Admission Information
Applicants to Cornell's Field of Biophysics need a strong background in the physical sciences. Most applicants have an undergraduate background in physics or engineering physics, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering or computer science. GRE general test scores and scores on a GRE subject test (e.g., physics, chemistry or biochemistry, cell and molecular biology) are required. International students who have not studied in an English speaking school and country must take the TOEFL exam. The Graduate School has set the following minimum requirements for admission: reading (20), writing (20), listening (15) and speaking (22).
There is an interactive application process. Detailed information is available at www.gradschool.cornell.edu.
The complete application, including undergraduate transcripts, GRE scores (general test and subject test) and three letters of recommendation, is due by December 15. Admission and financial aid decisions are announced around March 15.
Cornell's graduate program in biophysics is very flexible. Students who want to earn a Ph.D. degree in another field with a concentration in biophysics may write for an application to the Field of [name of field], Cornell University, [building address], Ithaca, NY 14853. Selected fields and building addresses are:
- Applied Physics-109 Clark Hall
- Biochemistry-107 Biotechnology Building
- Chemical Engineering-120 Olin Hall
- Chemistry-121 Baker Lab
- Computer Science-4130 Upson Hall
- Pharmacology-C3-139 Veterinary Medical Center
- Physics-109 Clark Hall
- Plant Biology-228 Plant Science Building
Tuition, fees and funding are usually borne by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through a Training Grant in Molecular Biophysics. Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for NIH support. Individual fellowships and research and teaching assistantships are also available.