Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology

Application to the Pharmacology & Toxicology Program

photo 4When should I apply?  Anytime before January 15th  of the academic year in which you seek entry into the program. Late applications may be considered, but secondarily to those submitted by January 15th.  Entry into the program is expected to be July 1st, because research experiences begin immediately. Rarely is entry at other times than Fall semester considered.

What happens to applications?  Applicant files are reviewed on a continuing basis between December 1 and January 15th by the four members of the Graduate Admissions Committee and selected domestic applicants are invited to Salt Lake City at Department expense, for a familiarization weekend, usually in mid-late February.  Offers to join the program, a decision made by the entire program faculty, are transmitted shortly thereafter.  Candidates have until April 15th to respond to offers of acceptance.

Do I have the right stuff? The program is looking for enthusiastic, highly motivated applicants with a genuine love of scientific enquiry in the life sciences.  Evidence of these qualities are gleaned initially from the key items in the applicants file, and focus especially on a meaningful personal statement, performance in rigorous science courses, evidence of prior research experience, and letters of reference that relate to a commitment to research or experimental capabilities.  Applicants should have undergraduate training in the life sciences, including chemistry and biology, but students with strong backgrounds in other relevant areas are encouraged to apply.

So far, so good - What are the finer details and requirements of my application?

  1. Take the GRE exam, and if you are an international applicant whose primary language is not English, the TOEFL exam. An official copy of performance on the Graduate Record Examination general test is required.  Subject tests are optional.  [The ETS school code is 4853, the department code is 0216].  A strong performance on this test carries considerable weight.  In evaluating the performance on the subject tests, allowances are made for differences in undergraduate preparation.  We accept GRE scores from tests taken within the past three years.  If you are taking the GRE for the first time, please also use the new Personal Potential Index option in which your evaluators will answer a few standardized questions about your potential for success in graduate programs.

  2. You will apply to our program using the online system for graduate admissions at the University of Utah known as Apply Yourself (see link below).  The application form should be submitted as early as possible.  All students admitted to the program receive fellowships and tuition waivers, so a separate application for financial support is not required.  If you identify yourself as applying to the program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, you should not have to pay the online application fee.  If you are asked to pay the fee, please contact Ms. Sandy Hiskey at 801-581-6287 so that we can resolve the issue.  The Department will pay the application fee for all students ultimately admitted to our graduate program.  In addition to standard information on the application form, we require a personal statement (known as a Statement of Purpose on the online form), transcripts from undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) institutions, and three letters of reference.

What should be in my personal statement?

The personal statement of purpose (approximately 2 pages) should be articulate and give evidence of a strong commitment to a research career.  It is now appreciated that prior research experience is the greatest predictor of future success as a graduate student and Ph.D.-level scientist.  Therefore, at a minimum your essay should discuss,

  • your research experiences to date
  • your motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Utah
  • your long-term career goals and how you see a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Utah helping you to achieve your career goals
  • the strengths and interests that you would bring to the graduate program in Pharmacology and Toxicology

What about transcripts?

An official copy of transcripts from each college or university attended is required. Limited deficiencies in basic undergraduate courses can sometimes be remedied in the first year of graduate school.  Ideally, the undergraduate record should be strong in all areas. However, evidence of ability to perform well in all science courses, particularly those stressing quantitative skills, is most important. The Graduate School requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission except under exceptional circumstances.

What should letters of recommendation address?

Recommendations should address the applicant's commitment to scientific research and potential for success as a graduate student.  Letters from mentors who supervised research of the applicant are very strongly encouraged.  The most useful letters will address the applicant's: potential to become an independent, Ph.D.-level scientist; motivation for pursuing goals, in general, and the goal of obtaining a Ph.D., in particular; work ethic and resiliency in the face of obstacles; analytical thinking skills and intellectual independence; and general social skills, including capability to work in teams and to seek out and accept constructive criticism related to scientific development.  Letters merely indicating grades obtained in courses and indicative of little personal contact are of no use in the selection procedure.

What can I expect if I am invited for a familiarization weekend (North American residents only)?

Promising domestic applicants will generally be invited to visit the University of Utah to meet graduate students and faculty members and to learn more about the graduate program, the University, and the local environment. Travel, food, and lodging costs will be arranged and paid by the Department.  Invitees will meet with faculty during the day on Friday, and enjoy a social activity with graduates students and faculty that evening.  Saturday is spent with graduate students, often in some recreational activity centered around the  "greatest snow on earth" found in the immediate environs of the University.

What are our criteria for Admission?

  • Educational Background:

Applicants should have undergraduate training in the life sciences, including chemistry and biology, but students with strong backgrounds in other relevant areas are encouraged to apply. Limited deficiencies in basic undergraduate courses can be remedied in the first year of graduate school.

  • Undergraduate Performance:

Ideally, the undergraduate record should be strong in all areas. However, evidence of ability to perform well in all science courses, particularly those stressing quantitative skills, is most important. Except under exceptional circumstances, The Graduate School requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.

  • Research Experience:

Many successful applicants have worked in a laboratory and have obtained an experience-based commitment to a research career.

  • Recommendations:

Strong statements of support from 3 persons in a position to evaluate the applicant's potential for success as a graduate student have significant impact on admissions decisions. Letters from mentors supervising research are strongly encouraged.

  • GRE Scores:

A strong performance on this test carries considerable weight. In evaluating the performance on the subject test, allowances are made for differences in undergraduate preparation.

  • TOEFL Scores:

International applicants whose primary language is not English are required to submit an official TOEFL score.

  • Personal Statement:

The personal statement of purpose should be articulate and give evidence of a strong commitment to research. Mention of specific, well-focused interests is useful, but not essential; overly vague statements may be detrimental. The statement offers the applicant a unique opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking ability. The statement should address the applicant's motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Utah and the applicant's long term goals.

  • Personal Interview (North American residents only):

Promising domestic applicants will generally be invited to visit the University of Utah to meet graduate students and faculty members and to learn more about the graduate program, the University, and the local environment. Travel, food, and lodging costs will be paid by the Department.

PROCEDURES FOR ENTRY IN 2012

Apply to the graduate program of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology through the ApplyYourself Program.

Application Timetable:

All applications are reviewed on the following schedule for normal entrance in the summer semester. Late applications will be considered only if positions remain unfilled after review of all applications received before the January 15th deadline.

  • December 1: Review of applications begins.
  • January 15: Application deadline.
  • January 15 - March 31 : Interview visits for applicants from North America.

  • Applicants are notified of an admissions decision as early as possible.
    The latest decision date for acceptance of admission offers by applicants is April 15.
    For additional information regarding applying to the Graduate Program in Pharmacology & Toxicology, contact:

    Ms. Sandy Hiskey, Program Assistant for Graduate Studies
    sandy.hiskey@utah.edu
    (801) 581-6287

    Dr. Philip Moos, Chair, Graduate Recruitment Committee
    philip.moos@.utah.edu
    (801) 585-5952

    Dr. Karen Wilcox, Chair, Graduate Training Committee
    Karen.Wilcox@hsc.utah.edu
    (801) 581-4081