Apply to our MCB PhD Program

Research Advisor

It is not necessary to reach out to MCB faculty during the application cycle. The MCB PhD Program does not require applicants to secure a research advisor. All admitted students will be required to complete three five-week research rotations during their first semester. Students will have the opportunity to attend research talks and speak with faculty who are accepting students into their labs prior to the start of the fall semester. Input from students will be collected prior to each rotation assignment for the MCB Graduate Program Committee to consider when making these matches.

A list of faculty who expect to accept students into their lab will be provided to applicants prior to their on-campus or virtual interviews.

Diversity

Our mission is to ensure that the diversity of our community within the School of MCB reflects the diversity of our global community, and that the school fosters respect, inclusion, and support for all members of the MCB community so that each may achieve educational and career success. The MCB Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is tasked to create an environment where all MCB members feel that they are valued, that they are respected, and that they belong.

Please visit our website for a list of MCB DEI initiatives and campus resources.

Holistic Review 

The MCB PhD Program evaluates applicants using holistic review that considers academic background, research experience or research potential, effective writing and communication ability, strong endorsements of academic and research ability in letters of recommendation, overall fit in the program, as well as contribution to an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Applicants are encouraged to address the following topics that represent the holistic review criteria in their research essays.

• Academic preparedness. Applicant demonstrates academic preparation that equips them well for graduate coursework and research. This can include a major in the biological or physical sciences, GPA and its progression over time, and/or achievements earned.
• Research experience. Applicant has taken advantage of relevant research opportunities available to them on or off campus, given socio-economic background and previous schools attended. Has a realistic perspective on how to conduct and/or complete research projects; strong ability to work independently or with a team to solve problems.
• Long-term goals and commitment. Applicant demonstrates ability and willingness to work hard and steadily toward long-term goals.
• Resilience and adaptability. Applicant demonstrates ability to push past obstacles and/or to take in new information/events and adjust accordingly. Has clear understanding of uncertainty in a way that will equip them to endure the unpredictability of research and graduate school.
• Leadership and work experience. Applicant demonstrates maturity through clear communication, ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team, strong organizational skills, and/or ability to prioritize multiple tasks. This may include relevant work experience, and aptitude for planning and organization.
• Creativity and innovation. Applicant proposes and/or demonstrates a history of creativity and innovation in approaching science and/or problem-solving.
• Contributions to diversity and/or outreach and inclusion. Applicant has the potential to contribute to diversity in higher education as evidenced by life experiences, educational background (e.g. non-traditional paths) and/or ability to articulate the barriers facing underrepresented communities in higher education/science. Applicant shows commitment and/or motivation to making science accessible and inclusive of communities both within and outside the university.

Thanks to Rutgers University and University of California, Davis for above language about holistic reviews.

GRE Scores

GRE scores are not required for admission. GRE scores submitted as part of the application will not be considered.

English Language Exam Scores

All international degree-seeking applicants are required to submit the results of an accepted test as evidence of English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption. Official scores are required to be submitted directly from the testing agency.

The School of MCB accepts both TOEFL and IELTS scores only as proof of English proficiency. All scores must be dated within two years of the beginning of the proposed admission term. A student who does not meet the English proficiency requirement for admission may be admitted on limited status and required to take the English as a Second Language Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrolling at Illinois.

We require a minimum overall score of at least a 96 and a minimum speaking section score of at least a 22 on the TOEFL. The school’s minimum requirements are higher than the Graduate College minimum requirements. Scores should be sent to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign using our institution code number 1836.

We require a minimum overall score of at least a 7.0 and a speaking section score of at least a 7.5 on the IELTS. The school’s minimum requirements are higher than the Graduate College minimum requirements. Scores should be sent electronically via your testing center to the following account name: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Graduate.

Transcripts

You must list in your online application each institution of post-secondary education from which you have earned credit. You must also submit your transcript / academic record (and diplomas or certificates of degrees if your degree is awarded and not listed on your transcript) for each of these institutions.

You are required to upload a copy of your unofficial academic credentials prior to submitting your online application. English translations should be included if the credentials are not in English.

All credentials uploaded to the online application are considered unofficial. You will be asked to submit official or attested credentials (transcripts, academic records, diplomas, certificates of degrees, etc.) in a sealed envelope, with a certification stamp across the seal if you are admitted. These must be submitted during your first term of enrollment at Illinois.

Applicants may wish to use their personal statements to address grades or coursework that may not accurately reflect the applicant’s skills and credentials.

Detailed instructions for uploading your academic credentials.

Letters of Recommendation

The School of MCB requires three letters of recommendation. Letters are required to be submitted through the online recommendation system.

Applicants may seek letters of recommendation from individuals with a variety of backgrounds including academic or employment. At least two letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholastic achievements, academic training, and/or to conduct research independently.

If there are further questions regarding the submission of letters of recommendation, please visit the Graduate College website. 

Research & Personal Statements

All applicants will be required to submit both a research statement and two short personal statements. The purpose of these essays is to get to know you as an individual and potential graduate student. Statements should be uploaded separately; do not combine them into one document.

Applicants are expected to write authentic responses to these prompts. Although Artificial Intelligence software and search engine services can provide guidance and suggestions, admissions committees are looking for your unique experiences and perspectives. AI-generated responses will not be accepted.

Specific instructions for the research statement will be provided in the application, but you should address your research training, research interests, MCB faculty of interest, and how MCB will help you to achieve your academic and professional goals (1,000 words maximum).

Applicants are required to provide two short personal statements in response to prompts about their personal experiences and goals. Each personal statement is limited to 250 words maximum.   

Applicants can provide optional personal statements as part of the application. The optional personal statement prompts are also available in the application. There you can address any topics that may not have been clear in the application or extra information you would like the committee to know. Responses to these two statements are optional and limited to 250 words maximum each.