Biomedical Research Education Programs : UNM Health Sciences Center


  FAQs & Helpful Hints for BSGP Applicants


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Selecting the right degree program in the Biomedical Research Education Program (BREP)

Applying for admission to the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program

The BSGP admissions requirements

The GRE

The application review process


Selecting the right degree program in the Biomedical Research Education Program (BREP)

Which BREP graduate program is right for me?

Do I need to have a Master’s Degree to apply for admission to the BSGP PhD program?

  • No.  A Master’s Degree is not required, nor do PhD students in the BSGP earn a MS degree on the way to earning the PhD.

I’m interested in studying pharmaceutical science/toxicology.  Do I need to apply to the College of Pharmacy?

  • No, you should apply for admission to the BSGP PhD program.
  • The BSGP partners with the College of Pharmacy to provide a research-based educational program for PhD students in pharmaceutical sciences and toxicology.
  • When you are filling out the UNM application for admission, select Biomedical Sciences as the field of study and Biomedical Sci Grad Prg BSGP as the department.


Applying for admission to the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program

What are the application deadlines?

  • The BSGP has a priority deadline of December 1; applications received by this deadline receive earliest consideration.
  • The final deadline for applying for admission is March 15; applications that are incomplete as of close of business on March 15 will not be considered for admission.

When should I begin my application?

  • You should begin your application process as early as possible.
  • Domestic US applicants should plan on 4 – 6 weeks for the application to be processed.
  • International applicants should plan on 6 – 8 weeks for the application to be processed.

How do I start the application process?

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
Attn:  Mary Fenton
MSC08 4560
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131

  • We will copy your transcripts for the BSGP files, and then hand-deliver them to the Office of Admissions for you.
  • It is not necessary to send additional copies of your transcripts.

Can I pay the application fee after I’ve been accepted for admission?

  • No.  UNM will not release the application to the BSGP until the application fee is paid.

I finished my UNM application today.  Why haven’t I been given the link to the BSGP online application?

  • The UNM Office of Admissions must process your application for admission first.
  • All required items must be on file with the Office of Admissions:
    • Completed application, with electronic signature
    • Application fee
    • Official transcripts
    • Official GRE scores
    • Official TOEFL scores (international applicants only)
  • It may take several days for the Office of Admissions to process your application after all the required documents have been received.
  • The Office of Admissions will then forward your application to the BSGP.


The BSGP admissions requirements

I wasn’t a biology or science major.  Can I apply to the BSGP?

  • Yes, as long as you have completed, or plan to complete, the pre-requisite coursework with a grade of “B” or higher.  Please see the Apply for Admission to the BSGP page for the list of pre-requisite courses.

Can I apply for admission now before I’ve finished my coursework?

  • Yes, you can apply for admission while you are finishing your pre-requisite coursework. 
  • You will be required to show a plan for completing the courses prior to the start of Fall classes (classes usually start the third or fourth Monday in August)
  • If selected for admission, you will need to submit final official transcripts showing successful completion of pre-requisite courses.

Can I finish some of the pre-requisite coursework after I’m admitted?

  • No, all pre-requisite coursework must be completed prior to the start of Fall classes.  

My GPA (or GRE score) doesn’t meet the minimum requirement.  Can I still apply for admission?

  • The BSGP Admissions Committee considers the entire application, including laboratory experience, letters of recommendation, and the letter of intent, when making the admissions decision.
  • These factors are weighed along with the GPA and GRE scores.
    • However, a GPA or GRE score that is significantly below the minimum will have a negative impact on your evaluation.
  • Bear in mind that the BSGP is highly competitive, and it is to your advantage to strengthen your application prior to applying for admission.

I don’t have any laboratory experience.  Am I eligible for admission?

  • Laboratory experience is not required, but is highly desirable.
  • Having previous lab experience will give your application a competitive edge!

Can I substitute the MCAT for the GRE?

  • No, the GRE is required of BSGP applicants.


The GRE

Should I prepare for the GRE before taking the test?

  • Yes!  We strongly encourage preparation prior to taking the GRE.

How should I prepare for the GRE?

  • First, visit the ETS “Prepare for the GRE revised General Test” web page.
  • Follow the links to view sample questions, tips, and strategies.
  • Download the PowerPrep®II software and practice taking the test.
  • Also download the printable paper version of the test – you can study and analyze the questions at your leisure and at your own pace. Read! 
  • Read books and other publications that use GRE-type vocabulary.
    • Go online or to the library to read magazines with lengthy essays, such as The Atlantic, Harper’s, The Economist, Utne Reader, or even the New York Times.
    • More popular magazines like the Smithsonian or National Geographic will also help to improve both your vocabulary and your reading skills.
    • Read or re-read classic literature by authors like Jane Austen or Herman Melville.
  • Study the math review at http://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_math_review.pdf
  • Commercial GRE prep courses are costly, but worthwhile if you aren’t able to improve your score with self-study.

Should I re-take the GRE if my initial scores aren’t good?

  • Yes, but prepare for the test before you take it again!
  • You should re-test when your practice scores have reached a plateau or when you need to have GRE scores in time to meet the deadline.
  • Your aim should be to improve your scores, thus showing an upward trend in your ability.  

Will all my old GRE scores show up in my score report?

  • Yes.  GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date, and all valid scores are reported when a score report is requested.

 

The application review process

When will my application be reviewed?

  • Complete applications are placed in the queue for review based on the order in which the applications are completed.
  • We’re sorry, but we can’t tell you the exact date your application will be reviewed.  

Who reviews my application?

  • All complete applications are reviewed by members of the BSGP Admissions Committee.
  • The Admissions Committee is comprised of research faculty members who represent their departments.
  • The members of the Admissions Committee discuss each complete application, and then vote to accept or decline each application.
    • A quorum is required to reach a final decision.  

When will I get a decision regarding my application?

  • We send a letter within a few days of the decision, and usually right away if you are selected for an interview.
  • In some cases, a decision is not made after the initial review, and the application is moved to a later date for reconsideration.

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Still have a question?  Contact Mary Fenton at bsgp@salud.unm.edu.

 













Why does the BSGP have two deadlines?

Early applicants who meet the December 1 deadline will be reviewed in the first admissions review sessions and are given the best consideration for admission.

Applicants residing in the US who are being considered for acceptance to the BSGP may be invited to visit the UNM Health Sciences Center, expenses paid, for an interview. During this visit, applicants will be interviewed by the admissions committee, have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with research faculty and learn more about the BSGP and the UNM Health Sciences Center facilities. International applicants who are being considered for acceptance to the BSGP will be interviewed via Skype.






 

International applicants:

You must submit official transcripts, diploma, and certificate of graduation in the original language and official English translation.

The transcript documents must bear the seals, stamps, or signatures of authorizing officials at your institution.

If you have been issued only one transcript, do not send the original!  In most cases, you can take your transcripts to your institution and have official copies made by the registrar.  If you are in Albuquerque, you can take your original transcripts to the Office of International Admissions to have them certified and copied.

For more information, visit http://admissions.unm.edu/international/graduate.html/






How can I acquire research laboratory experience?

 Try to find laboratory positions by talking to your professors or searching the employment web site at your university.  Many universities hire student employees as laboratory research technicians.

Some research faculty will allow undergraduates to work in the laboratory for academic credit.

If you have graduated or are graduating soon, look for short-term research technician positions.

You can also seek out post-baccalaureate training programs such as the NIH-funded PREP.







Why are the GRE Verbal and Analytical Writing scores important for biomedical sciences applicants?

The PhD is the highest academic degree that can be attained, and in a PhD program, you will be immersed in an environment of erudite scholars.  You will be expected to possess the ability to read analytically, to have strong written communication skills, and to participate in academic discourse using the appropriate vocabulary.

Starting in your first year, and continuing throughout your career, you will be giving presentations to audiences that include other experts in your field.  You will go on to write grant proposals and present your research findings in journal publications.

Polishing your verbal and writing skills early will give you the confidence to speak and write with authority as you progress toward your career goals.
 






 

International applicants:

You must submit official transcripts, diploma, and certificate of graduation in the original language and official English translation.

The transcript documents must bear the seals, stamps, or signatures of authorizing officials at your institution.

If you have been issued only one transcript, do not send the original!  In most cases, you can take your transcripts to your institution and have official copies made by the registrar.  If you are in Albuquerque, you can take your original transcripts to the Office of International Admissions to have them certified and copied.

For more information, visit http://admissions.unm.edu/international/graduate.html/






 

Is there an appeal process if my application is declined?

No.  All BSGP admissions decisions are final.

If your application for admission is declined, you will receive a letter with suggestions for strengthening your application if you wish to apply for admission the following year.

If you decide to apply for admission to the BSGP again, it is to your advantage to follow the advice provided in the letter you received.