Frequently Asked Questions, Ph.D. in Biological Sciences

Is there financial support for graduate students?

All Ph.D. students, regardless of national origin, are provided with a yearly tuition remission of $35,000 (academic year 2008-09), an ample stipend of $24,400 (academic year 2008-09) and a health insurance allowance of $928 (academic year 2008-09).

Are international students accepted?

Yes, the Ph.D. program is very diverse and welcomes international students. The numbers of foreign-born applicants, accepted students and matriculating students vary each year. The program consists of approximately 55% domestic and 45% international students.

Do faculty members accept students directly into their laboratories?

No, the admission decision is made solely by the Admissions Committee. After students matriculate to the program, they complete three laboratory rotations during their first year, enabling them to explore which laboratory and faculty mentors best match their interests, and allowing the faculty to ascertain whether students might make a positive contribution to their research program.

Are there any prerequisites for the Ph.D. program?

A student must have graduated from a recognized four-year college, university or institute of technology, or have earned equivalent credentials. Applicants should have a background in general biology as well as some study in a subdiscipline such as biochemistry, biophysics, cell or developmental biology, computational biology, molecular biology, genetics, or neuroscience.

How many applications does the department receive and what are my chances of being accepted?

We receive several hundred applications yearly. The Admissions Committee is selective and only considers those applicants who have the potential for a successful academic career. Your chance of acceptance depends upon both the applicant pool and the strength of your complete application.

When is the application deadline?

Application materials for the Ph.D. program are due January 1.

What happens to my application if my supporting documentation (i.e., transcripts, GRE scores) is received after the January 1 deadline?

We realize that mailed documents may arrive after January 1. It is strongly recommended that applicants mail all supporting documentation at least two to three weeks prior to the deadline. We wait until all materials are received before evaluating an application. Complete applications that arrive by the January 1 deadline will receive priority consideration.

Is there an application fee?

There is no application fee for the Ph.D. in Biological Sciences program for citizens and permanent residents of the United States. However, for international applicants (non-United States citizens), there is a US $50 non-refundable administrative processing fee. We will accept a money order or check payable to Carnegie Mellon; credit card payments are not accepted at this time. The fee will NOT be waived and your application will not be processed without payment. We strongly recommend that your fee accompany your supporting documents.

Should my supporting documentation be sent directly from the institution or should I send them together in one sealed envelope?

Supporting documentation may be sent either directly from the institution or from the student. We prefer, however, that all supporting documentation, including the administrative fee for international applicants, be sent together to avoid any delays or confusion.

Where should supporting documentation be mailed?

Graduate Programs Office
Department of Biological Sciences
Carnegie Mellon University
4400 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

When are students notified of their acceptance into the program?

Students are notified of acceptance for the fall semester by April 1.

Is there a minimum GRE score?

There is no minimum GRE score; however, our incoming students usually score above the 75th percentile in all areas.
NOTE: Scores must be no more than five years old.

Are subject GREs required?

No. Subject GREs are not required for acceptance into the Ph.D. program, although they are strongly recommended.
NOTE: Scores must be no more than five years old.

What are the Carnegie Mellon codes for the GRE test?

The school code is CMU 2074 and the department code is Biology 0203.

Is there a minimum TOEFL score?

The minimum TOEFL score to be considered for acceptance is 630 (paper-based), 267 (computer-based) or 100 (Internet-based).
NOTE: Scores must be no more than two years old.

What are the Carnegie Mellon codes for the TOEFL test?

The school code is CMU 2074 and the department code is Biology 35.

If I am a non-United States citizen but have studied in the United States, do I need to take the TOEFL/IELTS?

Applicants who have earned their degrees from an accredited United States higher education institution are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS.

Do you accept photocopies of GRE scores, TOEFL/IELTS reports or transcripts?

No, photocopies will not be accepted for evaluation.

How many copies of each transcript should I submit?

Submit one official transcript from each college-level institution attended (whether or not a degree was conferred). International applicants must send one copy of each transcript officially translated in English. Please do not send duplicate copies.

May I send additional documents to support my application?

We discourage the sending of additional documents, but will accept resumes and reprints. Do not send artwork, DVDs of presentations or musical recitals, photos or gifts.

Are there required forms or formats for recommendation letters?

Yes, the online recommendation form is recommended and will expedite the application process. The form will be automatically e-mailed to recommenders entered on the online application.

What should be included in the three recommendation letters?

Each recommender should evaluate the following attributes of the applicant: academic performance, research experience, motivation and perseverance, speaking and writing skills, strengths and weaknesses; the recommender should also state their relationship to the applicant. The three letters of recommendation should be written by professional or academic references.

What information should be included in my statement of purpose?

Your statement of purpose should be a well-written 1-2 page essay describing previous research experience (including your role in any projects), primary areas of interest, motives for graduate work and reasons for considering the Department of Biological Sciences for graduate work.