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Deadline
Your application must be completed and supporting documentation must be received by December 1.
How to Apply
- Use the Apply Now button below and sign in using your existing account information or create a new account to start a new application.
- Fill out the application in full and submit it when complete. Once submitted, you will be emailed a link to the Status Portal.
- In your portal, you will be able to submit your application fee payment and supporting documents (personal statement, CV, etc.).
- Use the checklist on the Status Portal to make sure your supporting documents are submitted by the deadline for your application. All supporting documents must be received by the application deadline for you to be reviewed.
- Once all application materials are received, your application will be sent for review. If additional materials are needed, you will be notified.
Requirements
Transcripts
You must submit transcripts for every college or university you have attended. At the point of application, please only submit unofficial transcripts. If admitted, official transcripts will be required in order to matriculate.
Application Fee
Once you submit your application, you will have access to your status portal, which will include a link to pay your $85 application fee.
Participants in the following programs only will be approved for a fee waiver once there is confirmation of your participation. Participants in the following programs must submit verification of program participation, such as a letter bearing the original signature of the program director or adviser, or a copy of the current contract.
- Americorps
- McNair Scholars (LSAMP, SSS, TRIO, CSTEP)
- EOP, HEOP or SEEK program
- Veteran or military status (including spouses)
- Received a GRE fee waiver
- Project 1000
You can submit verification to jacobsbiomed-grad@buffalo.edu.
We cannot grant fee waivers for any other reasons, including for international applicants.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. You will enter contact information for letter writers when you fill out the application, and they will be notified automatically and will be sent a link to submit their letter. In your portal, you can check the status of your letters, send reminders, or edit recommenders.
Resume/CV
As a medical school focused on scientific discovery, our admission committees would like to understand applicants' prior research experiences. Note that this experience is not required for admission but is helpful information as we consider your application.
If you have previous research experience, please make sure to list all prior experiences on your Resume or CV. Please list specific details, such as institution or company, duration of experience, PI or lab supervisor name, average hours you worked per week, and a brief description of your role. If you have presented or published, please also list all of these experiences, even local or small conferences are helpful information! All experiences should also be listed in chronological order.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should include the following three sections. You may provide additional information that you believe would help the committee get to know you, but please cover these topics at a minimum.
- Why I want a PhD degree and why UB would be a good place to pursue this degree. (500 word limit)
- An example of a time where I showed initiative and perseverance in meeting a goal and/or overcoming an obstacle. (500 word limit)
- A brief description of my prior research experiences (for applicants who have had more than one research experience, you may choose one to describe). If you do not have prior research experience, you may describe a class presentation, essay, lab, or assignment relevant to biological sciences. (750 word limit)
If applicable, it is also recommended that you use your statement to address any stumbles or obstacles that have affected your academic performance thus far.
Notes
- The GRE is no longer required.
- Strong consideration is given to students who majored in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy or psychology. Recommended undergraduate courses include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physiology, physics and mathematics, including calculus and statistics.
Special Note for International Students
If you are applying from outside the United States, apply as early as possible to ensure time for application and visa processing.
Regardless of your program’s deadline, it is recommended that you apply at least 6-9 months prior to the term start date (depending on your country of origin). Check with your program’s application coordinator for specific guidelines.
UB is an International University
As one of the United States’ most global universities, the University at Buffalo is home to more than 4,500 students from 110 countries.
We value international students as members of our community and will provide outstanding support services for you and your dependent family members, if they accompany you to Buffalo.
Resources to Help You Succeed at UB:
- One of the best and most thorough international student orientation programs offered by any U.S. university.
- A mentoring program for new international students.
- World-class learning and research opportunities.
- Many opportunities to be involved in campus life, including international and local clubs and activities.
In addition to being an affordable, friendly and fun city, Buffalo welcomes and respects international students.
English Proficiency Requirement
International applicants must present a valid English Language Proficiency test score. It is university policy that test dates be no older than two years when students enter a program. We recommend uploading scanned copies of your results at the time of application in order to expedite the review process.
- Institution code: R2925 (SUNY-University at Buffalo)
Financial information
You do not need to fill out the financial section of the online application. All accepted students receive a full-tuition scholarship and stipend.
Because your goal is to be a research scientist, we provide the financial support that sets you on the path to the career of your choice.
Tuition and Stipend
We provide you with the financial freedom to focus on your research. As a doctoral candidate, you will receive:
- A full-tuition scholarship.
- A $31,000 stipend.
- Medical/dental insurance.
- Broad-based fees scholarship via UB's PhD Excellence Initiative.
Our doctoral students often also successfully apply for awards, fellowships and other supplemental funding from organizations such as the American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.
Timeline
| Application Opens | July 15 |
| Application Deadline | December 1 |
| Application Review | November-February |
| Interviews | January-February |
| Admissions Decisions | January-April |
| Response to Admissions Offers Deadline | April 15 |
Interviews
Strong applicants will be invited to interview. The interview serves two purposes:
- To conduct faculty interviews as part of our evaluation of your application.
- To showcase the facilities, faculty and students of the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences so that you can evaluate us.
How to Apply to Grad School
Are you looking for a fulfilling career, but know you'll need more training? That next step can be intimidating, so we guide you through the process. With our faculty experts by your side, you'll master current concepts and research skills, empowering you with the confidence to launch a successful career in the biomedical sciences.
Download our workbook today, and we'll walk you through our 5 tips to prepare you for success!