Thank you for your interest in pursuing a PhD in CS/EE/CPE with me. Due to the high volume of applications I receive, I kindly request you to review the following criteria before contacting me:

• 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 (e.g., a recognized international conference or journal; local conferences/journals do not qualify).
  • Exception for Bachelor-degree holders: You must gradudate from a well-known university in your country with GPA>3.20, AND have at least one first-authored publication in a CORE rank A or A* venue.
• English Proficiency (if English is not your native langugage):
  • Minimum subcategory score: TOEFL: 22 | IELTS: 6.5 | Duolingo: 110.
  • GRE (not mandatory but preferred) - Minimum score: V 150, Q 160, AW 3.

If you do, please inlcude the following in your email:

1. Fill out this table and paste (not attach) it into the email body (no need to write your own cover letter).
2. Attach your CV, academic transcripts, and language test score sheets.
3. Your representative publications.

Best regards,
Dr. Thomas Luo

P.S. You are free to choose your favorite program among Computer Science (CS), Computer Engineering (CPE), and Electrical Engineering (EE). Try to match it with 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)