How to apply

Step 1

Establish an account through the online application (first time users must create an account). To choose the iBio program, select "Graduate College," then choose "Integrated Biology (Biology)" when asked for the department/program.

The application fee is $60 for domestic applicants and $100 for international students. You must pay your application fee online with your credit card. Your application will not be processed until your non-refundable application fee has been paid. All applicants who are invited for an interview will have their application fees reimbursed. 

Within two business days of completing the first part of the application and paying the application fee, you will receive an email link that will direct you to the second part of the application process. In the second part of the application, you will upload your relevant documentation (i.e. transcripts, resume/CV, Statement of Interest, etc.). 

At any point during the online application, you can save and return to it at a later time up until you submit your application. Only one application may be uploaded per email address. 

Please have the following information ready before continuing with step 2 in the online application process:

• The names and e-mail addresses of your three references
• Transcripts (official or unofficial)
• TOEFL score (only required if you are an international student)
• A CV or resume (in PDF format) that you can upload to our website when prompted. 

*Please note that GRE scores are no longer required. You may provide unofficial/self-reported standardized test scores (GRE, MCAT, or equivalent and/or TOEFL) and transcripts. However, if you are offered admission, official test scores and academic records from each college/university you attended must be sent to the University of Iowa Office of Admissions.

Office of Admissions
The University of Iowa
108 Calvin Hall
Iowa City, IA  52242-1396
Phone: 319-335-3847
Email: admissions@uiowa.edu

The University of Iowa and department/program codes for the GRE and TOEFL scores are as follows: the University of Iowa code is 6681 (for both the GRE and TOEFL) and the department/program code is 0203 (for the GRE) and 35 (for the TOEFL). 

Step 2

Return to your online application account (which you established in step 1) and follow the instructions for providing us your TOEFL (if applicable) scores, Statement of Purpose, CV or resume, and three letters of recommendation (please see additional details below). 

*If you experience problems completing form fields in the browser, save the file to your computer and complete it using a PDF editor (i.e. Adobe or Preview). 

• Statement of interest/research: Please provide a one-page statement in which you discuss your professional interests, special abilities, research accomplished or that you hope to accomplish, goals, and how a graduate education in biology relates to your goals. Please use the attached form or your own of similar format and upload the document (a PDF file format is required) through the "Other Documents" option on the online application. 
• Resume/Curriculum vitae (CV): Please upload your resume/CV in a PDF file format through the "Other Documents" option on the online application. 
• Recommendation letters: Three recommendation letters are required as part of the application. On the application, you will list three recommenders (preferably faculty) with their email addresses. Once you complete the application, the recommenders will be sent an email with instructions on how to submit their letter of recommendation. 
• Students applying to the iBio Program must also complete the Supplemental Data Form (basic demographic information) when prompted. 
• Other supporting documents may be submitted through the "Other Documents" option (such as publications) but are not required.

The iBio Program Admissions Committee will begin reviewing applications around Dec. 1. Interviews are by invitation only. Students residing in the United States may be offered an expenses paid trip to Iowa City (typically in February) to meet with our faculty and graduate students. At this time, only students residing in the United States (citizens or foreign nationals) will be considered for interviews in Iowa City. International students invited for an interview will be conducted through Skype.

Requirements for admission

Successful PhD applicants typically have:

• Undergraduate GPA of > 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale).
• Substantial independent research experience.
• Most or all of these recommended undergraduate courses: college physics or upper level statistics, organic chemistry and/or biochemistry, one semester of calculus, and one semester of fundamental genetics.
  Note: Submission of GRE scores is not required, although these can be provided if available.

Applications will be reviewed under a general, or holistic approach, recognizing that applicants have different areas of strength. Factors considered in the review process include undergraduate academic performance (emphasis on grades for science courses), previous research experience, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Standardized test scores (such as GRE, MCAT, or equivalent) are not required but will be considered when provided by the applicant.

Competitive candidates residing in the U.S. will be invited for an interview weekend in February at the expense of the iBio Program. To be selected for an interview, only complete applications will be reviewed. A complete application includes:

• Statement of interest/research
• Resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Three recommendation letters
• Transcripts
• International students must also submit an English proficiency score

Applicants may be notified about acceptance and financial support shortly thereafter, or by April 1 at the latest. Offers made by April 1 require students to notify the department of their decision by April 15.

MS applicants

Prior to formally applying to the MS program through the Office of Admissions (and paying the requisite application fee), MS applicants should correspond with and receive an invitation to affiliate with a specific laboratory from a Department of Biology faculty member. This may entail sending informal transcripts/grade reports and requested documentation to the faculty member. Invitations from the proposed faculty mentor are conditional upon the approval of the formal application by the department's Graduate Admissions Committee. Complete applications submission deadline is May 22.

International PhD or MS applicants

Students whose first language is not English are advised to review the English language proficiency recommendations for prospective applicants. Teaching Assistant (TA) appointments require certification of English proficiency. Typically, international students admitted to the iBio program will have high TOEFL scores (at least 90 overall on the internet-based test (iBT), and a speaking score of 22 or greater).