Is the GRE required for admission?
No.
Do you offer Spring or Summer admission?
No. We only offer Fall admission.
What is the general time frame for the program?
4 years.
Is there an online option?
No. The neuroscience PhD program is fully on-campus. Students will begin working in labs starting in their first year, ongoing.
Do I need to contact a faculty member before I apply? How will I be matched with a faculty mentor in my area of interest?
It is not required to contact faculty before submitting your application, though you are welcome to do so if you wish. We encourage applicants to review the faculty list provided on our website and to mention in their statement of purpose the faculty members whose research interests align with their own.
If admitted, you will participate in three research rotations (each lasting 6–7 weeks) during your first year. These rotations give you the opportunity to work in different laboratories before selecting a faculty mentor.
When submitting my application do all materials need to be received by the December 1st deadline?
The application deadline for the PhD in Neuroscience program is December 1st at 11:59 p.m. (EST). Your application must be fully submitted by this time. While it is technically possible for certain supporting documents (such as official transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation) to arrive after the deadline, this is strongly discouraged. Applications are reviewed, and offers of admission may be made on a rolling basis. Therefore, to ensure full and timely consideration, all materials should be received by the December 1st deadline.
What in the timeline following submission of a completed application?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be invited in January to participate in in-person interviews, which will be conducted from February through the first week of March. Final admission offers will be issued between mid-March and early April.
If admitted, will I be fully funded as a student?
Yes. If you are admitted you will automatically be given a tuition waiver and hired as a graduate assistant and provided a stipend. You will need to make sure you maintain satisfactory academic progress and full-time enrollment status.
The graduate application portal suggested that the statement of purpose be only 400-500 words? Is this correct for this program?
This is just a general guideline purported by the graduate school, this is not program specific. For the neuroscience PhD program we ask that your statement of purpose be approximately 1000 words.
Is there a specific undergraduate degree I should have in order to apply?
No. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds of science-related programs (biological science, clinical disciplines), as well as others.
What are the prerequisites for entering the program?
While there are no official prerequisites, we recommend that applicants have 1-2 years of research experience.
What if my bachelors/masters program is still in progress? May I still apply?
Many of our applicants are currently enrolled in their educational programs. You are welcome to apply to the PhD program, provided you complete your prior program before starting your PhD studies. Additionally, you will need to submit your official transcripts to the University of Florida after graduating from your previous program.
What is the admissions process?
The Admissions Committee will begin accepting applications in October of the year prior to the following Fall matriculation date. Decisions will be made on a rolling basis from that time forward. Submitting your application early is highly desirable as admission to the neuroscience PhD program is very competitive.
The Admissions Committee only reviews complete applications, so be sure that you submit all required documents as soon as possible. The Admissions Committee evaluates each applicant holistically.
Once all application materials are received, the Admissions Committee evaluates the application to determine if enrollment criteria are met. If the initial review is positive, the applicant is invited for an interview, which usually takes place in February. The interview visit typically includes formal interviews with the neuroscience faculty, students and staff.
Following the interview, the Admissions Committee makes a decision. Applicants then receive a letter of notification regarding the admissions decision beginning in early March to mid April.
What are the minimum GPA requirements for admission to the program?
The Graduate School at UF requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate studies. These are not the only benchmarks by which we evaluate students. Emphasis is also placed on performance in relevant undergraduate/graduate courses (i.e. biology, science), statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular and research experience.
Do I need neuroscience or research experience to be admitted to the neuroscience PhD program?
While previous neuroscience research experience is looked at favorably, it is not required. A background from a related science discipline, at least 1-2 years of full-time research experience is ideal.
Who should I get recommendations from?
You should ask for recommendations from individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement and who can address your potential for success in the neuroscience PhD program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include at least one letter from a research mentor. If you have been out of school for a number of years and are unable to contact former professors, letters from other individuals who can address your achievements will be accepted. References must be current (within the last 4 years). If you encounter any issues with recommenders uploading their letters, please have them email the academic coordinator directly.
What is considered a complete application?
A completed on-line application form, Application fee (this includes current UF students), Statement of Purpose, Current resume, Three (3) letters of recommendation, Unofficial and official transcripts (this includes current UF students), TOEFL/IELTS scores (if international).
May I submit my application before my recommenders submit their letters?
Yes. Please make sure all letters are submitted by the application deadline listed on our program webpage. If you encounter any issues with recommenders uploading their letters, please have them email the academic coordinator directly.
Still have questions? Contact the PhD Academic Coordinator