Application Procedure

Explore the program

Before starting the application process, please be sure to familiarize yourself with the Neurobiology MS Program.

Apply to The Graduate School at Northwestern

Apply online through the TGS portal.

• You will be given an application PIN and User ID via Apply Yourself.
• 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.

When Applying:

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.

Your Application Must Include the Following:

Please note: Materials submitted in support of an application become property of The Graduate School and cannot be returned or released for other purposes.

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

Write a statement describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study in Neurobiology, your research experience, and why you have chosen to apply to Northwestern's Neurobiology MS program specifically.  See Preparing an Academic Statement for more details.

Career Statement

Write a statement describing your current career goals for immediately after you finish the MS as well as long-term.  Please comment specifically on how the MS can help you achieve these goals.  The length of this statement should not exceed 250 words.

At the end of this statement, please acknowledge understanding that the Master's program does not provide financial aid in the form of academic scholarships, assistantships, TA opportunities, or stipends.  Financial aid can be obtained through student loans and/or external funding.  Information on tuition cost can be found here: The Graduate School Tuition.

Personal Statement

All applicants must also submit a Personal Statement.  Please Note: the Personal Statement should not duplicate the Academic or Career Statements.

Write a statement that includes any relevant information on one or more of the following topics (the length of this statement should range from 125 to 250 words maximum):

• Pivotal experiences, opportunities, and/or challenges that have influenced your educational and professional development.
• Leadership experiences, community outreach, service initiatives, or research projects you have participated in or plan to pursue that aim to positively impact others or the broader community.
• Anything you would like to share with the admissions committee that you have yet to discuss in other areas of the application can be addressed here.  This may include any gaps in your academic and professional experience, or additional context if you believe your academic record does not demonstrate your true capabilities.  If needed, you may also use this space to expand upon the topics discussed in the above essays.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Submit an up to date Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

Optional: GRE Scores

GRE scores are recommended but not required. 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 Test/s, please submit the scores.  There is no requirement that you take a specific Subject Test.

MCAT scores are also not required, but will be accepted.  Additional details are provided at TGS Test Scores.

Application Decisions

For full consideration have all application materials submitted no later than March 1st.  Application materials received after the deadline will be marked "Late Applicant".  Complete applications received by March 1st will be given first priority by the admissions committee.

Please note that we only accept students for Fall Quarter.

Additional questions?

Prospective students may direct any further questions about our program or the application process to neurobiology.ms@northwestern.edu.