Neuroscience admission requirements

To be considered for admission, you must have an appropriate academic background, including a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) during the last two years (junior/senior) of a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university. Your degree should be in a biological, physical or behavioral science, and you should have taken courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Neuroscience courses are desirable but not essential. Research experience is an advantage.

You must also complete the forms and send us the materials outlined in the instructions on how to apply.

Admission is based on evaluation of your:

• Undergraduate transcript(s)
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Aptitude Test scores (Penn State's Institution code is R2660; the Department code is 0213)
• Personal statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation

• TOEFL scores (international students only). With some exceptions (noted below), international applicants need to take the TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and submit the results of the test with application for admission. (Penn State's Institution code is 2660 and the Department code is 30). The Neuroscience Program requires a score of at least 600 on the paper test, a score of 250 on the Computer-based test, or a total score of 100 in the Internet based test with a reading component score of at least 23. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 7.0. International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL requirement who have received a baccalaureate or a masters degree from a college/university/institution in any of the following: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States and Wales.

Deadline

Application deadline is February 1 for the following Fall semester.

Interviews

Qualified applicants generally will be requested to visit Penn State for an interview prior to acceptance decisions.