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How to apply to the University of Cincinnati

Last updated on: May 3, 2013 17:03 IST
The University of Cincinnati

In an online chat with readers, Charlie Schwartz, Assistant Director for International Admissions, University of Cincinnati addressed queries on the various new programmes at the international university and offered advice on how to apply to them.

For those who missed the live chat, here's the unedited transcript:


Charlie Schwartz says, Hi Everyone! This is Charlie Schwartz, Assistant Director for International Admissions at UC. Thanks for taking the time to join us this evening (morning in the US!). Feel free to share your questions, concerns, or comments.

Persis asked, What is the course duration? Has this been introduced for the first time?

Charlie Schwartz answers, at 2013-05-03 16:02:52
Thanks for the question Persis! Undergraduate education in the USA is typically four years of classroom time. Many of UC's programs also add in co-op, where students alternate between four-month semesters of class time, and then four-month semesters of full-time work experience. Programs in co-op typically take five years to get a degree.
Persis asked, What is the course duration? Has this been introduced for the first time?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
I'm assuming you're asking about the IT-MBA program. While this is the first time for the IT program to offer ACCEND, many of our Engineering programs offer the ACCEND program. And our Arts & Sciences 4+1 Program does something similar as well. You can find listings of other ACCEND programs at http://ceas.uc.edu/programs_degrees/accelerated_engineeringdegreeaccend.html.
RDeepak asked, what is the course duration? How much do you charge?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Hi RDeepak, The course duration for most US education is 4 years of classwork. With our co-op program curriculum (in Engineering, Design, Architecture, and Business), we have about 3.5 years of classwork and 1.5 years of paid work experience in your field of study. This is done in alternating sessions of 4 months. This extends the time to graduation to five years, but students are not adding extra cost, and in most situations are paying less because they take the earnings from their co-op to help pay for school. The cost of attendance at UC is approximately $25,000 per year. Additional expenses, such as housing, food, cell phone, health insurance, and other costs make the total expected cost for one year more like $42,000.
RDeepak asked, Hey what scholarships do you offer at the undergraduate level? How can i apply?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
There are many opportunities to fund your education through UC, and scholarship is just one of them. UC does offer 2 scholarships for our international students through admissions, and there are also departmental scholarships students can apply for while they're attending UC. You can find more information about all of them through http://admissions.uc.edu/international/finance.html.
RDeepak asked, Hey what scholarships do you offer at the undergraduate level? How can i apply?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
No additional application is necessary for the UC Global Scholarship and the UC International Outreach Scholarship. Your application to UC is automatically reviewed!
mary asked, hi charlie, can you tell me more about the new master level porgammes at your university?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Hi Mary - thanks for joining the chat! Which program do you want to know more about? Is it the new IT-MBA ACCEND program? If so, there's a lot I can tell you. What specifically interest you about master's level programs?
himanshu arora asked, hello mr charlie i am interested in studying bs computer science how much is the total cost for four year i am average in studies?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Hi Himanshu. I appreciate you looking at the big picture, but looking at the final price tag for your education may not be the best way to weigh the options. For example, did you know that through the co-op program, you'd earn about $40,000 that could help pay for your education? Or that after earning your degree, the starting salary for a UC Computer Science graduate is over $50,000? See my response to RDeepak for a breakdown of tuition and other costs.
himanshu arora asked, what score do i require to get admission?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
You'll need to give the SAT and score above at least an 1150 on the Critical Reading + Math (Writing not included). You'll also have to have strong academics. You'll also need at least a 75% in your coursework, and we need to see Std 9, 10, 11, and whatever you've completed of 12. Remember, though, that's just the minimum for ADMISSION. And when you do the minimum, you get the minimum. Scholarship and other perks -- like our Honors program -- require high achievement. So strive to do even better than the minimums.
Persis asked, Thank you..yes I was referring to the dual programme...

Charlie Schwartz answers,
The IT-MBA will take 6 years to complete. That's the typical duration for the two programs at most other schools, but without the 18 months of work experience you'd be gaining through UC. So you'll finish with both two degrees and over a year and a half of work experience, making you a true professional in your field and extremely attractive to future employers.
himanshu arora asked, can i apply for financial aid or does UC consider adult student i am 28 years old

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Hi Himanshu. Yes, you'd be considered for scholarship just like everyone else. UC has students of all ages, and we love to see non-traditional learners like yourself. You'll add a lot of maturity and perspective in the classroom.
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'Some of the world's best MR companies are located in Cincinnati'

Last updated on: May 3, 2013 17:03 IST

rachana asked,
are there any Indian students in the programme?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Since the IT-MBA programme is brand new and starts in August, there are no students in the program right now! :) Yes, there are Indian students who will be enrolling this August who will more than likely be joining the program upon enrolling at UC.
Sphere asked, Hi best university for medicne and what type of scholarship offer pls provide details

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Hi Sphere, what type of medicine are you looking to study and at what level?
rachana asked, what are the other programs the university is known for?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
UC is known for MANY different programs. We're a large university with over 300 programmes of study. Engineering is known for its wonderful co-op program. Business is a top-100 B-School (Top-50 among public schools). Many of our Design and Architecture programs have been ranked in the Top 10 for decades. Our College-Conservatory of Music is one of the best conservatories in the world, and our medical work is leading the industry in cancer research as well as many other fields. So we're known for many different fields!
Rohit asked, Hello, is there any P.G course for Thermal engineering person having 16 years of working experience in Power Plant Design Industry??

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Hi Rohit! Yes, there are programs for Thermal Engineering. I'd encourage you to look through ceas.uc.edu and look at professors' interests. Especially people like Dr. Peter B. Kosel.
Sphere asked, Looking for m.s in neurology?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Look no further! http://med.uc.edu/neuroscience.aspx. That's just a start, of course!
ajai asked, What are the courses for under graduates?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Hi Ajai -- we have literally hundreds of programs. If you let me know what you're looking for, I can give you better info. Or you can search through them on your own at: https://webapps.uc.edu/DegreePrograms/SearchPrograms.aspx?Level=U
rachana asked, when do i start my application for the IT- MBA program?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Hi Rachana, You can start now! Your application will need an online submission, essays, SAT scores, and your high school transcripts. So it's best to start working on all of that now. I'd encourage you to work with Ms. Anjali Khavnekar, UC's full-time staff based out of Mumbai, to help with your application.
PhD asked, Hi, Am completing my PhD in Information Systems this year, is there any opening for the Post Doctoral position in your university ?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
UC does have Post-Doc positions, but the availability varies by program. You'll have to coordinate with the IS program directly. http://business.uc.edu/departments/obais/is.html
ahimanshu asked, well in my 9 10 i scored 43 percent and i studied my 12 from open schooling with science subjects with 55 percent also my bank will allow the loan of 60000 usd max total

Charlie Schwartz answers,
It sounds like you might be a good candidate for our Blue Ash College. This is a satellite campus that has more open access for students with lower academic backgrounds, allowing them to hone their academics while working toward graduate and earning UC credit. It also has lower tuition rates, which may help you finance your education.
Charlie Schwartz says, You can find Anjali - UC's full-time staff in Mumbai - by sending her an email at anjali.khavnekar@uc.edu.

Hari asked, Hi, Im looking to take up a course in market research - do you offer ?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
If you're looking to do Market Research, there's no better place in the world to do it than in Cincinnati. We have some of the best MR companies in the world located in Cincinnati, and as a result, UC has a fantastic program. Yes! If you're interested in Market Research, you need to come to Cincinnati.
Cool asked, Do scholarship is there for Ms in medicne and what type of percentage required

Charlie Schwartz answers,
MS programs set their own requirements for scholarship, and many times they are determined by number of applicants that year and the level of competition among those applicants. I'd encourage you to do some research on the College of Medicine's Education page: http://med.uc.edu/education.aspx.
gan asked, What is the duration of the masters program in Electrical Engg?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
There are two different programs at the Master's level of EE. Both have the same curriculum, but their end-goal is different, so they require different time commitments. The MEng program is for those seeking professional placement upon graduation, and focuses on practical application of the master's level curriculum, as well as business acumen. The duration of the MEng program is 1 year. If you would prefer to have a program that is research and thesis focused, our MS program takes the same curriculum, but requires a second year in order to perform research and produce a thesis.
rachana asked, placement options after the programme?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Hi Rachana, I still don't know what program you're interested in, so it's difficult to tell you your options. UC works with literally THOUSANDS of employers not only in Cincinnati, but across the USA and world-wide. So your options are only limited by your drive and ability!
rachana asked, IT- MBA?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
There are lots of IT companies in Cincinnati that are options for placement. There are also lots of non-IT companies that need IT professionals that are also looking to hire graduates as well. Because the program is 6 years duration, it's impossible for me to tell you the future. (If I could predict the future, I'd be playing the stock market!) I can tell you, though, that IT is in huge demand, and with companies like P&G, GE Aviation, TATA Consulting, Cardinal Solutions, 53 Bank and many others in Cincinnati, you'll have very little trouble finding companies with a need for your abilities.
rachana asked, also what do you think are important factors which are taken in to consideration by the university in my application

Charlie Schwartz answers,
We look at EVERYTHING. Of course your transcripts from Std. 9, 10, and 11 are important, as well as your SAT scores, but we also read your essays, look at your letters of recommendation, and everything else in your application. It needs to be well-polished and the best you can put forward. Since it's also used for scholarship consideration, you'll need to make sure it's truly your best effort.
rachana asked, as in for admission and also scholarship?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
You can always work with Anjali as well. She's helped HUNDREDS of Indian students with their applications and would be happy to help you, too: anjali.khavnekar@uc.edu.
Hari asked, Have requested for course details and eligibility criteria to anjali. Thanks for your inout.

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Great! I'm sure she'll be a fantastic supporter of your application efforts.
rachana asked, Do you have summer programs?

Charlie Schwartz answers,
Check out uc.edu/summer for a listing of all of our summer opportunities!
Charlie Schwartz says, Thanks to everyone for participating today and offering your well-thought inquiries. While this concludes the chat, UC is always available through our full-time staff member based out of Mumbai: Ms. Anjali Khavnekar. Feel free to contact her at any time through anjali.khavnekar@uc.edu. I hope you found this session helpful and look forward to seeing you at UC soon!