Applicants

Application Materials and Information

Request for information or assistance should be directed to:

Biological Chemistry Program
University of Utah
15 North 2030 East
EIHG 533, Rm 1400
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-5330

Phone: (801) 581-5207
FAX: (801) 585-2465
E-mail: barbara.saffel@genetics.utah.edu

Documents Required

See below for detailed explanation.

  1. Online Application: This form alone often enables us to identify the most promising applicants, and should be submitted as early as possible. There is no application fee. Moreover, all students admitted to the program receive a stipend, tuition waivers and health insurance so a separate application for financial support is not required.
  2. Personal Statement: 2-3 pages usually suffice.
  3. GRE Scores: a copy of the Graduate Record Examination aptitude tests. If you are planning to take a subject test, we recommend that you take the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, the Biology, or the Chemistry test.
  4. TOEFL Scores (If an International applicant): a copy of the Test of English as a Foreign Language.
  5. Transcripts: one official copy of transcripts from each college or university attended. (college/university level only)
  6. Letters of Recommendation: from at least three persons familiar with your research potential.
  7. Curriculum Vitae (CV): see example.

 

When uploading your documents DO NOT upload items that are not requested (i.e. awards, certificates, publications, etc). If you have additional items that you feel are important to your admission please list these in the additional information section of the online application.

Application Timetable

All applications are reviewed on this schedule for entrance in the fall semester.

January 1 Review of applications begins.
January 15 Application deadline.
February 1-
March 15		 Interview visits for applicants residing in North America.
March 1 -
April 1		 Applicants are notified of admissions decision.
April 15 Decision date for acceptance of admission offers by applicants.

 

Criteria for Admission

Admission decisions are based on the following factors (not necessarily listed in order of importance):


Educational Background

Applicants should have some undergraduate training in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmaceutics, or biology, but students with strong genetics, cell biology, physics or mathematics backgrounds are encouraged to apply even if they have not had extensive coursework in molecular biology. Deficiencies in basic undergraduate courses can be remedied in the first year of graduate school. IF you are an application with education outside the US, do not complete the GPA section.

Undergraduate Performance

Ideally, the undergraduate record should be strong in all areas. However, evidence of ability to perform well in science courses, particularly those stressing quantitative skills, is most important.

Research Experience

Many successful applicants have had some sort of independent laboratory experience indicative of an informed commitment to a research career.

Recommendations

Strong statements of support from persons in a position to evaluate the applicant's potential for success as a graduate student have significant impact on admissions decisions.

GRE Scores

A strong performance on this test carries considerable weight. In evaluating the performance on the advanced test, if taken, allowances are made for differences in undergraduate preparation. To avoid possible delays, it is advisable to upload a copy of your score sheet with your application. If it is not available before you submit your application please fax or email a copy of your own test reports to our office. If you are accepted you will need to arrange to have an official copy of your scores sent to the Program. These scores will need to be valid for the beginning of the fall semester. The institution code is 4853 and the departmental code is 0202 or 0206. (Subject test is not required.)

TOEFL Scores

To avoid possible delays, it is advisable to upload a copy of your score sheet with your application. If it is not available before you submit your application please fax or email a copy to our office. If you are accepted you will need to arrange to have an official copy of your scores sent to the Program. These scores will need to be valid for the beginning of the fall semester. The institution code is 4853 and the departmental code is 34 or 74.

Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

A statement (2-3 pages) should be uploaded with the application form. It should be articulate and give evidence of a strong commitment to research. Please include the following information:

1. A description of your present academic interests and long-range career goals.
2. Reasons for applying to the program.
3. A description of your scientific interests and a list of faculty whose research interests are compatible with your own. (Although it is not essential to have specific research interests at this point, it is important that students admitted to the Program have several potential research advisors.)
4. A summary of previous experience including laboratory research.

Personal Interview (North America residents only)

Promising applicants are invited to visit the University of Utah to meet graduate students and faculty members and to learn more about the graduate program, the university, and the local environment.

 

Online Application:

We have launched a new online application system for all Molecular Biology and Biological Chemistry applicants. This system is for US and International applicants.

Please be aware you will be leaving the University of Utah, Bioscience Graduate Programs’ site and going to our online application system (Embark). Your information is transmitted through a secured server.

You will choose “Create an Account” and register to begin your application process. The system will have you choose a password that you will need to remember if you wish to access or complete your application at a later date.

Remember, you can only apply to one of the two Programs: Molecular Biology Program OR Biological Chemistry Program.

FREE Online Application (Embark Website).


You may contact our office with any questions or concerns.

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) click here.