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1. Q: What is the application deadline for the Molecular Medicine Program?
A: Applications are reviewed by the Molecular Medicine Admissions
Committee and should be received by December 1st for early decision. All other applications should be received no later than January 15th for best chances of being considered. International students must apply no later than January 15th to be considered.
2. Q. What is Early Decision?
A: Applications to the Molecular Medicine Program that are received by December 1st will be reviewed first. The Admissions Committee interviews selected early decision applicants and makes a decision on these candidates before considering the regular pool of applicants.
The Admissions Committee can make one of three decisions for each early decision applicant: 1) acceptance; 2) rejection; or 3) placement into the regular applicant pool for review at a later time.
3. Q: Do you accept applications for Spring admission?
A: No, applicants are only accepted for Fall semester admission.
4. Q: How do I apply online?
A: If you have not already done so, the first step is to make a formal inquiry http://lifesciences.umaryland.edu/Pages/inquire.aspx ; then you may apply online at http://www.graduate.umaryland.edu/admissions/instructions.html
5. Q: I am experiencing problems with the online application. Who should I contact?
A: You may contact the Graduate School directly via email at gradinfo@umaryland.edu .
6. Q: Is there an application fee and how many programs can I apply to with one fee?
A: Yes, there is a $50.00 (U.S.) application fee paid to the Graduate School. You may apply to one GPILS program per $50 application fee.
7. Q: How many students do you accept each year?
A: The number of students accepted varies from year to year and depends on the number of Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions we have available. This can range anywhere from 10-20 per fall semester.
8. Q: What is the average GRE score and GPA for students accepted into the Molecular Medicine program?
A: The average scores for the 2009 incoming class were: GRE, 1257; GPA, 3.50.
9. Q: Will the program accept my MCAT scores in lieu of the GRE?
A: No. GRE scores are required to be considered for the program. Applications will not be reviewed by the Admissions Committee without GRE scores.
10. Q: What is considered a competitive candidate for the Molecular Medicine program?
A: A competitive candidate would have a GPA above 3.0; GRE combined score above 1200 (verbal - above 500), excellent recommendation letters, and an extensive research background and/or published materials.
11. Q: What if my GRE scores are lower than the average?
A: Although GRE scores are essential in determining an applicant’s qualifications; the Molecular Medicine Admissions Committee reviews each application as a complete package. GPA, research background and recommendation letters also play an important role in the decision.
12. Q: Do you require subject GRE scores?
A: Subject GRE scores are NOT required, and will neither hinder nor aid in an applicant’s chances for admission.
13. Q: Do you offer financial aid?
A: Students accepted into the Molecular Medicine Ph.D. program are provided financial support for the duration of their studies. Stipends are competitive nationwide ($25,000 per year) and increase as the student advances. In addition to annual stipends, students receive health care coverage and tuition remission. Students requiring additional funds may visit the Financial Aid website http://www.umaryland.edu/fin/ for more information.
14. Q: Will my application be reviewed if you have not received all of the required materials?
A: Given that each application is reviewed as a complete package, it is necessary to submit all portions of the application prior to it being reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
15. Q: What are the institution and program codes for reporting GRE?
A: The institution code for GRE is 5848. The Molecular Medicine program code is 0206.
16. Q: What are the institution and program codes for reporting TOEFL scores?
A: The TOEFL university code is 5944; the department code is 45.
17. Q: Do you accept international students, if so, how many each year?
A: We do accept international students; however we do not have a particular number or percentage of international students we intend to accept – the application pool varies from year to year and it is dependant upon the applications we receive. We accept the most qualified candidates.
18. Q. Do you provide funding for international students?
A: Yes, all students accepted into the program are provided the same financial benefits.
19. Q. Is the TOEFL required for international students?
A: Applicants whose native language or language of the home is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the examination of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
20. Q: If I am an international student with a M.S. degree from a U.S. university do I still need to take the TOEFL?
A: The TOEFL requirement is waived for applicants who have received a M.S. degree from an American accredited university/college.
21. Q: Where do I mail my letters of recommendation?
A: Letters of recommendation should be mailed to:
Sharron Graves
University of Maryland, Baltimore 655 W. Baltimore Street, Room 1-005
Baltimore, MD 21201
22. Q: Where can I find housing information?
A: Go to the Residence Life website: http://www.housing.umaryland.edu