Neuroscience PhD Application Instructions

We recruit students from a variety of scientific backgrounds including those who have majored in areas such as neuroscience, psychology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and computational biology. We value inclusive academic excellence based on diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. We conduct a holistic review process with emphasis on personal statement, research experience, letters of recommendation, and academic performance. We do not require or review GRE scores.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, please do not expect a response from us before the end of January.

(Before beginning your application, read all of the information and instructions on the web pages of the UF Graduate School and the UF Office of Admissions.)

(International applicants: Make sure to read all of the information for Prospective International Students on the Office of Admissions website.)


How to Apply

1) Graduate School Application

  • Create and Verify CollegeNET Account
  • Complete all requested information on each page of the online application
    • Program of Study: Select ‘College of Medicine’ followed by ‘Medical Sciences – Degree Name – ‘Doctor of Philosophy.
    • Additional Information: Select Concentration – ‘Neuroscience’.
    • Leave Program Specialization and Department Contact blank
    • It is very important that you calculate your undergraduate upper-division GPA and enter it in the application.
      • The minimum requirements for graduate admission at the University of Florida include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for all upper division (junior/senior) undergraduate work, though stronger applicants will have a GPA of 3.5

2) Personal Statement

Explain your purpose for graduate study, including your career goals and how Ph.D. in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Neuroscience is important to achieving those goals. Discuss areas of neuroscience research of interest and highlight any previous research experience(s). Please be sure to identify your college major in your personal statement. Your statement should be approximately 1000 words.

3) Resume/CV

The resume should include pertinent work history, research experience, publications, honors, etc. Prior laboratory research experience is typical of admitted students, but not required.

Please be sure to include information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding in your resume/CV.

4) Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are strongly encouraged to include at least one letter from a research mentor. Letters are submitted by your recommenders through the online application. If there are any problems with the online process, please email the Academic Coordinator, Ikiah Young. We require at least three letters of recommendation before the application will be reviewed.

5) Transcripts

You should upload to your online application, unofficial transcripts from ALL institutions attended, which will be used for the initial review. Official transcripts from ALL institutions attended will be required if admitted to the program.

If sending official transcripts (electronic or post), order them as soon as possible. It may take several weeks for the transcript to be matched to your application once it is received by the Admissions Office and be available to the Department.

If ordering electronic transcripts, please be aware that the Office of Admissions only accepts PDF transcripts from Parchment, National Clearing House, and eScript. The email address for receipt of these transcripts is TE@admissions.ufl.edu

Posted physical transcripts can be sent to:

University of Florida Office of Admissions
ATTN: Graduate Admissions
201 Criser Hall
P.O. Box 114000
Gainesville, FL 32611-4000


Additional Requirements for International Applicants

If the language of instruction at the institution(s) you attended was not English, you must also provide an official literal (exact) English translation of your native language transcripts.

International students whose native language is not English and who have not studied at an institution in the United States or other English-speaking country for one year or longer must have a score of at least 90 on the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL exam must have been taken within the past two (2) years. Exemptions to the TOEFL score requirement are granted per University of Florida policy for English proficiency. The university’s TOEFL code is 5812.


Questions?

For additional questions, please contact Ikiah Young, Academic Coordinator.