Biomedical Engineering
Graduate Program Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions after reviewing this information please contact bmengp@umn.edu.

Q: Should I submit both applications online or can I send a paper version of the applications?
A: Both applications require that you apply online.

Q: Can I waive or defer the Application Fee?
A: No, the application fee cannot be deferred or waived. All offers of financial support are pending completion of this application. To be eligible, you must submit the application and pay the fee by January 10.

Q: Can I have a friend or relative in the United States pay the application fee for me?
A: Yes. While submitting the online application the payment must be made by Credit Card.

Q: When is the application deadline for fall semester?
A: January 10th is the deadline for applicants to receive full consideration for financial assistance.
Applications after January 10th will still be reviewed but offers will only be made in exceptional circumstances.

Q: Do I need to submit a separate application to be considered for financial aid?
A: No. There is no need to fill out a special financial aid application for this program.  Applicants who wish to be considered for Graduate School Fellowships must have a complete application package submitted by January 10th. Typically no financial aid is offered to part-time students or full-time students pursuing a Plan B/non-thesis M.S.

Q: Can I apply for admission starting in spring or summer semester?
A: We only consider accepting applicants during the spring and summer semesters who are currently enrolled in our graduate school and/or have been guaranteed full funding from outside grants or assistantships.

Q: What codes do I give ETS when requesting my GRE or TOEFL to be sent?
A: GRE: The Institution Code is 6874; and the Dept Code is 1603
TOEFL: The Institution Code is 6874; and the Dept Code is not required.

Q: Should I send letters of recommendation to the department or the Graduate School?
A: You may choose to either submit the letters online or mail them directly to the BME Graduate Program Office (not both).  When you apply to the
Graduate School you may list your references and their contact information. The letters will be submitted electronically and the BME Department office will receive copies of the letters of recommendation. If your reference writers chose to submit the letter online they must mail a hard copy of the cover letter and recommendation letter directly to the BME Graduate Program office.

Q: Do the letters of recommendation need to be from faculty in my undergraduate institution? What if I am currently enrolled in another graduate program?
A: Yes, letters should be from your undergraduate institution or a combination of both if you are enrolled in a graduate program. You may also include an additional letter or letters from industry, if applicable. If enrolled in a graduate program then one letter must be from your research advisor.

Q: Should I send a transcript to both the Department and the Graduate School?

Yes.  The official Transcripts/credentials from each college and/or university you attended must be sent directly to the Graduate School.  The BME Graduate Program office will accept a photocopy or unofficial transcripts/credentials.  Be sure to send a copy of an official English translation if the original language is not English. If you accept our offer of admission, you will be required to send official transcripts to the Graduate School before you can register.

Q: Will my application be considered if I do not meet the recommended criteria?
A: Our admission's committee will consider applicant's GRE scores along with GPA, research experience, recommendation letters, personal statement and all background information holistically to determine eligibility for admission. 

Q: How will I be notified of the decision for admission?
A: A decision for admission letter will be emailed to you once your application is carefully reviewed by the department’s admission committee and the Graduate School officials.  You can expect a decision by late March or early April.

Q: Can I defer my admission if accepted?
A: Please check with the Graduate Program Coordinator if this is a concern after you have been admitted.
bmengp@umn.edu or 612-624-8396.

Q: If I am NOT applying for financial support do I need to submit an application to the Department as well as the Graduate School?
A: Yes, we would appreciate it if you could fill out the online application for the Department. Indicate in the additional comments section that you are not applying for financial support. Indicate what source of support you will have, i.e., military or fellowship from industry. Students who are interested in pursuing a degree part-time should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator at bmengp@umn.edu or by phone at (612) 624-8396 before applying.

Q: What is the approximate class size and the number of applicants to your Department?
A: The Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program usually admits 15-20 full-time students and about 10 part-time students each year.

Q: Who should I contact if I have any questions about the application process?
A: Your first point of contact should be the Graduate Program at bmengp@umn.edu. If necessary, your questions will be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies.