Introduction

Applying

Requirements

PBS Courses

Helpful Hints

GRE Test

ESL Programs

Applying

Applicants must fill out two applications, one for the Graduate School and one for the PBS Program. Submission deadline for the Plant Biological Sciences applications is January 1st. You do have until June 15th to complete the Graduate School's application for Fall admittance but I would advise you to get your information into the Graduate School sometime in January.

Graduate School

The Graduate School prefers an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 (on a 4.0 scale) for admission.   Individual programs may prefer a higher GPA.   Applicants should consult the program to which they are applying for more specific information about admission.

The application for admission to the Graduate School must be submitted online and all required supporting materials should be sent to The Graduate School.

1. Fill in the Graduate School application form. The major code for the Ph.D. is 069160208 and for the MS 069131508.


2. Send in the application fee. The application fee cannot be waived or deferred and is not refundable. The fee for U.S. applicants and permanent residents is $75.00. For international applicants it is $95.00. Applications will not be processed unless the application fee is paid

   In order to ensure timely processing of your application for admission, we encourage you to send all of your transcripts/credentials in one envelope. You may mail photocopies or fax us a legible copy of your transcript/credentials. If you do fax or send a photocopy, do not send official transcripts/credentials at this time; if you are admitted, we will request that official or certified transcripts/credentials be sent from your institution(s) when we send you the admission letter.
   
   GRE Required: Complete information about the GRE is located at http://www.gre.org   
   It is best to take your GRE tests by the end of October.   This way the official scores
   reach our campus on time.   Have ETS send the official scores to the Graduate
   School Office of Admissions.   Also, it is prudent to mail The PBS program office a copy of the GRE scores that ETS sends to you, in case there is a delay in the official scores being received.   Our mailing address is:   Plant Biological Sciences Graduate Program. University of Minnesota, 1445 Gortner Avenue, Room 256 Bioscience Center, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108 USA.  

   TOEFL score required for international students:

3. Original TOEFL scores should be sent directly to the Graduate School (see address above). A copy of your TOEFL scores should also be sent to the PBS program office.
   
   Please review the Graduate School application form for further information
   
   For complete information on the Graduate School's application process, as well as important information, please visit http://www.grad.umn.edu For their on-line application go to http://www.grad.umn.edu/prospective_students/apply_online.html
   
   Any student with a U.S. bachelor's degree or a comparable foreign degree from a recognized college or university may apply to the Graduate School for admission.
    
   Graduate School Office of Admissions
   University of Minnesota
   309 Johnston Hall
   101 Pleasant Street SE
   Minneapolis, MN 55455-0421

Plant Biological Sciences Program Application

The PBS application package should include the following materials. These materials can be either emailed to pbiogp@umn.edu or faxed to 612-625-1738 or mailed to:

Plant Biological Sciences Graduate Program
University of Minnesota
256 Biological Sciences Center
1445 Gortner Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108

1. Fill in the Plant Biological Sciences Graduate Program's application form.


2. Include a personal statement detailing your career objectives, mention any specific research area that you are interested in exploring, and tell us what you plan to do after completion of your graduate program. Elaborate on any research or work experience relevant to a career in plant biology.


3. Include three letters of recommendation from professors or others qualified to appraise your scientific work and potential. The strength of the letters of recommendation is very important. We do not provide recommendation forms, professors may use their own letterhead and sign and email the letter to the program office at pbiogp@umn.edu.


4. Include a copy (does not need to be an original) of your college transcript(s).


5. Include a copy (does not need to be an original) of your GRE scores. The general GRE test score is required. The GRE subject test is not required, but highly recommended. GRE score reporting codes are 6874 for the institution (University of Minnesota) and 0299 (biological sciences-other) for the program. The performance level of 50% or above in each category is preferred.


6. Include a copy (does not need to be an original) of your TOEFL score.
   This is required for non-native English speakers. TOEFL reporting code is 35.
   A TOEFL score of at least 600 (or 250 from a computer based test) is desired.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at 612-625-4222 or pbiogp@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.