The committee bases admissions recommendations on grades and coursework at the undergraduate and graduate levels, letters of recommendation, standardized examination scores, written statements of academic and professional goals, other documentation of research and academic potential and accomplishment, and on-campus interviews.

The Department admits applicants to the program at large, not directly into a research lab. Applicants should be available to attend our prospective student interview weekend at UC Berkeley in late January if selected for an on-campus interview. In most cases, the Department covers the cost of the interview weekend, including transportation.

Graduate Admission Requirements

A basic background in chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology, roughly equivalent to UC Berkeley's undergraduate program in Microbial Biology.
Completed online Graduate Application for Admission and Fellowships.
Transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended.
Three letters of recommendation, with at least two written by science faculty, and all written by people familiar with the student's scholarly abilities.
General Aptitude test scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We recommend but do not require the GRE subject test in biology (B24) or biochemistry, cell and molecular biology (B22). Take the exam(s) early enough so that scores will arrive by December 1st. To have the scores sent to us, note on the GRE order form the institution code R4833 (UC Berkeley) and department code 0212.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score for applicants who have received undergraduate degrees from institutions where English is not the language of instruction. With few exceptions, UC Berkeley requires a TOEFL score of at least 570 on the paper and pencil test, 230 on the computer-based test, or 68 on the internet-based test. Take the TOEFL by November. Note on the TOEFL order form the institution code 4833 (UC Berkeley) and department code 37 (botany). Please read the Graduate Division's Evidence of English language proficiency section for more information.

For more information, or if you plan to apply for Fall 2010 admission, please read the detailed admissions instructions for this application cycle and answers to frequently asked questions.

If you have additional questions, please email Dana Jantz, the graduate admissions coordinator, or call 510-642-5167.