Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline?
The deadline is currently December 15 . An application missing only one component (such as one letter of recommendation) may sometimes be accepted, but it is best if your application is complete by this date .

But the UW Graduate School lists a deadline of November 1 for international students. Which deadline is correct?
The November 1 deadline listed by the UW Graduate School is a suggestion, not a requirement. The Department of Genome Sciences will be reviewing your application and making the decision on whether or not to offer admission, so our deadline is the one you should follow.

Do you offer an M.S. option?
No. Students are admitted only to the Ph.D. program.

Do I need to have an M.S. degree before applying?
No. Most of our students go directly from a Bachelor's degree to the Ph.D.

Do I need to send in hard copies of my application materials?
No. Please do not send us hard copies of anything you submit online.

But the application form says I need to sign it and send in a hard copy. Are you sure you don't need it?
We do not need a hard copy of your application. Some programs ask for this, which is why the general graduate school application instructs you to send this in, but our program does not.

I'm an international applicant. Do I need to send in a Statement of Financial Ability form?
No. If you are offered admission, we will provide full funding and will inform the UW Graduate School. That form is used only by programs which do not provide funding for their students.

What can I do to improve my chances for admission?
Get as much research experience as you can! Gaining research experience and attaining an evaluation of it in your letters of recommendation are important components of your application. Admission is quite competitive; about 10% of applicants receive offers of admission.

What minimum GRE scores (Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical) and GPA do I need to get into the Program?
Our most competitive applicants tend to score near or above the 80th percentile in the Verbal and Quantitative sections. If your scores are significantly below this, you might consider retaking the exam. That said, there is no minimum score requirement used to automatically reject applications. All components of your application are carefully considered.

There is no minimum GPA requirement beyond the UW Graduate School's 3.0 for the two most recent years of study requirement, but high grades in science coursework will help your application.

Do I need to take a GRE subject test?
We do not require a GRE subject test. Some applicants submit them, but the choice is entirely yours. Applicants typically submit scores for either the Biology or Biochemistry tests, but a demonstration of mastery in any relevant subject will bolster your application.

What are the GRE and TOEFL codes for this program?
The institution code for both tests is 4854. You do not need to list a department code.

Which courses do I need to take before applying to the program?
We expect most applicants to have completed one year of calculus and physics at the college level, one year of inorganic and organic chemistry, at least one semester of biochemistry, and basic biology courses. Advanced coursework in mathematics and computer science is also quite valuable. Some deficiencies in these areas can be made up by class work during your first year in graduate school. Our students are chosen from a very competitive pool and come from a wide variety of backgrounds; admission depends less on taking specific courses than on general academic excellence.

Applicants commonly have undergraduate degrees in a science such as Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry or a computational field such as Mathematics or Computer Science. An ideal applicant will have some experience in both experimental and computational areas.

Are there any forms that should accompany the recommendation leters?
No forms are needed. All we ask for are letters from your referees describing your qualifications.

How many applications do you receive each year?
We typically receive around 180 applications per year; approximately 20 - 25 applicants receive offers of admission.

If I apply to Genome Sciences, am I allowed to apply to other UW graduate programs?
Yes. You may apply to as many graduate programs as you wish. The UW Graduate School does charge a separate application fee for each program.

Is financial aid available?
All Genome Sciences students receive full funding, including a tuition waiver (which pays all tuition charges except for approximately $230 per quarter in student fees), health insurance, and a stipend for living expenses ($26,676 per year as of July 2008). Please note that our funding for international students is extremely limited.

When will I know the status of my application?
Our admissions committee will evaluate applications throughout January and February. Finalists for admission will be invited to visit the department during late February and early March. Offers of admission will be made shortly after candidates have visited the department. In most cases, we will have an answer for you no later than mid-March, and usually earlier. Candidates who have been offered admission must respond by April 15th.