Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application deadlines?
December 7 is the deadline for all domestic and international applicants
How do I pay the application fee?
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 non-refundable application fee has been paid.
Are copies of my transcript, degree certificates, recommendation letters, TOEFL acceptable?
Online submitted transcripts are acceptable, please review Required Materials
Are GRE results required to apply?
No, GRE scores are not required and will not be considered for admission if submitted.
What are the Departmental and Institutional Codes for me to send official copies of my TOEFL scores?
Institution Code: 1631Department Codes are not required as long as the correct Institution code is used.
Can I turn in materials after the deadline?
Late applicants may/may not be accepted. The possibility of admissions is very low.
Do complete applications have to be at the office by the deadline or postmarked by the deadline?
Yes, late applicants may/may not be accepted. The possibility of admissions is very low.
How long until a decision is made on my application?
Admissions decisions will be announced via e-mail. There is no set time as to when a decision is sent as it depends on when the committee makes their final decision on your application.
What about financial aid?
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 academic standing in the program. The type of summer support depends on the major professor's research grants
Master students are guaranteed at least two years of support (10-month appointments) as long as they remain in good standing in the program. Summer support depends on the major professor's research grants
Can I check the status of my Graduate School application?
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.
Can I get a fee waiver?
There are NO fee waivers.
Is TOEFL required?
All international applicants are required to submit a TOEFL.
How do I contact Biological Sciences?
Email: biology.graduate.office@purdue.edu, or phone: 765-494-8143
Who Do I contact with my decision to Accept/Decline Admissions?
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, 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 email to our admissions office or by a note at the above address.
How does the cost of living compare?
Refer to https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/admitted/housing-and-relocation/cost.html for the cost of living.
Or visit Housing Guide.
Is there Grad Insurance?
Graduate student are offered Health Insurance that also includes a Vision plan.
What housing options are there?
Visit our Why go to Purdue and the Lafayette/W.Lafayette Area page.
Do you have an Interview Weekend?
Yes, however it is by invitation only.
How many applicants do you usually receive each year? Ph.D.? Masters?
On average we receive around 200 applications each year. (PhD ≥ 170, ThMS ≥ 30)
How many will be admitted this year?
On average we admit between 15-18 Graduate Students
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
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
Is it helpful to have a Master Degree?
Only, if you received your undergraduate degree came from a college/university that has a 3-year undergrad program.
Should I contact one or two professors whose research interests me?
Yes, we encourage applicants to contact faculty with research that fits your research interests.
