Molecular Medicine Ph.D. Program FAQs
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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 no later than January 1st for best chances of being considered. International students living outside the U.S. must apply no later than January 15th to be considered.
2. Q: Do you accept applications for Spring admission?
A: No, applicants are only accepted for Fall semester admission.
3. 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
4: 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.
5. Q: Is there an application fee?
A: Yes, there is a $50.00 (U.S.) application fee paid to the Graduate School.
6. 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.
7. Q: What is the average GRE score and GPA for students accepted into the Molecular Medicine program?
A: The average scores for the 2008 incoming class were: GRE, 1244; GPA, 3.42.
8. Q: Will the program accept my MCAT scores in place 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 are also an important part of the decision.
11. Q: Do you require subject GRE scores?
A: No, subject GRE scores are not required, and will neither hinder nor aid in an applicant’s chances for admission.
12. 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.
13. Q: Will my application be reviewed if you have not received my GRE scores or 1 of my letters of recommendation?
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.
14. Q: What is the institution code for reporting GRE &TOEFL scores?
A: The institution code is 5848. The Molecular Medicine program code is 0206.
15. 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.
16. Q. Do you provide funding for international students?
A: Yes, all students accepted into the program are provided the same financial benefits.
17. Q. Is the TOEFL required for international students? If so, what is the minimum score accepted?
A: Applicants whose native languages are not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language or the International English Language Testing System exam. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score established by the University for Admission is 550 for paper-based tests or 213 for computer-based tests. IELTS test takers must score no less than Band 7 (total).
18. 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.
19. 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
20. Q: Where can I find housing information?
A: Go to the Residence Life website: http://www.housing.umaryland.edu