Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the application deadline for the Molecular Medicine Ph.D. Program?
   
   Applications are reviewed by the Molecular Medicine Admissions Committee and should be received by December 1st. 
   
   
   
2. Do you accept applications for Spring admission?
   
   No, applicants are only accepted for Fall semester admission.
   
    
3. How do I apply online?
   
   If you have not already done so, the first step is to make a formal inquiry; then you may apply online.
   
    
4. I am experiencing problems with the online application. Who should I contact?
   
   You may contact the Graduate School directly via email at gradinfo@umaryland.edu.
   
    
5. Is there an application fee and how many programs can I apply to with one fee?
   
   Yes, there is a $75.00 (U.S.) application fee paid to the Graduate School. You may apply to one GPILS program per $75.00 application fee.
   
    
6. How many students do you accept each year?
   
   The number of students accepted varies from year to year and depends on the number of Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions we have available. 
   
    
7. What is the average GPA for students accepted into the Molecular Medicine program?
   
   The average GPA for the 2022 incoming class was a 3.49.
8. What is considered a competitive candidate for the Molecular Medicine program?
   
   A competitive candidate would have a GPA above 3.0, excellent recommendation letters, and an extensive research background and/or published materials.
    
9. Do you require GRE scores?
   
   GRE scores are NOT required and will not be accepted as a supplemental document to any application.
    
10. Do you offer financial aid?
    
    Students accepted into the Molecular Medicine Ph.D. program are provided financial support for the duration of their studies. Stipends are competitive nationwide ($30,000 per year) and increase as the student advances. In addition to annual stipends, students receive health care coverage and tuition remission. Students requiring additional funds may visit the Financial Aid website for more information.
    
     
11. Will my application be reviewed if you have not received all of the required materials?
    
    Given that each application is reviewed as a complete package, it is necessary to submit all portions of the application prior to it being reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
     
12. How do I send my letters of recommendation?
    
    Please provide three (3) recommendations from professors or others who can attest to the quality of your academic performance, scholastic potential and other non-cognitive factors.  Your recommendations are managed by the online application; you will need the email addresses of your recommenders for this process.
    
     
13. Where can I find housing information?
    
    You may refer to the Residence Life website.

For International Students Only

1. Do you accept international students, if so, how many each year?
   
   We do accept international students; however we do not have a particular number or percentage of international students we intend to accept – the application pool varies from year to year and it is dependent upon the applications we receive. We accept the most qualified candidates.
   
    
2. What is the deadline for international applicants?
   
   International applicants must submit all application materials no later than December 1st to be considered.
   
    
3. Do you provide funding for international students?
   
   Yes, all students accepted into the program are provided the same financial benefits.
   
    
4. Is the TOEFL required for international students?
   
   Applicants whose native language or language of home is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the examination of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Further information on TOEFL/IETLS, click here.
   
    
5. If I am an international student with a M.S. degree from a U.S. university do I still need to take the TOEFL?
   
   The TOEFL requirement is waived for applicants who have received a M.S. degree from an American accredited university/college. Further information on TOEFL waivers, click here.
   
    
6. What are the institution and program codes for reporting TOEFL scores?
   
   The TOEFL institution code is 5848.
   
   
7. What is a WES evaluation?
   

   A WES credential evaluation is a comparison of your academic accomplishments (transcripts) to standards in the U.S. or Canada. This report helps institutions like schools, employers, licensing boards, or immigration authorities better understand your educational background.

   A report from WES:

   • Identifies and describes your credentials
   • Verifies that your credentials are authentic
   • May include a grade point average (GPA) equivalency
   • Includes an evaluation of the authenticity of your documents