Applying to Graduate School at USF in the Department of Biology Division of Integrative Biology

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Applying to Graduate School at USF in the
Department of Biology Division of Integrative
Biology

• A Practical Guide to a very serious process

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How do I get started?

• Everything you need is on the website. This guide
  presents the same information in a different
  format.
• Determine if you meet minimum requirements
• Apply sending the following information
• Application and mandatory 30.00 fee.
• Supporting materials (details to follow)
• TO Ms. Christine Smith, Graduate Program
  AssistantUniversity of South FloridaDepartment
  of Biology SCA 110
• Division of Integrative Biology4202 East Fowler
  Ave Tampa, FL 33525
• Ph.D. or Masters the process is the same

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What are the deadlines?
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What are the Minimum Requirements?

• For either the Masters or Ph.D. programs (yes,
  its the same for either program)
• 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of your B.S. degree
• GRE - minimum verbal score of 500 minimum
  quantitative score of 600 minimum analytical
  writing score of 4.5
• Satisfactory TOEFL (570 paper based or 230
  computer based) and TSE/Speak (5.0) scores for
  international applicants
• Acceptance by a faculty member in the Department
  of Biology. We expect you to contact faculty via
  email to indicate an interest in the research
  being conducted in their laboratory.
• OK- how do I find out about the faculty and their
  research?
• Go here. Each faculty member has a link to their
  individual page describing their research
  interests. The email address is also included on
  these web pages.

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Application 30.00 Fee

• The application is online
• You can pay the fee online or
• mail a check or money order made out to USF to
• Ms. Christine Smith, Graduate Program
  AssistantUniversity of South FloridaDepartment
  of Biology SCA 1104202 East Fowler Ave Tampa,
  FL 33525

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Supporting Documents

• Two transcripts from each school of higher
  education other than USF
• GRE scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Essay
• TOEFL TSE/Speak Test (International students
  only)

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Transcripts

• Two official, sealed transcripts from each
  institution of higher learning that you attended
  must be sent to
• Ms. Christine Smith, Graduate Program
  AssistantUniversity of South FloridaDepartment
  of Biology SCA 110Division of Integrative
  Biology4202 East Fowler Ave Tampa, FL 33525
• For studies completed at USF, transcripts will be
  secured by the Office of Admissions.
• We are a direct receipt program.

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Letters of Recommendation

• On the graduate admissions website there is a
  link to a form for requesting letters of
  recommendation.
• Have them sent directly or include them in your
  application packet.

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Essay

• Essay needs to include the following
• Intended field of research
• Professional goals
• Specific research interests
• List 2-3 biology faculty members who you would
  like to review your file (i.e. be your mentor).
• All of the above topics are required or your
  application will not proceed to the next review
  step!

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GRE

• Scores
• Minimum verbal score of 500
• Minimum quantitative score of 600
• Analytical Writing score of 4.5
• Exam must have been taken within the last 5
  years. There are no exceptions to the GRE
  requirement.
• USF 4 digit institution code is 5828
• Scores must be sent directly to USF from testing
  agency you many send a copy of your
  confirmation notice in your application packet

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TOEFL TSE

• A firm grasp of English is essential for
  understanding lectures, reading advanced material
  and writing proficiently in order to obtain your
  higher degree.
• In addition, you must be able to present your
  thoughts and research verbally in class, during
  oral exams and seminars.
• These tests determine if you have sufficient
  foundation to succeed when English is not your
  first language.
• Minimum test scores are TOEFL (570 paper based or
  230 computer based) and TSE/Speak (5.0) scores
  for international applicants

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Waiting

• Each and every application is reviewed and you
  will hear from us.
• You can call Christine (813-974-4747) before the
  deadline to ensure that all your information was
  received or you can send an email to Christine.
• Be patient. The staff are here to help you, but
  they dont make the decisions about your
  application, the rules, or the process.

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Is there any financial help?

• Teaching Assistantships
• Form is available online
• Must be included with your application packet
  dont send it in after the application deadline,
  it wont be considered.
• Attach a resume to the TA application.
• USF Graduate Fellowship
• Eligibility determined by Director of Graduate
  Admissions and Committee
• You will receive a notice if you are nominated.
• Presidential Doctoral Fellowship
• Eligibility determined by Director of Graduate
  Admissions and Committee
• You will receive a notice if you are nominated.

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Application Checklist

• Application and 30.00 processing fee
• Two transcripts from each school of higher
  education other than USF
• GRE verbal and quantitative test scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Essay
• TOEFL TSE/Speak Test (International students
  only)
• TA application

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Hope to hear from you soon!

• If you still have questions you can contact us.