FAQ
Q: How do I apply to one or more of the programs/departments in PIBS?
You can apply to all 13 programs/departments participating in PIBS with one (1) application. We encourage you to explore both the 13 Ph.D. degree-granting programs and over 400 faculty to prior to submitting your application. On the application, you will be asked to select and rank three (3) of the 13 degree-granting programs to for review. After entering your first choice program/department on the “preliminary page” of the application, you will then be asked to select and rank your second and third programs/departments of interest on the “supplemental form” which is on page 4 of the application.
Q: What if I change my mind about my program choices after I send in my application?
If you would like to change your program choices before applications are reviewed, please email your revised choices to us as soon as possible. Once you have accepted an offer at PIBS, you are free to choose any of our 13 degree-granting programs. In addition, during the first year of study you will be able to transfer freely between PIBS-associated training programs until you find your scientific "home" and formally join a Ph.D. program.
Q: How and where do I find PIBS faculty and research areas that are of interest to me?
To research our faculty, we encourage you to utilize our faculty search page . On this site, faculty research interests can be searched by topic or their name. You may contact any PIBS faculty listed on our web site. You can also research faculty by exploring our 13 Ph.D. degree-granting programs.
Q: What is the deadline for submitting an application to PIBS?
PIBS gladly accepts applications from late August to the December 1 deadline every year. Please apply the year before you wish to enter graduate school.
Q: What are the department and institution codes?
The U-M Institution code is 1839 for GRE and TOEFL scores.
The PIBS department code is 45 for TOEFL scores.
The PIBS department code is unnecessary for GRE scores.
Q: What are the required GRE scores?
Although there is no required minimum GRE score, entering students average 560 verbal (range 300-800), 710 quantitative (range 390-800), and 4.5 written (range 2.5-6.0). GRE scores are valid for five (5) years.
Q: Do I need to take the Subject GRE?
The subject GRE is not required, but we strongly encourage it.
Q: What is the required GPA?
Although there is no required minimum GPA, entering students have an average GPA of 3.5 (range 2.8-4.0).
Q: Do I need to take the TOEFL test?
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. They are required to submit a TOEFL score unless they will graduate with a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is exclusively English. TOEFL scores are valid for two (2) years.
Q: What are the required minimum TOEFL scores?
The minimum scores needed are:
- 23 reading
- 23 listening
- 17 speaking
- 21 writing
- 84 total
Applicants who score above the minimum scores indicated above but below the following scores must take the Academic English Evaluation exam prior to class registration
- 26 reading
- 26 listening
- 23 speaking
- 27 in writing
- 102 total
Q: Can I get a fee waiver?
There are application fee waiver opportunities for US citizen and permanent resident applicants. For more information on application fee waiver eligibility and opportunities, please visit the Rackham Graduate School web site on Rackham Fee Waiver and Grants.
Q: What is an official versus unofficial transcript?
In order to be considered official, all academic records/transcripts must bear a seal and a signature in ink of an authorized official of the institution (such as the Registrar or Recorder of Records). Official documents must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic records certified by notary publics are not official.
For your convenience, we offer the ability to upload unofficial transcripts within the online application allowing PIBS to expedite the review of your application.
- This transcript will be considered unofficial.
- The graduate program's admissions committee is able to make a decision based upon your submission of an electronic transcript(s).
- When submitting transcript(s) online, upload the front and back of the transcript(s).
It is your responsibility to request the release of any such records from the institutions involved.
You will not be required to submit a hard copy of the transcript(s) to PIBS. Official transcript(s) are only required to be sent to the U-M Rackham Graduate School at:
Rackham Graduate School
Attn: Transcripts/U-M ID# (if known) or Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
915 E. Washington Street
Ann Arbor MI 48109-1070 .
Official transcripts must be received by Rackham by January 1.
Q: How will I know that my application has been received?
- Your completed application must be received by December 1 to be considered.
- After your application and application fee have been received by the Rackham Graduate School you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail. This e-mail will confirm receipt of your application and provide you with your U-M ID number. It will also inform you of how to check your status online.
- If three (3) letters of recommendation and official transcripts have not been Received, PIBS will send one (1) incomplete application email notice based on your letters or recommendation and transcripts received at that time. You will be required to submit these materials prior to the admissions deadline of December 1.
- PIBS will also send one (1) complete application email notice upon completion.
Q: When will I know my application has been reviewed?
- The PIBS Admissions Committee will review applications by mid-February.
- After the Committee review, all applicants will either be:
- Invited to campus for an interview (or contacted for a phone interview for those applicants not in the U.S.)
- Placed on a waiting list
- Declined admission
Q: When are your interview weekends?
PIBS offers two interview weekend events, usually falling on the second weekends of January and February, respectively.
Q: When will I be notified of admission?
Decisions on offers of admission will be made after the second interview weekend. Applicants will be contacted as soon as possible with information regarding the status of their application.
Q: How many students apply to PIBS each year?
During a typical application season we receive greater than 700 applications.
Q: How many students are accepted to PIBS each year?
PIBS class size averages between 65-70 students per year.
Q: How many international students are accepted to PIBS each year?
On average 10% of our incoming students are non US citizens.
Q: How many rotations can I perform in my first year?
PIBS is designed to offer students maximum flexibility in training options. Entering students can begin rotating July 1st of September 1st. During the first year, students must perform a minimum of two laboratory rotations. Additional rotation experiences are easily arranged through the PIBS office. The average for most students is three rotations before selecting a thesis laboratory.
