What are we looking for?
We seek to admit students who show a strong record of academic achievement and a high level of motivation and interest.  Your record of academic achievement and ability is conveyed by your transcripts, GPA, and Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, as well as your letters of recommendation.  Your level of motivation and interest  is conveyed by your personal statement and letters of recommendation.  Thus, we will evaluate your application on the basis of your transcripts, test scores (GRE scores for everyone, TOEFL scores for foreign students), your personal statement, and the letters of recommendation. 

Transcripts and GPA: 
Successful applicants to our program generally have GPA's of 3.00 or higher.  However, a student with a high GPA and a transcript with lots of non-rigorous courses may not be viewed as favorably as a student with a somewhat lower GPA who has taken the courses that are essential preparation for graduate work (such as Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Evolutionary Biology, etc.).  It is not essential to have all of these" foundation" courses before you start graduate school, but if you do not have most of them, you will not be well prepared for graduate school. 

GRE: 
The GRE provides information regarding your overall academic ability.  You are more likely to do well on the GRE if you prepare for the exam. Preparation guides and practice tests are available at most college bookstores. 

Your school may provide assistance in preparing for the GRE;  check with your career or academic counseling office. 

TOEFL: 
This exam is required for all international applicants for whom English is not their native language. We must have this scores before we can admit you to the program or offer financial support. 

If your GPA or GRE scores are low: 
If there is a reason for your low GPA (a bad semester due to personal difficulties, for instance), you can provide a brief explanation in your personal statement.  High GRE scores can make up for a low GPA, and a high GPA can balance out low GRE scores.  In some cases, research experience and strong letters of recommendation can make up for low grades and low GRE scores. 

Your personal statement is your opportunity to tell us why you want to join our graduate program and what your long-term goals and interests are.  You do not have to know exactly what you want to do, or what scientific questions you want to pursue, but you should tell us what excites your interest or curiosity.  Be specific.  Your statement is also a chance to discuss any aspect of your application (such as academic history) that you feel warrants further explanation. 

Letters of Recommendation: 
You will need 3-4 letters of recommendation.  Most or all should be from your professors, and the letters should come from people who know you personally as well as your academic performance.  Make sure that your letter writers know your academic record, reasons for wanting to go to graduate school, and long-term goals. 

You can contact individual faculty members before or after sending your application. Faculty interests and contact information are available at this web site Faculty Profiles