PhD Biomedical Sciences Admission Requirements for Admission to the Basic Biomedical Science Umbrella Pathway

What are the requirements for admission?

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, completed prior to matriculation
• A strong undergraduate background in the physical, biological, or behavioral sciences, including proficiency in mathematics.
• High motivation for a career in biological or biomedical research.
• Strong letters of recommendation (three (3) are required).
• Prior research experience is highly valued.
• A thoughtfully written Statement of Purpose that includes information on why you want to attend graduate school, any research interests you may have, and details on any prior research experience, including the extent to which you were intellectually and independently involved in your research project.
• GRE scores are not collected nor evaluated.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must also complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For these exams, scores must be no more than two (2) years old from the date of the application.

What do admissions committees consider during the review process?

Admissions committees consider academic preparation, prior research experience, and a variety of skills and attributed evidenced by the personal statements, letters of recommendation, and interviews. These include scientific communication skills, scientific curiosity, motivation to succeed in biomedical research, and specific interest in our graduate programs. Applications are reviewed holistically.

Admission Process

Complete applications contain the following, with a December 1, 11:59pm (EST) deadline.

• Application and nonrefundable $80 fee
• Unofficial transcripts from any college attended (stand-alone study abroad work is not required)
  • International applicants:
    • Please submit an unofficial course-by-course evaluation from a NACES member
    • Original foreign transcripts, diplomas, or other academic documents do not need to be included. 
    • Please self-report unofficial TOEFL or IELTS scores if your bachelors (or masters, if applicable) degree is completed outside the U.S.
    • The TOEFL/ IELTS requirement may be waived if the registrar at your university submits a letter to GSBSAdmissions@umassmed.edu verifying the language of instruction is English.
• Resume 
• Three letters of recommendation
  • At least one letter should be from someone who can assess your research skills
• Personal and Research Statements 
  

  The statements are a very important part of your application, used to evaluate your scientific interests, research background, knowledge, and potential alignment with the program.

Please provide two statements in one document as follows:

1. 1. Personal Statement: In 500-750 words, please detail your personal experience, including academic preparedness, motivation for pursuing graduate study, any challenges that may have informed your development, what you learned, as well as why you have chosen to apply to UMass Chan. Then, please discuss your career aspirations and how attending the program will help you reach your goals.
   2. Research Statement: In 500-750 words, please discuss your research experience, including at least one project in which you were significantly involved. Please describe hypotheses tested or project goals, approaches taken, your role, outcomes, what you learned, and any publications that may have resulted. Additionally, please share your research interests in graduate school, how they are aligned with our program and UMass Chan, and which faculty members’ research is of most interest. 

Please note all official transcripts, and English test scores if appropriate, are required prior to matriculation.