Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Harvard Griffin GSAS will accept up to three applications to different degree programs in a single year. Each application must be unique, containing a separate statement of purpose, transcripts, recommendations, and test scores; each application also requires a separate application fee. You may use the same recommendation letters for multiple applications, but each recommender will need to submit their letter separately for each application.  After you create your first application, click “Home” in the application navigation panel. At the bottom of the “Your Applications” section, select the “Start New Application” link.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, we welcome applications from international candidates.

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

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.

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.

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 the academic background section for explaining special situations.

No, admission is for the fall term only.

Applicants may apply to BBS up to three times over their lifetime.

Yes, you must submit a new application, application fee, updated letters of recommendation, as well as upload transcripts and supporting documents.

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.

No, all applicants are reviewed in the same pool based on the same criteria, and there are no demographic quotas.

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.

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.

The statement of purpose centers on your research experience and scientific interests, while the personal statement highlights the personal motivations and experiences that shape your decision to pursue research and a PhD.

Most BBS matriculants have over a year of focused research experience.

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).

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