Application Procedure

Contents of this document:


Obtaining Application Materials and Applying to the Program
Online application form
Download an application Form
Requesting Additional information
Documents Required
Application Timetable
Criteria for Admission

I. Obtaining Application Materials and Applying to the Program
There are several easy ways to apply to the Neuroscience program or to request additional information:

1) Apply immediately using this online application form (requires forms-capable browser).

2) To request additional information: Use this form: (requires a forms-capable browser);

3) Download an application form, print it, fill it out, and return it to the: (with the supporting documents outlined below).

Neuroscience Program Office
University of Utah
401 MREB
20 North 1900 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84132-3401

NOTE: The application fee will be waived ONLY for those applications sent directly to the Neuroscience Program office. PLEASE: No staples, glue or bound in any way.
Institution code: 4853; Department code: 0213

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or:
Contact us directly:

Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience
email: tracy.marble@hsc.utah.edu
University of Utah
401 MREB
20 North 1900 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84132-3401
Phone: (801) 581-4820
Fax: (801) 581-4233

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II. Documents Required
The application package contains more detailed explanations of the required documents.
  1. Application Form:
    This form alone often enables us to identify the most promising applicants, and should
    be submitted as early as possible. You can submit this form now using our Online
    Application Form, or see above for obtaining a hard copy form. All students admitted
    to the program receive scholarships and tuition waivers, so a separate application for
    financial support is not required.
  2. Personal Statement:
    A few pages usually suffice.
  3. Official Transcripts:
    one official copy of transcripts from each college or university attended.
  4. GRE Scores:
    an official copy of the Graduate Record Examination aptitude tests. Institution code: 4853; Department code: 0213
    General test required, subject test optional.
  5. Letters of Recommendation:
    from at least three persons familiar with your research potential
    (we do not require a recommendation letter form).
  6. Official TOEFL score: Institution code: 4853
    (when applicable).

All documents should be sent to: (PLEASE DO NOT staple, glue or bind in any way)

Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience
University of Utah
401 MREB
20 North 1900 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84132-3401

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Application Timetable
All completed applications (including letters of recommendation) received until January 15th are reviewed on this schedule for entrance for the fall semester. Applications received after the January 15th date will be considered with the applications for the following year.

January 1: Review of applications begins.
January 15: Application deadline.
February-March: Interview visits for applicants residing in North America.
March 15-April 10: Applicants are notified of admissions decision.
April 15: Decision date for acceptance of admission offers by applicants.

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Criteria for Admission
Admission decisions are based on the following factors (not necessarily listed in order of importance):

Educational Background:
Applicants should have some undergraduate training in the life sciences, but students with strong chemistry, physics, engineering or mathematics backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Deficiencies in basic undergraduate courses can be remedied in the first year of graduate school.

Undergraduate Performance:
Ideally, the undergraduate record should be strong in all areas. However, evidence of ability to perform well in all science courses, particularly those stressing quantitative skills, is most important. The graduate school requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.

Research Experience:
Many successful applicants have worked in a laboratory and have obtained an experience-based commitment to a research career.

Recommendations:
Strong statements of support from persons in a position to evaluate the applicant's potential for success as a graduate student have significant impact on admissions decisions. Letters from instructors supervising research are strongly encouraged. (We do not require a letter of recommendation form).

GRE scores:
A strong performance on this test carries considerable weight. In evaluating the performance on the advanced test, allowances are made for differences in undergraduate preparation.

International applicants are required to submit an official TOEFL with a minimum score of 500 or better for students whose first language is not English.

Personal Statement:
The personal statement should be articulate and give evidence of a strong commitment to research. Mention of specific, well-focused interests is useful, but not essential; overly vague statements may be detrimental. The statement offers the applicant a unique opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking ability.

Personal Interview (North American residents only):
Promising applicants are invited to visit the University of Utah to meet graduate students and faculty members and to learn more about the graduate program, the University, and the local environment. Travel, food, and lodging costs are paid by the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program.

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