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What Students Say
Likes
- Strong focus on research - R1 categorized with great labs
- Seniority level of Professors - Quite professional and knowledgeable
- Lively campus - 287 acres of campus with amazing urban greeneries and properly planned land use area
Dislikes
- Campus is split in two parts, medical college being in downtown is not regarded as safe enough
- Frequent car break-ins around the university
- Regular renovation works going on
Course Curriculum
- The difficulty level of courses is higher than Indian courseworks.
- Some courses were theoretical while some were practical but all were very efficient in helping understand the nuances and fulfill the requirements of course i.e. ability to solve the problems in their contexts.
- Positive aspects are the industry driven courses, negatives could be the open book exams and loaded assignments throughout the semester.
Admission Experience
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Aplied to 5 Universities
- University of Louisville (Accepted)
- Seattle University (Admitted)
- Loughborough University (Admitted)
- Drexel University (Waitlisted)
- Princeton University (Rejected) -
I was interviewed by all except Seattle University, however for Princeton University, the Prof wanted me to join for Masters and then convert in to PhD afterwards which I didn’t find it worth spending!
For rest, I had fully funded offers!- Because here I’m working under a senior professor and she is the chair of department. Her research intersects match with mine and I received a fellowship here, that’s why I chose University of Louisville.
- I mailed the professor and she liked my profile, she interviewed me and I had an admit the next day!
- GRE was mandatory but because I had prior publications, my GRE was waived off! IELTS of 6.5 was required as a minimum.
- Not really, it was quite smooth. However, after admit I forgot to send them documents for i20 until very late and eventually the VISA process was quite last moment! -
I applied to the Fall 2024 intake, it was the professor’s work that influenced my decision to apply here.
Around 2-4 months for all documentation etc. was required for entire admission.
I got admit in January, mailed the international student center for i20 but forgot to send them documents which delayed the i20 document. But everything was completed by May and ViSA process was done in June for July biometrics and interview. The passport arrived in July last week and I flew around August first week.
Class Schedule
- My classes were everyday for 1.5 hrs.
- I was the only Indian in one of the classes while in another, there were 3 Indians for this semester.
Faculty
- It definitely helps in better understanding and communication as well as attention toward students. One of my classes had a 1:5 ratio while another had 1:12.
- Yes, teaching is relevant with current industry standards and some courses also collaborate with industry partners for site visit, etc.
- Yes, they are helpful in that context.
- My guide, since she is a very senior professor and a seasoned PhD advisor as well as the chair of department.
Campus Life
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Two campuses.
1. Health science campus, Downtown, Louisville
2. Main campus, 4th Street, Louisville -
All facilities such as Student Activity Center, Student Recreational Center, Emergency room, Sports arena, Football Stadium, etc
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There are events going on everyday at some place or another on the campus, from free food to free stuff to a whole lot is going on everyday during the working days of semester. There is also an international student event every Friday on campus.
Part Time Jobs
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Many students receive assistantships in one form or another. Just need to build a good rapport with the faculty and show genuine interest in his research work.
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The pay range is around $1000-1200 per month
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Many on campus jobs like librarian, building manager, etc are available apart from working in cafeteria, etc.
20hrs per week is the maximum. -
On campus jobs are a bit tough since many students apply for it. It requires frequent attention to on campus job posting portal.
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$10-12 per hour is the general rate for most part time jobs. For some good part times which are technical, they also pay $15 per hour. Most students manage part time with their studies.
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Job openings are posted on portal, students apply bumpy submitting their resumes, if they’re shortlisted, they are interviewed and hired if fit for the position. Networking also helps in these cases and known people are preferred for job so one needs to make connections as soon as they land here, or even before that, if possible.
Placement
- Around 90-95% students receive job offers post the graduation.
- The average salary could be around the range of $65-70k to $90-95k per annum.
- Most jobs are found in job fairs which are held once every semester. This is the best place to make connections, get an internship, and even land job offers.
- Some of my friends have been places as Data scientists, data engineers, etc. in tech companies while others have also been placed as product/project managers in manufacturing /construction industries.
- Some major companies that come for graduates from my program are “Turner Construction”, “Stantec”, “Cushman and Wakefield”, among others.
Accommodation
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Online platforms, it is one of the associated university recommended apartments.
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The monthly rental is $670 for a 1 bedroom with attached bathroom. It is a three bedroom apartment.
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Guarantor is a requirement, if not, then $1000 returnable deposit.
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Yes, recommended but too costly as well. In non season, they reduce lease to lower rates also.
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At a 5 min walk. Too convenient for us. Most Indian students live at a 20 min walk community.
Exams
- GRE was mandatory but because I had prior publications, my GRE was waived off! IELTS of 6.5 was required as a minimum.
- Documents include an Soap, LoR (3), Transcripts and a valid English proficiency test score
- Yes, I was interviewed by the prof whom I approached via email earlier. It was one on one interview where I presented my past work. It was not too technical and I had a good past work which was relevant with her research. Her acceptance was why I was admitted without much trouble for WES evaluation, GRE score.
Fees
- I was offered a fully funded position hence do not know much of fees. However, there is a semester fee each semester which need to be paid. Fees depend on credit hours of each course.
- Since it is a tier II city, expenses are not high. We pay around 700$ per month for a comfortable and private room with attached bathroom.
- Public transportation is free on student ID within the city. Groceries and other expenses add up to 500$ a month.
Scholarship
- I received a University Fellowship which is based on professor’s recommendation to the admissions committee.
- Amount is 25000$ yearly for the first two years of PhD.
- All PhDs received some form of scholarship, for masters student, you need to work and build a rapport with the prof so that he/she may keep you as a research/teaching assistant and waived your tuition fees and give you a stipend.
