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Admission Requirements

SUNY Upstate Medical University’s College of Graduate Studies seeks out exceptional and competitive candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and a promising future in a Biomedical Sciences career.

Degree Requirements

For admission to the College of Graduate Studies, an applicant must hold a degree from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

Degree must be a:

  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution preferably in the sciences or have completed the following coursework:
    • Biology 1 year
    • Mathematics 1 year
    • Chemistry 1 year
    • Physics 1 year
  • Tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in the sciences or have completed the following coursework:
    • Biology 1 year
    • Mathematics 1 year
    • Chemistry 1 year
    • Physics 1 year

Admission Requirements

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1. Online College of Graduate Studies Application and Payment of $40 Application Fee

Submission of online College of Graduate Studies application and payment of $40 application fee.

2. Three Letters of Recommendation

Three original letters of recommendation from people familiar with your academic record and potential for investigative research are required. Letters must be uploaded by the person writing the letter of recommendation via the online application portal.

Instructions on how to submit the letter will be sent directly to the letter writer. You and the letter writer will receive a confirmation email once a letter is submitted to the online application portal.

3. Personal Statement

Your personal statement should summarize:

  • Reasons for applying to the BMS Graduate Program
  • Previous research experiences
  • Areas of research interest, if known
  • Long-term career goals

4. Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended; Note that post-secondary coursework should include a year of Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics each if the bachelor’s degree is not in a STEM field.

International applicants: For institutions outside the U.S. transcripts may include marksheets, record of courses, degree/study certificate, diploma, etc.) and official English translation if the language of instruction is not English. Please note that an official transcript evaluation by WES will be required upon acceptance.

5. GRE Policy

Policy applies to applications due January 1

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but it is encouraged. Students may choose to submit GRE scores as part of their application if they have already taken the exam, and if so, the scores will be reviewed as part of the holistic review process. Those who wish to submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores should use Institution Code 2457. If an applicant does not submit GRE scores, this will not be taken as a negative factor in the holistic review. However, GRE scores may be helpful for applicants with lower GPAs or little research experience.

6. English Proficiency Test Requirements for Fall 2023 admissions

English proficiency scores are not required for admission consideration. Competitive applicants selected based on the materials in their completed application package are invited to interview with faculty members in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs. We will use the interview for assessment of your communication skills in English. Interviews are conducted virtually in December, January, and February.


Application Deadline

For Admission to Fall Semester

  • By December 1: The $40 application fee is automatically waived
  • By January 1: Complete application due (Application fee applies)
  • December-February: Interviews scheduled and held
  • January-March: Offer of admission notices emailed after interviews
  • March: Accepted Students Day takes place
  • By April 15: Responses due for offer of admission
  • August: Fall semester begins
  • September 1: Online application opens

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