Admissions - Application Information


Admission to Graduate Studies

Prospective student candidates interested in admission for studies leading to advanced degrees in the Biomedical Sciences Cluster (Cancer Biology, Immunology, Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, Microbiology and Pathology/Molecular Pathogenesis and Molecular Medicine) must submit:
  • A completed application
  • Official, final transcripts (copies are not acceptable).  International student documents must be sent directly from the Registrar's office of the university attended.  (Translations should accompany transcripts if origninal is not in English.)
  • At least three letters of recommendation from college or university professors who know the applicant's work well.  Individuals who have been away from school for several years may submit recommendations from their employers. 
  • Graduate Record Examination scores.  When sending GRE scores, the Institution code for the University of Chicago is 1832.  The Department code for Biological Sciences is 299.  Subject exam is optional.
  • TOEFL scores if applicable.
It is strongly recommended that applicants apply directly to one of the five graduate programs within the Biomedical Sciences.  The Biomedical Sciences Cluster is not a graduate program but an administrative unit.  It is in the best interest of applicants to apply to programs in rank order based on interest (highest to lowest).  Applicants need not identify four inidividual programs, however the option is available should a student be undecided on their area of specialization.  It is perfectly acceptable to apply to only one program. 

Evidence of a sound background in the biological sciences is important as well as academic credentials suggesting that the candidate has the ability to pursue advanced study and research successfully.  Previous research experience, while not required, is considered an asset. 

Applications may be submitted at any time during the academic year; however, due to funding restrictions, students are usually only admitted for Autumn Quarter. For students intending to seek admission for Autumn Quarter, the official deadline for all application materials is December 28 of the previous year.  If possible, students are asked to submit their materials by December 15 of the previous year.  Applications are reviewed by a faculty committee, and qualified applicants are invited to visit in February or March for interviews with the faculty.  This visit allows applicants to become better acquainted with our program.  Final decisions are usually completed by mid-March and formal letters of acceptance are sent from the Dean's office by early April. 

It is suggested that applicants make photocopies of materials submitted.  Credentials of non-matriculants and applicants not admitted are retained for one year; if the application has not been reactivated by the end of that period, all materials are removed from our files.  Applicants currently residing outside the US should send all application materials via air mail.

Special Programs

The M.S.T.P. and M.D./Ph.D. programs are facilitated at Chicago because of the close ties with the Pritzker School of Medicine, which is a component of the Division of Biological Sciences.  These programs add another dimension to our scholarly interests.  While there is considerable sharing of courses, thesis sponsors and other resources among these programs, each special program has additional, unique features that appeal to certain highly motivated students.  We also enjoy strong intellectual collaboration with graduate programs in other Divisions, especially in Chemistry, Geophysical Sciences and Behavioral Sciences.

Minority Applicants

We especially encourage applications from African-American, Hispanic, Native American and Pacific Island candidates.  The Division of Biological Sciences is committed to enabling qualified minority students for future careers in teaching, research and industry.  The Division's Graduate Minority Committee was formed in 1993 in an effort to improve recruitment and mentoring of students from underrepresented ethnic minorities. 

Questions?

If you have questions about completing your application, you may email them to biosci-grad-affairs@bsd.uchicago.edu or call 773/702-5853.

 

Admissions Information

Cancer Biology


CCB

Immunology


COI

Microbiology


COM

Molecular Metabolism
and Nutrition


CMMN

Molecular Pathogenesis and
Molecular Medicine


MPMM