Application Procedure: Department of Neurobiology

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.

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.

APPLY NOW

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FAQs

What is the application deadline each year?

For full consideration have application materials submitted no later than March 1; after March 1, there will be a rolling admissions based on availability of openings.

Is there a GPA requirement for admittance into the program?

No, but students enrolled for academic year 2018-19 have an average GPA of 3.43.

Are GRE and MCAT scores required?

No, they are not required, but if you have taken these exams, we ask that you send in your scores. The ETS code for Northwestern University is 1565.

What kind of research experience is required?

We look for students who have worked closely with a professor in a lab on a scientific project for a significant period of time - a period of at least nine months. We take particular interest in those who have demonstrated high aptitude for work in research laboratories.

If I don’t have research experience, will it hurt my chances of getting into the program?

Yes, since this is a one-year research-intensive program, we look for students with a research background.

Can I still submit my application even if all my materials have not been sent in?

Yes, please go ahead and submit your application. Once we receive all of your materials, you will get an email notification that your application is complete.

On the application, there is a section for a diversity statement. Is the diversity statement required?

The submission of the diversity statement is optional for all applicants. The Graduate School at Northwestern University considers having a diverse student population a key element to the educational experience of its graduate students. Diversity presents itself in many different forms such as: socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or place of origin, disability, unique work or life experience, etc. We invite you to use this space to tell us how you may contribute to the diversification of The Graduate School, your program and Northwestern University.

I have a publication, where can I upload it?

Uploaded publications will not be read. Instead, please discuss in your own words your research when completing the Statement of Purpose, where you can make reference to any of your published work(s).

What is the cost of attending the program?

The tuition cost of the program can be found here. This does not include housing costs.

Do you offer any assistantships?

What are your requirements for international students?

The TOEFL or IELTS exam is required
You must take the exam within two years of application to the program
Once accepted, the Versant English Test is required for non-native English speakers

Is there a waitlist?

We do have a short waitlist some years. If you are waitlisted, you will be notified in late May/early June.