Are you thinking about applying to EEB at the University of Michigan? If so, here are some answers to frequently asked questions from prospective students.

Applying
Q: Is it possible to fill out the recommendation form electronically? I assumed my recommenders would be able to, but it won't allow typing in any fields.
A: You should register your recommenders on your application; then they will be emailed information about how to complete the letter of recommendation and upload it to your application.  If your recommenders are not computer-friendly, you always have the option to download the letter of recommendation form and have the recommender fill it out and mail it to us.

Q: Is it required to contact faculty of similar research interest prior to submitting an application?
A: It isn’t a requirement to get in touch with faculty before you apply to the program, but it would be a really good idea for you to get to know the person you might work with before you apply. Information on faculty fields of interest can be found on the faculty directory, with more information on each specific faculty member's webpage.

Q: Can the MCAT be substituted for the GRE?
A: We cannot substitute the MCAT for the GRE. We are really interested in seeing an applicant's ability to think and write critically, as well as his or her math and science foundation.

Q: What are the cut-off GRE scores for admission? If there are none, what are the average scores of accepted students?
A: There are no minimum requirements for GRE scores. Our faculty are more interested in your research experience and letters of recommendation. However, if your GRE scores are substantially low, then that may make your application less attractive.

Here are some stats on this year’s entering cohort:

18 Ph.D. students
Mean GRE scores: 608 verbal, 758 quantitative, 4.25 analytical
Mean GPA: 3.5
50% women, 50% men
Mean age of class: 24
11% minority students
50% international students
22% have M.S. degrees

Q: Are some parts of the GRE more important to admissions than other parts, for example, the quantitative section?
A: No portion of the GRE is more important than another; verbal and analytical skills are also critical in scientific endeavors.

Q: Are GRE scores used for anything other than admissions, such as qualifications for fellowships?

A: GRE scores are only looked at for admission.

Q: What do my TOEFL scores need to be?

A: Rackham has minimum requirements for the TOEFL. These vary depending on if you are taking the paper-based or the computer-based tests. Please refer to Rackham's Web site for their minimum requirements for the TOEFL.

Q: Can you check to make sure my GRE and TOEFL scores have arrived?
A: In order to check, we need your UMID#, which is an 8-digit number you would have gotten by registering here for a friend account. (Note:  If you have questions about creating a UM Friend Account, use these detailed instructions.) If you haven’t already created a friend account, please do so, and include your UMID in your query.

Q: Do you need my transcript for my BA translated to English?
A: Please ask your university to send an official transcript, and an official English translation of the transcript.

Q: On the application Web site it states that letters of recommendation with the official Rackham Recommendation Form cover sheet can be submitted online, however I see that the recommendation form requires the applicants signature for waiving right of access. Is my signature required or could I type my name on a digital copy? 
A: If you or your recommenders are filling out the recommendation form electronically, you can simply type your name and the date.

Q: I am having a hard time tracking down information on the personal statement on the Rackham website, can you help at all?  I would like to know what exactly the Graduate School/the EEB department is looking for in this statement as opposed to my statement of purpose.
A: 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 especially 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. Rackham requests a 500 word limit. Note: If you go over this limit that in no way makes your application invalid, but might make the admissions committee impatient; remember, they have many of these to read.

Funding
Q: What is your stipend rate for fall and spring (the academic year minus summer)?
A: The department fellowship and graduate student research assistant (GSRA) rates are based on the graduate student instructor (GSI) rates. The typical GSI has a 50% appointment, working between 16.5 and 20 hours per week during the eight-month academic year.  During the 2008-2009 academic year, the median half-time GSI salary will be $16,070, approximately $8,035 per term.

Q: What responsibilities does the Ph.D. stipend entail (teaching/research load)?
A: GSI appointments provide the primary means of support for EEB Ph.D. students. GSIs teach small introductory classes, facilitate discussions in small sections connected to large lecture courses and run laboratory sections. The typical GSI has a 50% appointment, working between 16.5 and 20 hours per week during the eight-month academic year. EEB Ph.D. students are expected to teach in the fall and winter terms of their first year, and for four additional terms during their five years of supported study. GSRA appointments provide Ph.D. students with funding support while conducting their own research or assisting others with research relevant to their own academic goals. GSRA appointments are generally provided through an advisor’s externally funded grant or contract. Faculty advisors are required to provide each of their Ph.D. students with GSRA appointment funding through one fall, winter, and spring/summer term. Department fellowship support includes a one-term fellowship available during the pre-candidacy period, and a one-term fellowship available after candidacy status has been attained. In addition, five summers of department fellowship funding are guaranteed, so that students can dedicate their summers to their research. Supplemental funding is available to EEB Ph.D. students through a variety of departmental sources including block grant programs and awards, and department-administered scholarships.  These are listed on the funding page.

Q: What fees would a graduate student with a stipend have to pay?
A: Tuition waivers are usually credited directly toward student accounts approximately three weeks into the term. Most assistantships do not cover the registration fee, so it is your responsibility to pay the fee by the due date on your bill (to avoid being assessed late fees). Registration fees are approximately $90.00 per term.    

Benefits
Q: Does UM offer student health insurance? If so, how much does it cost per semester?
A: GradCare is the medical insurance plan available exclusively to GSIs, GSRAs, and benefit-eligible fellowship holders.  GradCare is administered by Blue Care Network and the provider network in Ann Arbor includes University Health Service, the University of Michigan Health System, and participating community pediatricians. There are no deductibles to meet before the plan begins and outpatient services are covered with a co-pay. In-patient hospital services are covered in full for medically-necessary conditions. Prescription drug coverage is also provided. On page 28 of the Benefits book there is a chart that shows the student contributions for Gradcare (and other medical insurances).  With Gradcare, you will never have to pay a contribution for yourself, a spouse, or any children. If you choose other medical insurances, you would have an amount to contribute. For more information, visit the UM Benefits Office website or Gradcare information.