Do I need to have an idea of which PhD program I want to join before applying to BBSP? No. Students are admitted into the BBSP for the first year of graduate study. During this year you are free to explore departments, programs, labs and courses before committing to a specific thesis lab or PhD program. We do ask for your top five research interest areas on the application, but that information is only used to help us better understand your goals and doesn’t affiliate you with any one specific department.
But I already know which PhD program I want to join! Can I apply directly to that program? No. If you are interested in obtaining a PhD in Biochemistry & Biophysics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Biology (MCDB Division), Cell & Developmental Biology, Cell & Molecular Physiology, Genetics & Molecular Biology, Microbiology & Immunology, Neurobiology, Pathology, Pharmaceutical Sciences (Medicinal Chemistry Track or Molecular Pharmaceutics Track), Pharmacology, and Toxicology you must apply via BBSP. Because BBSP has no core curriculum or required courses, nothing prevents a committed student from starting on the requirements for a program right away. Interested students should contact the Director of Graduate studies for their program of interest or check the program website for more information.
Please note: students interested in a PhD in the Biochemistry Division of Chemistry can apply either through BBSP or through the Chemistry department.
What if I have a physical sciences background (e.g. physics, chemistry, math, etc)? Yes. We welcome applications from students with either a biological or physical sciences background, or that have a background at the interface of these disciplines. Such a background can actually be a benefit for many of our PhD programs such as Biochemistry & Biophysics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, and Medicinal Chemistry, as well as the Molecular & Cellular Biophysics Training Program.
If I am a student working/studying abroad can I apply for admission to BBSP? Yes. You can still apply to the BBSP program, and where you are living at the time can affect what type of interview you would be offered. Please refer to our Interview page for more information about our interview process.
Do I need to take the GRE? Yes. We require the general test only. Remember that it takes 4-6 weeks for the official scores to be reported, so try to take it before you submit your completed materials.
Do I need to take the GRE Subject test?
We do not require a subject test, but if you take one and do well, we will most certainly pay attention to your score.
Do I need to take the TOEFL?
If you are an international student, and have a degree from a university in the US, then you are exempt from taking the TOEFL. If you are an international student, and do not have a degree from a university in the US, then you are required to take the TOEFL. Scores must be from a TOEFL test that was taken no more than two years ago. Detailed exceptions from the TOEFL can be found on the Graduate School website.
Do you have contact information for the TOEFL? Educational Testing Services P.O. Box 6151 Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 Website: www.toefl.org Phone: 1-800-468-6335
The application asks about research interest areas – what are these?
Information about the interest areas and the faculty with research in those areas can be found at here. Your list, along with the personal statement, help the BBSP Admissions Committee get an idea of your basic interests so we can best evaluate your application.
Should I use the Graduate School electronic form for my recommendation letters? No. Your recommender should upload the appropriate letter electronically.
What should I include in my Statement of Purpose?
Your Statement of Purpose should have two or three sections (depending on whether you answer the optional question), with each section clearly labeled
1. REQUIRED Describe your previous research experience(s). Make sure to elaborate on your motivation to pursue your research project(s), what your role was in the project(s), as well as any results/presentations/papers resulting from the project(s).
2. REQUIRED Tell us about your motivation for seeking a PhD in the biomedical sciences, your research interests and what type of research you hope to pursue in graduate school. Also please tell us what you would like to
do after graduate school and how you perceive a PhD will be a step in your desired career path
3. OPTIONAL Is there anything else not addressed in the questions above that you would like the committee to take into account as they consider your application?
Faculty reviewers often comment negatively on the following factors: typographical errors, grammatical mistakes, and research descriptions that are technical but lack a brief discussion of the rationale and goals of the research project.
What happens when my application becomes complete?
The BBSP Admissions Committee will begin to review applications in late December. We will contact our strongest candidates with invitations to interview starting early to mid-January. During the following weeks of January and February we continue to consider applications, but the number of applicants we can invite is limited. Once that limit is reached it is difficult to find resources to invite further applicants so again, it is to your advantage to apply early!
When will I find out if I have been accepted into the program?
The Admissions Committee meets shortly after the interview weekend to determine which applicants to recommend for offers of admission. We will contact students directly and the Graduate School will also send an official offer letter, and the students then have until April 15th to make a decision and inform us of their decision.
Will I receive financial support?
As a student at UNC, you will be provided a competitive stipend, and are guaranteed support throughout your graduate career at as long as you remain in good academic standing. Your tuition, fees, and health insurance will also be paid.
