Frequently Asked Questions
Admission requirements
What is the application deadline?
December 15. Only completed applications submitted by this date will be reviewed.
Can I apply for spring or summer term?
No, this program is designed to start in the fall.
Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required?
The GRE is not required for admission. Applicants are welcome to include their GRE scores with their application, but they are not used as a requirement for review.
Does your department offer application fee waivers?
No, the Department of Biomedical Sciences does not offer application fee waivers, but the Graduate School offers application fee waivers to participants in specific, eligible programs, as well as Free Graduate Application Days throughout the year.
Do I have to upload official transcripts?
Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded for review, but official transcripts will be required for admission.
Do I have to pay the application fee?
Yes, you must pay the application fee for your application to move along in the process and ultimately be reviewed by our admissions committee.
Do I need to secure an advisor prior to applying to the program?
Applicants do not need to secure an advisor before applying, but we highly recommend looking through our faculty list to ensure there are faculty members that align with your research interests. On the application you may indicate faculty members who you are interested in working with.
If I am accepted, when do I graduate?
Our Ph.D. program typically takes four to five years to complete, assuming all other course requirements are fulfilled.
Selection process and timeline
Do you choose residents over non-residents?
No. We are looking for the best applicants. Residency status doesn’t affect our decision.
How many people do you accept into your program?
We admit a small cohort of two to three students each fall.
I won't graduate with my bachelor's degree until the summer. Can I still apply to your program?
Yes. As long as your bachelor’s degree is officially conferred before the start of our fall semester, you are welcome to apply.
Do you offer an early decision deadline?
No, we review all applications after our deadline has passed.
How can I make myself a better applicant?
To strengthen your application, be sure to submit all materials well before the deadline. Choose recommenders who can speak in detail about your research experience and potential. In your statement of purpose, clearly articulate your past research experiences and explain why our program is a strong fit for your academic and professional goals.
Are interviews part of the selection process?
Yes, select candidates will be invited for interview rounds mid-February.
If I am an international student, will I get an interview?
Yes, if you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted and an interview via Zoom will be scheduled mid-February.
When are final admission decisions made?
We aim to have final admissions decisions made by the end of March.
When can I plan to hear back about my application?
You can expect to hear from us by the end of March, if not sooner. If you have questions about your application status, you’re welcome to reach out. Please keep in mind that our admissions team carefully reviews each application, which takes time – last year, we received 164 applications. We appreciate your patience during this process.
Can I schedule an appointment to talk with someone about the program?
Yes, please complete our contact form to schedule a Zoom/phone call.
Application process
How can I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application online through the online application portal.
Can I submit my application before all of my materials have come in?
Yes, this is recommended. You can hit the submit button and then update your application with the rest of your materials as they come in and admissions will update it.
GPA
What is the average GPA of incoming classes?
3.35
What if my undergraduate GPA is below 3.0?
You are still encouraged to apply, but the burden of proof is on you. You want to demonstrate that you can handle a rigorous course load. If the admissions committee thinks you are a strong candidate despite a low GPA, they can petition the graduate school to waive this requirement. An applicant does not request special consideration; this is determined by the admissions committee. If the graduate school approves our recommendation, you will be placed on “academic probation” your first semester. This means you must maintain a 3.0 GPA your first semester in the program, or you will be dismissed by the graduate school. This is explained in more detail in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins blends education and industry, hard work and outdoor recreation, tradition and progress. If you’re looking for a college experience with the perfect fusion of culture, opportunity and adventure, Fort Collins is where you’ll find it.
Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins provides extensive access to hundreds of miles of trails for biking and hiking, world-class fishing and rock climbing, and camping, all in an area with over 300 days of sun per year.