Admissions and Financial Aid

Each year, about 90 students begin graduate study. Enrollment as of 2010-2011 is approximately 550, with affiliated faculty numbering over 500. Our students come from a variety of undergraduate institutions throughout the United States and from many foreign countries. Women account for about one-half of the enrollment.

To qualify for admission, applicants must demonstrate strong enthusiasm and ability for the vigorous pursuit of scientific knowledge. Minimal requirements include a bachelor’s degree and undergraduate preparation in the sciences. The program in Bioinformatics requires a strong grounding in mathematics and quantitative sciences (e.g. computer sciences, physics and chemistry).  Strong consideration is given to letters of recommendation, particularly to comments from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the applicant’s research experience. Some programs may request a personal interview.

Applicants can only apply to one DMS program.  Those wishing to do research in Biochemistry and Proteomics, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Computational Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics and Genomics, Human Biology, Immunobiology, Microbial Biology and Pathogenesis, Molecular Biology, Molecular Neuroscience, Physiology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Structural Biology, Therapeutics, Targets and Discovery usually apply through the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) Program.  Applicants wishing to do research in Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics (BIG), Immunology, Neuroscience, Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology (SHBT) or Virology should apply directly to the relevant program.

If you are unsure which program is best for you, please clarify this in an additional letter accompanying your application.

Applications for the 2012 - 2013 academic year are closed.  Applications had a submission deadline of December, 1, 2011 5:00 PM EST.  All applications must be submitted by this date in order to be considered.  A completed application includes submission of the online application form, scores from the Graduate Record Examination (General Test), and official transcripts. Applicants whose native language is not English, and who have not received a bachelor's degree from an English language institution, must meet minimum score requirements on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For more details on a complete application, see Important Information on the Application Process. For more details, see Important Information on the Application Process.

All materials, including letters of recommendation and official reports of the GRE, must be received by the application deadline. GRE tests should be taken no later than October 2011 for official scores to arrive in time.

Division of Medical Sciences

Student Affairs

TMEC 435; Harvard Medical School
260 Longwood Ave
Boston, MA 02115

Telephone: (617) 432-0162

E-mail: dms@hms.harvard.edu

Please be sure to read Important Information on the Application Process before contacting DMS.

Harvard University's policy is to make decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Harvard's educational objectives and institutional needs. It is unlawful, and contrary to Harvard University policy, to discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job or course of study requirements.

Applicants to the Division of Medical Sciences other than international applicants to the SHBT program should NOT­ complete the Statement of Financial Resources for Graduate Study. These students receive full tuition and stipend support while they are enrolled.   International applicants to the SHBT program who are not permanent legal residents of the US must complete the Statement of Financial Resources for Graduate Study.