|
Graduate Program:
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in the Biology Department at Tufts
University. Deciding on the right graduate program for you is a big
decision. We understand that there are many issues to consider and
you will have a plethora of questions as you navigate through the
application process. In order to help facilitate your journey, below
we have complied a list of some of the commonly asked questions
regarding admissions into our graduate program. Additional
information may be found on the
Office of Graduate Studies website. If you don't see the answer to your specific questions,
please email.
Other helpful links:
When is the application deadline?
The PhD and Thesis Masters application deadline for Fall admission
is December 15 for foreign students and January 15 for U.S.
students. Applications for the Coursework Masters program are
accepted on a rolling basis to the Fall, Spring or Summer semester.
We will look forward to receiving your application.
What level of financial support is provided to graduate students?
All Biology Department Ph.D. and thesis/research masters graduate
students receive full tuition scholarships, mandatory health
services fee (valued at $620), one-half of health insurance (if
insurance is needed), and monthly living stipends to cover their
expenses (currently $25,500 per yr. for Ph.D. candidates and $21,500
for thesis masters candidates).
What criteria are used to evaluate applicants?
The Department of Biology's Graduate Admissions Committee examines
ALL aspects of a candidate's application before making their final
decisions. Each applicant is considered individually; this involves
many factors including academic history, research experience,
recommendations, GRE scores, and TOEFL scores (international
applicants only). The Committee examines applications on a rolling
basis. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you get your application
submitted as early in the process as possible.
What is the minimum TOEFL requirement?
International applicants must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 550
points on the paper exam, 213 on the electronic exam, or 79-80 on
the internet-based exam for the TOEFL. If an applicant received a
degree from an institution where instruction was conducted in
English, the TOEFL requirement is waived.
Is the GRE required?
The GRE general test is required of all applicants. The biology or
biochemistry subject test is recommended, but not required.
What is the minimum GRE requirement?
Typically, applicants with GRE scores below the 50th percentile are
usually not considered for admission unless there are special
circumstances to take into account.
Can I send you a photocopy of my GRE/TOEFL scores in the mail, by
email, or fax?
No, photocopies, faxes or emailed attachments of scores are not
considered official. The scores must come directly from ETS.
Is there a minimum GPA required?
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required and most students admitted to the
program have a GPA well over 3.0. However, extensive laboratory
experience might warrant an exception to this rule.
I completed my undergraduate degree 10 years ago and wasn't a
great student back then. Is there any way I would be considered for
admission?
Sure. We understand that often it takes a bit of "life experience"
before applicants decide to apply to graduate school. The type of
activities you have participated in recently (e.g., taking graduate
level courses through an extension/night program, working in
biotech, teaching high school) are all aspects of an application
that will be carefully reviewed during the admission process.
Are international students welcome in your programs?
International students are welcome and receive the same financial
package as US citizens.
How many international students are accepted each year?
We do not set a specific number of International Students that it
will admit each year, but instead consider the applications of all
applicants to select those who are the best qualified. About 25% of
our students come from countries outside the United States.
I am interested in applying to medical school. Will your masters
program help me?
In general, a Masters degree will strengthen any application.
However, we strongly suggest that students wishing to eventually
apply to medial school consider attending a new program at the
Sackler School at Tufts University. This
Masters in Biomedical
Science degree (MBS) program is specifically designed to help
students get into medical school.
What is the difference between the coursework masters program and
the thesis/research masters program?
The coursework masters program requires 8 graduate level
courses; no research is required. It can be done on a part-time
basis; no scholarship or stipend is available for this program. The
thesis/research masters program also requires 8 graduate level
courses including research and the defense of a thesis. This must be
done full time only. A full tuition scholarship is available as well
as a stipend of $21,500 per year. This program usually takes 2-3
years to complete.
What are some examples of the work your graduates end up doing?
Many of our Ph.D. graduates either teach at universities (e.g .,
Boston College, Connecticut College, Denison University, San Diego
State University ) or work in research laboratories (Tufts Medical
School, Cummings Veterinary School at Tufts University, Postdoctoral
Research Fellows at Harvard University and University of Michigan).
A number of recent graduates are also employed by government
agencies such as the Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the
Massachusetts Natural Heritage Program. Students in our masters'
programs have taught at private high schools, worked in law firms,
pharmaceutical companies, and environmental consulting companies.
Can my application fee be waived?
The application fee is required except for applicants currently
enrolled in a Tufts degree or certificate program (except GCAP
students), McNair Scholars, Project 1000, Leadership Alliance or IRT
applicants. To have the application fee waived, select this option
in the Preliminary Questions section and send an official document
from the specific program stating the applicant is a current student
or member of one of the programs listed above.
How do I check the status of my application?
Once your application has been submitted using the Embark online
system you will receive an email from the Tufts Application
Management System (TAMS). This email will provide you with a
username and password to log onto TAMS. Once you receive the email
from TAMS please allow up to 48 hours for your application materials
to be updated.
|
