Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

Application Deadlines:

November 15 – deadline for the submission of the online application and supporting materials in order to pay the reduced fee of $65.00.

December 15 – deadline for the submission of applications for admission and award to all programs for the fall semester ($75.00).

What funding is available for graduate students in Biochemistry?

Graduate students in the department receive financial aid, currently (2006-2007) a stipend of $25,000 a year plus tuition and fees. These awards are for twelve months and permit full-time graduate study. Exceptional students are nominated for special fellowships, which provide stipends up to $29,000 a year plus tuition and fees. Satisfactory progress toward the Ph.D. degree is the only requirement for yearly renewal of these awards.

Am I competitive for admission?

The Biochemistry Admissions Committee takes many factors into account when considering applications. The most important are research experience (at least one semester of independent research is recommended), letters of recommendation, and your personal statement. However, grade point averages and GRE scores provide a useful method of comparing students from various schools across the nation and around the world. Please use the following link (Admin statistics) to view our Admission and Enrolment statistics from students who have matriculated over the past years. This may be helpful in determining how you compare to our current students.

Do you require the GRE Subject test?

We do not currently require the GRE Subject test; however, we strongly encourage you to take it if you can. You may submit scores from the test in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology.

Do you require the Test of Spoken English for foreign students?

The Graduate School requires that any applicant, whose native language is not English, submit scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This is so regardless of whether or not you have attended another U.S. institution.

What is your policy in regard to admitting foreign students?

We have only a limited number of slots for international students, but fully half of the applications we receive are from international students. Therefore, competition is especially stringent for this group. International students are strongly encouraged to carefully consider their research experience, English skills (spoken as well as written), and commitment to biochemistry before submitting an application.