MCDB Pre-Application Checklist
All materials must be submitted as hard copy documents and sent through a postal service. Only the online application will be accepted electronically.
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Submit the MCDB Departmental Online Application Form
This form is found at http://www.mcdb.iastate.edu/prospective/application.php. Simply copy and paste this URL address into your browser and submit the form from there. - Official academic records from each previous institution attended, in sealed envelopes. Iowa State transcripts will be provided at no cost. (Some colleges and universities will not mail official transcripts to students. In this instance ONLY, please send us your STUDENT COPY of the transcripts with your pre- application packet) If an offer is made to you, official transcripts will be needed at that time.
- Three letters of recommendation. Please have letters written on OFFICIAL letterhead and placed in a sealed letterhead envelope that has the recommender's signature across the seal. We do not accept letters sent electronically.
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Examination Results: Please include photocopies of each examination
result in your pre-application packet. Photocopies must be sent as the
MCDB program cannot access the official results from ETS during the
application process. If an offer is made to you, official test scores
will need to be sent directly from ETS to Iowa State, but only if an
offer is made.
- Graduate Records Examination (GRE) scores
- Subject Test is optional
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (for nonnative English speakers only)
- Graduate Records Examination (GRE) scores
- Statement of Purpose, Goals, and Research Interests
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (Please include a description of previous honors, scholarships, research activities, publications, and outstanding extracurricular work.)
Once complete, please mail your pre-application materials and checklist in ONE ENVELOPE to:
MCDB Program
2018 Molecular Biology Building
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3260
Tips To Make Your Application User Friendly for the Admissions Committee
- Please do not put each document into its own envelope. Only transcripts and letters of recommendation need to be sealed into individual envelopes. The rest of the materials can be contained loosely in the main envelope.
- Do not print your documents doubled sided. Print on only one side. Your application materials are scanned and printing on one side ensures that we do not miss any pages of information.
- Do not use any glue or adhesive to secure pages together. Staples or paperclips are acceptable. Paperclips are preferred.
- Please only send the recommended number of letters of reference. Three are required, four is acceptable, but please not more than four.
- High school or secondary school transcripts are unnecessary.
- Financial documents (bank statement, financial statement) and passport information is not required for the pre-application. Please do not include this information in your packet.
- Good supplemental materials to send if available are publication abstracts and research statements.
We understand that you put your best foot forward in these application packets. The tips above will help you and the committee to make the most efficient use of time when completing and reviewing your application materials. Thank you.
