# Application Process

**Source**: https://biology.mit.edu/graduate/prospective-students/application-process/
**Parent**: https://biology.mit.edu/

This page details the application process for the graduate program in Biology, including the application timeline, application requirements, and information for international students and students with disabilities.

MIT Graduate Biology is a doctoral program. There is no Masters offered. The average length of time until degree is 5 1/2 to 6 years.

The Biology department also participates in a number of [Interdisciplinary and Joint Degree Programs](https://biology.mit.edu/graduate/prospective-students/interdisciplinary-and-joint-degree-programs/), including the Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience graduate program, the joint MD/PhD program, the Biophysics Certificate program, and the joint program with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. If you are interested in any these programs, please make sure you explore the different requirements to participate in or apply for these programs.

## Application timeline

| Deadline | Date |
| --- | --- |
| Online application opens | October 1 |
| Application Deadline | December 1 |
| Interview invitations sent via email | Mid-January |
| Open House / Interviews (by invitation) | February |
| Admissions decisions sent | Following interviews |

## Application requirements

Application for admission is completed through our online system [Slate](https://apply.mit.edu/apply/). For fullest consideration, it is in your best interest to complete **all** parts of the application by or before the deadline. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed. A complete application should include:

### Academic transcript

Submit an unofficial transcript(s) from each college or university you have attended in PDF format using the online application.

With regards to specific prerequisite courses for the Biology Program, basic requirements would include calculus, one year of college physics, organic chemistry and subjects including general biochemistry and genetics.

If you are unable to submit an unofficial transcript before the application deadline, you should complete the “Subjects Taken” page on the online application. You should then submit an official transcript by mail as soon as possible. To be considered official, transcripts must be received in envelopes sealed by the institution.

**Mailing Address:**

Biology Graduate Program\
Massachusetts Institute of Technology\
77 Massachusetts Avenue\
Building 68-120\
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307

### Application fee

The standard application fee is $90 payable by credit card on GradApply. The Office of Graduate Education offers [fee waivers](https://oge.mit.edu/graduate-admissions/applications/application-fee-waiver/) for applicants that meet specific eligibility requirements. Please note that we cannot waive this fee for international applications.

### Letters of recommendation

We require three letters of recommendation submitted electronically using the online application system. At least two must be academic recommendations.

Your recommendation letters should include details that highlight:

- Past research experience and/or scientific experience
- Preparation for graduate school, with an emphasis on biology

### Standardized tests

The GRE general test is not required. GRE subject tests are not required.

Non-native English speakers who did not complete their undergraduate education in English are required to submit scores for the IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English Qualifications C1 Advanced, or Cambridge English Qualifications C2 Proficiency and meet the [minimum score requirements](https://oge.mit.edu/programs/biology/). We encourage you to take the exams with enough time to have the scores submitted before the application deadline. Scanned PDF scores are considered unofficial documents and sufficient for review purposes. Official scores must be submitted electronically from ETS before an admissions decision can be made. You can learn more about required standardized tests on the [MIT Graduate Admissions website](https://gradadmissions.mit.edu/applications/standardized-tests).

### Statement of Objectives

Your Statement of Objectives should discuss your past and current scientific and research interests and experiences, and outline particular areas of interest for graduate study. You may also discuss the long-term professional goals that motivate you to work towards a PhD. This is also an appropriate place to clarify details of your academic and work experience to date.

### **Things to note**

- If you are applying to more than one department at MIT, you must submit a separate application for each department.
- CVs can be included in your online application in the “Resume / Employment” section.
- Wherever possible, use the provided drop-down menu options to ensure that your information is submitted correctly.
- Email will be the primary method of contacting you. Do not change your email address once you have submitted your application, as this will result in a record mismatch. You will also receive messages in the Slate application system with updates to your status.

## In-person interviews

In-person interviews are required for an offer of admission to the Biology program. Invitations will be sent out to selected applicants by email in mid-January along with further details about the interview process. The program will cover interview travel expenses, or provide cost-sharing for international students.

## Information for international applicants

- We cannot waive the application fee for international applicants.

### Non-native English speakers

Fluency in spoken and written English is essential for success in our program. We judge fluency in several ways, including scores from standardized tests.

- The IELTS (preferred), TOEFL, Cambridge English Qualifications C1 Advanced, or Cambridge English Qualifications C2 Proficiency test is required of all applicants whose primary language is not English or who did not complete college education in English
- Test scores: TOEFL (required minimum 600),  IELTS (required minimum 6.5), or Cambridge English Qualifications C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency (required minimum 176)
- Test scores must be from within the past two years

More information about these tests is available on the [MIT Graduate Admissions website](https://gradadmissions.mit.edu/programs/biology).

## Students with disabilities

MIT is committed to equal access for qualified students. Interested students may contact the [MIT Student Disabilities Services office](https://studentlife.mit.edu/wellbeing-support/disability-and-access-services/) to learn about resources on campus.

## Biology Application Assistance Program

The Biology Application Assistance Program (BAAP) is a student-led effort to support MIT Biology applicants and lower the application information gap for anyone looking to apply. If you are a prospective graduate student applying during this application cycle, [submit an application](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3lCTerA8JjoutqnL6EGeFwlYNxlSDL_RP_RGlyOSX8SGa_A/viewform) to participate in student-led application activities, including office hours and panels with current MIT Biograds, to help you prepare your application before submission. BAAP applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until November 15, 2024. Questions? Email [mitbaap@gmail.com](mailto:mitbaap@gmail.com) or visit [the BAAP website](http://mitbaap.wordpress.com/) to learn more.

## Questions and concerns

- Additional information about the application process is available on the [Graduate Admissions website](https://gradadmissions.mit.edu/applications).
- For specific questions about the Biology Graduate Program and the application process, contact us by email (gradbio@mit.edu) or phone  (617-258-6502).
- For technical questions about the online application site, contact [gradapply-email@mit.edu](mailto:gradapply-email@mit.edu).

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to requests for updated status of application materials received or to provide feedback about unsuccessful applications.

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