What Students Say
Likes
- The college has a very diverse student community which helps students learn about different cultures and ideas.
- There are many on-campus opportunities like internships, clubs, and volunteer work that help students grow.
- The curriculum offers a variety of courses, giving students the chance to study what interests them the most.
Dislikes
- Many courses have limited seats, so it’s hard to get into the classes you want.
- There are very few research opportunities and on-campus jobs for students.
- The library and campus transportation are not available on weekends, which makes it hard for students to study or travel.
Course Curriculum
8
- The course curriculum is tough. We need to prepare well and put effort into studying. My all courses have both theory, coding, and project. It actually helps.
- A positive aspect is the number of courses offered, it helps us to choose from a wide range of courses. The negative aspect is the short semester that makes it difficult to cover everything in a limited time.
Admission Experience
- I applied to the following universities:
- University of Michigan-Dearborn – Admitted
- Wayne State University – Admitted
- Michigan State University – Waitlisted
- Purdue University – Rejected
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Rejected
- Reason for rejection: My Statement of Purpose (SOP) could have been more tailored to highlight alignment with their research areas.
- I chose this university because the faculty focuses on advanced research, which aligns with my interests. The curriculum is advanced and updated, covering the latest trends in technology and innovation.
- The admission process involved filling out an application form with all my academic and personal details. After submitting the form,
- For my program, I needed to give the TOEFL exam.The minimum score requirement for the CECS department is 80.
- My admission experience was extremely good and smooth. However, I found it challenging to explore research opportunities, which I hope to overcome soon.
- I applied for the Fall 2024 intake. This intake was perfect for me because it matched my graduation schedule. Most of the students take Fall intake instead of Winter or Summer.
- The admission process took around two months. First, I submitted the online application with all the required documents - my statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, resume, passport, and undergraduate certificates. After submission, I waited for my results and after 50 days I got my acceptance letter. Then, I paid $250 to reserve the seat and confirm my admission. Overall, the process was simple and clear. There were no interviews. Everything was smooth, and I didn’t face any big challenges.
Class Schedule
8
- My classes usually happen 1-2 times a day. Timings are 3:00 PM to 5:45 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:45 PM. Class sizes are small, with about 35 students. Around 70% of the students are Indian in the college. It makes it easy for us to make friends.
- My overall learning experience is good and I'm loving it.
Faculty
10
- I'm not sure about the exact ratio, but there is enough help available for students who want to seek advice or guidance. The faculty are very accessible and supportive. They ensure that students get the help they need.
- The teaching is quite good. It's a mix of theory and coding. Every course has a project that helps us apply what we've learnt, which is very helpful for real-world implementation.
- I didn't find any direct help in finding jobs through faculty networks.
- I admire Srijita Das. She focuses on practical implementation in her AI-related courses, making the learning experience very hands-on.
Campus Life
10
- The university has three campuses: Dearborn, Ann Arbor, and Flint. I attend the Dearborn campus. It has all the facility like library, sports centers, and medical services.
- There are many student clubs and student activities to join as per your interest. You can play sports like baseball, football, Hockey or chess.
Part Time Jobs
- On-campus part-time jobs are available but the competition is very high. TA/RA/DA roles are very limited. You can get these positions only if you have some good sources or recommendations.
- The pay for TA, RA, or DA jobs is not fixed but around $15 per hour. Other jobs are also available like working at help desks, library, or as a building assistant. The pay for them is also $15 per hour.
- Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week on campus. We are not allowed to work outside for one year. The process to apply for these jobs is very simple. We need to check the on-campus job portal and apply online. If we get selected, they will schedule an interview.
- Getting an on-campus job is tough because many students apply. It is important to apply early.
- Most Indian students prefer working part-time on campus, especially in library and help desks. The pay is usually $15 per hour, and students can work up to 20 hours a week. So it's a good side income to have and use it for rent and groceries.
- Finding part-time jobs is very tough. Many students apply and the competition is high so you need some recommendations to get selected.
- Students should keep checking the portal for openings and should apply early.
- The process to apply is very simple. First, we check the on-campus job portal for available positions. We submit our resume and provide the details asked in the application along with a cover letter. And if selected, they will call for an interview.
Placement
6
- Around 50% of students secure jobs within six months of graduation.
- Graduates usually earn between $25 and $50 per hour, depending on their job role and company.
- Most students rely on platforms like LinkedIn, networking during career fairs, and internships to secure full-time roles.
- I don’t personally know any batchmates who have been placed yet.
- Prominent companies like Target, JP Morgan, KLA, GM, and Tesla are known to hire graduates from the program.
Accommodation
Off Campus
10
- I chose off-campus accommodation—Fairlane Meadows. I found it through a group on Facebook. Some seniors also helped me to find it.
- The total rent is $2000 per month for the whole apartment. It includes water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. We are four members in the apartment so my share is $500 per month. Apart from that, the groceries cost around $100 each month.
- Finding a good place was not tough. I joined Indian student groups online and that helped me connect with other students who need roommates.
- For future students, I recommend reaching out to seniors on LinkedIn. They can guide well.
- My accommodation is 2 miles from campus. It is easy to commute to the college with the college shuttle bus. Most Indian students are staying here in Fairlane Meadows. This makes it feel like home.
Exams
- We have to take an English exam—TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. I gave the TOEFL exam and scored 91 marks. My department requires a minimum score of 80 for TOEFL.
- I submitted these documents: a statement of purpose, three recommendation letters from my professors, my resume, my passport, and my undergraduate degree certificates.
- There is not any interview as part of the admission process. The process is very simple. After completing the application, I waited for around two months for results. Once I got the offer letter, I paid $250 to confirm my seat.
Events
8
- Since I came, many festivals and events have been celebrated here, especially Diwali, Dussehra, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year. These events make campus life lively.
- I participate in all the events happening across campus and it makes my campus experience memorable and helps me to make new friends.
Fees
- The tuition fee is approximately $12,000 per semester (after scholarship), including the registration fee and course charges.
- The fees are charged credit-wise and semester-wise.
- My monthly expenses are as follows:
- Rent: $500
- Groceries: $100
- Utilities (water, electricity, Wi-Fi): $100
- Total estimated monthly expenses: $700
Scholarship
- There are scholarships available based on academic performance.
- I received the Graduate Scholarship, which is awarded based on academic performance.
- The scholarship amount was $5,000.
- Some of my batchmates received the same graduate scholarship.
- I’m not sure about the exact number of recipients, but the typical award amount is $5,000.
