Guidelines for Applicants
The Graduate Program in Computer Science grows each year with new teachers, new and good students and more and more candidates in its selection process. In order to make our selection more transparent, we list the following facts and general tips for those who wish to apply for a vacancy at PGCC.
1) Each admission process is unique and based on objective rules. Read the admission call carefully.
Although it is important to read about and understand the past selection processes, each process is unique for the simplefact that there are new candidates with diverse backgrounds. Another fact is that the admission calls are in constant improvement by PGCC professors to provide a transparent and objective selection. Notice, however, that in all past announcements objective criteria have greater weight and the trend is that remains so in the future.
2) During your undergraduate course, prefer bibliographies in English.
Being able to interpret technical texts in English is essential in the Computer Science. Scientific research in computing is one of the most active, dynamic and agile in the world. It is possible to make computing in any country, just being creative. There are no boundaries to the scientific results as in other areas of knowledge. Being able to monitor what is done abroad is essential to be competitive. Also, write in English is essential for your work to be quoted out of Brazil. Develop the habit of reading international articles about your preference area.
3) Join Scientific Initiation projects, PET / GET, Professional Training or similar during or after your undergraduate degree.
Students who participate in projects during their course naturally are exposed to important situations of academic life: oral presentations, reading articles, producing articles, support activities, technological development, scientific development, etc. This academic experience, which is objectively quantifiable, is considered in a positive way to a candidate.
4) Publications in scientific journals or events, especially international and with an independent editorial board, indicates that the applicant was involved or have experience in research activities.
The publication of scientific papers is currently one of the most important activities in the academic area. By the premise that only is published what is unique, it is expected that all academic work results in at least one article. Candidates who had published indicate that they have experience or have engaged in the production of original texts. WARNING: publications in regional events, such as those promoted by private colleges, are not consider in this category-. You must have an independent editorial board for a publication to be considered academically. To find out what events or magazines are considered relevant in Brazil, read the CAPES Computer Science area Document and / or visit WebQualis .
5) Do the national exam POSCOMP, which is held annually in the second semester. Attach the proof in your application regardless of your grade.
The POSCOMP exam, supported by the Brazilian Computer Society, is usually used by the country’s leading programs in their selection processes. It is designed to be an objective parameter to compare the computing candidates’knowledge. In any admission process, it is better to have a grade in POSCOMP than to have none. In the PGCC admission process the POSCOMP result is one of the most important objective criteria, being added to the final rating score. Applicants who does not declare their grade automatically receive the grade “zero” in this item. Each admission process, the candidates’number applying to the POSCOMP increases.
6) Computer Science is a mathematical science that has well – defined pillars.
The PGCC is aimed for candidates of various courses related to Computer Science: computer science, information systems, engineering, mathematics, statistics, etc.Prefer in your course subjects involving: Computer Theory, Algorithms Analysis and Project and Computer Architecture. Every course related to these increases your overall knowledge about computing. Your mathematical training is also important: to have a good basis for the academic life, during yourundergraduate program,focus on calculations, differential equations, analytic geometry, linear algebra, etc. If your course is not computer science, try to do electives or optionalsubjects that cover the computing pillars and which extend your mathematical formation.
7) Studying isolated disciplines in PGCC help the student to understand the program exigence level. The professors have the chance to closely evaluate a future candidate.
There are several advantages of takingisolated subjects in PGCC. The first oneis that the student begins to understand the demand level and the dedication required to the program. If the student accomplishes the subject and become a master student, the performed credits will be included in theiracademic record. For the program’s professors, it is an opportunity to meet new students and evaluate their performance. However, it is the prerogative of the subject teacher to accept or not an isolated registration. Also, there are few such places aiming to preserve the quality of the course. Coordination and professors expect the best of the student, and their performance, attitude, dedication and integrity are closely monitored.