Application Procedure
Students must be admitted to The Graduate School (TGS) before they can be enrolled in the MS Program in Neurobiology. Please follow the TGS Admissions Guide. The Departmental application deadline is March 1.
1. EXPLORE THE PROGRAM
Before starting the application process, please be sure to familiarize yourself with the Neurobiology MS Program.
2. GATHER YOUR APPLICATION ITEMS
GRE scores
GRE scores are recommended. Please note that:
- The GRE must be taken no more than five years prior to the intended quarter of entry.
- Scores must come directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), using our ETS institution code of 1565.
- To ensure that test scores are received in a timely manner, you are encouraged to take the test at least three months before the program’s March 1st application deadline.
- If you have taken GRE Subject Tests, please submit the scores. There is no requirement that you take a specific Subject Test.
Although GRE scores are preferred, MCAT scores will be accepted in lieu of GRE scores.
Additional details are provided at TGS Test Scores.
TOEFL OR IELTS SCORES
International applicants whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS examination.
To submit your score:
- ETS must send TOEFL scores to The Graduate School using our ETS institution code of 1565.
- Copies of your IELTS scores must be sent directly from IELTS to the department.
- To ensure that test scores are received in a timely manner, you are encouraged to take the test at least three months before the program's March 1st application deadline.
The program will waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirements for students that receive bachelor degrees from certified institutions where the primary language is English. Most accredited American universities will meet this requirement.
Additional details are provided at TGS Test Scores.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
The Neurobiology MS Program requires three letters of recommendation. We are interested in letters of recommendation from individuals who are best able to assess your academic and research accomplishments and potential.
ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS
While completing your online application, you will be required to submit a scanned copy of your transcript or academic record from each school you have attended. For more details, visit TGS Transcripts.
ACADEMIC STATEMENT
See Preparing an Academic Statement for details.
RESUME OR CURRICULUM VITAE
A current resume or curriculum vitae which exemplifies your professional and/or academic achievements.
Please note: Materials submitted in support of an application become property of The Graduate School and cannot be released for other purposes or returned.
3. APPLY TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL AT NORTHWESTERN
When you apply, please refer to this information to ensure that your application is free of filing errors:
- Academic Program = Neurobiology Masters (N05MS).
- We do not have an area of specialization or affiliate interdisciplinary cluster.
- The entry Quarter for this program is always the Fall of the application year.
- Attendance = Full time.
- Use the online application to submit all materials.
- You may access the online application as many times as necessary before submission.
- Using the same PIN and User ID, you will also use the online application to view your admission decision.