Admission Requirements

The admissions committee of the Biomedical Sciences Program seeks students who show intellectual competence, independence, and strong motivation to become successful scientists. Applicants are ranked following a composite review of their completed applications, and the most competitive applicants are invited to campus for interviews.

Interviewers will include, but not be limited to, faculty from the two programs selected on your application.

Undergraduate Studies

The Graduate School requires completion of a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.0 (out of 4.0) grade point average. The admissions committee considers the student's cumulative and science GPA's and the types of courses taken as indicators of readiness for graduate work. Competitive candidates have strong backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physical science, and mathematics. Completed coursework must include organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physics, and calculus. Coursework in two or more of the following subjects is recommended: physical chemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, developmental biology, virology, immunology, and physiology.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Each applicant is required to take the GRE General Test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections) and to submit official scores as part of the application. Applicants should have achieved a GRE score of at least 1250 for combined verbal and quantitative exams, and an Analytical Writing score of 3.5 or higher. Students may have scores sent directly to UCHSC by designating GRE major code #R4877 on their test registration form.

For more information on the GRE, please visit http://www.ets.org

Research Experience

Undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate research experience is a highly recommended component of a student's preparation for graduate work in the sciences and will strengthen an application.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. Recommendation letters may now be requested and completed on-line; follow the instructions in the on-line application. If preferred, you may continue to use the paper recommendation by downloading the Request for Recommendation in the on-line application. The Admission Committee assigns considerable weight to these letters in assessing a student's qualifications and probable success as a scientist. It is advantageous to have letters submitted by faculty who are well acquainted with the applicant's academic performance, research experience, and achievement potential.

International Applicants

The BSP accepts a limited number of students year and there are very few places available for international students. We advise international students to consider applying through individual programs on our campus.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by achieving a minimum score of 550 on the paper version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or a 213 on the computerized version of the TOEFL. In addition, they must complete a financial affidavit showing adequate funds to live and study in the United States for one year.