Admissions and Application Process
Submission deadlines and applicant review timeline
Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is recognized as a center of excellence in training a diverse biomedical research workforce. We seek students who have strong background in the basic sciences and prior research experience. Ensure you are prepared and learn more about our submission items and deadlines.
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| Sept. 1 - Dec. 4 | Application window |
| Dec. 4 | Applications with missing application materials are sent declination letters. |
| Dec. 5 - January | Track admissions committees review completed applications. Selected applicants are invited to interview. |
| January - February | Interviews take place. |
| Feb. 1 | Initial declinations are emailed to those no longer being considered. |
| March - April | Initial appointment letters are emailed to candidates selected for the program. |
| April - May | Final decisions are communicated. |
| April - June | Onboarding process begins for new cohort. |
| July | New cohort orientation. Required courses begin. |
| August | Students start first lab rotation. |
Prerequisites and requirements
Review the academic prerequisites for students applying for admission to the Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
How to apply
Your application and all supporting documentation must be received between Sept. 1 through Dec. 4, including letters of recommendation.
There is no application fee for applying to our Ph.D. program.
You can only apply to one research track of interest for each admission cycle. Applicants selected for the program may have the opportunity to do research in any Mayo Clinic research lab regardless of track choice.
When you apply to the program you need to select a location where you plan to study: Jacksonville, Florida; Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona; or Rochester, Minnesota. Please note: if you are appointed to the program, a campus change is allowed if the research lab you ultimately select after the required lab rotations is on a different campus.
Required application documents
The following items, including all letters of recommendation, must be received by the application deadline of Dec. 4 within the Supplemental Items and Documents area of the application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Letters of recommendation
CV/resume
Personal statement
Transcripts
English language proficiency
Holistic review
Our Ph.D. program prepares students to translate scientific discoveries into applications that improve patient care. This requires a wide range of skills, aptitudes, and characteristics. Along with the basic set of prerequisites, the track admissions committees take a holistic approach to admissions; meaning, they take into consideration the many factors that make up an applicant. These acceptance factors include:
- Academic performance
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Research experience
Campus interviews
Interviews allow us to meet the applicants we have read so much about! These interviews also allow applicants to meet the admissions committee members, current students, and some of their potential classmates. We are happy to answer all your questions and look forward to meeting you.
Interview invitations
Before your interview
Interview day
After interview day
1:08