Graduate Admission FAQs

  1. What are the application deadlines?
    December 7 is the deadline for all domestic and international applicants
  2. How do I pay the application fee?
    3. You must pay your application fee online with your credit card. Visa and MasterCard cards are accepted and processed using a secured online payment system. Your application will not be processed until your nonrefundable application fee has been paid. Our application fee is $55 (U.S. dollars).
  3. Are copies of my transcript, degree certificates, recommendation letters, GRE/TOEFL acceptable?
    4. Original Transcripts from the originating institution. Copies of Degree Certificates are allowed for the application process. Recommendations are to be submitted through the on-line application
  4. What are the Departmental and Institutional Codes for me to send official copies of my GRE/TOEFL scores?
    5. Institution Code: 1631
    • Department Codes
      • i. GRE: 0299
      • ii. TOEFL: 35
  5. Can I turn in materials after the deadline?
    6. Late applicants may/may not be accepted. The possibility of admissions is very low.
  6. Do complete applications have to be at the office by the deadline or postmarked by the deadline?
    7. Yes, late applicants may/may not be accepted. The possibility of admissions is very low.
  7. How long until a decision is made on my application?
    8. Admissions decisions will be announced via e-mail about 8-12 weeks after the stated deadline.
  8. What about financial aid?
    9. Ph.D. graduate students admitted to our program are guaranteed at least five (5) years financial support (12-month appointments) as long as they are making progress towards their degree and remain in good standing in the program.

    Master students are guaranteed at least two years of support (10-month appointments) as long as they remain in good standing in the program.
    • Three (3) years support (10-month appointments) is available provided they are in good standing with the graduate program and making progress towards their degree.
    • Summer support depends on the major professor's research grants
  9. Can I check the status of my Graduate School application?
    10. Yes, by logging back into you application you can view the status. Once you have submitted your application you are only allowed to update your contact information. All other portions of your application can not be changed.
  10. Can I reapply if I've been denied admission?
    11. Students who have been denied admission or whose application was incomplete may reapply. To view the requirements go to: (link for the Reapplication Procedures web page)
  11. Can I get a fee waiver?
    12. Applicants can not apply for a fee waiver.
  12. Is TOEFL required?
    13. All international applicants are required to submit a TOEFL. Exceptional conditions can be found at (link for the Required_Materials web page)
  13. How do I contact Biological Sciences?
    14. e-mail: grad_admissions@bio.purdue.edu , or phone: 765-494-8143
  14. Who Do I contact with my decision to Accept/Decline Admissions?
    15. If an offer is made, we would appreciate hearing from you as soon as you make your decision to attend or not attend our program. In asking a student for an early reply, we wish it understood that the Purdue University Graduate School and this department are not asking the student to relinquish any privilege, if it is felt necessary to wait until April 15. However, your early response would be helpful to us in planning for the coming year. Also if we know early that you are going to decline our offer, it enables us to extend an offer to another applicant. All admissions offers are valid until April 15 for the academic year applied. Please send notification of your decision by e-mail to our admissions office or by a note at the above address.
  15. How does the cost of living compare? Visit http://www.apartmentguide.com and search West Lafayette, Indiana.
    16. 15. Refer to http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/cost.cfm for the cost of living. Or visit http://www.apartmentguide.com and search West Lafayette, Indiana.
  16. Is there Grad Insurance?
    17. Graduate student are offered Health Insurance that also includes a Vision plan.
  17. What housing options are there?
    18. Purdue housing visit http://www.housing.purdue.edu/.
    For information about off-campus housing, visit http://www.boilerapartments.com
    http://www.apartmentguide.com/ http://www.apartmentrentalguide.com/
    http://www.apartments.com
    http://rent.net/
  18. Do you have an Interview Weekend?
    19. Yes, it is by invitation only.  For additional click.
  19. How many applicants do you usually received each year? Ph.D.? Masters?
    20. On average we receive around 200 applications each year. (PhD ≥ 170, ThMS ≥ 30)
  20. How many will be admitted this year?
    21. On average we admit around 20 Graduate Students (PhD ≥ 18, ThMS ≥ 2)
  21. Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
    22. 21. US applicants have an average GPA of 3.00 or higher. International applicants are typically in the top 5% of their graduating class, or higher. Typically, a 3.00/4.00 grade point average (GPA) is considered a minimum requirement
  22. Is it helpful to have a Master Degree?
    23. Only, if you received your undergraduate degree came from a college/university that has a 3-year undergrad program.
  23. Should I contact one or two professors whose research interests me?
    24. Yes, we encourage applicants to contact faculty with research that fits your research interests.