Engineering PhD Question

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello all.</p>

<p>I am in a PhD program in Engineering and am not happy with research, environment and department. I applied to another school but was rejected - both are top schools (Top 10).</p>

<p>I was most likely rejected due to low GRE - 700 Quant, 500 Verbal, 5.5 Written (Very Low for Top 10 Engineering Schools, I know). I had great LOR, excellent Statement and GPA was 3.7 overall, 3.85 major.</p>

<p>So, I want to apply again to this school. How can I write a follow up letter to the professor at the rejection school saying what I can improve, what was the reason for rejection or what I can do next time. I have a disability and medical condition also that effected my GRE score.</p>

<p>I also dont want to continue at my current school. Should I let me current supervisor know - maybe he can provide a reference.</p>

<p>Please let me know if it is appropriate to write a follow up to a PhD rejection letter and any advice or tips.</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

2

<p>I am no expert, but it is very unusual to write a follow up letter as you describe. I don’t think it will be useful. At some schools(most schools?), the specific engienering department accepts you and then sends your admission to the graduate school which does a final screen based on their minimum requirements. It’s possible that you got rejected at that stage because of the Quant GRE score. But its way too late to check this out. </p>

<p>Also, are you currently an RA or TA? Because if you are an RA, it would be hard to get a positive LOR since you have just wasted your advisor’s money. How long have you been at your current school?</p>

3

<p>I have a reason following up - it is due to illness and disability. I doubt highly that a graduate school has a GRE cut off score, that just does not make any sense.</p>

<p>I did not use current school as LOR, and have been there only for one term.</p>