Application and Admissions

Applying to the MCB Program

The application process is very quick and easy with the online program. Simply click on "APPLICATION" below to enter the application program and the program will take you through each step of the process. If you have any questions, please email us.

APPLICATION

The online application program includes downloadable forms for letters of recommendation for those who can not submit letters of recommendation online. The mailing address is listed below.

Application Deadlines

The application process begins in September and runs through January 4. Application review begins on December 15 on a rolling basis and the deadline when all supporting documentation (transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE standard scores, TOEFL scores for international, application fees) must be received is January 4, 2010.

We conduct interviews in February and March. Students in the U.S. are invited to Dartmouth for in-person interviews. Those outside the U.S. are interviewed by telephone by members of the Graduate Committee. Students located outside the U.S. are not at a disadvantage by being interviewed by telephone.

Required Support Materials

All support materials must be received by the application deadline to be considered. If mailing materials such as transcripts, DO NOT send to the Dartmouth College Admissions Office. That office is for applications to the undergraduate college only.

Email and Mailing Addresses:

MCB Graduate Program
Dartmouth Medical School
7560 Remsen Building, Room 239
North College Street
Hanover NH 03755-3842

Test Scores and GPAs

Admissions Information

Only students who intend to pursue a Ph.D. degree full-time are accepted into the program. Admission into the MCB program is based on appraisal of each applicant's undergraduate academic record, Graduate Record Examination Scores (GRE), letters of recommendation, involvement in research or other activities which indicate a strong commitment to graduate study, and the personal statement of goals. The GRE requirement includes the quantitative, analytical writing, and verbal exams.

For MD-PhD candidates, the Graduate Committee will allow substitution of the MCAT scores for GRE scores.

Applicants for whom English is not their native language and who have not attended an English-speaking undergraduate institution must provide the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). We will also accept IELTS scores with band scores of 7.0 or higher. MCB students are expected to be able to communicate easily and fluently in written and verbal English.

It is expected that all entering graduate students will have had at least one year each of physics, and mathematics (calculus) and two years of biology and chemistry (general and organic). Students with degrees in physical sciences, engineering, and mathematics are encouraged to apply. Deficiencies in basic undergraduate courses may be remedied in the first year of graduate school. Applicants are encouraged to note any prior research experience relevant to the scientific programs being pursued in MCB laboratories. Such experience is particularly important for international applicants.

Students entering the MCB Program with an advanced degree (e.g. M.A., M.S.) in molecular and cellular biology or with laboratory research and/or graduate level course experience from another graduate program may receive a reduction in the requirements for the degree, to be decided on a case-by-case basis by the Graduate Committee.

Financial Information

All MCB students receive a Dartmouth Fellowship that provides a full tuition scholarship, a prepaid health insurance plan, and a student stipend for each year they are in the program. The student stipend for 2009-2010 is $25,500 ($26,000 for students who have passed their qualifying exams). Stipends for future years will be adjusted for inflation and are contingent upon satisfactory performance in studies. We do not offer financial aid beyond the Fellowship.

International Applicants

The MCB Program receives 275 to 400 applications each year and enrolls between 25 and 30 students each September. There is no quota for the number of international students we enroll each year.

We do not release information about our current students such as scores, GPAs, research interests. For competitive ranges for scores and GPAs, please see the Test Scores and GPAs section on the previous page.

The MCB academic year is split into terms - Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer - and requires attendance on campus for all four terms. The academic terms are:

For the first year in the program, students will complete three research rotations which will help them determine their thesis lab at the end of the Spring term. The research rotations operate on a different cycle from the above noted academic terms:

New students should not plan extended vacation time before arriving on campus.

Application Materials Preparation
When preparing your support materials, do not use folders, binders, or plastic sleeves. We do not need photocopies of awards or certificates for extracurricular activities. Paper clips or clamps are good to hold papers together but do not use glue. Also, please do not add extra glue to envelope flaps.

Financial Information
We do not require certification of your financial situation. If admitted to the program you will need sufficient funds to come to the U.S. and then support yourself for one month until the first stipend check which is on October 1.

English Comprehension
It is extremely important that International applicants be very fluent in English since all instruction is in English. You must be able to write, read and speak English without difficulty.

Visa Information
Up-to-date information with the new SEVIS regulations can be found at the following locations:

A very helpful site is EducationUSA Centers. You will find locations of the EducationUSA advising centers near you. We encourage you to visit the site for helpful information on applying to graduate schools as well as traveling to the U.S.

Minority Applicants

Education at Dartmouth thrives in a unique rural community of students and faculty who value differences and promote camaraderie and teamwork in order to learn from one another. The MCB Program strongly encourages applications from students of diverse backgrounds and cultures. The varied experience and interests they bring strengthen the Program and enriches the educational environment for all. A number of opportunities are also available for minority students through various programs and the Minority Affairs Office.