ADMISSIONS
BSP is a small cohort umbrella program, typically welcoming 8-15 students in a year. Our program admissions runs in parallel to the admissions process of the 11 PhD-granting programs that BSP students join at the end of year one.
Those program-specific admissions processes recruit the majority of the students to our campus, while BSP only recruits ~20% of the incoming biomedical sciences-focused PhD students. Therefore, with this class size goal, BSP has a mission to prioritize recruitment of those applicants with strong interests in multiple disciplines that are not covered by any one PhD-granting program. If you have a singular focus toward one of the PhD programs that BSP feeds into, we highly recommend applying directly to that program instead. If you are admitted by this route, you will have full rotation options within that program, this is not a direct admission into one lab.
If, however, you have multiple, clear interests in 2-3 of the PhD-granting programs, then applying to BSP is the suggested path for you. You may also wish to consider making an additional application directly to those programs at the same time, to increase the number of admissions committees that will consider your application.
Are you eligible for an application fee waiver? The recruitment, retention, and support of students from underrepresented backgrounds is central to the Graduate School's mission. We strive to develop and promote efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion campus-wide. Application fee waivers are offered to eligible applicants. Learn More |
We are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities (e.g., mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical) who meet the technical standards of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations.
If you are an applicant with a disability who would like to engage in a confidential consultation about disability access at CU Anschutz, or who requires accommodations to complete the application or interview process, please contact The Office of Disability, Access & Inclusion.
About the Application Process
The admissions committee of the Biomedical Sciences Program seeks students who show intellectual competence, independence, and strong motivation to become successful scientists. Applicants are ranked following
a composite review of completed applications, and the most competitive applicants are invited to campus for interviews.
Applications are accepted September 1 until December 1 of each year | All parts of the application must be received by the Program Administrator by December 1. Early completion of applications is highly recommended in case additional information is required by the Admissions Committee.
Select two (2) Programs | When you fill out your application, you will want to select two programs you are interested in, in order of your preference. These selections will not limit your research choices if admitted as a BSP student, but rather your selections will help us to find out more about your interests and ensure that when you interview, your visit will be as productive as possible.
We hold two interview weekends in February for invited applicants to meet with faculty and students in the Biomedical Science Program. We also organize a series of social events and information interactions to help each applicant decide if our program and school if right for them.
Completing your application | A majority of the fields on the application are required, so please fill out the application to the best of your knowledge. This does include the Tuition Classification Form. Although, you may not be a current Colorado Resident this document is required for the application.
If at any time you have a question about the application please contact us.
Research and Coursework
The Graduate School requires completion of a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.0 (out of 4.0) grade point average. The admissions committee considers the student's cumulative and science GPA's and the types of courses taken as indicators of readiness
for graduate work. Competitive candidates have strong backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physical science, and mathematics. Completed coursework should include organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physics, and/or calculus. Coursework in two
or more of the following subjects is recommended: physical chemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, developmental biology, virology, immunology, and physiology.
Undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate research
experience is a highly recommended component of a student's preparation for graduate work in the sciences and will strengthen an application.
Application Materials
Transcripts | Transcripts from every institution you (the applicant) attended are required with your application. This includes transcripts from institutions regardless if a degree was earned (i.e. community colleges, transfers, etc.). We require
transcripts from every institution you’ve attended, regardless if a degree was earned. For admissions review, a photocopy of an official transcript with the seal from the institution is sufficient. However, for enrollment, the graduate school requires an official copy sent from the institution directly. You
can upload your photocopy to the application or you can have an official copy sent according to the following instructions:
Electronic Transcripts should be sent to: graduate.school@cuanschutz.edu
If sending a physical transcript, please mail to:
Graduate School
Mail Stop C296
Fitzsimons Building, C5000
13001 E. 17th Place
Aurora, CO 80045
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) | The GRE is no longer required for admissions.
Letters of Recommendation | Three (3) letters of recommendation are required as part of the application. By indicating your three (3) references on your application, they will be notified via email* to submit their letter of recommendation for
you online. The Admission Committee assigns considerable weight to these letters in assessing a student's qualifications and probable success as a scientist. It is advantageous to have letters submitted by faculty who are well acquainted
with the applicant's academic performance, research experience, and achievement potential.
International Applicants
PRIORITY DEADLINE FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS IS NOVEMBER 1.
Since additional processing is required for international applications, the application may not be complete even if submitted on December 1. Submission by November 1 will ensure time to complete administrative processing before December 1.
Applications submitted between November 1 and December 1 will only be considered if all application components have been received and processed.
International students must meet ALL of the requirements above and those required by International Admissions.
BSP accepts a limited number of students each year and there are very few fellowships available for international students. We advise international students to consider applying through individual programs on our campus. Since tuition and fees are
paid for and a stipend is received for all students, a financial affidavit showing adequate funds to live and study in the United States is not required during the application process.
Students whose native language is not English or who have completed their studies at an institution where English was not the language of instruction, must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting scores of the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or its equivalent (IELTS).
Recruitment Weekend
If your application is accepted and you are invited for an interview, the Biomedical Science Program Administrator will contact you about your travel and help make arrangements convenient for you. The Biomedical Science Program covers expenses for transportation,
lodging, and meal expenses during your travel and visit.
The events of your interview weekend typically include an informal welcome with several current students on Thursday evening, Friday interviews, and informal Friday and Saturday activities.
Friday begins with a continental breakfast with current students and the program directors. After an overview of the program, 5-8 interviews are scheduled, along with a lunch with current students, and a tour of campus and scientific facilities. Friday
evening, several current and previous Biomedical Science Program students host you at dinner at a local downtown restaurant. On Saturday, current and previous program students coordinate interesting activities in and around Denver. Saturday evening,
there is a poster session of current students' research followed by a buffet dinner with all visiting prospective students, faculty and current students from each of the programs.
The interviews are one-on-one talks with the professors,
Admissions Committee faculty, and student Admissions representatives within the Biomedical Science Program. They last up to 30 minutes. You may bring any additional information you would like to share. Current students will escort you to and from
your interviews. Most candidates wear nice slacks or pants paired with a nice shirt or sweater. You may wear a suit, but it isn't customary. Keep in mind comfort and fluctuating temperatures and weather.
Our current and previous program
students play an important and integral part in coordinating your interview weekend. On Friday, the student who will take you to and from your interviews can answer your questions about the program and give you the "inside scoop" about their experience
here. Candidates will have the opportunity to attend dinners, social events, and see highlights of Denver, all arranged by our current students.