Dear prospective graduate student,

   We receive a large number of strong applications,
   and the admissions process is very competitive,
   especially if you require financial aid.

   We are looking for highly motivated students with
   strong analytical skills, solid academic performance,
   good written and oral communication skills, interest
   in research and *demonstrated* ability to perform research.

   Here are several tips for students applying to our graduate programs:

    * You can increase your chances for admission by mentioning
      specific professors at our department with whose research 
      you are familiar. 

    * GRE General scores are very important for those who need financial aid.
      If you retake the test, we will typically consider only the best
      scores. We sometimes consider score reports that arrive after
      the deadline.  However, if your scores are poor, there is
      little we can do to help you.

    * If you co-authored publications in English that appeared
      in competitive conferences or journals (preferrably those
      where our professors publish), this can improve your chances
      significantly. We usually do not consider unpublished drafts,
      conference submissions under review, or text in languages
      other than English.

    * It is more common for students admitted to the Ph.D. program
      to receive finanical aid than for students admitted to the 
      Masters program. 
 
    If you decide to contact us, please first list your
    basic data, such as your undergraduate university, GPA,
    test scores, research & industry experience, and publications.
    Awards in serious programming contests, science competitions, 
    as well as University awards can be very helpful 
    in the admissions process.

    When applying to our graduate program,
    prepare your statement of purpose carefully.
    Explain what research directions you are interested in 
    and whether you are familiar with past research performed
    at the University of Michigan (try to be specific and 
    demonstrate that you understand the details of such research).
    For example, if you presented results from our papers
    at a student seminar, you can mention that.
    Finally, articulate your key strengths and useful skills
    that you have, e.g., solid background in graph algorithms or
    optimization, strong C++ programming skills, a good understanding
    of CMOS or computer architecture, familiarity with industrial 
    hardware design environments, etc.

    If you receive an offer of admission with financial aid
    from another university, let us know, and also indicate 
    if you prefer that university or the University of Michigan.
    This information can be beneficial in both cases.

       Good luck in the application process,


    Igor Markov