Students studying in the Library

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, test scores, letters of recommendation) must be received by this date.  Incomplete applications as of this date will not be considered.

Apply here

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 History and Diversity Statement
  • Statement of Purpose/Personal History and Diversity Statement prompts can be found here
  • TOEFL or IELTS (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 of 3.0 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

Underrepresented students and diversity

The Neuroscience Graduate Group welcomes applications from academically strong individuals who are first-generation college students, are underrepresented minorities, are disabled, or belong to socially or economically disadvantaged groups. Students trained through the McNair’s, BUSP, UC LEADS, UC-HBCU Initiatives, or similar programs at your undergraduate institute are especially welcomed

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusions

The Neuroscience Graduate Group joins the campus community in supporting the values and goals contained in this Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision for UC Davis.