Frequently Asked Questions About Admissions

What are your deadlines for application?

February 1 is the deadline for application. The preapplication deadline is January 1.

May I have the application fee waived?

Yes. If you are admitted to our Graduate Program, we will waive your application fee. To waive the fee it is necessary to send the application materials directly to the Department of BBMB. If you send materials to Iowa State University's Graduate Admissions office, then you will need to pay the application fee before those materials are forwarded to the Department of BBMB.

What is the mailing address for submission of application materials?

All materials requested in the application should be sent directly to:
Department of BBMB
1210 Molecular Biology Building
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011

May I send copies of the TOEFL and GRE score results, rather than originals?

For the application review process you may send copies. If you are made an offer of admission, however, then we must receive original reports of your scores from the ETS before you can be formally accepted into the program.

What are the TOEFL and GRE Codes for your University and Department?

• Institution Code = 6306 (for both GRE and TOEFL)
• GRE Department Code = 0202
• TOEFL Department Code = 34 (for Biochemistry)
• TOEFL Department Code = 36 (for Biophysics)

May I apply for a Master's degree through your program?

We strongly prefer to admit students directly into the Ph.D. program. Applications for the M.S. degree program, however, can be considered.

May I begin the graduate program in the spring semester?

Spring admission is permitted only in unusual circumstances. Fall semester is the recommended starting point for applicants to the Graduate Program. The coursework builds from the fall semester on. The department offers an extensive orientation program in the Fall semester only.

Do you require a GRE subject Test?

We recommend a biological sciences subject test, but do not require one. We require that applicants take the General Graduate Record Examination.

Is the TSE required?

No. The TOEFL and the General Graduate Record Examination are required.

What can I do to increase my admission chances?

If you are from China, India, Taiwan or South Korea, it is important to meet these minimum requirements:

• China: Four-year bachelor's degree conferred after 1981 with cumulative grade point average of 80% or higher plus a completed Master's degree or anticipated completion prior to admission. Publications are highly desirable.
• India: Bachelor's and master's degree with a First Division degree classification
• Taiwan: Four-year bachelor's degree with cumulative grade point average of 80% or higher
• Korea: Four-year bachelor's degree with cumulative grade point average of at least 80% or 3.3 on 4.0 scale

It is important to be concise and precise in your admission materials to best represent your research abilities and interests. If you have published the results of your research in a scientific journal, be sure to highlight that information in your resume.

Are there any restrictions on admission to your graduate program based on nationality?

No. The Department of BBMB and Iowa State University admit qualified applicants to our programs regardless of nationality.

Is financial support provided?

Yes. At this time, all applicants who are admitted to our Graduate Program receive a Graduate Assistantship with a yearly stipend of $20,000. Students also receive complete tuition remission.

How many students are currently enrolled in your graduate program?

In Fall, 2004, there are 95 students in our graduate program, with 33 from the U.S., 45 from China, and 17 from other countries.