Q: How do I apply?

A: The following items are required for a complete official application:

• Texas A&M University GraduateCAS application portal
• Statement of Purpose, resume, and three letters of recommendation submitted directly through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS portal
• Official transcript from all institutions of higher education attended sent to the Admissions Office
• Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from within the last two years from applicants whose native language is not English (Exceptions at http://admissions.tamu.edu/international/graduate).

Q: What is the deadline for submitting an application?
A: Applications need to be completed by December 1st. The University admissions office must process transcripts and calculate the GPA for the last 60 hours of coursework before an official application can be reviewed by the Graduate Recruiting Committee.

Q: Do I need to submit all my application materials at the same time?
A: No. All application materials are filed in the Graduate Programs Office until complete.  Once an application is complete, it is reviewed by the Genetics and Genomics Recruiting Committee.  We encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible.

Q: How will my application be evaluated?
A: Applicants to the Genetics and Genomics Program undergo a holistic evaluation by our Admissions committee. In addition to overall academic achievement (GPA), the committee considers factors including, but not limited to, the rigor and relevance of completed coursework (courses in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or similar areas are highly recommended), experience in laboratory research, scholarly outputs (presentations, publications), awards, leadership experience, faculty references, and scientific maturity. Applicants with unique experiences or circumstances are encouraged to describe those in their applications, as we are particularly interested in recruiting a diverse array of outstanding students.

Q. Is the GRE test required?
A: The GRE requirement for applications has changed since 2019. GRE scores are neither required nor typically recommended for applicants of the Genetics and Genomics Ph.D. Program.

Q: If my native language is not English, should I take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
A: Yes!  Applicants whose native language is not English should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language.  (Exceptions at http://admissions.tamu.edu/international/graduate).

Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A: Your eligibility for admission into the Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics depends on several things.  Applications for admission are evaluated on the basis of the applicant’s undergraduate or graduate coursework, grades, letters of recommendation, resume, statement of purpose and laboratory experience.

Q: Are there any special requirements for international applicants?
A: Applicants whose native language is not English should plan to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  International students must also satisfy VISA requirements or the U.S. Department of Home Security and be proficient in English.

Q: What are the average GPA scores for incoming students?
A: Statistics for the 2021 Genetics graduate student class are as follows:

Average GPA:  3.63

Q: My GPA is less than 3.0, can I apply?
A: Yes.  Your eligibility depends on several things.  Applications are evaluated on the basis of the undergraduate or graduate record (coursework, laboratory experience, and grades), letters of recommendation, and TOEFL tests.  A Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher is preferred.  However, extensive laboratory experience, and/or strong letters of recommendation can offset a low GPA.

Q: Do I need to submit official transcripts?
A: Yes, If the applicant is accepted, original documents are required to be fully admitted to Texas A&M. We need an official transcript from each of the senior-level post-secondary institutions attended.  An official statement of the award of the degree or diploma is required for each degree completed.  The registrar, controller of examinations or president of the university issuing the document must sign transcripts from a university outside the United States.  Official records are to be in the language of instruction, accompanied by an official translation in English, if necessary.  Translations sent directly from the institution attended or from a recognized translator are considered official.  Photocopies or other duplications of a transcript, such as notarized copies and faxes are not considered official.  However, to consider your application your unofficial transcripts can be scanned and sent to the Admissions Office through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS portal.

Q: Are there any restrictions regarding age?
A: No.  There are no age restrictions.

Q: Does the program require a one-year residency in College Station?
A: No, the program does not require a one-year residency in College Station.  Out-of-state tuition fees are waived for all students receiving graduate stipends.

Q: Does the program require an applicant to have a Master degree before pursuing a Ph.D.?
A: No.  However, for international applicants priority is given to applicants that hold a Master degree or equivalent research experience that is documented by publications.

Q: Do you admit students who are only interested in getting a Master degree?
A: Our recruiting committee admits applicants only for the Ph.D. program. If an applicant is interested in a Masters degree, they will be offered admission only when a current faculty member has agreed to act as an advisor and to provide financial support to the prospective student. If you are interested in a Masters degree, we encourage you to contact faculty-of-interest as a potential advisor to determine if they could accept you into their lab and support your training.

Q: I have not taken the TOEFL, should I still apply?
A: You must have all application materials submitted to the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS portal (statement of purpose essay, letters of recommendation, test scores, and transcripts) by the deadline to be considered to admission.

Q: Do I need to send my TOEFL test scores with my application?
A: Yes.  Your official application cannot be considered by the Genetics and Genomics Recruiting Committee without test scores.

Q: Do you accept applications for the spring semester?
A: No.  Because of the structure of our first-year graduate curriculum, the Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics only accepts applications in the fall semester.

Q: Can I apply via the Internet?
A: Yes, an official application can be completed via the internet by visiting the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS portal.

Q: How many graduate students are you going to accept next fall?
A: We do not accept a specific number of graduate students into the program each fall. Typically, we accept 12-15 students into the program each year with funding for Teaching Assistantships and Regents Fellowships.

Q: How many applications do you receive each year?
A: We receive 100-150 applications in a typical year.  In general, two-thirds of the applications are from domestic applicants and the remainder are from overseas applicants.

Q: Can the application fee be waived for international students wishing to enter the Genetics Graduate program?
A: Waiver of the international application fee is not available.  Our University Admissions Office will not complete the processing of your application unless this fee is paid.  The fee required of US citizens or permanent residents will be waived by the Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program if you submit your application by December 1st.

Q: Who makes the decisions as to who is admitted?
A: The Graduate Admissions Committee.

Q: Can an application be transferred from the fall term of one year to the next fall term?
A: No. Applicants must re-apply using the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS portal.  Recommendation letters and transcripts do stay on file for one year.  Applications do not transfer into the next academic year.

Q: Do I need to submit a separate financial assistance application?
A: No, it is not necessary to submit a separate application for financial assistance.  Applicants will automatically be considered for all possible sources of financing available to the genetics and genomics program (i.e. graduate assistantship, research assistantship, other fellowships).

Q: Is there full financial aid for first-year students pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Genetics?
A: Students accepted to the Genetics and Genomics Ph.D. program receive a fellowship, which includes tuition, fees, health insurance, and a competitive stipend. This fellowship is granted regardless of financial need, The stipend for the 2024-2025 academic year starts at $32,000.

Q: Is there a need for additional financial assistance?
A: In exceptional circumstances, some students find it necessary to apply for additional financial aid (e.g. a short-term loan).  Information on financial aid is available at https://financialaid.tamu.edu/.

Q: Is it possible to contact faculty before applying?
A: Members of the genetics and genomics faculty enjoy hearing from students interested in their research.  A full listing of genetics faculty is available at https://genetics.tamu.edu/faculty.

Q: Are genetics students given the opportunity to present and publish their research?
A: Most of our PhD students have at least one poster or oral presentation at a regional or national research conference and have two peer-reviewed publications by the time of their thesis defense.

Q: Where can I find information about Bryan-College Station?
A: The twin cities of Bryan-College Station have a combined population of over 273,101 in 2019.  Bryan-College Station is located within easy driving distance of four major Texas cities (95 miles north of Houston, 169 miles south of Dallas, 166 miles northeast of San Antonio and 104 miles east of Austin).  Noted for its low crime rate, low cost-of-living, high employment rate, and community spirit, Bryan-College Station is a pleasant place to live, work or study.

The following links provide additional information on life in Bryan-College Station:

http://www.bryan-collegestation.org/
http://www.bcschamber.org/

Q: Is there an opportunity to visit the Texas A&M campus?
A: Domestic students who have completed their application by December 1st are eligible to be considered for an invitation to attend the graduate program in genetics and genomics annual recruiting symposium in February.  The symposium provides opportunities for you to meet faculty and students in the program, tour our modern research facilities and discover first-hand the wide range of research opportunities available.  Prospective graduate students from all over the country will be in attendance, so you will also have a chance to get acquainted with your potential colleagues.  The program provides most meals, lodging and round trip airfare for your visit to College Station.

Q: If I should have additional questions, who do I contact?
A: If you have any questions that were not answered above, please contact the Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program Office via email at genesec@tamu.edu.

Q: What is the Graduate Program in Genetics mailing address?
A:  As follows:

Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics
Texas A&M University
2128 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-2128