Applying to graduate school in Biological Sciences
To ensure full consideration for admission and financial aid for fall admission, the complete application should be received by January 31 prior to the fall semester in which studies are to begin. All applicants are considered for financial aid on the basis of information in the main application. Applications received after January 31 will be considered, but with a lower probability of admission and financial aid. Students may also be admitted to begin study in the spring semester, although the probability of obtaining financial support for the first semester is generally low.
The goal of the admission process is to identify students who will thrive in the program and continue to successful research and/or teaching careers. The application should contain information that allows us to judge the applicant's academic and research potential, and that allows us to determine whether a suitable match exists with potential faculty mentors.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact one or more faculty members prior to the application process to discuss their research interests and to determine whether space is available in the research group. For the research interests of the faculty see these pages: Research interests of the faculty in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. Research interests of the faculty in Molecular and Cellular Biology.
The application consists of:
The Applicant Data Sheet.
The Statement of Purpose.
The Statement of Purpose is an important part of the application, and should
be carefully written to include the applicant's research interests and possible
mentors among the faculty. The personal statement should also include motivations
for undertaking graduate training, and future career goals.
Transcripts from previous
institution(s).
GRE scores, sent to
us directly by the testing agency. Copies of scores sent by the applicant are
not acceptable. (An advanced subject test is not required.)
TOEFL score, if English
is not the applicant's native language. These scores must be sent to us directly
by the testing agency. Copies of scores sent by the applicant are not acceptable.
An application fee.
All of the above application materials should be completed on-line, or mailed
to the Graduate School.
Three letters of recommendation,
sent by faculty members who have direct knowledge of and can comment on the
applicant's academic and research potential. Letters from friends, employers
for non-laboratory jobs, clergy, etc. are usually not helpful. The letters of
recommendation should be sent to the department:
Graduate Admissions
Department of Biological Sciences
Box 870344
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
The University of Alabama Graduate School webpage contains detailed instructions and all of the application materials.
For other questions on the admission process, contact Dr. Robert Findlay, Chair of the Graduate Committee (rfindlay(at)biology.as.ua.edu.
