College of PharmacyProspective StudentsCurrent StudentsDepartmentsDegree ProgramsFaculty & StaffCourse ResourcesExperiential TrainingAlumniGiving OpportunitiesCalendarsMore NewsHome
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of applying online versus downloading an application?

Truly we have found that applying online is the easiest way for students to apply. By applying online, your application and fee are sent directly to the appropriate places. Also, we are able to see your completed application immediately, which allows us to process it much faster.

Can I get the application fee waived?

The application fee is waived ONLY for U.S. citizens, or Permanent Residents, applying to the Medicinal Chemistry program. All other applicants must pay the appropriate fee ($60 domestic, or $75 international).

Can I have my application evaluated without paying the fee?

No, the fee must be paid before an application can be processed or evaluated.

I am an international student – do I need to have all of my transcripts, diplomas and certificates translated?

Yes, everything must be translated, and both the originals and translations must be mailed in.

What counts most when you are evaluating applications?

When evaluating applications, we look at the whole picture and every piece is important. This is why we wait until we have all of your documents before we will look at your application. Strong letters of recommendation are key.

What tests are required for admission?

All students must take the GRE, and international students must take one of the following English proficiency tests: the TOEFL, the IELTS, or the MELAB, .

How long are my GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB scores good for?

The GRE score is good for 5 years. TOEFL, IELTS, and MELAB scores are good for 2 years.

What is the minimum TOEFL (or IELTS, or MELAB) requirement?

The minimum TOEFL score for paper-based tests is 560, for computer-based tests is 220; the IELTS minimum score is 6.5; the MELAB minimum score is 80.

I'm an international student but I am getting a degree from a U.S. institution. Do I need to retake the TOEFL?

No, if you have, or will have, a degree from a U.S. institution prior to enrolling at the University of Michigan, you will not need to retake the TOEFL (or the IELTS, or MELAB).

Do I have to send my recommendation letters in together?

Although you don't have to mail them in to us in one package, understand that it does make the processing of your application move along much quicker. It will also allow you a chance to make sure that your recommenders sent in their letters. We do realize that sometimes this is not possible. If so, simply give the person writing the recommendation letter the department’s address and we will get the letter in your file.

Who should write recommendation letters for me?

Strong letters of recommendation are essential, therefore you should choose your recommenders carefully. Choose faculty who know you well and can speak to your strengths, preferably from your area of research interest. A letter from a professional, or a key educational administrator might also be appropriate. Letters from personal friends or family members are not recommended.

Do I have to send in both the Recommendation Form AND the letter? Can't I just send in one or the other?

While we realize that sometimes you may not be physically near your letter writers, both the Recommendation Form AND the letter are needed. If necessary, you can forward the Rackham web link to your letter writers and they can download the form themselves.

I'm interested in a Master's degree but I don't see information about Master's programs on your web site – don't you have any?

No, the College of Pharmacy does not offer a program which culminates in a Master's degree. However some students earn a Master's in the course of completing their Ph.D. degree.

What should I include in the Statement of Purpose?

This is your chance to show the admissions committee who you are. You should talk about your background, your educational, research, and career goals, and how our graduate program will help you realize those goals.

I sent official transcripts to Rackham – do I have to send them to the department as well?

Yes, we would appreciate official transcripts sent to us. Rackham MUST have original, official transcripts or mark sheets, bearing the institution's official seal.

What about Financial Aid?

The College of Pharmacy has a fine history of funding most, if not all, of its graduate students, but it is not guaranteed. Financial Aid comes in the form of departmental fellowships, research assistantships, and student instructorships. Funding for successive years is contingent upon the availability of funds and academic performance of the previous year(s).

I am interested in seeing what type of research is being done at the College of Pharmacy. How can I find out more?

Graduate programs at the UM College of Pharmacy are highly regarded for their interdisciplinary emphasis and are directed by faculty with international reputations for excellence in research and teaching. To learn more about their research, click on the faculty links on the different department web sites at http://www.umich.edu/~pharmacy/departments/index.html .

I am an international student – do I need to fill out the “"Affidavit of Financial Resources and Immigration Information for International Students” even if I do not have funding?"

YES! This form is required for ALL international students, regardless of funding. Checking “"No"” to the question “"If you do not receive financial assistance from the University of Michigan, will you have sufficient funds to support your studies?" will not jeopardize your application.

What is the deadline for submitting my application?

The deadline for receiving all application materials varies for the three different graduate programs. Medicinal Chemistry's deadline is December 31st; Pharmaceutical Sciences' deadline is February 1st; and Social and Administrative Sciences' deadline is March 1st.

Introduction | Admissions | Resources | Financial Aid | Apply Online | FAQ

Map | Feedback | Faculty & Staff Intranet | University of Michigan
428 Church Street / Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1065 / (734) 764-7312