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Applying to MSU:

• Want to become a Spartan? Learn how to apply
• Submit an application today
• Answers to all your application-related frequently asked questions

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Application Process

What are the requirements to apply?

The Neuroscience PhD Program only accepts students in fall semester. Please do not apply for spring or summer admission. 

Please include each of the following materials in your application:

• Personal Statement: Describe your interest in pursuing graduate education in Neuroscience. Outline your research experience and interests, along with your long-term career goals. Include relevant information such as work and educational background, personal attributes and qualities, and other experiences that will help support you as an excellent candidate. If appropriate, please include any obstacles you have encounter in your pursuit of an education.
   
• Curriculum Vitae: An updated CV that includes all current experience and education. 
   
• Three Letters of Recommendation: Each recommender will have knowledge of your scientific training and should address this in the letter. Under the “References” section, the application will allow you to submit three (or more) names and email addresses – information will then be sent to each recommender on how to submit a letter for you.
   
• Official Transcripts: For each college/institute attended, please request from the registrar an official copy of each. Colleges and Universities generally require both fees and time to process requests for transcripts. In addition, where the original documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document. To be considered "official," the transcripts must have a university seal or notarization mark and state "degree conferred" or "degree awarded". Unofficial transcripts or transcripts uploaded by the applicant will NOT be accepted. 
  
  Transcripts must be sent directly from the college/institute to the following address: 
  
  Michigan State University
  Office of Admissions
  Hannah Administration Building,
  426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
  East Lansing, MI 48824
  
  You can send electronic transcripts to: admis@msu.edu.
   
• The GRE is NOT required to apply.
   
• English Proficiency: International students are required to submit English Proficiency exam scores which meet the Graduate Schools minimums for admission.
   
• Submit your Application: Electronically sign your application and submit. Payment of the application fee is required at this time  ($65 Domestic, $75 International).

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How to Apply 

Step 1:

Submit an online application form, which may be obtained through the Michigan State University Graduate School at https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/graduate-students. Online applications for both domestic and international students are available through this website. If for some reason you cannot submit an electronic application, please contact the Neuroscience Office for more information.

Step 2:

Please fill out the entirety of the "Personal Background" sections.

Under the "Other Information" section of your application, you will be asked to select a major preference. Under the College of Natural Science, please select Neuroscience (Doctoral).

Step 3:

Please answer the "Conduct Questions" and fill in your "Academic History". If you will be graduating in a future term, you may list the end date as a future date.

Under "Test Scores", we do NOT require the GRE. International students should request their language test be sent to the institution code 1465.

Though GRE subject tests are not required for admission, you can include these in your application if you have taken a related subject test.

Step 4:

Under the "References" section, we require THREE letters of recommendation.

The application will allow you to submit the name and email addresses of faculty that you would like to provide letters of recommendation on your behalf. The system will automatically notify the recommender of your request and instruct the recommenders of the procedure to submit the letters in PDF form electronically. The recommendation letters may be addressed to the Neuroscience Admissions Committee.

• Letters submitted by applicants will NOT be accepted.
• It is encouraged that applicants waive their rights to review the letter.
• If the recommender experiences technical difficulties, the recommender may send their letters directly to the Neuroscience Office (neurosci@msu.edu). 

Step 5:

"Sign Off" on your application by signing (typing) your full name and providing the application fee ($65 Domestic, $75 International).

Step 6:

Submit your official transcripts. The Neuroscience Program does not have strict admissions criteria for GPA. The Admissions Committee considers all aspects of the application, including what undergraduate courses were taken, research experience, letters of recommendation, and the applicant's personal statement. Strong qualifications in some areas may offset weaker qualifications in other areas.

For each college/institute attended, please contact the registrar's office and request an official copy of your transcript. Colleges and Universities generally require both fees and time to process requests for transcripts. Transcripts for course work taken at Michigan State University can be requested through the MSU Registrar's Office. In addition, where the original documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document. To be considered "official," the transcripts must have a university seal or notarization mark and state "degree conferred" or "degree awarded". Unofficial transcripts or transcripts uploaded by the applicant will NOT be accepted. 

Transcripts must be sent directly from the college/institute to the following address: 

Michigan State University
Office of Admissions
Hannah Administration Building,
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824

You can send electronic transcripts to: admis@msu.edu.