Planning for Graduate School
Letters of Recommendation
(to be filled in)
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) in Computer Science
If you plan to apply to graduate school, you must take the Graduate Record Exams (similar to the SATs), and you are also urged to take the GRE Subject Test in Computer Science. You should take these tests early in your senior year whether or not you intend to go to graduate school immediately after graduation. You will be much better off taking the tests while the material is fresh in your mind than waiting until several years after graduation. The tests can be retaken (similarly to the SATs). Descriptive brochures and further information on signing up for the tests are available from Career Planning and Placement Office, 252 Capen Hall, 645-2231. Note that the Computer Science Test is not offered as frequently as the other tests. The Computer Science Test consists of about 80 multiple-choice questions on the topics shown below. Next to each topic is the approximate percentage of question distribution and a list of the CSE courses that are most relevant for the test.
Software Systems & Methodology (35%)
- Data organization: 116, 241, 250, (462)
- Organization of program control: 115, 116, 305, 421
- Programming languages & notation: 115, 116, 305, 443
- Design & development: 115, 116
- Systems: 421, 443
Computer Organization & Architecture (20%)
- Logic design: 241, 341
- Processors & control units: 341
- Memories & their hierarchies: 241, 341
- I/O devices & interfaces: 421, 341
- Interconnection: (no relevant courses)
Theory (20%)
- Automata & language theory: 443, 396
- Correctness of programs: 192, (451)
- Analysis of algorithms: 192, 250, 431