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The MCIN program uses a comprehensive admissions approach to evaluate each applicant to the program. Such an approach ensures that the admissions committee accounts for multiple factors when evaluating each application, including research experiences, educational background and preparation, alignment with programmatic and university interests, as well as personal attributes. The following areas of evaluation are some of the key metrics that the admissions committee will use as they evaluate each candidate. Thus, addressing these areas in your application packet will allow reviewers to better understand and evaluate your application packet. These areas of evaluation, however, are not intended to serve as a prescriptive list, as we acknowledge that strong applicants have diverse backgrounds and experiences.

We value the diversity and rich history that different peoples and populations bring to our academic community, which is the embodiment of the University’s land grant mission and heritage. We seek applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, talents, experiences, and viewpoints.

The four key areas of evaluation include:

1.Intellectual Curiosity

Intellectual Curiosity reflects an individual’s desire to learn and discover new things about the natural world, which is a core feature of pursuing a PhD. The MCIN program is looking for applicants that want to actively participate in generating new knowledge and deepen their understanding of the nervous system.

2. Research Experiences and Program Alignment

The MCIN program is a research-intensive PhD program, therefore strong applicants should have a demonstrated interest in pursuing research. Furthermore, neuroscience encompasses a wide range of diverse topics, questions, and techniques. Therefore, applicants to the MCIN program should demonstrate research interests that align with the strengths and active research areas within the MCIN program.

Research experience is broadly defined and can include but is not limited to:

• Working as an undergraduate student or post-baccalaureate researcher in a research laboratory
• Summer research experiences
• Scientific honors research and course-based research experiences

3. Academic Preparation

Academic preparation is a key component for success in graduate school. The MCIN program will comprehensively evaluate each candidate’s academic preparation, with a particular focus on identifying relevant coursework in preparation for the program. We are looking for students who have a demonstrated interest in pursuing college-level coursework in the sciences (neuroscience, biology, engineering, psychology, chemistry).

A bachelor’s degree or higher, with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required for admission to the MCIN program. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any specific challenges they faced, including pursuit of non-traditional learning experiences. Particular emphasis will be placed on academic growth. The MCIN program does not require GRE scores.

4. Understanding of and alignment with the land-grant mission

Colorado State University is a land-grant university which prides itself on developing a diverse and equitable community dedicated to higher education. All members of the CSU community share a responsibility in creating an environment that is inclusive and prioritizes access to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds. Applicants to the MCIN program should highlight how they contribute to the CSU mission and vision of creating a diverse university culture that prioritizes the CSU principles of community: inclusion, integrity, respect, service, and social justice. More information on the university mission and principles of community can be found here [link to: https://catalog.colostate.edu/general-catalog/welcome/mission-values/#guiding-principles].

In addition to these evaluation criteria, applicants are also encouraged to discuss how various personal attributes contribute to their preparation and ultimate success in graduate school.

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