Admissions Criteria

Appended to the GSBS basic requirements for admissions, official documentation is also required to substantiate the following:

·         A baccalaureate (or equivalent) degree from an accredited university or college. Documents (i.e., transcripts, certifications, diplomas) must be sent directly by the university attended to the Office of Enrollment Services;

·         Satisfactory performance in appropriate prerequisite course work; and

·         An undergraduate major or extensive coursework in Behavioral Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, or another of the Life Sciences.

It is also highly recommended that students take the following courses:

·         Biochemistry, biostatistics, calculus, cell biology, chemistry, molecular biology, and physics.

The BBSC Admissions Committee of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) coordinates applications for admission to the Basic Biomedical Science Curriculum. 

Admission is contingent upon the applicant's qualifications, which are assessed by consideration of scores on entrance examinations, undergraduate preparation, previous research experience, and letters of recommendation. Acceptance is based upon a balanced consideration of all of these parameters. All students are interviewed, either in person or by telephone, prior to acceptance. 

All admissions must conform to the requirements of at least one participating graduate program, the BBSC Admissions Committee, and the GSBS and are subject to the approval of the GSBS Dean. Each applicant will receive written notification from the Graduate Dean concerning the decision on admissions to the GSBS. Notification will be mailed as soon as possible after the receipt of a completed application.

Several BBSC Scholarships are available for students of exceptional promise and ability. These are one-time scholarships that are in addition to the BBSC stipend. Scholarships are awarded based on the same criteria as admissions to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. There is no application procedure for the scholarships.

Matriculating students will be assigned a faculty advisor to assist with coursework schedules and a student guide to provide guidance with the transition to Galveston. Travel arrangements to Galveston and to the University of Texas Medical Branch will be the responsibility of the student (refer to the New Student Information booklet).

Further correspondence will be sent about registration, the orientation schedule, and other activities early August prior to enrollment.

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Summary of Admissions Criteria

Certain criteria are used during the assessment of applications. The following are considered in the review process:

·         Undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate academic performance, including overall, upper division, and graduate grade point averages and the appropriateness of the curriculum as preparation for graduate study

·         Entrance exam scores

·         Research experience

·         Recommendations from professors and mentors

·         Background for and a commitment to a career in research

·         Unique educational, career, or life experiences

·         Personal statement

·         Socioeconomic background and ethnicity

·         Ability to communicate in English

·         Personal interviews

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