Graduate Admissions
Thank you for your interest in the UC San Diego Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Program. We have over 300 bright and talented graduate students with diverse backgrounds from all over the world. We look forward to next Fall where we will welcome a new group of students from a pool of more than 500 applicants.We offer programs for the Doctoral, Masters Thesis, Masters Comprehensive, and Joint Doctoral degrees. Below you will find information on the needed application materials and criteria. You can find more admissions information by visiting our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Quick Tip: First impression is everything. So we recommend you submit your online application after you have at least uploaded your transcripts, entered your GRE exam scores, have at least two letters of recommendations, submitted your personal statement, and if required (see below) your Subject GRE scores, TOEFL, and MS Thesis Agreement.
Application Materials
Application Deadlines
We use a rolling admissions schedule beginning at the application deadline. However, it is highly encouraged that you submit a completed application by the admissions deadline. The sooner you complete and submit an application, the better are your chances for a full review
- PhD Admissions for Fall 2013 is December 15.
- MS Admissions for Fall 2013 is January 18. UC San Diego students applying have until May 10.
- MS Admissions for Winter & Spring are only available to UCSD students, deadline is second week of the quarter before.
- JDP applicants are nominated by San Diego State University Chemistry Admissions Committee in June.
Online Application
UC San Diego currently utilizes a Web-based application to apply for graduate study. You may work on your application a bit at a time, and then submit it once it is complete. The site is secure, and your application information and credit card payment will remain confidential. To submit an online application, please visit gradapply.ucsd.edu.
Transcripts
For application review purposes, please upload a PDF version of your transcripts in your online application. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a strong Chemistry and/or Biochemistry background. A PDF copy of your academic history is acceptable for reviewing purposes, but an official hardcopy transcript will still be needed if you are offered admission.
Statement of Purpose
Focus your Statement of Purpose on the reasons you are interested in attending UC San Diego Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Program.
- How did you become interested in Chemistry and Biochemistry?
- What experiences have contributed toward your preparation for our program?
- What are your future goals?
- What are your research interests?
- How are you a "match" for our program?
For more detailed information, please visit our Office of Graduate Studies page.
Letters of Recommendation
We require three letters of recommendation. If you have any research experience, we would like to see a letter from your research advisor. UC San Diego students applying for the MS program need to submit at least two letters, one of them from a professor in the Chemistry & Biochemistry department.
The forms for the letters as well as waiver forms to accompany them are available through the online application system.
GRE Scores
All applicants must provide official GRE general test scores (verbal, quantitative and analytical). The institution code is 4836 and the department code is 0301. There is no hard cut off since the committee looks at all aspects of your application, but they do like to see at least an 80th percentile on the quantitative section. To help you submit your scores on time, we do accept self-reported scores for reviewing purposes only.
GRE Subject Scores (PhD applicants only)
All applicants must provide official Subject GRE test scores. The institution code is 4836 and the department code is 0301. We accept the Chemistry or Biochemistry Subject exams. There is no hard cut off.
Research Experience
PDF copies of your research experience can be uploaded into your online application. There are four slots with 4MB amount of space to work with.
TOEFL (International applicants only)
International students must have their official report of their TOEFL iBT or TSE scores from ETS. A minimum of either a score of 79 on the iBT, 220 on the computer-based, or 550 on the paper-based. Test date within the past two years.
MS Thesis Agreement (MS Thesis Applicants Only)
If you already have an agreement with a Chemistry and Biochemistry Professor, the MS Thesis Agreement Form is highly recommended. It is an agreement between you and your research advisor. Please have your research advisor fill it out, print, sign, and then upload to your application or send it to the Chemistry & Biochemistry Student Affairs Office
Fall 2013 PhD applications due:
December 15
Questions:Jeff Rances
Phone: (858) 534-9728
Fax: (858) 534-7687
