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Application Procedures

Applications are generally accepted for autumn quarter admission only, because of the structure of the initial year of coursework. However, at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee, exceptions may be granted. For example, students may wish to investigate possible summer quarter admission so as to become familiar with the program and the University. During summer quarter, students perform research rotations while receiving the standard program stipend as well as tuition and fee waiver. On average the Program accepts 20-25 students per year.

 

The deadline for submission of a complete application is February 15. However, in order to be eligible for consideration of a University Fellowship, completed applications must be received by November 30th for International Students and January 15th for Domestic Students . The MCDB Admissions Committee will review all completed applications by the end of February and offers of admission will follow. The Graduate Admission office has instituted an electronic only application policy. To access the application, click https://www.applyweb.com/apply/osu/index.html and click on Graduate Admissions.

Before you apply: Visit the Graduate School website for information regarding the admissions process, step-by-step guide, and frequently asked questions: http://gradsch.osu.edu/admission-process.html.

 

Submit supporting information as follows:

SEND TO:

Graduate & Professional Admissions Office
The Ohio State University
105 Student Academic Service Building
281 W Lane Ave
Columbus, Ohio, 43210 USA

  1. Official transcript or record of marks for each college- or university-level school attended sent directly from your institution. Include English translation for each of any foreign documents. Faxed or electronically delivered transcripts are not accepted.

  2. Official GRE scores (institutional code #1592; department code #0206)

    If an international applicant, also submit:

  3. Official TOEFL (or MELAB) scores (institutional code #1592; department code #74). (TOEFL and IELTS test scores are only valid for two (2) years.)


SEND TO:

MCDB Office
The Ohio State University
1190C Graves Hall
333 West 10th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210 USA

  1. Official transcript or record of marks for each college- or university-level school attended sent directly from your institution. Include English translation for each of any foreign documents. Faxed or electronically delivered transcripts are not accepted.

  2. Statement of Intent (if not uploaded with online application).

  3. CV (if not uploaded with online application)

  4. The MCDB Program requires three (3) letters of recommendation. We now accept recommendations submitted either through the online application process or sent directly to our office on official stationery in sealed envelopes.

  5. Copy of GRE scores.

  6. If international applicant, copy of TOEFL or MELAB scores (TOEFL and IELTS test scores are only valid for two (2) years)

The Statement of Intent should give background information concerning the factors which have stimulated the applicant's interest in science in general, and particularly in the disciplines of molecular biology and cell and developmental biology. Information about undergraduate or graduate research experiences should be included. The candidate should also indicate which specific areas of specialization are most interesting to them as a possible focus for doctoral research .

 

All applicants are required to submit scores for the GRE General Test (Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical). There is no required minimum GRE score.  However, all applicants compete against the best in the applicant pool.  Desired, but not required, is a GRE Advanced Subject Test score: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry or Biology. In some cases, MCAT scores will be accepted in place of GRE scores.

 

International students whose first language is not English and who have not received a degree from a U.S. university must submit evidence of adequate training in the use of English. Scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) must be submitted for this purpose. Students must submit a TOEFL score exceeding 79 Internet, 213 computer-based or 550 paper-based to be eligible for admission and/or financial support. Scores of at least 96 Internet, 243 computer-based or 600 paper-based are recommended. International students are also encouraged to submit scores from the Test of Spoken English and the Test of Written English.

 

All requirements listed above are in addition to general Graduate School requirements as stated in the Graduate School Bulletin.