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Applicant Advice (Part 2 of 2): Test Scores, Dual Degree Requirements, and Preparation Support

Date: January 15, 2019

Many of the most frequently asked questions from GIX graduate applicants relate to the requirements for the Dual Degree and standardized test scores.

In Part 2 of our Applicant Advice series, we asked our Admissions Committee to provide insights into a few of our important MSTI and Dual Degree requirements – as well as general last-minute tips – to help prospective students feel prepared to submit their applications by the January 21st deadline.

Interested in advice about your digital portfolio and GIX’s prerequisite course requirements? Navigate to Part 1 of the series.

Read on to learn how you can increase your chances of securing a place in one of GIX’s graduate programs.

Standardized Test Score Submissions

Where do I submit my GRE or GMAT scores in the application system?

You don’t! For GIX graduate programs, GRE and GMAT scores are NOT required. Please do not submit these scores even if you have already taken the GRE or GMAT test.

How do I know if I need to take the TOEFL test?

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate their English language proficiency. GIX adheres to the specific proficiency requirements set by the UW Graduate School.

The UW Graduate School allows applicants to demonstrate proficiency in one of five ways. If you’ve earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from EITHER a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an institution in some, UW-specified countries (where English is the medium of instruction) – that’s one possible way you can demonstrate proficiency.

Since UW’s requirements are very specific, we recommend you reference the Memo 8 Graduate School Language Proficiency Requirements to verify if it will be necessary for you to take the TOEFL prior to applying.

Dual Degree Program Application

The Dual Degree consists of two degrees: the Master of Science in Technology Innovation (MSTI) offered through the University of Washington (UW), and the Master of Science in Engineering Data Science and Information Technology MSE(DSIT) offered through Tsinghua University (THU).

To apply to the Dual Degree, you MUST complete applications for BOTH UW and THU. The application materials and requirements are similar for both universities. This means that most of the work you complete for one application, will also be applicable for the other.

To apply to the MSTI degree, please go to the UW Graduate School website. To learn more about how to apply for the MSE(DSIT) degree, please go to the Tsinghua University GIX website.

Can I apply to the MSTI program first, and enroll in the Dual Degree after I’ve already started the MSTI program?

No. You will need to decide if you want to enroll in the MSTI OR the Dual Degree when submitting your application materials. If you only enroll in the MSTI, you will NOT be eligible to enroll in the Dual Degree at a later date.

If you do decide to apply to the Dual Degree and meet the UW admissions criteria, a follow-up online or in-person interview will be conducted by both the UW and THU Admissions Committees.

What else can I do to ensure I’m well prepared to submit my GIX program application?

Plan in advance

For applicants whose native language is not English, keep in mind it usually takes two weeks or longer for the Education Testing Service (ETS) to deliver your official TOEFL score after you take the test.

You will also need to request two to three letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. Please ask your references to submit their recommendation letters well before the application deadline. All letters of recommendation must be written in English.

Observe a GIX class

We are offering limited opportunities for prospective students to observe a GIX class in person. Please take a look at the GIX curriculum here, find a class you want to observe in Q2 (winter quarter), and email msti@uw.edu to schedule a date/time.

Interested in additional advice about your application materials?

Navigate to Part 1 of the Application Advice series. Here, we provide insights into the prerequisite coursework requirements and tips on submitting a stand-out digital portfolio. You can also send an email to msti@uw.edu to connect with our Admissions Committee directly.