Thank you for your interest in pursuing a PhD in CS/CPE/EE with me (I am faculty eligible to advise students in these 3 programs at UK). Due to the high volume of applications I receive, I kindly request you to review the following criteria before reaching out:

• Master's degree: Having a Master's degree is required with the only exception specified below. Additionally, you must have at least one first-authored publication in a decent venue (a well-recognized international conference or journal).
  • Exception for Bachelor-degree holders: You must gradudate from a well-known university with GPA>3.20, AND have at least one first-authored publication in a CORE rank A or A* venue.
• English Proficiency:
  • Minimum score: TOEFL: 96 (min. sub. 22) | IELTS: 7 (min. sub. 6.5) | Duolingo: 120 (min. sub. 110).
  • GRE (not mandatory but preferred): minimum V 150, Q 160, AW 3.

But if you do, please inlcude the following in your email:

1. Fill out this table and paste (not attach) it into the email body (you don't have to write a lengthy letter).
2. Attach your CV, academic transcripts, and language test score sheets.
3. Your representative publications.

Best regards,
Thomas Luo

P.S. I am faculty eligible to advise students in the Computer Science (CS), Computer Engineering (CPE), and Electrical Engineering (EE) programs. Please choose the program that best aligns with your background and interest---ideally matching your Master's coursework. Discuss with me if you are unsure.

Useful links:
Applying to Grad School
CS Graduate handbook | CPE Graduate handbook | EE Graduate handbook (as of spring 2025, admission to EE requires GRE while CS and CPE do not)