FAQ's

 

 

Title: 
Which Way Should I Apply?
Accordion Body: 

There are 2 ways to apply.  Which one is best for me?

Click HERE to Learn More

Title: 
What if I'm an International Student?
Accordion Body: 

All International applicants are REQUIRED to apply through PIBS. International applicants must submit scores from the TOEFL exam unless the program verifies that English is their native language or they have obtained a Bachelor or Master degree from an English speaking institution. (Institution code 1839) Click here for additional information about the international application process.  

Title: 
Do You Offer Application Fee Waivers?
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Most fee waivers are administered by the Rackham Graduate School and more details are available on their website. In addition, the NGP is happy to provide further information about fee waivers and encourage those who need fee waivers to reach out to us through this "request for information form", including Neuro specific fee waivers. Please click here for further details. 

Title: 
Who Makes Admissions Decisions?
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Applications are evaluated by an Admissions Committee (members shown under "Admissions Committee" below) comprised of Neuroscience faculty and student representatives who represent areas within the program. The most important criterion for admission to the Program is a demonstrated aptitude for and commitment to laboratory research in neuroscience. A Bachelor's degree or its equivalent is required. All applicants must meet Rackham's Minimum Requirements for Admission. 

Title: 
What are the Typical Courses Applicants Take Prior to Applying to NGP?
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Prior to admission many of our applicants take courses in:

  • Introductory biology (or other courses such as cell biology, physiology, or genetics)
  • Introductory neuroscience, physiological psychology or animal behavior
  • Mathematics through calculus
  • Physics
  • Chemistry (organic, inorganic or biochemistry)

These courses are not required and are only an example of typical courses that many of our applicants take.                                                                                                                                     

All applicants are required to upload a scanned copy of their transcript (official or unofficial issued to student) with the online application for review by the admissions committee faculty.           

The GRE test is NOT required for either route of admission and any scores submitted will not be reviewed by the admissions committee.

Title: 
Is the GRE Test Required?
Accordion Body: 

The GRE test is NOT required for either route of admission and any scores submitted will not be reviewed by the admissions committee.

Title: 
How Are Applications Reviewed?
Accordion Body: 

The NGP is committed to a holistic review process and gives careful consideration to the entire application packet, including (but not limited to) the personal and educational statements and letters of recommendation.  The following categories are evaluated for each applicant: 1.) research experience, 2.) academic preparation, 3.) research potential and growth-capacity, and 4.) motivation and perseverance,  Each applicant is reviewed by multiple members of the Admissions Committee (members shown below).  The committee then collectively discusses the applications and decides who will be invited for interviews.

Title: 
Are Students Interviewed During the Admissions Process?
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Yes, applicants who are strong candidates for admission will be invited to interview with NGP faculty members, members of the admissions committee and NGP administration and current NGP students. Recruits will spend time learning about the Graduate Program and Ann Arbor and getting to know our graduate students.

Title: 
When Will I Know About My Admissions Decision?
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Applicants who are being considered for interviews will begin hearing from us in mid to late December. All final admissions decisions will be communicated to applicants no later than March 30th.

Title: 
If Admitted, How Will I Be Funded and What Courses Will I Take?
Accordion Body: 

All NGP students receive an annual stipend, tuition and health insurance while in good academic standing. This funding comes from a variety of sources depending on your year of study, eligibility for training grants and faculty mentor. In addition, at least one term of support while you are a student will come from a teaching experience.  Direct or PIB applicants that are admitted to NGP are guaranteed funding for their entirety, as long as they remain in good academic standing.  The program is unable to offer paid leave of absences.

NGP students take a number of classes in the first year to prepare them for careers in teaching and basic and applied research. Our current curriculum can be found here,