Because of the intensive nature of the Program students must be well prepared, ambitious, and exhibit clear evidence of academic and research accomplishment. Class size will be limited to 5 to 10 students, to ensure an optimal student:faculty ratio and to provide complete financial support in the form of tuition and stipend. The program is open to all applicants, irrespective of gender, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or creed. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their academic record, recommendations from their mentors, previous research experience, and a personal interview. Students most likely to gain admittance to the Program will have the following:
- A baccalaureate degree from a natural or physical science or engineering program. Students with degrees outside of these areas who have completed significant course work in the biological sciences are also encouraged to apply.
- A grade point average of 3.7 (on a scale of 4) and combined average GRE scores (Quantitative and Verbal sections) greater than the 80th percentile.
- Scores from a GRE subject test are encouraged, but are not required.
- A written statement that demonstrates evidence of previous research experience and commitment to a career in biological sciences.
- A minimum of three letters of recommendation from faculty or scientists with a detailed knowledge of the student's research and/or academic background and potential for independent research. At least one letter must be from a research mentor/advisor.
- Applicants who are citizens of countries where English is not the official language (and the Province of Quebec in Canada) are required to submit evidence of English language proficiency by submitting the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum TOEFL score of 650 (paper) or 280 (computer), IELTS score of at least 7.50 or iBT score of at least 114 is required for admission to the Program.
Because of the accelerated nature of the PIMB curriculum, students will typically begin their training June or August 1st of 2008. All full-time students receive a stipend, an educational enrichment account, individual health insurance (with an option to purchase additional family coverage), and tuition waver. The current stipend for graduate students is $24,000.
PIMB is no longer accepting applications for the 2008 matriculating class. Please check back in the fall to apply for the 2009 matriculating class. If you have specific questions about the Program or application process, please contact Ms. Jennifer Walker, PIMB Program Coordinator, at PIMBinfo@medschool.pitt.edu..
