Steps to Apply (New OSU Graduate Students)

Please follow these application guidelines if you have never enrolled in graduate school at OSU.  
  1. Submit a graduate admissions application online.  Biophysics is listed in the admissions application as Biophysics-PhD and Biophysics-MS.  Select the link corresponding to the term you are seeking to apply .  You will need to create an account if you are not a current OSU student or OSU employee.  
  2. Request official English proficiency scores to be sent to Ohio State University (International Applicants Only)
  3. Submit a curriculum vitae (CV), 3 reference letters, statement of purpose, and academic transcripts electronically via the online graduate admissions application
Transcripts sent via mail should be directed to The Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions.  

Personal Statement Guidelines

Important questions that should be addressed in your personal statement:

  1. What are my reasons for wanting to study Biophysics?
  2. Why am I interested in studying Biophysics at Ohio State verses another university?
  3. What are my long-term goals as a scientist?
  4. What personal or academic characteristics are unique about me?
  5. What are my personal interests?
  6. What are my research experiences?
  7. Include information about your college or University and the faculty writing your recommendations.  

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Guidelines

  • Include information about your academic credentials, work experience, and publications

Reference Letter Guidelines

  • Three reference letters from faculty, advisors or mentors who are very familiar with your academic credentials and your potential as a future scientist. Reference letters commenting on research performance are preferred over letters commenting only on classroom performance
  • Reference letters can be submitted electronically through the graduate admissions application

Application Fee Waivers

  • Fee waivers are available through the Biophysics Program for domestic students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and above. Please submit your unofficial transcript to biophysics@osu.edu for authorization. Fee waiver requests must be received before November 30, 2023 at 12:00pm EDT. We are not offering fee waivers for international students at this time. 
  • Underrepresented minority students can apply for an application fee waiver through the Free App program
  • McNair Scholars and Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) Scholars are eligible for application fee waivers. Applicants should note their participation either the McNair or SROP program on the Ohio State admissions application.  A letter confirming participation in the McNair or SROP program should be sent to to fee_waivers@gradsch.osu.edu.





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