Frequently Asked Questions, Ph.D. in Biological Sciences
Is there an application fee and when are the application deadlines?
| Applicant | Deadline | Fee |
| International (non-US citizen) |
December 15 | $75 US |
| Domestic (US citizen or permanent resident) |
December 15 | Waived |
| Domestic (US citizen or permanent resident) |
January 1 | $75 US |
Is there financial support for graduate students?
All Ph.D. students, regardless of national origin, are provided with a yearly tuition remission of $40,000 (academic year 2013-14), an ample stipend of $27,600 (academic year 2013-14) and a health insurance allowance of $1,090 (academic year 2013-14).
The department pays both the Student Activity Fee ($198 in 2013-14) and Transit Fee ($120 in 2013-14). Each student must pay the Technology Fee ($370 in 2013-14), which is deducted automatically from the monthly paycheck. Fee information is available at www.cmu.edu/hub/tuition/graduate/mcs.html.
Are international students admitted?
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, students are first admitted into the program. 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.
Where should transcripts be mailed?
Department of Biological Sciences
Carnegie Mellon University
4400 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Do you accept photocopies of Transcipts, GRE scores, TOEFL/IELTS scores?
No, photocopies are not accepted for evaluation.
What happens to an incomplete submitted application after the January 1 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.
When are students notified of their admission into the program?
Students are notified of admission for the fall semester by April 1.
Is there a minimum GRE score?
NOTE: Scores must be no more than five years old.
Are subject GREs required?
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?
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.
How many copies of each transcript should I submit?
Submit only 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 with the GPA, calculated officially, on a 4.0 scale.
How do I get my transcript translated and GPA calculated?
Contact the translation service, WES. For international applicants, the admissions committee will not review an application without transcripts in English or a GPA that has not been calculated on a 4.0 scale.
May I send additional documents to support my application?
We will accept resumes and reprints of published manuscripts. Do not send artwork, DVDs of presentations or musical recitals, photos, gifts, lab notebooks or work samples.
Are there required forms or formats for the online recommendation letters?
Yes, online recommendation forms are automatically e-mailed to recommenders once a student has submitted the application.
What should be included in the three recommendation letters?
The three letters of recommendation should be written by professional or academic references. Recommenders should evaluate the following attributes of the applicant: academic performance, research experience, motivation and perseverance, speaking and writing skills, strengths and weaknesses; recommenders should also state their relationship to the applicant.
What information should be included in my Statement of Purpose?
Your statement of purpose should be a well-written 1-2 page essay describing:
1. your motivation to enter the biological sciences field,
2. any previous research experience (including your role in any projects),
3. primary areas of interest,
4. and reasons for considering the Department of Biological Sciences for graduate work.