Name

Mridula Pandit

School

University of Michigan, Dearborn

Degree Program

Second year Master of Science student in Computer and Information Science

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University in Belgaum, India, 2009

Thesis Topic

Not applicable

Research Interests

Cloud computing

Advisor

David Yoon

Hobbies

Swimming, painting

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school?

I chose to study at University of Michigan, Dearborn for my masters degree in computer and information science because my uncle has lived in Michigan for over 25 years. When I was first considering masters degree programs, he told me about University of Michigan and suggested that I apply to the program. Once I did some research about the school, I realized that it would be a good fit. I wanted to go to a school that had a smaller campus because I came to study from India and didn’t want to get lost in the mix. I also had the chance to meet some of the other Indian students when I applied, and that was helpful too.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

I started to prepare for graduate school in the last year of my undergraduate program. I had to study for the GRE exam and also the TOEFL exam, which is given to students whose first language isn’t English. In India they have several centers where they give mock exams, and this helped me a lot. I also studied using a variety of test preparation books.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, my application to the computer and information science program at University of Michigan, Dearborn did include standardized test scores. I had to submit scores from both the GRE exam and the TOEFL exam.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

I tried to give honest information in my statement of purpose. I wrote about where I am coming from and what I was looking for in my program. I also described what I was hoping to do with the degree after I graduate.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

I chose faculty who knew me the best. I wanted professors to write letters for me who not only knew about who I was in class, but also knew about the kind of person I am outside of class. They needed to be professors who knew about my extra-curricular activities, my merits, what I am good at and what skills I lack. Overall, they were faculty who I had a very friendly but still professional relationship with during my undergraduate study.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in computer and information science?

My advice for students who are applying to programs in computer and information science is to recognize that even if you feel confident of your research interests, they might change once you begin your program, and that is okay. You will be exposed to many new ideas and research areas, and as long as you keep the state of the industry in mind and plan accordingly, you will do well.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My masters program in computer and information science requires that I take several core courses as well as courses specific to my concentration. Overall, the program consists of 30 credit hours. The core courses take up to 9 credit hours, and all students are required to complete these. For the concentration, you choose the area that interests you the most. Students at University of Michigan, Dearborn can also take courses in other departments, which are called cognates. You can take up to 6 cognate credit hours.I chose to take courses in the engineering department.

Does your program have a special project component?

Yes, my program allows students to complete either a written masters thesis or a project. I have chosen to complete a project. I haven’t decided on my topic, but I know that I will be doing work involved with healthcare systems and enterprise research planning, which helps to coordinate and create systems for information across a business or organization. These are areas that I am very interested in.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor plays a huge role in my education at University of Michigan, Dearborn. Every time I am deciding on my coursework for a particular semester, I meet with my advisor to make sure I am taking classes that will bring me closer to my goals. I have changed my concentration area a couple of times since I enrolled, and my advisor has done a great job at helping me to shift my courses around. Without a good advisor, this process wouldn’t have been nearly as easy.

Does your masters program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

No, my masters program in computer and information science does not require comprehensive exams.

How does a masters program differ from undergraduate study?

Studying at the masters degree level is very different from studying at the undergraduate level. As a masters student, you have to be much more serious and able to manage yourself on your own. It is important as an undergraduate student to maintain a high GPA, especially because my masters program won’t accept anyone who doesn’t have a 3.0 or higher. But as a graduate student, your GPA should be even higher than this, and if you don’t do well in your first semester the department may decide that you are not a good fit.

In addition, graduate students don’t have professors standing over their shoulder watching and helping as they complete their work. You have to be self-directed, focused and able to get your work in on time. Many graduate professors simply won’t accept late work.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your masters program cost?

Since I am an international student, my masters program at University of Michigan, Dearborn costs me quite a bit of money. I pay almost twice as much in tuition and fees as students who are residents of Michigan state. I think that tuition is also more expensive for non-residents of Michigan, but it is still much less than international student tuition. In total, I am paying somewhere around $30,000 for my masters degree.

How are you funding your education?

I have been lucky because I have received scholarships from the university that have covered the tuition for each of my semesters. I have also held a research assistant position for 1 of the professors in our department and that helped fund my studies as well. And I have worked part time at the school.

Unfortunately, though, this funding does not cover the medical insurance that we are required to purchase when we enroll at University of Michigan, Dearborn.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a masters degree in computer and information science?

University of Michigan, Dearborn is unusual because it allows students to enroll part time if they are working, without compromising their graduation date or their ability to receive scholarships and financial aid. Because of this, I have been able to take just 1 or 2 courses each semester while maintaining my other work positions on campus, and this has helped me to balance my studies and my workload.

You can also study as a distance learner, which means that you submit your assignments online and attend the class from your home rather than on campus. Distance learners are usually given an extra day to submit assignments since the school recognizes that they often have family and work commitments that make it nearly impossible to be as consistent as full-time students.

Overall, if you take advantage of the options that the school has for working students, the time commitment doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you are in graduate school.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has deeply affected my personal life. I am grateful that my parents and my uncle are as supportive as they are because I haven’t been able to communicate or spend as much time with them since I have been in my masters program. The hardest times are during exams or when papers or final projects are due. But if you are able to manage your time well, you will still be able to find time to socialize.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I would like to be the team lead at my workplace, and I hope to find a job in the computer or Internet industry. I am open to working in either the United States or India.

Are you planning on pursuing a PhD? If so, how are you preparing for the admissions process?

Yes, I would definitely like to pursue a PhD. I would like to earn my PhD in design science, and I have been doing some work in my masters program that is related to this field. But I am not going to jump in to my PhD program immediately. I would like to have at least a year after I graduate with my masters before I start preparing for and applying to PhD programs.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a masters degree in computer and information science?

My advice for students who are interested in pursuing masters degrees in my field is to make sure that you work hard during your undergraduate program and maintain a 3.0 GPA. And once you are in your masters program, try to stick to your schedule and complete your assignments as soon as possible. Things can get very hectic, and it is better to complete your work early than to wait for the perfect time that just may never materialize.