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Graduate Admissions Tips

At the University of Texas at Austin, resources and services for graduate students are provided to you at the departmental level. The university's Graduate School administers the rules and regulations associated with your degree completion, from the point of admission to the day of graduation. Each department has a graduate advisor (faculty member) and a graduate coordinator (staff member) who will oversee the details of your program. The department's graduate studies committee (interdepartmental faculty members) determines the policies of your program.

The Graduate School Office is located on campus in the Main Building, Room 101, and online at http://www.utexas.edu/ogs

How to Apply:

The following information is designed to help your application process. You should also read the general information provided by the university for prospective graduate students, which can be found on the university's website at http://www.utexas.edu/prospective/graduate.shtml.

International students should be sure to read the additional information specific to international applications.

Applications for graduate programs at the University of Texas must be submitted online. Paper forms are no longer available. You will need to know your appropriate major code (613500 for biochemistry, or 620900 for chemistry).

Step 1
Complete the Texas Common Application online.


Step 2
Pay the required application fee: Step 3
Send the following items to:

Graduate Studies Office
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station, A5300
Austin, TX 78712-0165
  • College transcripts (duplicates or copies)
  • Official GRE scores (Chemistry subject test is not required. Do not send photocopies. Our institution code is R6882. Department codes are 0301 Chemistry, 0202 Biochemistry.)
  • Official TOEFL scores (international students only)
  • Statement of Purpose (may also be completed online)
  • Three letters of recommendation (see the Request for Reference form online)

Helpful Hints:

GRE Scores:

  • Many graduate recruiters view GRE scores as the least important predictor of success in graduate school.
  • Typically, only the verbal and quantitative scores are evaluated and advanced subject exams are rarely required.

Statement of Purpose:

  • We recommend that you specify which broad area of chemistry best describes your interests (i.e. - analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, or biochemistry), but -you may also mention interdisciplinary interests.
  • You should definitely also mention the names of any of our faculty whose research interests you. A list of our faculty and their research synopses can be found on our Department website.
  • You are encouraged to discuss past research experience and future goals.
  • Focus on your technical talents and science, not hobbies, personal issues, etc.
  • Address any blemishes on your academic record in a direct and factual manner.
  • Try to refine your statement of purpose for each program you apply to.

Letters of Recommendation:

  • It is often helpful to provide an updated resume to each faculty member you ask to write a letter.
  • You should also provide each referee with reference forms and address labels, if necessary.
  • Fill in the appropriate reference form information.
  • Encourage your references to include commentary about your performance, whether academic, or in an industrial or professional position.
  • Do not include photos, folders, or portfolios.
  • Use standard white paper.
  • You may ask your references to mail their letters directly to us at the above address.

Is Graduate School Right for You?

  • You must have an unwavering interest in research and past research experience.
  • You are required to be motivated and self-disciplined. Graduate students are typically expected to be resourceful and to work independently.
  • You must be able to effectively manage your time. Be aware that research rarely follows a 9-to-5 schedule.
  • You should have (or at least be willing to develop) good communication and writing skills.
  • You should already know which areas of scientific research interest you.
  • You must be able to explain why an advanced degree is necessary to your career path.

Choosing a Program:

  • Seek advice from faculty mentors about suitable programs.
  • Visit the websites of programs in your discipline.
  • Examine faculty research pages or websites.
  • Determine if there is a broad diversity in the program and adequate overlap with your research interests.
  • Select three to eight programs that suit your goals and meet your expectations.
  • Check deadlines and requirements and budget your time to compile all the materials required for applications.

Typical Timeline:

The deadline for fall admissions to our graduate program is January 15th of each year (December 15th for international students). If you miss the deadline, or have other questions, please contact us at 512-471-3890 or toll-free at 866-471-3890.

April-October
  • Consult with faculty members
  • Check out program websites
  • Take GRE exams
October-December
  • Request letters of recommendation
  • Write your personal statement
  • Arrange for transcripts to be sent to selected programs
January-February
  • Deadlines for most graduate programs
February-March
  • Acceptances and rejections are issued from most programs
April 15th
  • Decision Day!

Financial Support:

  • All applicants will be considered for financial support in the form of teaching assistantships or fellowships. Offers will be made to those who qualify.
  • After the fist year, graduate students are usually supported by research funds from their advisor/mentor.
  • Teaching assistants and research assistants will have most of their tuition costs covered.
  • The university and our department offer a wide range of fellowships awarded on the basis of teaching performance or academic excellence. Many of them are full fellowships that allow for full time research. Funding for travel to professional conferences is also available.
  • Research programs are supported by funds from the university and the state of Texas. In addition, grants are often awarded to individual faculty members by the federal government, private foundations, or other outside sources.
  • More information on financial assistance is provided by the Office of Graduate Studies.
Office of Graduate Studies
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station, G0400
Austin, TX 78712-0531
512-475-7398, fax 512-471-7620


or

Office of Student Financial Services
The University of Texas at Austin
P.O. Box 7758, UT Station E3700
Austin, TX 78713-7758
512-475-6282

International Applicants:
Admission for international applicants is very competitive. In the past three years, approximately 5% of all international applicants have been accepted. A somewhat greater proportion of international students are admitted if they have completed an undergraduate degree or master's degree at another university in the U.S. Thus, for those international students interested in attending the graduate programs in chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin, please recognize that it is extremely competitive and your chances of admission are greatly improved by the successful completion of an undergraduate degree or master's degree in the U.S.

You should read our How to Apply information, but please note that the following instructions for international applicants are in some cases different from the requirements for U.S. applicants. The deadline for international applications is December 15th for admission in the Fall of the following year. We do not admit for Spring or Summer. You must apply online using the Texas Common Application form.

The application fee for international students is US$75. Departmental personnel are not permitted to begin processing your application until this fee is paid. We suggest you narrow your choices of graduate schools and seriously pursue admission to only one or two top choices. Payment methods can be found online at http://www.utexas.edu/student/admissions.

International students who are already in the United States pursuing a graduate degree at another university must provide at least two letters of recommendation from that institution, one of which must come from their research advisor. This indicates to the University of Texas that the other U.S. institution is aware of the student's intention to transfer to another university.