Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences



	FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS. WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE IBMS PROGRAM? DO I NEED TO USE THE GRADUATE SCHOOL FORMS FOR MY RECOMMENDATIONS? WHAT IS THE IBMS DEPARTMENTAL CODE FOR REPORTING GRE SCORES; DO YOU REQUIRE A SUBJECT TEST? WHAT SHOULD BE IN THE PERSONAL STATEMENT AND HOW LONG SHOULD IT BE? If I am a student working/studying abroad can I apply for admission to IBMS? IS IT OK TO CALL DR. BRENNWALD WITH QUESTIONS? WHEN WILL I HEAR BACK FROM YOU REGARDING THE STATUS OF MY APPLICATION? WHEN ARE INTERVIEWS? 1. WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE IBMS PROGRAM? We begin reviewing applications in mid-December and will consider applications until we fill our interview slots. This is usually by February 1, and applicants that apply early have a definite advantage. It can take ~3 weeks for your application to make its way from the Graduate School to our program, so you should operate on a deadline of January 7, 2007. To expedite review of your application we encourage you to send photocopies of your GRE report, unofficial copies of your undergraduate transcripts and a copy of the Graduate School application directly to us. top 2. DO I NEED TO USE THE GRADUATE SCHOOL FORMS FOR MY RECOMMENDATIONS? Yes, please use the Graduate School forms. top 3. WHAT IS THE IBMS DEPARTMENTAL CODE FOR REPORTING GRE SCORES; DO YOU REQUIRE A SUBJECT TEST? There is no departmental code - the UNC-CH University code is sufficient. We do not require a subject test, but if you take one and do well, we will most certainly pay attention to your score. top 4. WHAT SHOULD BE IN THE PERSONAL STATEMENT AND HOW LONG SHOULD IT BE? Use the personal statement to tell us about you and your motivation for going to graduate school. Specifically describe important educational, research, work and teaching experiences and tell us why you are interested in the IBMS program. Also feel free to explain any blemishes on your record (e.g. a poor semester or GRE scores you are less than happy with), although this is not required. In general the statement of purpose should be between 2 and 4 pages, but there is no formal requirement. Some extra advice - faculty reviewers often comment negatively on the following factors: typographical errors, grammatical mistakes, and research descriptions that are technical but lack a brief discussion of the rationale and goals of the research project. top 5. If I am a student working/studying abroad can I apply for admission to IBMS? We require a personal interview of all applicants and typically only admit foreign students already working and/or studying in the US. top 6. IS IT OK TO CALL DR. BRENNWALD WITH QUESTIONS? I am happy to provide feedback on your application packet and will discuss the Program with you. However, I am hard to reach by phone, so e-mail first and suggest some times that you might be available to talk with me. top 7. WHEN WILL I HEAR BACK FROM YOU REGARDING THE STATUS OF MY APPLICATION? I will e-mail you as soon as the admission committee makes a decision regarding your application. I encourage you to check your e-mail or provide alternate contact information if you are a college senior and will be at home over the long holiday break. We will begin making invitations for interviews in late December or early January. top 8. WHEN ARE INTERVIEWS? We require an interview for all applicants and will hold two interview weekends: February 23-24 and March 16-17, 2007. Unfortunately we can not interview applicants at other times. We will let you know whether you will be invited for an interview within two weeks of receiving your complete application (including the letters of recommendation and statement of purpose). We ask that you arrive Thursday evening and stay though Sunday morning. We will cover the cost of your airline ticket, lodging, and meals and will assist you in making travel arrangements. Carolyn Fahey, the IBMS Program Administrator, will contact you to describe this process in greater detail. top

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