Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Frequently Asked Questions on Admission to the MCDB Program

Why do you call it a pre-application?

Our process is a call a pre-application because applicants are applying to the department prior to formally applying to Iowa State University. It is to an applicants benefit to go through this process as we do not require students to pay an application fee. Only applicants who are extended an offer of admission and accept it will be required to formally apply to the university. For students who accept an offer of admission, the application documents that were submitted to the department will be forward to the admissions office for your convenience.

What is the deadline for pre-application to be received?

January 15th is the deadline for pre-application packet of materials.

Do you accept electronic copies of the required documents?

No, we require that all documents, with the exception on the online application, be sent to the program as hard copies documents via a postal service by the application deadline.

May I have the application fee to the university waived?

Yes. The program does not require a fee to submit the pre-application. If you are admitted to our Graduate Program, we will waive your application fee to the university. However this fee will only be waived for students who completed the pre-application process and have been extended an offer of admission. Any student who applies to the Graduate College without being extended an offer of admission by the program is subject to paying the Graduate Admissions application fee of $70 for international students and $30 for domestic students. It is important that you complete the pre-application process properly to avoid having to pay any application fees.

What is the mailing address for submission of application materials?

All materials requested in the application should be sent directly to:
MCDB Graduate Program
2018 Molecular Biology Building
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011

May I send copies of the TOEFL and GRE score results, rather than originals?

For the application review process you may send copies. If you are made an offer of admission, however, then we must receive original reports of your scores from the ETS before you can be formally accepted into the program.

What are the TOEFL and GRE Codes for your University and Department?

May I apply for a Master's degree through your program?

We strongly prefer to admit students directly into the Ph.D. program. Applications for the M.S. degree program can be considered but the

program does not support MS students on assistantship through program funding.

May I begin the graduate program in the spring semester?

Spring admission is permitted only in unusual circumstances. Fall semester is the recommended starting point for applicants to the Graduate Program. The coursework builds from the fall semester on. The department offers an extensive orientation program in the Fall semester only.

Do you require a GRE subject Test?

We recommend a biological sciences subject test, but do not require one. We require that applicants take the General Graduate Record Examination.

Are there any restrictions on admission to your graduate program based on nationality?

No. The MCDB graduate program and Iowa State University admit qualified applicants to our programs regardless of nationality.

Is financial support provided?

Yes. At this time, all applicants who are admitted to our Graduate Program receive a Graduate Assistantship their first year with an annual stipend of $22,000. Students also receive complete tuition remission. Students are expected to choose a major professor by the end of their first year who will sponsor their assistantship funding for the remainder of their degree program.