Biology Graduate Admissions

Graduate Admissions

We welcome students from diverse backgrounds who are broadly intellectually curious, imaginative, self-motivated, critical thinkers. Caltech is a special place—interdisciplinary and creative—a place that provides an unusually expansive experience for any individual, due to its small size.

You should apply to the Biology option if you are interested in solving fundamental problems at the molecular, cellular and/or organismal levels; you should apply to Neurobiology or Computation and Neural Systems (CNS) if you are interested in neuroscience. In addition, you might consider the Bioengineering or Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics (BMB) options, which have different emphases and training requirements. If you are interested in medical research, explore our joint MD/PhD programs with UCLA, USC, and KPSOM.

Completed applications should be submitted online to the Graduate Office before the December 1st deadline, for entrance the following September. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

Successful candidates often have in common:

• a high grade point average in a challenging set of undergraduate classes, strong letters of recommendation
• a passion for research as demonstrated by active participation in undergraduate research

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test is encouraged, but not required. You are also encouraged, but not required, to take a subject test relevant to your research interests. This subject can be in a biological field or another discipline; we welcome students who seek to apply their expertise in other areas—e.g. math, physics, engineering, chemistry—to problems in biology.

The Biology graduate program trains students for the degree of doctor of philosophy; students are not admitted to study for the master's degree.

Visit our BBE Graduate Admissions Information page for information and tips on applying to BBE graduate programs, including a list of frequently asked question. Please visit the Graduate Admissions website for downloadable forms, important dates, and complete information about the graduate admissions process.

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