Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find questions that have been frequently asked by those applying to our program. If you do not see your questions listed below or have additional questions please contact us and we will do what we can to assist you.
Application Process
BMMB's application deadline is December 9, 2022. Late applications may be considered.
Individual laboratories do not admit students. All first year students do three 5-week laboratory rotations in their first semester before they select a permanent lab.
Recommendation letters must be uploaded by the referees after the applicant enters their reference information during the online application process.
Academic and Testing Requirments
BMMB does not have specific cut-offs for GPA scores. BMMB considers the entire application before the admission decision is made.
As of September 2018, BMMB is no longer requiring GRE scores on our application. If you have taken the GRE and would like to self-report your scores, you may do so within the application. Your scores will not be used to evaluate your application.
Upload unofficial and/or scanned versions of transcripts for Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional, and Doctorate degrees directly into the online application. The Graduate School will require all accepted students to submit official transcripts prior to enrollment at Penn State.
The school code is 2660, the department code is 34 for TOEFL scores.
BMMB does not require the general GRE or the GRE subject test for admission.
International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who have received a baccalaureate or a master's 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.
The Graduate School has no expiration date for TOEFL’s.
Yes. Please see the Graduate School's Requirement for TOEFL and IELTS scores for more information.
After Applying
You may check the status of your application, including receipt of references, documents and test scores, by logging into your existing account in the Graduate School application. Once there, you will find a hyperlink labeled “status” that will allow you access this information.
BMMB begins reviewing applications as soon as they are complete.
BMMB hosts two interview weekends towards the end of January/early February.
BMMB only has a separate interview process for applicants living outside of North America at the time of the interviews. Interviews for those applicants will be conducted via phone or video conference. BMMB will email the applicant and set up a convenient time.
Admissions decisions will be made after all interviews have been completed. Applicants will be contacted via email as soon as possible with information regarding the status of their application.