How to Apply

Students interested in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) should apply directly to the Biology department using the guidelines below.

Students interested in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) must apply through the BBSP (refer to the MCDB application page for information).

Students interested in the interface of EEOB and MCDB should contact one or more prospective faculty advisors for guidance on how to apply.

Page Contents

When do I apply?
How do I obtain an application?
What do I need to apply?
Do I need to take the GREs?
What happens after I apply?
Can I find out about the progress of my application?
Admission Requirements
Correspondence and Information

When do I apply?

The deadline for applications for Fall 2018 admissions is December 5, 2017.  Applications cannot be accepted after this date. Once applications are received, we evaluate them to determine who we will invite to visit our campus and interview.

How do I obtain an application?

You must apply online through the UNC graduate college: https://applynow.unc.edu/apply/.

What do I need to apply?

The online application must be completed in its entirety and the application fee of $85 paid before the application is considered complete.

Applications that are not complete by the deadline will not be reviewed. The following items are needed in the application:

1. All materials required by the graduate college (available at http://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions.html)
2. A listing of one or more faculty with whom you wish to conduct research
3. A listing of the research area(s) in which you wish to work (via the Area of Interest/Specialization drop-down box within the application)
4. The Graduate College’s required “Statement of Purpose” must consist of an essay (1-3 pages) describing research interests, proposed approaches, and career goals
5. In addition to the required Statement of Purpose, provide an essay (1-3 pages) describing prior research experience and its relationship to research interests and career goals. This should be uploaded as a Supplemental Document

For department information and inquiries regarding applications to Biology, contact (grad@bio.unc.edu).

Do I need to take the GREs?

Yes. You must take the general test, and we recommend that you take the subject test in Biology. The subject test is not required for consideration, but it strengthens an application. We recommend taking the GREs in the Fall prior to the year for which you are applying.

What happens after I apply?

Your application is reviewed by the departmental admissions committee. In January, we decide what applicants will be invited in for on-campus interviews. On occasion, applicants may also be “wait listed” at this point; they may be invited in for an interview later pending decisions made after earlier campus interviews take place. In March and April, final decisions are made and applicants are notified.

Note that applicants are admitted ONLY if a faculty member is willing to advise that student. You must therefore identify prospective advisors prior to submitting an application and indicate this on your application.

Can I find out about the progress of my application?

You can monitor you application through the online application system.

 

Admission Requirements

1. GRE scores less than 5 years old; recommended to be at least 50th percentile in each general category.
2. TOEFL, required of all international students (except those from countries where English is the official language, or those who have received a degree from a US university) and cannot be over 2 years old. The Graduate School minimum acceptable score is 90 (internet-based test) or 577 (paper-based test).
3. GPA minimum of 3.0

Correspondence and Information

For department information:
Kenlyn Merritt
Biology Graduate Admissions
CB# 3280, 202 Coker Hall
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3280
E-mail: grad@bio.unc.edu

For online application for admission:
Graduate School
CB# 4010, Bynum Hall
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-4010