Prerequisites

Students with undergraduate majors in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or other biological sciences should apply. We also welcome applications from students in disciplines such as chemical engineering, physics, mathematics or the liberal arts who meet the entrance requirements or are willing to make up deficiencies*. The Admissions Committee considers many aspects of the application, including grades, GRE scores (the subject test is optional), letters of recommendation and prior research experience. The applicant's reasons for graduate study essay is important and should be written thoughtfully to reveal one's scientific and career interests, research experiences, and abilities that otherwise may not be obvious from the academic record. Strong letters of recommendation, a well-crafted statement of purpose and extensive research experience often aid students with below-average grades or scores on national entrance exams.

MINIMUM COURSEWORK REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION

*Students may correct deficiencies (up to six credits) after admission, but these credits do not apply toward graduate coursework requirements.

Admissions Standards for the Microbiology Program

Students admitted to graduate training in microbiology at Madison generally meet the following criteria:

1. Undergraduate coursework as detailed above.

2. An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores at or above the 70th percentile in quantitative, verbal and analytical tests (see below).

4. Strong letters of recommendation from three persons who are familiar with your academic ability and who can assess your potential for a research career.

5. Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). An admitted applicant whose TOEFL (paper-based) test score is below 580; TOEFL computer-based test (CBT) score below 237;TOEFL internet based (iBT) test score below 92; IELTS score below 7;or MELAB below 82 must take an English assessment test upon arrival. You must then register for any recommended English as a Second Language (ESL) course(s) in the first semester you are enrolled.

6. Evidence of a personal commitment to scientific research at the highest level of accomplishments.

Entering Class Statistics