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Graduate Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply directly to a research lab?: A: No. All students must apply to the BMMB program and after matriculating they will select labs to do laboratory rotations.
Q: Does the program have a prescribed format for recommendation letters?: A: No, we ask that recommendation letters be sent directly to the BMMB office on the recommender’s letter head, if applicable.
Q: What are the codes for reporting GRE and TOEFL scores?: A: The school code is 2660, the departmental code is 0202 for GRE scores. The department code is 34 for TOEFL scores.
Q: Is a TOEFL score for an international student required if they are attending a US institution?: A: A TOEFL is not required ONLY if the applicant has a conferred degree from an English-speaking institution in a country where the primary language is English.
Q: Does a TOEFL score expire?: A: The Graduate School has no expiration date for TOEFL’s.
Q: What are the interview procedures for international applicants?: A: Interviews for international applicants will be conducted as a telephone interview. The BMMB Department will contact an applicant and set up a convenient time.
Q: Does an international applicant receive a stipend if accepted?: A: Yes, all applicants who are accepted into the BMMB program will receive a monthly stipend. In addition, their tuition will be paid by the department.
Q: Are there required GRE or GPA scores for admission into the BMMB Program?: A: The BMMB Department does not have a specific cut-off for GRE or GPA scores. The BMMB Department considers the entire application before a decision is made regarding admission. For example, extensive research experience and/or excellent reference letters can offset a low GPA or GRE.
Q: Is the GRE Subject Test required for admission?: A: It is recommended but not required, that the GRE scores include the Biochemistry, Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology or Chemistry subject test.
Q: Is there a minimum GRE score?: A: There is no official minimum score, but a score of 1100 is recommended to be very competitive.
Q: Is there a minimum TOEFL score?: A: Yes. International applicants whose first language is not English or who have not received a baccalaureate or master's degree from an institution in which the language of instruction is English must submit a TOEFL score of 550 (paper test); a score of 213 (computer-based test); or a score of 80, with 23 in the Speaking session (iBT test)*.

*Educational Testing Service implemented changes to the TOEFL examination in September 2005 in the U.S., with other countries phased in over time (e.g., Canada, German, Italy, and France in October 2005, the rest of the world in 2006). The new test reflects revised sections that are intended to better assess an individual’s functional English skills in an academic setting and adds a speaking skills component (integrated with reading, writing, and listening skills) with a maximum score on the new test of 120 points (30 points for each of the four components).


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Overview How to apply Financial Information Course of study Student Life Student Perspectives Frequently Asked Questions	Graduate Studies Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I apply directly to a research lab? A: No. All students must apply to the BMMB program and after matriculating they will select labs to do laboratory rotations. Q: Does the program have a prescribed format for recommendation letters? A: No, we ask that recommendation letters be sent directly to the BMMB office on the recommender’s letter head, if applicable. Q: What are the codes for reporting GRE and TOEFL scores? A: The school code is 2660, the departmental code is 0202 for GRE scores. The department code is 34 for TOEFL scores. Q: Is a TOEFL score for an international student required if they are attending a US institution? A: A TOEFL is not required ONLY if the applicant has a conferred degree from an English-speaking institution in a country where the primary language is English. Q: Does a TOEFL score expire? A: The Graduate School has no expiration date for TOEFL’s. Q: What are the interview procedures for international applicants? A: Interviews for international applicants will be conducted as a telephone interview. The BMMB Department will contact an applicant and set up a convenient time. Q: Does an international applicant receive a stipend if accepted? A: Yes, all applicants who are accepted into the BMMB program will receive a monthly stipend. In addition, their tuition will be paid by the department. Q: Are there required GRE or GPA scores for admission into the BMMB Program? A: The BMMB Department does not have a specific cut-off for GRE or GPA scores. The BMMB Department considers the entire application before a decision is made regarding admission. For example, extensive research experience and/or excellent reference letters can offset a low GPA or GRE. Q: Is the GRE Subject Test required for admission? A: It is recommended but not required, that the GRE scores include the Biochemistry, Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology or Chemistry subject test. Q: Is there a minimum GRE score? A: There is no official minimum score, but a score of 1100 is recommended to be very competitive. Q: Is there a minimum TOEFL score? A: Yes. International applicants whose first language is not English or who have not received a baccalaureate or master's degree from an institution in which the language of instruction is English must submit a TOEFL score of 550 (paper test); a score of 213 (computer-based test); or a score of 80, with 23 in the Speaking session (iBT test). Educational Testing Service implemented changes to the TOEFL examination in September 2005 in the U.S., with other countries phased in over time (e.g., Canada, German, Italy, and France in October 2005, the rest of the world in 2006). The new test reflects revised sections that are intended to better assess an individual’s functional English skills in an academic setting and adds a speaking skills component (integrated with reading, writing, and listening skills) with a maximum score on the new test of 120 points (30 points for each of the four components).
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