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All applicants to the graduate program in Biological Sciences are considered for Graduate Assistanships and Fellowships and for travel awards that assist in defraying costs associated with on campus interviews.

Qualifications -
Applications must include scores from the general test of the GRE, transcripts of all previous college work, and three letters of recommendation. The subject test of the GRE is not required. International students must also submit TOEFL scores (79-80 internet-based tests, 213 minimum for computer-based tests, and 550 minimum for paper-based tests). Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 pt. scale) and a GRE combined (verbal + quantitative) score of 1000 or higher. GRE and TOEFL scores should be sent to institution code 5859.

Applicants who want to improve their credentials for graduate school (or other professional schools) can register as commonwealth campus students, who may take graduate classes in Biological Sciences. If a commonwealth campus student later wishes to pursue a degree in Biological Sciences, he/she must apply for admission to regular degree status. Courses completed during the commonwealth campus phase can be applied towards an M.S. or Ph.D., if approval is given by the student's advisory committee and the Graduate School (www.grads.vt.edu/academics/programs/non_degree.html).

Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty directly (see Research Areas) for more information about individual laboratories.

Deadlines -
To compete for graduate teaching assistantships, applications for fall admission must be completed by December 31. Applications are accepted after this date but the opportunities for financial aid are diminished. Most graduate teaching assistantships are awarded by April 1.

Last Update November 20, 2007