FAQs
Below is a list of frequently asked questions. Please contact us if you have questions that are not answered below.
Where do I send correspondence or information?
Molecular Biology Program or Biological Chemistry Program
15 North 2030 East
533 EIHG Room 1400
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5330
USA
*Please upload all application materials and do not send us materials unless instructed.
What is the most important factor in an application?
All portions of the application packet carry equal weight. If you have deficiencies in one area but are strong in another it can help balance each portion.
What is the institution code?
The institution code for the University of Utah is 4853.
What is the department code?
GRE Department Code
Molecular Biology: 0202 OR 0206
Biological Chemistry: 0202
TOEFL Department Code
Molecular Biology: 74
Biological Chemistry: 34
What is the application fee?
The online application is free. Please see our application instructions.
What are the average GRE, TOEFL, and GPA scores?
Molecular Biology
GRE: Verbal 73%, Quant 75% with a 4.5 on the writing portion
TOEFL: 630 paper-based score and 109 iBT score
GPA: 3.50
Biological Chemistry
GRE: Verbal 75%, Quant 74% with a 4.5 on the writing portion
TOEFL: 600 paper-based score and 100 iBT score
GPA: 3.40
Please remember that these are averages and not minimum requirements. When making a decision, we review the entire application not just test scores and GPA.
Are copies of GRE and TOEFL acceptable?
We do accept photocopies of the GRE and TOEFL score sheets. If you are accepted you will be required to submit an official copy of your scores.
Is the subject test required?
We do not require the subject portion of the GRE.
What are your minimum score requirements?
We do not have minimum score requirements. Both Programs review an entire application before making a decision of acceptance.
How many students do you accept every year?
Molecular Biology
Receives approximately 150 US and 400 international applications each year.
The Program will interview ~75 US and accept ~65 of those students. The Program will also accept ~25 international students.
Biological Chemistry
Receives approximately 30 US and 150 international applications each year.
The Program will interview ~20 US and accept ~15 of those students. The Program will also accept ~15 international students.
What are financial benefits?
Stipend ($26,000 per year) and a $1,000 starting allocation
Health Insurance
Full Tuition Coverage
This financial support is for all accepted students, regardless of citizenship.
How long does it take to get a Ph.D.?
It take approximately 5.5 years.
How do I upload documents to my online application?
To upload paper materials you need to scan them with a scanner/printer save them in PDF format and then upload the files in the appropriate place. You need to make sure that each document does not exceed 2MB in size. If you have several pages for your transcript, for example, then you will scan each page then merge all pages in to one document and then save. You may need to reduce the file size‹you can reduce document size or optimize scanned PDF to make the document smaller. These functions can be found under the document tab of ACROBAT.
We require all applicants to upload their personal statement, CV, transcripts, and score reports when submitting the online application. Once you submit the online application, you cannot go back and upload materials. If you have not uploaded these items before submitting, your application may be considered incomplete. If you have questions/concerns, please email our office.
For application instructions please click here.
When is the deadline?
All applications are reviewed on this schedule for entrance in the fall semester. We do not admit students for spring sememster.
| December 22, 2011 | Review of applications begins. |
| December 15, 2011 | Deadline for early interview/acceptance for US residents. |
| December 15, 2011 | Final deadline for International students. |
| January 15, 2012 | Final deadline for US residents. |
| January 27 - February 24 |
Interview visits for applicants residing in North America. |
| February 10 - March 25 |
Applicants are notified of admissions decision. |
| April 15, 2011 | Decision date for acceptance of admission offers by applicants. |
