Applying as a Visiting Graduate Student

The University of Washington Math Department welcomes visiting graduate students from other universities provided there is a faculty mentor here who supports the visit. Students can be accepted into this status only if they are in good academic standing, are actively pursuing a graduate degree at another accredited academic institution, and are planning to transfer a limited number of credits back to their home institution. See the UW Graduate School webpage on Visiting Graduate Students for more information. The application procedure for Visiting Graduate Student status is somewhat different from applying as a regular graduate student.

How to Apply

Complete the regular Application for Graduate Study at the University of Washington online, and pay the nonrefundable $90 application fee. When asked to select a graduate program, be sure to select Visiting Graduate. When asked to select a specific area of interest, enter Mathematics.

While completing the online application, applicants for visiting graduate student status will be asked to submit the following:

  • Unofficial Transcripts: Information regarding all prior undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, including unofficial transcripts from the relevant institutions. Admitted applicants will be required to provide official transcripts.
  • Advanced Mathematics Courses: Upload a PDF document containing a list of all mathematics courses beyond the level of elementary calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra that you have taken or will take before you begin graduate work at the University of Washington. For each course include the following information:
    - Course number and title
    - Grade obtained (for completed courses)
    - School
    - Instructor
    - Dates
    - Title and author of textbook(s) used
    - Material covered (about as much information as would appear in a college catalogue.)
  • Mathematical Background Questionnaire: This questionnaire asks whether, and in what courses, you will have acquired familiarity with the following mathematical topics:
  1. Finite abelian groups
  2. Cosets and quotient groups
  3. Unique factorization domains
  4. Galois theory
  5. Uniform convergence
  6. Metric spaces
  7. Compact sets, connected sets
  8. Theoretical development of differentiation and Riemann integration
  9. The inverse and implicit function theorems
  10. Lebesgue integration
  • Statement of Purpose: A statement of about 200 to 300 words describing why you are interested in studying mathematics at the University of Washington, and what courses you plan to take while you are here. If you wish to request financial support in the form of a teaching assistantship, state that here, and describe any teaching experience you may have. Be aware, however, that financial support is seldom available to visiting grad students.
  • Supporting Email Notes: You will need to ask your faculty supervisor to send us a short email note supporting this application and explaining how visiting the University of Washington fits into your overall educational plan.  Please ask the specific UW faculty member you plan to work with to send us a similar email note. 
  • Resume or CV: Upload a PDF document to the application website. The following components should be included: employment history (including internships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships and teaching), special math programs you have participated in (such as Research Experiences for Undergraduates or Budapest Semesters in Mathematics), honors and awards, publications, special skills, and present position or activity.
  • Application Fee: There will be a nonrefundable $90 application fee required to process your application by the University of Washington Graduate School Admissions Office. You must pay online in order for your application to be complete.

It is not necessary for visiting graduate student applicants to submit GRE scores.

International Visiting Graduate applicants:

  • TOEFL Scores Please see International Applicants for details regarding the English proficiency requirements for graduate admission and TA appointments. If you are required to submit TOEFL scores, request ETS to electronically send official scores to the University of Washington using Institution Code 4854. (Department code is not required.) In order for your scores to arrive by the application deadline, you need to complete the tests no later than 10 days before the deadline.
  • Statement of Financial Ability: After you submit your application online, you must log back into the online application to access the form.

Deadlines

Ordinarily, visiting graduate students, like regular graduate students, should begin in Autumn Quarter. The application deadline for those not requesting financial support is May 1; if you request financial support, the deadline is December 11. (Be aware, however, that financial support is seldom available to visiting grad students.)

In special circumstances, visiting graduate applicants may be accepted to begin in quarters other than autumn. The deadlines for other quarters are as follows:

Winter Quarter - November 1

Spring Quarter - February 1

Summer Quarter - May 1

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