How to apply for the best Material Engineering programs

Material Engineering involves combining a solid fundamental knowledge of the structure and properties of materials with a creative spark and all the engineering skills necessary to create new materials and improve those that already exist.

Following are the applying directions to Materials engineering program:

Tours and Information Sessions

The best way to learn more about the colleges and the course is to visit the campuses and participate in a tour. Some colleges provide an official tour that includes information session, student panel and student-led tour. Tours and information sessions are intended to complement one another, and therefore contain different information for prospective students.

If there is a sign–up sheet, add your name! Colleges do keep track of which applicants have demonstrated genuine interest in the school. A visit is a great way to demonstrate your interest.  If you visit many schools, your memories of them are bound to overlap. Keep track of the details you like and the stuff that you don't like.

Also, if you recognize that you will need financial assistance in order to attend grad school; “Visit Days” is the time to start researching your options. While visiting different grad schools you can investigate financial aid options, sources of independent scholarships and make arrangements to speak with financial aid officers at grad schools to which you will apply. The more you know about actual costs at the front end of the process, the easier it will be to identify and target schools that are likely to admit you and give you the assistance you will need.

Application  Paperwork

The application will ask you to provide biographical and academic information, to detail your extracurricular activities, and to write a personal essay.
Supporting Credentials:
- The School Report - Your counselor or designated school official should submit this form (or your school’s own report form) and your official transcript on your behalf.

Teacher Evaluations - You are required to submit two teacher recommendations. Be sure to remind individuals writing letters for you to include your name and date of birth.

Official Transcripts - Official records will provide the information on your scholastic record for your undergraduate or graduate course work from previous colleges attended.

Standardized Testing - SAT or ACT plus Writing scores. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as evidence of English proficiency and GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores are mandatory.

Essay: This is your opportunity to display your best writing as well as your ability to convey ideas in your own voice. When all else is equal between competing applicants, a compelling essay can make the difference. A powerful, well-written essay can also tip the balance for a marginal applicant.

Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose should include: why you are applying, what your experience is in your chosen field, why you want to attend that particular skill, and how you will use your degree once finished. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time on the statement of purpose letter. As much as you are able, begin as far ahead as possible.

Keep your reader engaged by focusing on the questions asked rather than including extraneous information.

Demonstrate to the admissions personnel your genuine interest in your field and their school, and provide examples of how you will use your degree.

Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from counselors, teachers, and outside people are subjective factors, which can add weight to your application. At least three letters of recommendation is required for the admissions.

Extracurricular Involvement: Getting involved in clubs, sports, work or other pursuits outside the classroom can give you new skills and help you learn about yourself — and can be fun. Your accomplishments outside the classroom show what you’re passionate about and that you have qualities valued by colleges so, do list them appropriately.

Personal Contribution: How do you engage with your community - academic, personal, and social? What personal qualities do you possess that would make you a good fit for our campus? The Universities look for students who are eager to follow their interests at the college level and are enthusiastic about joining the campus community. Listing them adds weight to your application. You are identified as the students who are resourceful and driven and can make the most of opportunities that are provided to them.

Optional Application Component

Interview: A chance to learn more about the University you applying, and for the university to learn more about you. A college interview offers applicants an opportunity to personalize the application.  An interview – in most cases – will “seal the deal”. During the college interview the applicant learns more about the school.  During an interview the applicant must serve as their own best advocate.

Few tips are:

• Be yourself: Do not memorize a speech that you think people might "want to hear” - make yourself appealing.
• Know the School: Study the information about the school. This benefits you in two ways: you learn about the college and you can ask informed questions during the interview.
• Review your application materials carefully and thoroughly.
• Set yourself up for success: Dress properly, do not use excessive slang or profanity, hold yourself with dignity and never be late.
• Follow up: As the interview concludes, firmly shake interviewer’s hand and thank them for their time.  Mail a follow up thank you card and include an anecdote that will remind the interviewer about you.  This small gesture can set you apart.