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Admissions Requirements

The Graduate Program for Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development (CSD) seeks students with the intellectual aptitude, independence, and motivation to pursue scientific research.

Applications are due by January 1st each year, although completed applications will be considered earlier. The CSD Admissions Committee reviews these applications in early January, and invites our top candidates to interview in person during one of our recruitment weekends in late February.

When you apply to the CSD Graduate Program, you have 2 options. You can apply online:

1. to the CSD program directly, if you feel our program is the best fit for your already focused interests, or
2. to the umbrella program in Biomedical Sciences (BSP), and then select CSD as one of your 2 host programs for recruitment weekend. This options allows you to have flexibility in your research interests if admitted, yet still focus on CSD for the time being.

   See http://www.uchsc.edu/bsp/ for a full description of the BSP option.

COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

Undergraduate Studies

• The CSD Program requires a baccalaureate degree (BS or BA) with a 3.0 (out of 4.0) Grade Point Average (GPA)
• In addition, the CSD Admissions Committee reviews your completed coursework to determine if each candidate has sufficient background to pursue our doctoral degree
• Specifically, candidates must have taken Organic Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Physics and Calculus
• Coursework in two or more of the following subjects is recommended and certainly enhances your application: cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, molecular biology, molecular genetics, neurobiology, immunology, and physiology

  See http://www.uchsc.edu/gs/gs/admission.htm for a full description of Graduate School requirements.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

In order to be considered for the CSD Program, our Admissions Committee must have your official scores of GRE General Test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections) as part of the completed application. Typically, competitive applicants score at least 1250 for combined verbal and quantitative exams, with a minimum Analytical Writing score of 3.5. Subject tests are not required, but are recommended. To send scores directly to CSD, please designate GRE major code #R4877 and program code #30 on the test registration form.

Research Experience

While not required, research experience is highly recommended. This type of real world experience is extremely valuable in providing insight to both the Admissions Committee and the candidate as to how a budding scientist (you!) responds to the rigors and rewards of scientific endeavor.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required for your application to be considered complete, and thus be reviewed by the CSD Admissions Committee. You may request and have the letters completed on-line; when you apply, follow the instructions in the on-line application. However, you may still use paper recommendations and snail mail by downloading the Request for Recommendation form in the on-line application. Either way, these letters are important, and are key to the Admissions Committee’s evaluation of you. Thus, you should select faculty who know not only how well you have performed in classes, but can talk about your research experience and the likelihood of your future success as a scientist.

International Applicants

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum score of 550 on the paper version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or a score of 213 on the computerized version of the TOEFL. In addition, to obtain a visa if admitted, you must complete a financial affidavit when you apply, showing adequate financial resources to live and study in the United States for one year.