How to Apply

Application Deadline

The Fall 2024 Application Cycle Is Closed

ILS manages applications for multiple PhD graduate programs. The application deadline is December 1st for matriculation the following Fall term. Applications for matriculation in spring or summer semesters are not accepted. Applications that are complete by the application deadline will be reviewed; We are not able to accept applications after 11:59PM on the final deadline date. Please encourage your letter writers to submit their letters by this deadline as well. We strongly encourage applicants to frequently review the status of their application through the UGA Graduate School application portal. ILS especially welcomes applications from students with diverse backgrounds.

 

Application Process (both steps must be completed by the application deadline)

  1. Complete an online ILS Background & Interest form. This form is critical to the evaluation of your application. Before completing the form, review the ILS website to identify Interdisciplinary Groups, Departments, and Faculty that are of interest to you. Please note that identification of a faculty mentor is not required prior to application submission.
  2. Submit an official online application to the UGA Graduate School, and route required transcripts (unofficial transcripts are sufficient for initial application review) and letters of recommendation as instructed during the application process. The UGA Graduate School website provides detailed descriptions of admissions requirements, the application fee, and other pertinent information. International applicants should review supplemental requirements prior to applying. ILS is unable to provide application fee waivers.
    Additionally, we require three letters of recommendation in the application as well as a CV/resume and statement of purpose for your application to be considered complete. These materials must be submitted in the Graduate School application. We do not require a writing sample.

NOTE: GRE is not required but accepted as supplemental application material.

Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose that is submitted to the UGA Graduate School during the application process can be the same as the Statement of Purpose requested on the ILS Background and Interest form, as long as the length (10,000 character limit) and content are within the stated guidelines. We highly recommend that your statement include the following at the very least:

  • your reason(s) for pursuing graduate study
  • your interests (e.g. names of faculty, interdisciplinary groups, and/or graduate programs)
  • evidence of scholarly activity (e.g. research experiences, manuscripts published/in preparation)
  • any special circumstances of which you wish to make us aware
  • if applicable, explanations for any perceived deficiencies in your application

 

IMPORTANT CODES: Select Integrated Life Sciences, PhD (PHD_ILSC), Fall term as the Major during the application process. Select 5813 as the institutional code for ETS reports (i.e. TOEFL, IELTS scores). Official test scores should be sent electronically to the University of Georgia Graduate School.

 

Evaluation and Timeline

Applications are screened in December and early January. Assessment will focus on research experience, letters of recommendation, GPA, overall potential for graduate study, and perceived fit with affiliated graduate programs. Excellence in one or more areas can offset deficiencies in other areas; explanations for deficiencies should be described in your Statement of Purpose. Top domestic applicants for the recruitment cycle will tentatively be invited to an event in late January/early February for interviews and interactions with current students and research faculty. Applicants may also be interviewed via video conference during the months of January and February. Offers of admission will be extended to successful applicants shortly after interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Inclusive Excellence

The ILS program at the University of Georgia is committed to inclusive excellence in all its forms. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment, and to promote the success of scholars of all racial and socioeconomic groups, religious and cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, and disability statuses. We believe all people deserve equity in education and that the best science is done with a diverse and inclusive scientific workforce.  We welcome applications from all individuals, and we are committed to supporting all of our students’ scientific and professional development. For a list of and links to specific UGA Programs and Organizations promoting DEI see https://genetics.uga.edu/node/1523.