Simple Entry Program for AE at Illinois

NOTE: This page applies only to students who received -- or will soon receive -- a BS from UIUC's Department of Aerospace Engineering.

The Aerospace Engineering Graduate Program invites AE undergraduates in their final year of studies to use our Simple Entry Program (SEP) to enter graduate school to earn an MEng or MS.

How to Apply

  1. Log into Slate, create an account and start your application: http://www.grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply
  2. In the field for “Other Specializations”, enter “Simple Entry MS”.
  3. In the section titled “Fee Waiver”, click “Yes” that you are eligible for a fee waiver. Select Simple-Entry Program
  4. Leave the GRE section blank.
  5. Upload a copy of your DARS report after fall grades are posted (for fall applicants) or after all summer grades are posted (for spring applicants).
  6. Passport (if international), and funding documentation (if international) are required.
  7. Email the Graduate Programs Office (aerospace@illinois.edu) to let us know your application has been submitted. We will then begin your application review.

Final admission decisions rest with the Graduate College Admissions Office and require the completion of any academic degrees that were incomplete at the time of your application and maintaining a satisfactory GPA.

*All international applicants requesting visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019) are required to demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to cover the cost of their education while in the United States. Financial documentation is required as part of the application process in order for visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019) to the U.S. to be issued. International applicants should upload the documentation directly to the online application using the Declaration and Certification of Finances form. This form includes the amount of funding required and the type of documentation required.

AE does not require evidence of financial resources at the time of application. Students who uploaded their documentation during the application process received their I-20 approximately three weeks sooner than those who waited until admission. All funding offers will be subtracted from the total amount of funding the applicant is required to show.

Declaration and Certification of Finances form

Apply Now

The Simple Entry Program makes getting into graduate school quick, easy, and free. If you meet the below requirements, you will receive an automatic admission into our MS or MEng (your choice) program. To be eligible for the SEP, you must meet the requirements.

Requirements for Automatic Entry into the M.S. (Thesis) Programs

  • 3.5 UIUC overall GPA.
  • Letter from your MS research faculty advisor acknowledging their support.
  • Letter documenting your financial support while a MS (thesis) student.  Possible sources of funding are, but not limited to:
    • Research assistantship from your advisor.
    • External fellowship.
    • Self-funded.
  • Begin your enrollment in graduate school in the next academic year following your graduation.
  • Notify the graduate program (AE-Grad@illinois.edu) of your intention to apply via the SEP.

Requirements for Automatic Entry into the M.S. (Non-Thesis) or M.Eng. Programs

  • 3.0 UIUC overall GPA and 3.25 UIUC technical GPA.
  • Begin your enrollment in graduate school in the next academic year following your graduation.
  • Notify the graduate program (AE-Grad@illinois.edu) of your intention to apply via the SEP.

Required Application Materials 

  • Online application (fee will be paid by AE; contact AE-Grad@illinois.edu after submission)
  • DARS Report (wait for fall or spring grades to post; name must be on report)
  • Passport (international students only*)
  • Evidence of financial resources (international students only*)

Assistantships and Fellowships

Applicants will not automatically be considered for research assistantships or teaching assistantships at the time of admission. To be considered for a research assistantship, the admitted student must contact a faculty member for involvement in their research program. To be considered for a teaching assistantship (TA), the student must meet the English proficiency requirements and notify the Graduate Programs Office of their request for a TA position.  Note that a TA position is not guaranteed and the Department has no obligation to provide one. Important: SEP applicants will not be considered for fellowships. To be considered for fellowships, the full application with recommendation letters must be submitted.

Graduate Contacts

Ioannis Chasiotis   
Director of Graduate Studies
chasioti@illinois.edu

Jenna Russell

Jenna Russell
Graduate Programs Coordinator
jennar@illinois.edu

Dung Quach Wisdom

Dung Quach Wisdom
Graduate Programs Advisor
pdq@illinois.edu

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