• Steps for Applying to the BBSC

• Applications for Admission

• Fee and Deadlines

• Entrance Examinations

• Letters of References

• Personal Statement

About thirty students are accepted into each graduate class. Consequently, competition for positions is intense. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their application early. However, completed applications will be accepted until the entering class is filled. There are no separate forms or special application for assistantships. All students who are admitted to the BBSC are fully supported by a graduate assistantship. Applicants may be invited to visit the campus at our expense to meet faculty and students.

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Steps for Applying to the BBSC

For a condensed version on how to apply, please click on the appropriate citizenship link below:

• U.S.

• International

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Application for Admission

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. An application is considered complete once the Office of Enrollment Services receives the following official documents:

• Application for Admission and application fee

• Official transcript(s) from ALL colleges, graduate or professional schools attended. Transcripts from foreign universities must be accompanied by an official translation of the transcript.

• Educational Background Form (international applicants only)

• Official Reports of Exam Scores:

  • GRE

  • TOEFL or IELTS (international applicants only)

• Letters of References (3)

• Personal Statement

The Application for Admission to the GSBS can be completed on-line.

Paper applications can be obtained from the Office of Enrollment Services by writing to:

          UTMB Office of Enrollment Services
          301 University Boulevard
          Galveston, TX 77555-1305 
          or by completing a request for information on-line.

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Fee and Deadlines

The application fee cannot be waived or application will not be forwarded for consideration. Checks should be made payable to UTMB.

To receive the most favorable consideration for admission and stipend support, applications and supporting materials should be received by the dates indicated below. Applications from non-US residents must be received early to allow sufficient time for the prospective student to obtain a US visa.

Normally, applications are only considered for Fall enrollment.

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Entrance Examinations

Acceptable performance on examinations is required to be considered for admission. It is strongly encouraged that exam(s) be taken several months prior to the application deadline.

Official scores must be received directly from the Educational Testing Center, as well as TOEFL or IELTS Information Center (if applicable). Photocopies mailed by the applicant may be considered for purposes of initial review, but the receipt of official documents is required prior to admission.

All Applicants:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  All applicants must take the verbal, quantitative, and writing sections of the GRE.  There is no minimum score requirement. A GRE subject test is not required; however, they are useful during admission deliberations and should be included if taken. Information pertaining to the GRE can be found at http://www.gre.org. The institution and department codes to use is 6887-0299 (The University Texas Galveston Med Branch; Biomedical Sciences--Other).

      Graduates of Non-U.S. Institutions:            

In addition to the GRE, applicants who graduated from a non-U.S. school must take either the TOEFL or IELTS. The two testing proficiency centers applicants may consider are explained below.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  The minimum requirement on the TOEFL is 550 or greater on the paper-based test, or 213 or greater on the computer-based test. Further information about this test can be found at http://www.toefl.org. The institution and department codes to use is 6887-45 (The University Texas Galveston Med Branch; Biomedical Sciences).

                                                      OR

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  The minimum band score on the Academic Test version is 6.5. Further information about this test can be found at http://www.ielts.org. Specify UTMB-GSBS for the institution and department codes.

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Letters of References

Careful thought should be given to the selection of individuals asked to write evaluation letters. Preferably, individuals should be chosen who have direct knowledge of the applicant's potential for a successful graduate career and who can assess the integrity, accomplishments, academic potential, capabilities, and research experience of the applicant. Individuals who are particularly useful in writing these letters include:

• Undergraduate or academic research advisors

• Research mentors

• Individuals who have supervised the applicant in an environment related to biomedical or other related sciences

• Faculty who have worked closely with the applicant.

Three letters of evaluation are required and these must be sent directly by the individuals writing them to the Office of Enrollment Services separate from the application. Please use the form available online, or email to request the form be mailed to you.

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Personal Statement

On page five of the GSBS application for admission, the applicant is asked to provide a personal statement in support of their application. The following points should be addressed in this statement:

• Motivational factors leading to the decision to attend graduate school

• Short- and long-term career goals

• Summary of past research experience, publications or related comments

• Self evaluation of past academic performance

• Additional information supporting your application

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