optional: You can submit unofficial copies of your scores directly to us in addition to asking ETS to submit the official scores. We will have access to the official scores once they are loaded onto the university’s database. You do not need to take the Mathematics subject GRE test. Test Codes are: University of Michigan 1839, Department of Statistics 0704.

Transcripts

Your transcripts are important to the admissions committee; your choice of courses indicate your interests and your performance is reflected in your grades. We look most carefully at the range of depth of courses that you have taken, and at your grades in these courses. If you wish to explain any anomalies in your transcripts you should do so in your Statement of Purpose.

You must provide 2 sets of official final undergraduate and/or graduate academic records/transcripts, with your degree posted. Official documents must be provided from the institution awarding the degree.

One set must be submitted to us and the second set must be sent to Rackham Graduate School Admissions. It is your responsibility to request the release of any such records from the institutions involved.

Where to Mail Your Transcripts:

The University of Michigan
Attn: Lu Ann Custer
Department of Statistics
439 West Hall
1085 South University
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1107
USA

Rackham Graduate School Admissions
Attn: Transcripts
915 E. Washington Street
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1070
USA

English Test

Applicants who have earned a degree from an institution where the language of study was exclusively English or have earned a degree from a U.S. institution are exempt from the TOEFL requirement. All others are required to furnish the official results of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The University of Michigan requires a score of at least 220 on the computer based test, 560 on the paper based test and 84 for the internet based test for admission. For the internet based test, the minimum sections scores are: Reading 23, Listening 23, Speaking 17 and Writing 21. We also accept the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The minimum score is 6.5 for this test. Test Codes are: University of Michigan 1839, Department of Statistics 59.

Letters of recommendation (3 required)

The admissions committee puts great weight on concrete letters of recommendation from people who are in a position to judge your potential for successfully completing graduate studies in statistics. Often these letters reveal strengths and interests that might not be reflected in grades and GRE scores. To write the letters you should select people who can tell us about your training and abilities, and about any special talents you might have.

You should arrange for people to write letters for you at or before the time you send your application to Rackham. The letters should be sent directly to the department. You may also wish to have your recommenders send their letters on-line.

Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose gives you an opportunity to tell us about yourself and your reasons for wishing to pursue a graduate degree in statistics at Michigan. You should tell us about your background, motivating influences that aroused your interest in statistics, and your career goals and objectives.

If you are currently enrolled in a graduate program elsewhere, you should tell us why you wish to change institutions or degree programs.

Personal Statement

How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan?

For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree.

Note: Who will read this statement? All the parts of your application, including this statement, will be read by members of the Admission Committee in our department. The Admissions Committee always include program faculty, but some committees also include program staff and advanced graduate students.

Curriculum Vitae/Resume

You will need to submit your curriculum vitae or resume that describes your education, work experience, research and teaching experience, professional affiliations, volunteer activity and community engagements, honors and awards.

Application Fee

The fee is $60 for domestic (e.g.,US citizens and individuals on permanent resident visa status) and $75 for international (e.g., non-US citizens). You may start sending materials before you pay the fee but we cannot consider you for admission until the fee is paid. We are sorry but we cannot waive the fee.

Deadlines

The department prefers to have completed applications by January 15 (for all International applicants) or January 31 (for Domestic applicants). We do still accept applications after this date (and material in support of such applications), but decisions on admission and aid may be delayed until other applications have been considered. We only consider applicants for Fall admission because all our core sequences of classes start in the fall semester.

Your completed online application and supporting documents (including academic records/transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, etc.) should be submitted early enough to arrive two to three weeks prior to the deadline.

The deadline is the date by which all application materials must be received by both our department and by Rackham. Early submission may avoid unnecessary delays.

Note: All credentials submitted for admission consideration become the property of the University of Michigan and will not be returned in original or copy form.