How to Apply to Graduate School
before your senior year begins...
Students planning to attend graduate school in molecular genetics,
cellular biology, neurobiology, physiology or related areas are
strongly advised to take a full year of calculus, physics, and
organic chemistry lecture. Students interested in graduate study
in ecology should take a full year of calculus and, depending
on their area of interest, may also want to take statistics and
a year of organic chemistry and/or physics. Students who are interested
in gradaute school in biological sciences or medical school are
advised to take a full year of physics and of organic chemistry.
Plan to become involved in research, which is a rewarding learning
experience and also is very important for your graduate school
application. Laboratory
or field experience (and a letter
of recommendation from your advisor) shows that you have knowledge
and experience in research techniques, you are serious and have
a professional attitude, and you will be able to perform in graduate
school.
Plan to take GREs as early as possible (offered June of junior
year, or October or December of senior year). The December test
date is often not recommended (too late) by schools. Most schools
require both the general and subject tests.
by late summer before your senior year...
Send postcards or call Biology Departments to request graduate
program bulletins from prospective schools. Use Peterson's
Guide (provides brief descriptions of strengths of programs,
faculty and their research interests, deadlines), Gourman's
Report
(provides ratings for "top 25" programs in specific
areas), and posters on Leidy Lab bulletin boards to learn about
different schools. Think about the type of school (e.g. size
and location) where you would like to spend the next 5-6 years.
Schedule
an appointment with a Biology faculty
member to ask advice about specific programs.
by early fall of your senior year...
Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology: Once you
have a list of prospective schools, visit their websites
to read the research interests of the faculty.
You may want to write to a faculty member at a prospective school
whose research particularly interests you. This is not required,
but can be a good way to introduce yourself to a professor, learn
more about their specific research program, and gain an advocate
on the admissions committee.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: Read research
interests and publications of professors that seem compatible
with your interests. Send these professors an introductory
letter
and say who you are, what your intentions are, and request information
about that professor's specific research program as will
as recent
reprints of their articles. You may want to include a copy of
your resume. Writing to professors is not only recommended,
it
is sometimes required (in the sense that, irrespective of your
record, some schools will not accept you without a faculty
sponsor).
An advocate for you on the admissions committee will be very
helpful.
All Fields: Ask three professors who know you and your
interests well to write you a recommendation. Recommendations
are very important. Only ask people who know you well and will
write a fair and (hopefully) enthusiastic evaluation.
Write to NSF for a Predoctoral
fellowship application.
by november...
- Have all admissions and financial aid applications
- Narrow list of schools with your advisor
- Follow up with professors at prospective schools (calling
is encouraged)
- Check on the recommendations
by late november-december...
Send completed applications for admission and financial aid.
(Remember that you have to send GRE reports and transcripts.)
Essays should be clear and well-written. The essay should include
the area you are interested in, why the specific program is attractive
to you, what you have done in the past that is relevant, and the
significance of what you did.
Cell, Molecular, and Developmental. It does not hurt to
be unsure of exactly what you want to study (as long as you have
a general idea, i.e. virology, developmental genetics, etc.)
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Essays (statement of
purpose) are very important to demonstrate that you are serious,
professional (i.e. not just a tree-hugger) and have a good idea
of what you want to study. It is important to be focused in what
you want to study.
by january-march...
Schedule visits with schools that have programs that interest
you. Many graduate programs like to meet prospective students.
Many schools will defray all or part of costs of visits if you
are among their top choices. Visits can provide very helpful information
for deciding which program is best for you. If invited, you should
make every effort to visit.
accepting a program
|
Undergraduate Program