How to Apply
Application Deadline
The Neuroscience Graduate Group accepts applications for fall quarter admission only. Neuroscience accepts applications for the Ph.D. program only. Program application deadline is December 1.
- Apply early! Don't wait until the last day. Once the deadline passes and the application closes, it can't be reopened.
- Program application deadline is midnight December 1 (PST). All supporting materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, CV/resume, TOEFL or IELTS if applicable) must be received by this date. Incomplete applications as of this date will not be considered.
Application Elements
- Online Application
- Visit the Grad Studies website to begin the application process.
- Application Fee
- The application fee may be paid by credit card. The appropriate fee must be paid before the application will be considered complete, and a fee must be paid for each application submitted.
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- 3 Letters of Recommendation must be submitted electronically through the online application. Do not have recommenders send letters in hard copy, but rather to submit all recommendations online once the online service is available.
- Copies of all college transcripts reported in application
- UC Davis requires academic records from each college-level institution you have attended. You will be instructed to upload scanned copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application. For more details visit https://grad.ucdavis.edu/admissions/admission-requirements/submitting-your-transcripts
- Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement
- Statement of Purpose/Personal History and Diversity Statement prompts can be found here.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Please upload your current curriculum vitae or resume when prompted to do so by the online application.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable)
- TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students. For more information visit: https://grad.ucdavis.edu/english-language-examinations
- TOEFL scores please indicate Institution Code 4834, the department code you select is not important. UC Davis will not accept unofficial score reports or score reports sent directly to us by the applicant.
- IELTS Scores- Please send your test scores directly to the University of California, Davis Graduate Studies
- GRE scores
- As of 2020, the Neuroscience Graduate Group no longer requires the GRE for admissions.
- GPA
- A minimum GPA is required.
The graduate group cannot review an application until all of the above components are received. Inquiries concerning application procedures or any other aspects of the program should be directed to: neurogradgroup@ucdavis.edu
Application Review
The Neuroscience graduate group evaluates applicants using holistic review. Many criteria are considered when reviewing individual applications for admission into the Neuroscience graduate group:
- Academic Preparation: Are you prepared to pursue a degree in neuroscience, including success in related/foundational coursework? Is there evidence of self-directed study, etc.?
- Research Interest and Experience: What research questions interest you and why? Do you have experience conducting original research? If so, what research question did you and your team tackle, and why? What did you learn from that experience, and how does that inform your future goals?
- Potential/Promise: Do you have the work ethic, motivation and ability to achieve goals? Is your creativity, perseverance, and balance between focus and flexibility in alignment with the graduate program?
- Leadership and Service
Additional Information
Principles of Community
UC Davis is a diverse community comprised of individuals having many perspectives and identities. We come from a multitude of backgrounds and experiences, with distinct needs and goals. We recognize that to create an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community, we must understand and value both our individual differences and our common ground. The UC Davis Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that embodies this commitment, and reflects the ideals we seek to uphold.