How To Apply

• The deadline for applying to the graduate program in Chemistry is December 15
• The application portal opens in the Graduate College website in early September
• Upon starting an application in the portal, applicants will be prompted to provide certain information and to upload supporting documents.

  1. Questions regarding personal information:

     1. Applicant’s name and date of birth
     2. Applicant’s best email address to receive communications. Be sure to use an email address that you can check frequently. All college and department contact regarding your application will be made through this email address.
     3. Applicant’s mailing address and phone number
     4. Applicant’s citizenship and (optional) demographic information

  2. Supporting documents required:

     1. Personal Statement. Applicants have the opportunity to express themselves in a 1-2 page personal statement. You are encouraged to use this statement to tell the Admissions Committee anything about yourself that you believe will help us to understand how you are likely to fare in our program. The committee is particularly interested in understanding what drives you as a scientist, what research areas you are most interested in, why you chose to apply to BU, and any experiences you have had that speak to your readiness for graduate study. Describing experiences, in or out of the lab, in which you have encountered and overcome obstacles are particularly valued.
     2. CV/Resume. Should summarize applicant’s educational and work history, including any special skills, accomplishments, awards, or presentations/publications. Generally will not exceed two pages.
     3. Research Summary. The purpose of this document is to allow the committee to understand the quality, depth and breadth of the applicant’s research experience. You should describe the research you have participated in, being as specific as possible about your individual role in the work. You should also describe your future research interests that you would like to pursue during your graduate studies. Applicants are encouraged to submit (by uploading under “Additional Documents”) an example of their research output, such as a published paper, an unpublished manuscript or research report, or a poster.
     4. Transcripts. Upload transcripts from all undergraduate and previous graduate institution(s). These can be unofficial. The Graduate College will request that you send official transcripts upon acceptance of an admission offer.

  3. Graduate College and Chemistry Department Questions

     • The Graduate College questions ask you a bit more about yourself and your background. The Chemistry Department questions ask you which division you are interested to join (i.e. Biological, Inorganic, Materials, Organic, Physical, or Theoretical Chemistry), as well as which specific faculty members you have an interest in working with if you join the program. If you are interested in work that spans two or more different divisions, choose any one and then explain your broader interests in your Research Statement.

  4. Recommendation and letters of recommendation

     • You are asked to provide contact details for individuals who you have asked to provide letters or recommendation on your behalf. These letters are a critical piece of the admissions process. Choose your recommenders wisely. You should ask for letters from experienced scientists who know you and your capabilities well. Generally speaking, your letter writers should hold a doctoral degree in a scientific or engineering discipline or in medicine, so that they can assess your potential to succeed in your graduate studies. Letters from professors/principal investigators with whom you have done research are especially important. Letters from sports coaches, religious clergy, family, or family friends are not appropriate. Applicants are required to have letters sent by three letters recommenders; please do not include more than four. Letters are confidential communications between your recommender and BU; you should not see the letter.

  5. Testing Information

     • At this time the GRE is not a requirement to apply to the graduate program in Chemistry.
     • English Language Proficiency Testing is a requirement for admission to Boston University. For more information, go to the following webpage: https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/apply/frequently-asked-questions/testing-requirements/

• Application fee waivers are available to students who meet certain qualifying criteria. These fee waivers are controlled by the Graduate College; the Chemistry Department has no say in whether or not an applicant receives one. For more information about application fee waivers, go to the following webpage: https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/apply/fee-waiver/
• As a general point of information admissions to chemistry PhD programs in the US are made by the department, not by the individual professor. Students often do rotations for one semester when they arrive. Applications received by the end of December in one year, are reviewed in the following spring, and offers made by early April the following year.
• If you have additional questions not answered here or in our FAQ’s please email us at: chemgaa@bu.edu

• FAQ

  • What is the testing score required for TOEFL for international students?
    • Students must receive an overall score of 100 (25 recommended in each of the test sections)
    • Students must score this on one exam, scores can not be combined from multiple tests
  • Does BU accept IELTS?
    • Yes, students must score a 7.0 on the IELTS to be considered for admission
  • Are there application fee waivers for international students?
    • There are a limited number of fee waivers available for international students. To apply for a fee waiver, please upload your application materials to the application portal (without paying the application fee) and email chemgaa@bu.edu once you have done so. Please email chemgaa@bu.edu no later than December 8th to request a fee waiver.
  • Do all international students need to take the TOEFL?
    • Yes, with a few exceptions outlined here:
      • You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or a citizen of Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
      • You have received, or expect to receive, an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution where the official language of instruction is English. If your transcript does not clearly state that the language of instruction is English, then please upload supporting documentation on institutional letterhead along with your transcript.
  • How much do graduate students get paid? Is tuition included? Health insurance?
    • Graduate students are guaranteed 5 years of funding
    • The stipend changes every year for graduate students and will be indicated in a letter to the students from the graduate college
    • Tuition and health insurance are included in your admissions package. More information about the graduate student fellowships can be found here: https://www.bu.edu/cas/admissions/phd-mfa/fellowship-aid/
  • Does BU have an office to help international students with visa questions?
    • Yes, we have a dedicated International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). They are responsible for communicating with admitted international students and interfacing with the graduate college to ensure a smooth transition to Boston University. More information about visas and ISSO: https://www.bu.edu/isso/
  • As an international student applicant, do I need to submit documents (transcripts and letters) in English language?
    • Yes, all application materials must be submitted translated into English language
  • What are the course of study and requirements for students to earn their Phd in chemistry from Boston University?
    • Students are required to pass (B- or higher) five courses at 600 level or above, in their chosen concentration (20 credits)
    • Students must complete at least 44 credits of graduate level research during their time in the graduate program
    • Students must total at least 64 credits to graduate
    • Students must complete a dissertation and defend that dissertation to be confirmed with their degree. For more information, please consult our program page: https://www.bu.edu/chemistry/graduate/requirements/