Frequently Asked Questions - Admissions

 

Online Application

• When I try to access the online application, I'm told that there is a problem with the site's security certificate. How can I make it work? You need to install the CMU server certificate in your browser to define it as a trusted site. You can download the certificate at http://www.cmu.edu/computing/downloads/certificates/

 

Eligibility

• Am I am eligible for the program? Judgments about the suitability/eligibility of candidates for the program are made by the Admissions Committee. No assessment of candidate qualifications can be made prior to admissions decisions. Candidates may wish to consult the list of suggested prerequisites for the program.
• Is a previous research background in a bioinformatics-related field necessary for successful enrollment? Previous research and associated publications are often regarded favorably by the Admissions Committee. However, these are not requirements.
• Am I eligible for the program if I do not have any professional computer skills? We expect students to have coursework or equivalent experience in Programming; Fundamental Data Structures, and Algorithms.

• I am intending to take a course in one of the programming languages (Java, C++ etc.), but the course will not be completed at the time I wish to apply. Will the course still help to make my application strong? You can include a list of courses that you are currently taking or planning to take with your application for consideration by the Admissions Committee.
• Will a prior MS in bioinformatics or computational biology have great impact on my admission to the joint PhD program? About 40% of our current students had a prior M.S., M.D., or Ph.D. when they entered our program. Such students have been attractive to our Admissions Committee because they generally have good research experience and a broad coursework background.
• Will the program continue to consider applications after January 15? If so, when are the last dates? Under special circumstances, applications submitted after January 15 may be considered. If you would like to request special permission to submit a late application, please contact one of the program directors.

 

Transcripts

• I cannot obtain official transcripts from my previous school until after the application deadline. Can I submit unofficial transcripts with my application? Yes, we can consider your application with unofficial transcripts. However, we must have your official transcripts before you can be formally admitted

 

GRE Scores

• What GRE score is expected for acceptance into this program? GRE scores are only one factor considered by the Admissions Committee. Average scores and GPA for students offered admission to our program last year are: GRE Verbal: 555; GRE Quantitative: 785; GPA: 3.52/4.0.
• Which GRE subject test is required for application? Can I choose any subject test? Submission of a GRE subject score is strongly recommended but not required. You can choose any subject test. Our applicants last year generally took one of these four. (Typical scores are shown in parentheses.) Computer Science (870); Biology (750); Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (660); Math (710).

• Is the GRE a compulsory criterion for admission? Can GRE waivers be obtained? GRE scores are required; waivers for special circumstances, such as prior M.D. or Ph.D. degree, may be requested.
• Should I take the standard tests again if my scores are not high enough for admission? If you take the standard tests multiple times, we consider only your best set of scores.

 

TOEFL Scores

• What are the TOEFL requirements for international students? A minimum score of 250 (600 paper, 100 iBT) on the computer TOEFL or a minimum of 7.0 on the IELTS is required for admission to the program. Scores must be less than two years old.
• My TOEFL score is more than two years old. I have been in the US for more than a year, and my English is excellent. Is it is possible for me to apply for the Ph.D program without taking another TOEFL test? How we handle your case depends on your TOEFL score and how old it is. If it is very good and not too much older than two years, we could accept it for evaluation purposes. However, we are required to have on file an acceptable score that is less than two years old, so you would have to retake the test if you are accepted and any admission offer would be contingent upon obtaining an acceptable score.

• I am an international student, and will receive my Master's degree at a university within an English-speaking country. Do I need to submit a TOEFL score? If you have (or will be receiving) a degree (e.g., B.S., M.S.) from a U.S., U.K., New Zealand or Australian university, your TOEFL requirement will be waived.
• Do you accept IELTS score instead of TOEFL? Yes. A minimum of 7.0 on the IELTS is required for admission to the program.

 

Financial Aid

• What financial aid is available should I be admitted in the program? All enrolled students receive full financial support, consisting of full tuition and stipend. The stipend is $24,000-$25,500 per year.

• Is it necessary for me to apply for financial aid? No, your application to the program is considered to be an application for financial aid as well.

• What is the approximate overall cost of graduate study per academic year? The overall cost includes tuition and fees plus living expenses. Tuition and most fees are covered, and a stipend is provided to cover living expenses. The stipend has been set to provide a competitive level of support for our students. Pittsburgh's cost of living is lower than similar metro areas and is 30 percent below the national average. Click here for more information.

 

Research Projects

• What are the specific areas in which projects will be available? The best way to see what research projects are available is to look at the websites of our training faculty.

• The program website says to "read about the research interests of the training faculty and identify at least three faculty with whom you would be interested in doing thesis research." Do I need to/may I approach and contact individual professors? You are welcome to approach and contact individual professors, if you'd like more information about their research interests. However, you are not required to contact them. Since admissions decisions are made by the Admissions Committee, faculty cannot make prior commitments to accept particular students.
• Do I need to apply for the program directly or should I apply to the biology program first and then ask to be assigned to the computational biology program? You should apply directly to the computational biology program. Upon acceptance, students are matched with a research advisor.

 

Prerequisites

• No computational biology course exists at my university. Are other courses acceptable to fulfill this prerequisite? Taking upper level computer science, physical science or statistics courses is recommended in this case.

 

Core Courses and Electives

• Can I get credit for core courses or electives based on past graduate courses taken at other universities? Decisions on courses to be taken by each student are made after enrollment by the Advising Committee. That committee reviews prior coursework and can waive specific core requirements. Elective requirements are not waived.

 

Program Statistics

• What was the number of successful enrollments and applicants for last year? Last year we had 94 applicants, and about 26 offers were made. Of those, 10 accepted our offer and are now enrolled.
• What are the admission statistics of your former students, including grades, number, and ratio of admitted international students? Average GRE scores and GPA for students admitted to our program in previous years are: GRE Verbal: 585; GRE Quantitative: 789; GPA: 3.52/4.0. Approximately 50% of enrolled students are international students.

 

Duration of Program

• What is the duration of the program? Students are expected to complete their degree in 4 to 5 years. This time depends to some degree on the background/prior coursework of the student.

 

International Students

• When entering the program, who can hlep me with the immigration process? For Carnegie Mellon students, contact the Office of International Education. For students accepted to the University of Pittsburgh, contact the Office of International Services

 

Transfers to Program

• My current advisor will be leaving academe and asked me to contact other faculty to see if they will be my future Ph.D adviser. Can I transfer to your Ph.D program? Requests for transfers are only considered along with applications for regular admission, according to the normal application cycle.