Admission Cirteria

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grade point system in a strong, science-oriented undergraduate program
• Minimum of 70th percentile scores on the analytical, quantitative, verbal and advanced test sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Evidence of academic and research potential as expressed in letters of recommendation
• Statement of research interest
• Availability of funding if the student cannot attend graduate school without stipend support
• Agreement by a trainer to serve as the student’s mentor (direct admit students only)

Parts of the Application Package

1. Application: All applications are now submitted online through the UW-Madison Graduate School website. You will be assigned a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and can create a password if you choose to access your application at a later date. Once you have submitted your completed application, it will be made available to the program(s) that you are applying to.

   Note: In the intended field of study, please choose Cellular and Molecular Pathology (G149) to apply to the CMP program.

2. Application Fee: The application fee is required by the UW-Madison Graduate School. All applications submitted before the September 1st deadline will have a $56 non-refundable application fee applied. Payment can be made by credit card (Mastercard or Visa), Debit/ATM card, or personal check or money order drawn from a bank located in the United States. Once you have submitted your online application, you will be directed to information on how to pay the application fee.
3. Statement of Research Interest/Personal Statement: This statement is an opportunity to tell the Recruitment Committee who you are, including:
   • Your research interests and future career goals
   • Why you have chosen to apply for graduate study in the CMP Program
   • Previous research experience
   • Statement of research interest
   • Trainers in the CMP program whose research interests you
   • Any extraneous information or discrepancies in application materials including, but not limited to: information regarding low GPA during a specific semester(s), low GRE scores, time off from school, or a career change
   • Information about yourself regarding character, work ethic, etc.
   The Recruitment Committee reads numerous statements, so strive to stand out by making the statement personable.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation should be submitted from a minimum of three people who are familiar with the your research experience or academic background, such as research advisors and/or professors. They may be submitted either through the mail or electronically.

   To submit a letter electronically, fill out the contact information for each recommender as part of their online application form, and the Graduate School will email them with information on how to submit their letter. Please notify recommenders before submitting their names electronically so they know to expect an email from the graduate school.

   Applications are frequently delayed due to incomplete recommendation letters. It is the responsibility of the applicant to remind recommenders to submit their letters to the Graduate School in a timely manner.

5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: GRE scores are required as part of the application. The general test consists of a verbal, quantitative and written analytical section. It is suggested that applicants complete one of the advanced subject tests, though this is not mandatory. You should take the GRE exam by early fall to ensure the timely receipt of your scores by the CMP Program.

   The institution code for UW-Madison is 1846.

6. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores: Per UW-Madison Graduate School requirements, all applicants whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). Applicants affected by this requirement should take one of these exams by early fall to ensure the timely receipt of their scores by the CMP Program.

   The institution code for UW-Madison is 1846.

   Note: Admitted applicants whose TOEFL (paper-based) test score is below 580, TOEFL computer-based (CBT) test score is below 237, TOEFL internet-based (iBT) test score is below 92, or MELAB test score is below 82 must take an English assessment test upon arrival. These students must then register for any recommended English as a Second Language (ESL) course(s) in the first semester of enrollment.

7. Transcripts: Transcripts are required from all colleges or universities you have attended. Submitting unofficial transcripts is acceptable during the application review process, however official transcripts must be submitted to the CMP Graduate Program as soon as possible following admission.
8. Summary of Accomplishments/CV: The summary of accomplishments/CV highlights the exemplary aspects of your background, including:
   • Awards received
   • Authored publications
   • Scientific presentations
   • Research experience (including name of PI and description summary)
   • Any other information you feel will contribute to your application

The Recruitment and Admissions Committee considers all of the above criteria as a whole in recommending acceptance into the Program, as well as the current availability of departmental resources. Students that meet or surpass minimum departmental application standards are reviewed for possible phone or in-person interviews. Applicants who meet the standards but are not initially recommended for admission are placed on a waiting list until the recruitment process is completed, typically in April.

Where to Send Application Materials

Office of Graduate Admissions
228 Bascom Hall
500 Lincoln Drive
Madison, WI 53706-1380
USA

Cellular and Molecular Pathology Admissions
c/o Joanne Thornton
Room 6120 MSC
1300 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706
USA