Graduate Application Process

To apply to the Ph.D. Program in Neural Computation (PNC) or the Ph.D. Program in Systems Neuroscience (PSN), candidates must complete the online application form. All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted by December 1 for admission to the following fall semester. Please note that all deadlines are final, and applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials well in advance.

Admission to the PNC Joint Ph.D. Programs — including those with Machine Learning, Robotics and Statistics & Data Science — is available only by petition after acceptance into the PNC program. There is no direct admission to these joint programs through the initial application.

Test Scores

You may submit GRE scores, but we do not require them. Applications with and without scores are fully reviewed.

  • Institution Code – 2074
  • GRE Code – 0213 (Neuroscience)

All students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Duolingo English Test.

TOEFL:

  • Institution Code – 2074
  • TOEFL Code – 99 (Other)

Duolingo English Test:

The Duolingo English Test is an English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for $59. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview and writing sample, which are shared with the Neuroscience Institute when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session.

Transcripts

Submit one transcript from each college or university attended, even if no degree was granted. A complete version of your unofficial transcripts (in English) is required. Upload a copy of your most recent transcript(s) in PDF format to your application. 

Resume/CV and Statement of Purpose

The Resume/CV and Statement of Purpose must be submitted as a PDF.

Submit your current Resume/CV. Outline your education, research experience, work experience, publications, scholarships awarded, prizes and honors received, society memberships, and any other extracurricular activities.

Submit a Statement of Purpose. Prepare a concise one- or two-page essay that describes your primary interest of study, your experiences related to that area of study and your objective in pursuing the Ph.D. degree. In particular, your essay should be as specific as possible in describing your interests and should describe any relevant education, research, commercial, government or teaching experience.

Recommendations

Submit three letters of recommendation. The recommender should know you relatively well and be able to evaluate the quality of your previous work. At least two should be from faculty or recent employers. All recommendations will be submitted electronically. Please inform your recommender that they will receive an email which will include the URL, user ID and password to access the recommendation form. Their letters should be PDFs.

It is your responsibility to make certain that the recommendations have been submitted by the deadline.

Application Fee

There is no application fee to apply to the Ph.D. Program in Neural Computation or to the Ph.D. Program in Systems Neuroscience.