Graduate School - Time line for applying

1. Start at least a year before you plan on applying. This is not a process that can occur overnight and most programs have application deadlines in the early winter (January-March) for Fall admission.

2. Find professors with whom you are eager to work (this will require much time and effort). Many programs (especially non-molecular programs) require that you have contact with a professor in the program prior to applying. Finding professors who have similar interests to you and available funding to accept students can be a challenge. Be persistent when trying to contact these individuals. Send your CV and an introductory letter (see below). Having a relationship with a faculty member prior to applying is critical! Establishing a positive relationship with a PI is your best ticket to successful admission.

3. Take the GRE. (September is typically the latest time to take the GRE the first time - just in case you need to retake it.)

4. Write an introductory letter for contacting principal investigators (PI). The letter should say 1) the area of research that interests you and how you discovered it (reading papers, etc.), 2) the specific work that the PI does that you would like to pursue, 3) why the PI would want you in the lab (your GPA, GRE scores, research experience, strengths etc.) 4) If you want to pursue a Ph.D. or M.S.

5. To decide where you want to apply, speak to current graduate students, faculty, and ask lots of questions! The program’s resources are important (see entry on deciding where to apply).

6. Fill out applications carefully. Get peers and trusted current undergraduate faculty to review your materials. This is important!

7. Ask for recommendations from your current undergraduate faculty and other research mentors in a timely manner. Only ask individuals that you know will give you a positive recommendation.

8. Narrow down your possibilities and Apply to at least three schools.