Costs/Admissions Information

It's not often that a school's costs are a perk for students, but that's the case at BCM's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Our graduate students:

Pay no tuition--this cost is paid for by the graduate school
Receive a stipend

Sure, most schools offer stipends, but all GSBS students receive a stipend that is competitive with graduate programs at the top 10 universities in the country, based on NIH funding, and they receive it during their entire course of study.

When you consider the low cost of living in Houston, the stipend goes a lot further here than most places. The current stipend is $26,000.

GSBS also offers a "Dean's Award for Excellence" that pays an additional $2,000 per year stipend to students who choose to compete for and are successful in securing a predoctoral fellowship. Twenty-five of our students are currently receiving these supplements.

Important Dates

Jan. 1 - Application deadline; early application is encouraged since the review process begins November/December. Late applications will be considered on a space-available basis.
February/March - Interviews are held by individual programs
February/March/April - Admission offers are extended
April 15 - Final decisions by students to accept an offer
First Monday of August - Classes begin. Admission for other times during the year may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Admissions Information

There is no fee for applying online. Just complete the online application.

Requirements and Recommendations

You must either have, or be in the final stages of a program leading to, a bachelor's degree or equivalent. GSBS has a diverse student body with backgrounds in biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, engineering, math or physics. There are no formal course requirements for admission, but the following classes provide a good background for graduate coursework:

Biology (with laboratory)
Chemistry (general inorganic; organic)
Mathematics (calculus preferred)
Physics (with laboratory)

Most successful applicants have a GPA above 3.0 and GRE scores near the 70th percentile, and if required, either a TOEFL score better than 250 (equivalent to 600 on the older paper-based test) or an IELTS score better than band 6. Prior research experience, either in a summer program or part-time during school, is also important preparation for graduate school. Other requirements may be established by individual graduate programs . Applicants should consult their prospective programs for details.

Selection Criteria

At BCM, we understand that intelligence is reflected in ways beyond your GPA and GRE. To us, great students are much more than numbers--they are individuals with many facets. Therefore, the application provides opportunities for students to share information about themselves and their academic and research background, and every effort is made in the admissions process to assess all characteristics of each applicant.

Baylor College of Medicine believes that diversity within the student body enhances the educational environment for all; therefore, we welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to promoting equal opportunity for all who are interested in research careers, and several outstanding programs are in place to increase the number of scientists from underrepresented populations.

Statistics on Recent Entering Classes

Approximately 1,300 applied annually
100 first-year students enrolled
One-half were women
One-third graduated from foreign colleges
Average GPA was 3.5
Average GRE (analytical, quantitative, and verbal) was greater than the 70th percentile

Application and Supporting Materials

We think you'll find that the application is straightforward, but it's important to point out that we allow students to select two graduate programs for consideration. With so many top-notch faculty (many of whom are in more than one program) and interesting graduate programs from which to choose, we know selecting only one can be difficult. We encourage applicants to apply early and list two programs, because some stipends are paid from federal training grants that can only be used to support U.S. citizens or permanent residents and because programs can fill up quickly. Once your application is completely filled out and submitted, the review process will begin. If the first program you list is unable to accept your application, it will automatically be sent to the second for consideration. Acceptance into either choice means you have the opportunity to train at one of the finest research institutions in the country.

You also will be asked to write two short essays. One is a description of your research experience, which is a very important consideration in the admission process. The essay should describe your previous research experience, including details of the project, what you did, what you learned, and the significance of the work. If you do not have research experience, you can use this essay to explain why and focus on your desire to be a scientist and other characteristics that make you suitable for graduate school. The other essay is a personal statement that can include discussions of your interest in science and your motivation to pursue a career as a research scientist.

We also require three letters of recommendation. The most effective letters are from a research supervisor and other people who know you and your abilities well.

Personal Interviews

Applicants who are invited for interviews have the opportunity to personally meet with GSBS faculty and students, see the campus and the facilities, and get a taste of the city of Houston--all at no cost to the student. The graduate program pays for transportation, food, and lodging.

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