Question: is the gre test required in order to apply?
Answer: We no longer require the GRE test, nor is it considered in the review process.
Question: what is the minimum test of english as a foreiGn language ("toefl") score per section?
Answer: The minimum IBT-internet-based TOEFL is Writing 22, Speaking 23, Reading 21, Listening 17. However, an acceptable score is above 100. TOEFL scores are valid for two years and should not expire before the December 1st application deadline.
question: do you accept the international english language test system ("ielts")? What is the minimum ielts score that is accepted?
Answer: Yes. An acceptable IELTS band score is 7. IELTS scores are valid for two years and should not expire before the December 1st application deadline.
question: do you accept Duolingo English test scores?
Answer: No. Only a TOEFL or IELTS is accepted.
Question: May I request a toefl/ielts waiver?
Answer: You are exempt from submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score if you are a Permanent Resident, a US citizen, or an international applicant with a minimum of three years of undergraduate or master's degree studies with the mode of instruction being English.
question: Does Rutgers Waive application fees?
Answer: The Office of Graduate Admissions grants application fee waivers to the following groups only: active U.S. military and military veterans who plan to apply for educational benefits under the GI Bill, current Rutgers students and alumni, and participants in various scholar programs. Students are automatically reviewed for fee waiver eligibility based on the information they provide on their Rutgers graduate school application.
The Graduate Programs in Molecular Biosciences office does not have the ability to grant waivers. Questions regarding the fee waiver policy can be directed to the Office of Graduate Admissions–New Brunswick using this form.
question: can i submit my application before submitting scores and other credentials?
Answer: Yes. Once you are assigned an RU ID#, you'll be able to return to your online application to upload additional credentials. Your application can be reviewed by the Admissions Committee only when all of your credentials have been received and your application status is complete and submitted before the deadline.
Question: Do you need to secure an advisor before applying?
Answer: No. Admitted students are assigned a temporary academic advisor for the first year. At the end of the first year, after completing three lab rotations, students choose a thesis advisor.
question: do you give preference to applicants who have a masters degree?
Answer: Having prior research experience gives you a definite advantage when applying, whether you have a BS or MS degree.
question: i have a 3-year bachelor's degree. am i eligible to apply to your phd program?
Answer: You cannot apply with a 3-year bachelor's degree. Most applicants with a 3-year undergraduate degree have completed a Master's degree or an additional year of study in a certificate program or its equivalent. An additional year of study or research experience would strengthen your application for our PhD program.
Question: If I attach some credentials, can you give me an idea of how likely it is that I will be admitted?
Answer: No. We receive hundreds of applications for a very limited number of slots and are unable to conduct a pre-review of credentials in the absence of a complete application with all supporting materials.
Question: Do you hold an open house for students to find out about the program?
Answer: No. However, we do provide a Rutgers campus visit to those students who are awarded admission before the acceptance deadline. Typically, the campus visit is scheduled for mid-March.
Question: How many international students apply and are admitted?
Answer: The number of international and domestic applications varies from year to year. Our Admissions Committee selects applicants of the highest quality for admission, regardless of whether they are U.S. citizens or international applicants.
Question: How many years does it take to complete the PhD Program?
Answer: Most of our students complete their studies within 5 or 6 years.
Question: Can I transfer in credits from my MS degree to use toward my PhD?
Answer: Students may apply to transfer credits after completing the first year of study in the program, unless they were applied towards an awarded Master's degree.