Frequently Asked Questions about the Neuroscience Graduate Program:
The application system will be available beginning September 1, 2012 for Fall 2013.

The application deadline for the Neuroscience Graduate Program is December 1st. You will also see a deadline of Dec 15th, please use the Neuroscience Graduate Program deadline of December 1st.  All materials required for the application should be submitted and received by that date.  The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences does NOT use Interfolio for recommendation letters.

Please be sure to select Neuroscience as "Research Interest #1" on the Admissions web form.

Application directions and information may be found here:
BIMS APPLICATION

This is for admission for the following summer/fall semester. We do not offer Spring admissions.


Information for Admission to the Neuroscience Graduate Program

  • We require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.
  • We require the general GRE test. Test scores should be within 5 years of the application date. (We do not require the subject GRE test.)
  • We require at least three letters of recommendation.
  • We are a Ph.D. Program. We do not accept students who wish to obtain a Master's Degree.
  • The optimal background of entering students would include courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Mathematics but there are no specific requirements.
  • Students accepted into the program receive stipend and healthcare support as well as tuition and fee waivers for the duration of their graduate education as long as they remain in good academic standing.
  • Applicants must submit all official materials to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
  • Apply online here.

 

Application Requirements:
What is the minimum accepted TOEFL score?

  • International students are expected to have an outstanding command of the English language. Applicants must understand that biomedical sciences courses are conducted in English and all exams and papers must be submitted in English.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
    A total score of at least 600 on the PBT [paper-based test] TOEFL, 250 on the CBT [computer-based test] TOEFL - A score may not be more than two years old.
    The University expects individuals who take the new iBT TOEFL to earn a score of at least 22 in writing, 22 in speaking, 23 in reading, and 23 in listening (total score: 90).
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam:
    A score of at least 7.0 on the IELTS - A score may not be more than two years old.
  • If your TOEFL scores is lower than these minimums, you may still be accepted as a student but may be required to take both speaking and writing courses.

Can I send a copy of my GRE scores, or do I have to have an original score report sent?
You can send a copy of your score report with your application, but if you are offered admission,   you will be required to send an offical copy of your score report to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Do I have to have a Master's degree?
No. Applicants who are offered admission need only to have completed a Bachelor's degree.

Does the NGP accept international applicants?
Yes. Admission is offered to exceptional international applicants.

What percentage of offers go to international applicants?
The number of offers extended to international applicants varies each year.

What is the application deadline?
December 1st.

What is the application deadline if I want to be considered for financial aid?
December 1st.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS
How do I apply to the Neuroscience Graduate Program?
Follow these instructions.

I am an international applicant. Should I apply online or send a hard copy of
the application?
All applications must be submitted online.

Where should I send supplemental documents (i.e., transcripts)?
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions Office
Post Office Box 400775
104 Randall Hall
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4775.

How do I know my application (and other materials) has/have been received?
The GSAS application process can now be monitored online once the 
application has been submitted electronically. Applicants create a user name
and password as part of the application process and can return to the GSAS 
website to check the status of the application and supplemental documents
(i.e., recommendation letters).

How long is the application review process?
The admissions period runs from December until late March.

How early can I apply?
The application system becomes available on September 1st of the Fall semester for
the following year.