Application Process

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in the biological sciences or a related discipline (e.g., chemistry, engineering, physics). Although there are no prerequisites, most applicants have taken courses in general biology, cell/molecular biology, calculus, general physics, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry.

Competitive candidates will have the following:

• Excellent academic record (minimum overall cumulative GPA = 3.0). The average GPA of registrants is 3.6, with top grades in science courses.
• Research experience in a wet laboratory setting. A minimum of 1,000 hours of lab experience is expected. Computer-based research is acceptable for students with strong interests in bioinformatics.
• Scientific presentations at regional or national conferences.
• Co-authorship in peer-reviewed biomedical journals.
• Co-authorship in a peer-reviewed journal is expected for all foreign applicants.
• Strong letters of recommendation from science mentors who can evaluate the applicant’s motivations and research potential.
• Motivation to pursue state-of-the-art biomedical research and long-term plans for a career within the biomedical workforce. 

Date	Deadline
December 1st	Application Deadline. Late applications may be considered if space permits.
December - February	Application Review
January - February	Virtual Interviews
February - March	Selected Applicants Visit the Miller School of Medicine
March	Acceptance & Rejection Letters Sent to Applicants
April 15th	National Commitment Deadline*

*The University of Miami is a signatory to the Council of Graduate Schools April 15th Resolution. The Resolution provides applicants until April 15 to consider offers of admission that also include financial support.

Applicants must complete an online BioMedCas application. Instructions for completing the application and document requirements are provided in the application portal. There is no fee to create a BioMedCas account and review the application requirements. A fee is only collected if an application is submitted. The submission fee is $86 and is non-refundable.

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Application Instructions

The BioMedCAS application is divided into four sections. Carefully review the following instructions before applying. The PiBS Admissions Committee will not evaluate incomplete applications. For questions regarding the PIBS program and its requirements please visit the site above or email the program (PiBS@miami.edu). Contact the BioMedCas Help Desk for technical support regarding the application platform.

Section One

• Personal Information: Applicants are expected to provide the requested biographic and demographic information.

Section Two

• Academic History: Applicants must disclose each institution they have attended, including those from which a credential was not earned. For each reported institution applicants must provide all requested information including dates attended, majors, GPAs and credit hours. A transcript must accompany each reported institution. International transcripts that are not in English must be accompanied by an English translation. Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of application. However, accepted applicants will be required to provide official transcripts prior to enrollment. International enrollees will be required to provide an external evaluation from a NACES member such as WES based on official documents that establishes a U.S. Bachelor’s degree equivalency prior to the issuance of an I-20 and enrollment. Fees for external evaluations are the responsibility of the applicant and are in addition to the BioMedCas application fee. The University of Miami reserves the right to rescind any offer of admission and/or financial support if any discrepancies are found between unofficial transcripts and official transcripts or if a final official transcript does not confirm a Bachelor’s degree was awarded.
  
• Standardized Tests: The GRE and MCAT are not required.
  
• English Proficiency: International students whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or DET scores. Test scores must be less than two years old. This requirement may be waived for applicants that meet certain criteria. Please visit the University of Miami's International Credentials & Applicants site for waiver information.
  
• TOEFL: Applicants must request that their exam results are sent to BioMedCAS, institution code B765. The minimum score is 80 for internet based TOEFL and 550 for paper based exams. The University of Miami does not accept TOEFL Essentials results.
  
• IELTS: Applicants must request that their exam results are sent to the University of Miami, institution code 4862. The minimum score is 6.5.
  
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Applicants should select “University of Miami - Graduate School” from the Duolingo English Test’s institutional list. The minimum required score for the DET is 125.

Section Three - Supporting Information

• Recommendations: Applicants must submit a minimum of three (and a maximum of five) letters of recommendation from those who are best able to assess their ability to be successful in graduate school. We strongly recommend applicants request letters from research mentors and/or supervisors who have directly observed their research.
  
• Experiences and Achievements: Do not complete these sections. The admissions committee will assess these qualifications based on your resume/CV.
  
• Documents: Applicants are required to upload their CV/resume. The document should include research experience with bulleted summaries, community service, education, academic or professional honors, conference presentations, and publications.

Section Four - Program Materials

• Applicants are expected to answer each question and must also provide a Personal Statement. In their Personal Statements applicants are encouraged to describe their research, life experiences that have shaped their motivations for pursuing a doctorate, career goals, and research interests at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Applicants may also opt to upload other supporting information such as publications or poster presentations.

Application Fee Waivers

Qualified applicants who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or foreign nationals residing in the United States with documented membership in approved programs or demonstrated financial need (those who fall below the federal poverty guidelines) may request an application fee waiver. Please note that waivers are very limited. Apply early. 

The following are examples of qualified organizations:

• AmeriCorp or City Year Volunteer
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minorities Students (ABRCMS)
• Fulbright Scholars
• Gates Millennium Scholars
• McNair Scholars
• Minority Biomedical Research Support Program (RISE)
• PeaceCorp Volunteers
• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
• Teach for America Volunteers
• Applicants who fall below the federal poverty guidelines
  

Applicants must submit the following to ogs@miami.edu:

• Completed Fee Waiver Request Form
• Latest 1040, 1040EZ, or 4506T-EZ tax form
• Documentation of scholarship or volunteer participation