FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I'm currently in my last few years of my undergraduate education. What courses should I be taking in order to be considered for your program?

Although we do not exclude from consideration students who have not taken a large number of courses in the biological and chemical sciences, we are looking for students who have strong basic science backgrounds... more

2. What GPA and/or GRE test scores should I have?

There are no absolute cut-offs, but applicants who are invited to interview usually have a GPA greater than 3.0 and GREs higher than 500 (verbal), 600 (quantitative) and 4.5 (analytic)... more

3. What should I include in my personal statement to make it stand out?

We especially want to know about research projects that you have been involved in and the sort of research you imagine yourself doing if you were a student in our program... more

4. What information would you like my recommenders to include in their letters?

Information about how long they have known you and under what circumstances (did you take a class with them or work in their lab?)... more

5. Do I need to complete a GRE subject test?

No. There are no GRE subject test requirements.

6. I took the GRE test more than once. Which score will you consider? The most recent? The best?

We will consider the highest score.

7. I missed your application deadline. Do you admit students mid-year?

No. We have one application period per year. We would be happy to consider your application next year.

8. I currently have a Master's degree in Neuroscience/Psychology/Something Else. May I transfer credits to your program?

A petition can be made any time during your first year to transfer credits received for formal course work (not research or independent study)... more

9. I have Master's degree. Will I have to get another in your program?

Our program has a research requirement that includes the option of completing an M.S. degree... more

10. How much will it cost me to be a student in your program?

We provide a stipend to all students in our program. The 2009/10 annual stipend is $24,500 for a first year graduate student and increases to $26,000 once the student is advanced to candidacy... more

11. When is the application deadline?

December 1, 2009

12. How many people do you admit/interview each year?

Approximately: 20 interviewees and 8 students matriculating.

13. When will I hear if you are going to interview me?

You should hear from us by the second week of January, 2008. Please call or email Kris Thomason at (503) 494-7765 or thomason@ohsu.edu if you would like to check on your application status.

14. How long will it take to get my degree?

The typical student will complete the requirements for their Ph.D. degree in 5-6 years.

15. I am neither a U.S. citizen nor a permanent resident. Will you accept my application?

All students admitted to our program can expect to be supported as graduate research assistants by one of three federally funded research training grants, by departmental funds, or by individual faculty research grants... more

16. English is not my first language. However, my English proficiency is excellent. Will I need to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) requirement?

The TOEFL is required for all applicants for whom English is not a native language... more

17. I have more questions. Who should I contact?

Kris Thomason (503) 494-7765, thomason@ohsu.edu