Frequently Asked Questions

If your answer isn't found here, please also visit the graduate school's FAQ list here (http://graduateschool.nd.edu/admissions/faq/) or contact us at: acms@nd.edu

Is the GRE Mathematics Subject test required to apply to your Ph.D. program?

The GRE Mathematics Subject test is not absolutely required to submit an application to our doctoral program. We consider all components of an individual's file when deciding on admission. The lack of a subject test is one less piece of information for us to judge a file.

Do GRE and TOEFL test scores expire?

Yes, GRE test scores are valid for five years and TOEFL test scores are valid for two years. 

Is it possible to be admitted to your graduate programs if an international applicant's TOEFL speaking score is below the Graduate School's required score of 23 (this concerns the Internet-Based Test - IBT TOEFL)?

In the past, we have sometimes (but not always) been able to admit students whose IBT TOEFL speaking score was below 23 when other aspects of the file were exceptionally strong. However, this requires special permission from the Graduate School and verification of the applicant's spoken English proficiency by an ACMS faculty member. This verification is done through a phone conversation between the applicant and ACMS faculty.  

For the ACMS professional master's program, please see the additional GRE analytical writing and TOEFL minimums listed under "Admissions".

English is not my native language, but was the primary language of instruction at my previous college. Do I need to take an English proficiency test ?

The Graduate School will waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement for international students who spent a minimum of two years at an academic institution whose primary language of instruction was English. If that is not obvious (for example, if the institution is in a country in which the primary language is not English), a letter from the Registrar’s Office (or the office responsible for academic records) confirming English as the language of instruction is required.  

I want to send my test scores to the university. What is the institution code for Notre Dame? Is there a separate code needed to send the scores to the ACMS Department?

The institution code for the University of Notre Dame is 1841. There is not a separate code for the ACMS department. As long as one of the ACMS degree programs is selected on an application, we will receive the scores with the application file.

Is an undergraduate degree in a specific field required to be admitted to your programs?

No. Our programs appreciate candidates with a variety of different backgrounds.

Do all admitted students receive financial aid?

All admitted doctoral students receive financial aid. For financial aid information regarding the ACMS professional Master's program, please see the degree's webpage.

Do I need to have a Master's degree to be admitted to your Ph.D. program?

No. A Master's degree is not required for admission.

Do you offer a Master's Degree in ACMS?

ACMS offers a professional master's degree with several specialty tracks with tuition usually paid by the student.  This 11-month program begins in the summer and is separate from the Ph.D. program. For more information on the professional master's degree, please visit this page.  

For current Notre Dame Ph.D. students, ACMS offers a research master's degree.  More information can be found here.

If I have previously applied to one of your programs, do I need to submit a new application?

Yes. A new application as well as updated supplementary documents to the application must be submitted and sent to the Graduate School via the Slate Application System system for each term and degree applied for.

Do I need to send copies of my application documents to the ACMS department?

No. All application documentation must be submitted directly to the Graduate School.

I have already submitted my application to the doctoral program. When can I expect to hear about my admission status?

The review of Ph.D. applications begins in mid-January. Offers of admission are sent out starting in February. The most up-to-date information regarding application status will be found by logging into the Slate Application System online system. If there is not an application status update, this means that a decision has not yet been made regarding the applicant's admission.

If my application is received after the deadline date, will it be considered?

We consider application files as they are completed after the deadline date, but since we begin to make offers after the deadline date, there may be no positions available if a student submits his/her application after the deadline.

Does the department offer spring semester admission to the doctoral program?

Currently we do not admit applicants to begin in the spring semester.

How many students will be admitted each year to the doctoral program?

We typically admit 4-6 students each year into the program.

Do you have any information about graduate student life in the South Bend area?

Please see the following link with informational videos from the Graduate School's website: https://graduateschool.nd.edu/admissions/