Graduate Studies : Instructions for Applying

Only students who expect to complete a doctoral program (Ph.D.) should apply. Applications to the field of Chemistry at Cornell are accepted for fall admission only. Graduate students are not admitted for the spring semester. The application deadline is January 10. Completed applications are evaluated between December 1 and March 15. Those completed applications received by January 10 may also serve as application for Cornell Fellowships. (Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that the application is complete.) A Complete Application Contains..... 1. Application form - The on-line application is preferred and should be completed leaving no blanks or unanswered questions. (If unable to access the online form, a hardcopy of the application can be obtained by contacting the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.) 2. Dept. of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Course Record form. 3. Statement of Purpose This should be a personal statement explaining the applicant's past and present experience, outlook, and goals. The statement should be no longer than a double-sided page. 4. Recommendation Letters Three letters of recommendation are required. Online applications allow for online recommendation letters to be submitted. This is the preferred method, however if completing a paper application, recommendation letters should be included in the same package as the application. Each letter should be in a separate, sealed, envelope with the recommender's signature across the seal. 5. Transcripts An official transcript from each school attended, whether or not a degree was conferred, is required. These should be sent directly to the Graduate Studies Office, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Baker Laboratory, Ithaca, NY 14853-1301. If included in the same package as the application, transcripts should be in separate, sealed, envelopes with the school's official stamp or registrar's signature across the seal. 6. GRE Scores Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores, both general and subject test, are required of all applicants. The subject test in Chemistry is preferred but scores in Biochemistry or Physics will also be accepted when appropriate for the applicant.A score of at least 400 is required on the verbal section for those applicants whose native language is not English. Official scores from ETS must be received before an application can be reviewed. To have ETS forward your official scores the institution code 2098 is all that is required. (Note: Successful international applicants in the past typically have had a total score of at least 1400 for the quantitative and verbal tests, at least 4.0 in the analytical writing test, and a score of at least 850 for the advanced test in chemistry.) 7. TOEFL Scores HIGH TOEFL SCORES: We require an overall score of at least 600 paper-based (250 computer-based, 77 IBT) and scores of at least 60 paper-based (25 computer-based) in each of the three sections. If taking the IBT the minimum subscores are writing-20, listening-15, reading-20, and speaking-22. Official ETS scores must be received before an application will be reviewed. Applications received with scores below the minimum required will not be considered for admission. 8. Application Fee A non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants. If you are completing an on-line application, payment instructions will be given. If completing a paper applications, payment options include check, money order, or credit card. In cases of extreme financial need, the Graduate School will consider a request for a fee waiver. For online applications fee waiver requests should be addressed to Shirley Weaver ( sjw5@cornell.edu ). For paper applications the request must be in writing and accompanied by a statement of need from the financial aid office of the applicant's current university or employer, and should be included with the application. If the request is denied the applicant will be notified that the fee must be paid before the application will be processed. 9. Letter of Acknowledgment International students who are currently attending a U.S. university, but who have attended for less than two years, are required to submit a letter of acknowledgement from their current academic advisor. By virtue of this letter the academic advisor is acknowledging the fact that he/she is aware that the applicant is applying for admission to Cornell University. This letter is in addition to the three letters of recommendation and can be submitted online. If submitting by mail, the letter should be in a seperate sealed envelope with the advisor's signature across the seal. 10. Supplemental Materials - Any documentation that you think would enhance your application, such as publications, awards, etc. should be sent directly to the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Graduate Studies Office Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Baker Laboratory Ithaca, NY 14853-1301 International students who receive an offer of admission must participate, and pass, a Language Skills Assessment interview administered by the Center of Learning and Teaching. If the assessment shows that the applicant requires more formal training in English, a course in English as a Second Language (ESL) must be completed during the first semester of matriculation. English language skills deemed insufficient to carry out Teaching Assistant duties may result in termination of the student from the graduate program. International students who are offered a Teaching Assistantship must participate in the Chemistry and Chemical Biology's three-week Teaching Assistant Training Program (TATP). Proficiency in speaking English and understanding spoken English must be proven. Financial support is contingent upon the applicant's ability to teach recitation and laboratory sections to Cornell students. Graduate School Application, click here to complete the on-line application.