Applying to the Neuroscience Graduate Program

Applicants must complete at least a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent prior to enrollment in the Program. Examples of undergraduate majors that normally constitute satisfactory preparation for graduate work in Neuroscience include but are not limited to:

Courses ordinarily required by the Program at the time of entry are:

Also desirable in preparation for the Program are:

Candidates for admission are required to take the Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Graduate Record Examination. Scores from the advanced examinations (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics, psychology) may also be included in the application, but are not required. International students are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Student Profile

While the Program in Neuroscience does not have absolute criteria for GPA or GRE scores, characteristics of a strong application will generally include:

• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• GRE scores of 1200 or higher for combined verbal and quantitative scores
• For international students, a TOEFL score of 550 or higher
• Advanced GRE scores (if available) of 600 or greater
• 3 strong letters of recommendation from college professors, one of whom served as advisor for an independent research study; international students should provide at least one letter from a scientist who works in or knows well the U.S. system
• A strong personal statement indicating basis for interest in graduate study in neuroscience, relevant background, and career goals

The Graduate Admissions Committee evaluates the entire admissions file. Deficiencies in one or two of the areas described above should not discourage interested applicants from applying.

Students admitted to the Program and judged to be deficient in any of the prerequisites must remove the deficiency by taking course work or by means of examination following individual study.

Students with the M.S. or M.D. or other advanced degrees are also encouraged to apply for admission to the Program. Students transferring to this Program from others may petition to apply previously earned graduate credits toward the major in neuroscience. Only graded coursework will be considered, however.

Click here for instructions on how to apply