Admission Requirements & Deadlines

The deadline for fall admission is December 15.  There is no spring admission.

We take great care in selecting students for our program: a committee comprised of four faculty members read and evaluate all applications.  Candidates come from many academic backgrounds; however, matriculating students will have often majored in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or computer science.  Applicants are judged on academic credentials (GPA, GRE scores), the statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.  Applicants will be required to supply the following:

• Current transcripts for all colleges attended
• GRE Aptitude tests
• GRE Advanced Subject Test is recommended, generally in the area of Biology, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, or Chemistry
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Cornell Graduate School has set the following minimum scores for admissions: Writing-20, Listening-15, Reading-20, Speaking-22.

Prior research experience is strongly encouraged. The Field also actively seeks individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.