FAQ

Do you have a minimum GPA requirement?
GPA is taken into account, but there is no fixed cutoff. Admissions committees use a holistic review process, weighing every part of your application before making a decision. If there are circumstances that affected your academic performance, you can address them in several parts of the application, including your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a dedicated section for explaining special situations.

What kind of research experience do most BBS matriculants have prior to entering the program?
Most BBS matriculants have over a year of focused research experience.

Is it most common for accepted students to come straight from undergrad or do you look for older individuals with experience?
The vast majority of admitted students come directly from undergraduate study. However, there is no single “typical” admitted student: others join BBS after a postbac, or a master’s program.

What kinds of advanced science courses are recommended for applicants to be considered strong candidates for the program?
To strengthen your application, you might consider taking several advanced science courses, including subjects like organic chemistry, physics, higher-level mathematics (such as calculus), and advanced biology courses (such as genetics and biochemistry).

Are publications required for admission?
No, publications are not a requirement for admission to our program. We understand that the peer review process can be lengthy and that publications may not always reflect the depth of your involvement in a project. What matters more to us is understanding you as a scientist, how you’ve engaged intellectually with your research, which we evaluate through your statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.

Do I need to secure outside sources of funding before applying?
No, all BBS students, regardless of citizenship, are provided with a comprehensive financial aid package that includes a stipend, full tuition, and health insurance coverage.

Do I need to secure an advisor or lab prior to applying to the program?
No, contacting faculty members in advance is not expected. The BBS program follows a rotations-based model, where students are exposed to a broad range of research laboratories during their first year. Students are required to complete three in-depth lab rotations and are encouraged to explore new scientific areas and techniques before selecting a thesis lab. Because of this structure, we do not require or encourage applicants to reach out to faculty as part of the application process. Applicants selected for interviews will have the opportunity to indicate ten faculty members they would like to meet during the interview weekend.
 
If I applied to BBS in a previous year, do I need to complete a new application?
Yes, you must submit a new application, application fee, updated letters of recommendation, as well as upload transcripts and supporting documents.

Is it okay if letters of recommendation come from industry, non-science, or non-research supervisors?
You should prioritize letters from recommenders who are most familiar with your research experiences and who you are confident can write you a strong letter, be them individuals in academia, industry, or other fields. Letters from individuals in whose labs or research groups you have worked will be the most informative.

Can I submit more than the required three letters of recommendation?
Yes, the application portal allows you to submit additional letters of recommendation; however, you are encouraged to limit your submissions to a maximum of three letters, only including a fourth if it provides critical information about your qualifications.

What are the main differences between the statement of purpose and the personal statement?
The statement of purpose centers on your research background and scientific interests, while the personal statement highlights the personal motivations and experiences that shape your decision to pursue research and a PhD.

Should I mention specific PIs I want to work with and why in my statement of purpose?
That can be useful to illustrate your interests. Overall, the reader should have a clear sense of your research interests, and those interests should align with faculty members who are affiliated with the program(s) you’re applying to.

Should the personal statement include difficult life circumstances you’ve had to overcome? What are the limits on what should be shared?
What you share is a very personal decision. The personal statement provides a chance for you to share what you think will be useful for the admissions committee members to know in order to have a more well-rounded view of who you are, your motivations for pursuing a PhD, and actions taken that align with these values and motivations. However, you should not share anything that you would not feel at ease sharing otherwise.

Does your program offer rolling admission?
No, admission is for the fall term only.

Do you accept international students?
Yes, we welcome applications from international candidates.

What visa documentation should I submit?
Visa documentation is not required at the time of application.  Information about visa requirements will be provided to admitted students.

Is there a cap on the number of international students admitted to your program?
No, all applicants are reviewed in the same pool based on the same criteria, and there are no demographic quotas.

Do you accept scores from the home or online version of the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic?
Yes, you may submit scores from the home or online version of either the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic tests.

Do you accept TOEFL MyBest score reports?
No, you must list each test date separately in the application, and the official test score report for each reported test date must be sent to ETS code 3451.

Do you allow transfer students from other PhD programs?
No, we don’t allow transfer students. If you wish to apply, your application will be evaluated in the same way as those from applicants who are not yet in a PhD program.

How many times am I allowed to apply to BBS?
Applicants may apply to BBS up to three times over their lifetime. Candidates are also limited to submitting a maximum of three applications to GSAS per year.