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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.

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

Applicants should outline previous research experiences that informed their decision to pursue a scientific career. Research experience is broadly defined and can include working as an undergraduate student or post-baccalaureate researcher in a research laboratory, summer research experiences, scientific honors research and course-based research experiences. When discussing research experiences, applicants should address the scientific question under investigation, their scientific approach, and the interpretation and conclusion of their research findings.  Applicants are also encouraged to discuss research experiences that demonstrate growth and problem-solving skills.

3. Research Alignment

Neuroscience encompasses a wide range of diverse topics, questions, and techniques. Therefore, applicants to the MCIN program should have research interests that align with the strengths and active research areas within the MCIN program. Applicants should clearly communicate their interest in research being conducted within the program, specifically addressing why the research of specific faculty members is of interest. The strongest applications will demonstrate familiarity with the research program of 2-3 MCIN faculty members. Such alignment ensures that students admitted to the program can identify a laboratory in which to conduct their dissertation. 

4. Academic Preparation

Academic preparation is a key component for success in graduate school. The MCIN program will holistically 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). 3.0 GPA or higher is required for admission to the MCIN program. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any specific challenges they faced, and particular emphasis will be placed on academic growth. The MCIN program does not require GRE scores.

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