Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard University
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Admissions and Financial Aid

Admissions

The Student Body

Each year, about 90 students begin graduate study. Enrollment as of 2007-2008 is approximately 600, with affiliated faculty numbering around 400. 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.

Student Qualifications

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 calculus, physics, biology, and chemistry, both physical and organic. 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.

Applying to a Program in DMS

Applicants wishing to do research in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Pathology, Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Molecular Pharmacology usually apply through the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) Program. Applicants wishing to do research in Immunology, Neuroscience, 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. Once enrolled, degree candidates may arrange rotations in laboratories affiliated with other programs. Transfer between programs may be accommodated if justified. We welcome discussion with applicants who would like assistance in determining the most appropriate program for their interests.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is December 8, 2008. 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 December 2008 deadline. GRE tests should be taken no later than October 2008 for official scores to arrive in time.

Contact Information


Division of Medical Sciences

Student Affairs
260 Longwood Ave

TMEC Bldg. Room 435
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.

Financial Aid

Division of Medical Sciences students receive full tuition and stipend support while they are enrolled and making satisfactory progress toward the Ph.D. degree. The division strongly encourages applicants to apply for support from extramural agencies. Students who receive competitively funded extramural fellowships, which will be used toward our student support upon matriculating to our programs, may be eligible to receive an educational allowance from the division.