HOW TO APPLY TO THE GRADUATE PROGRAM

APPLICATION:  

Applications are submitted online through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. To begin the application process, please see the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website. For further information about the application process, please contact Gretchen Watson, the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Please note that all questions relating to the applicant’s online application, and submission of additional admission materials including transcripts, and letters of recommendation are the responsibility of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.  All test scores, transcripts and letters of recommendation must be sent directly to the Graduate School.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Office of Admissions
PO Box 400775
101 Randall Hall
Charlottesville, VA  22904-4775
Phone: (434) 924-6740
Fax: (434) 924-6737
Email: grad-as@virginia.edu

Please see our FAQ section for the most common applicant questions. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS  

PERSONAL STATEMENT:    

An applicant’s personal statement should answer the following questions:

Why do you want to obtain a graduate degree? Which faculty research programs (laboratories) are of interest to you? Because of the short duration of the MA/MS programs, Master degree applicants are strongly encouraged to identify and contact potential thesis advisor(s) in advance of application.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:

Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with an applicant’s research experience, evaluating your potential for research and graduate studies are required to complete an application.   Applications often contain additional letters that help introduce the applicant to the department.  These letters are welcomed.  An application should contain no more than four letters of recommendation.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS:

Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions attended by the applicant are required to complete an application only if the applicant is accepted for admission.  There is no minimum GPA required to apply for the program.  Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded with your online application.

Average GPA for incoming Fall 2011 student: 

3.471

GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION:

Official scores from the Graduate Record (GRE) are required to complete an application.  There are no minimum GRE test scores required to apply for the program.  The GRE Biology Subject Test is recommended but not required.  Official scores may be requested from the GRE website.

Average GRE scores for incoming Fall 2011 students:

GRE Verbal – 549 (72nd percentile)
GRE Quantitative – 728 (77th percentile)

GRE Total – 1280

TOEFL SCORES:

This requirement applies to all international applicants whose first language is not English.  TOEFL scores may not be more than two years old. Most admitted students attain at least 600 on the PBT-TOEFL, 250 on the CBT-TOEFL, 7.0 on the IELTS, or 90 on the iBT-TOEFL. The recommended iBT-TOEFL sub-scores are 22 in Writing, 22 in Speaking, 23 in Reading, and 23 in Listening. Students who have studied in the United States for two years may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement.  Official scores may be requested from the TOEFL website.

Average TOEFL scores for incoming Fall 2011 students:

TOEFL IBT Listening – 26
TOEFL IBT Reading – 27
TOEFL IBT Speaking – 22
TOEFL IBT Writing – 25

TOEFL Total – 99

APPLICATION FEE:

A $60.00 Application Fee is required. This fee will not be waived and is also non-refundable.  All applicants are required to pay this fee.  No exceptions.       

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  

Your completed application must be received by December 15, 2011 for the following Fall semester.  Our Graduate Committee will meet in mid-January to review all completed applications.   Spring admissions are rare, but will be considered, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator if you are interested.

Average GPA for incoming Fall 2011 student:

3.471 

Average GRE scores for incoming Fall 2011 students:

GRE Verbal – 549 (72nd percentile)
GRE Quantitative – 728 (77th percentile)

GRE Total – 1280

Average TOEFL scores for incoming Fall 2011 students:

TOEFL IBT Listening – 26
TOEFL IBT Reading – 27
TOEFL IBT Speaking – 22
TOEFL IBT Writing – 25

TOEFL Total – 99

Can I find out more about the current graduate students in the department?

Please follow this link for a list of our current graduate students, with a summary of their current and past research projects.

Can my application fee be waived?

No, the application fee of $60.00 cannot be waived and is not refundable.

I’m having trouble with my online application, whom should I contact?

Any questions or technical issues regarding the online application or the submission of additional required materials (GRE scores/Transcripts/etc..) must be directed to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Office of Admissions
PO Box 400775
101 Randall Hall
Charlottesville, VA  22904-4775
Phone: (434) 924-6740
Fax: (434) 924-6737
Email: grad-as@virginia.edu