University of Wisconsin–Madison

Graduate Application: What to expect

A group of three sit in a row down the length of a table strewn with books and other materials. The two closest to the camera are turned away and facing the third person who has bright pink curly hair and uses their hands to emphasize a point as they talk with the other two.
Joseph Walston (left), graduate student in Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, works with undergraduate students Jasmine Shaffar and Samara Rouse to study the microscopic features of pitcher plants, a type of carnivorous plant, in the Wisconsin State Herbarium in Birge Hall. (Photo by Taylor Wolfram / UW–Madison)

Before starting your journey into graduate school, we recommend that you have clear reasons for attending graduate school. Knowing if graduate school is right for you and what to expect will not only help in your decision making, it may also help you write a better personal statement.

If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in the Department of Biology, you first must identify one or more faculty members with whom you would like to work. If a faculty member is interested in having you join their lab, they will advocate for your admission. 

We suggest that you contact faculty members to introduce yourself and inquire whether they are looking for prospective M.S. or Ph.D. students. You might also contact current graduate students working with faculty members whom you have contacted.

Visiting campus to meet with a potential advisor is often valuable for both prospective students and faculty. You may visit campus before or after submitting your official application. Faculty may invite prospective students to visit, or applicants may initiate their own visit. In either case, coordinate with your potential advisor so you can arrange to meet with other faculty, staff, and current graduate students.

After you have identified a prospective advisor, completing the Graduate School’s online application formally starts the application process. Applications that meet the Graduate School’s entrance requirements, as described in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School Guide, are forwarded to the department for further review. The number of admissions in any given year is typically limited by the department’s ability to provide financial support.

Admission into graduate programs is based on the applicant’s:

  • undergraduate record
  • three letters of recommendation
  • previous research experience and
  • shared interests with one or more potential faculty advisors

Submission of your GRE scores is not required.

To ensure consideration for both admission to and financial support from a specific graduate program, we must receive your complete application by December 1st. Late applications may be considered until April 15th.

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