Frequently Asked Questions about the Neuroscience Graduate Program

Guidelines for Admission


The deadline for having complete application materials to the Neuroscience Graduate Program is December 1st, for admission in the summer/fall semester. We do not accept Spring or Summer semester admissions.

  • We require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.
  • We require the general GRE test. Test scores should be within 5 years of the application date. (We do not require the subject GRE test.)
  • We require at least three letters of recommendation. 
  • We are a Ph.D. Program. We do not accept students who wish to obtain a Master's Degree only.
  • The optimal background of entering students would include courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Mathematics but there are no specifically required undergraduate courses.
  • All applicants must submit all official application materials to our Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
  • To apply online:
    http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/bims/apply.cfm

Application Requirements:

What is the minimum accepted TOEFL score?

  • International students are expected to have an outstanding command of the English language. Applicants must understand that biomedical sciences courses are conducted in English and all exams and papers must be submitted in English.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
    A total score of at least 600 on the PBT [paper-based test] TOEFL, 250 on the CBT [computer-based test] TOEFL - A score may not be more than two years old.
    The University expects individuals who take the new iBT TOEFL to earn a score of at least 22 in writing, 22 in speaking, 23 in reading, and 23 in listening (total score: 90).
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam:
    A score of at least 7.0 on the IELTS - A score may not be more than two years old.

Can I send a copy of my GRE scores, or do I have to have an original score report sent?

You can send a copy of your score report with your application, but if you are offered admission, you will be required to send an offical copy of your score report to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Do I have to have a Master's degree?

No. Applicants who are offered admission need only to have completed a Bachelor's degree.

Does the NGP accept foreign applicants?

Yes. Admission is offered to exceptional international applicants.

What percentage of offers go to foreign applicants?

The number of offers extended to foreign applicants varies each year.

What is the application deadline?

December 1st.

What is the application deadline if I want to be considered for financial aid?

December 1st.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

           How do I apply to the Neuroscience Graduate Program?
         Follow these instructions.

           I am a foreign applicant. Should I apply online or send a hard copy of
            the application?
         All applications must be submitted online.  Paper applications are no longer
         be accepted.

           Where should I send supplemental documents (i.e., transcripts)?
          Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions Office
          Post Office Box 400775
          437 Cabell Hall
          Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4775.

           How do I know my application (and other materials)
           has/have been received?
         The GSAS application process can now be monitored online once the 
         application has been submitted electronically. Applicants create a user name
         and password as part of the application process and can return to the GSAS 
         website to check the status of the application and supplemental documents
        (i.e., recommendation letters).

How long is the application review process?
The admissions period runs from December until late March, varying slightly each academic year.

          How early can I apply?
        Typically, the online application is available starting at the beginning of the
        academic year for the following year (Fall 2009 for Fall 2010).

 

PROGRAM

How many lab rotations are required?

Most students schedule 3 lab rotations, though only two are required.

Can I start a rotation in the summer?

Yes. Students who begin the program with a lab rotation during the summer prior to starting courses in August gain the advantage of longer rotations and a more flexible rotation schedule.

What are the required courses?

Required courses are listed in the NGP Faculty and Student Handbook and are listed on the web for current students.

What is BIMS?

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs at the University of Virginia.

How does NGP relate to BIMS?

The Neuroscience Graduate Program is one of the seven graduate programs in BIMS. The other programs are Biomedical Engineering; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics; Cell and Developmental Biology; Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases; Molecular Medicine; and Structural, Computational Biology and Biophysics.

FINANCIAL

What is included in the financial package?

Graduate stipend, paid tuition and fees, and health insurance.

What is the current stipend?

The 2009-2010 stipend for the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs (BIMS) is $25,000.

Are all applicants eligible for financial assistance?

Yes, though its continuation is dependent on satisfactory progress in the program.