Prospective Students, Application, and Admissions
The program and coursework are designed for students who want a highly focused reproductive science curriculum and research experience in preparation for careers in basic and clinical research laboratories in academia, healthcare, and pharmaceutical, and biotechnology settings. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the DGS if they have questions about their academic, clinical, or research backgrounds.
Application Deadlines
The MS-RSM program has an early decision application and final application deadline. For students matriculating Fall 2017, early decision applications are due January 20, 2017. The final application deadline is May 15, 2017. The program expects to fill half the available slots from the early decision and the remaining students from the final deadline. The program only admits students for matriculation during fall quarters.
Applications from international students are encouraged. International students are required to demonstrate English language proficiency, which may require a standardized test. International applicants are responsible for planning accordingly to meet application deadlines.
Admission requirements
Undergraduate Major: Bachelor or post-baccalaureate degree in Biology, Life Sciences, or related field from an accredited college or university. Applicants with nursing or medical degrees are also encouraged to apply. The program is not intended to be a student’s initial exposure to biology.
Undergraduate GPA: 3.0. A portfolio of rigorous biology and chemistry coursework will be considered for applicants that do not meet this criterion.
Research Experience: Prior research experience is not a requirement for admittance into the MS-RSM. Prior research experience is considered a positive factor for the overall application.
GRE/MCAT Scores (optional): Applicants to the MS-RSM program are NOT required to submit GRE or MCAT test scores. Submitting test scores is OPTIONAL. Applicants should follow all instructions within the online application to submit test scores. Copies of GRE scores are submitted to the institution. Copies of MCAT scores are mailed to the MS-RSM office:
Attn: Elizabeth Sefton
303 E. Superior St. Lurie 10-121
Chicago IL 60611
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required for acceptance to the MS-RSM. Recommenders upload letters electronically. All letters should be received by the application deadline.
English Language Proficiency: International students are eligible for admittance. Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficient English language skills to be admitted to Northwestern University. Northwestern requires applicants to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Students who earned undergraduate or graduate degrees from institutions where English is the language of instruction are exempt from the TOEFL or IELTS. More information on test scores: http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/admission/application-requirements/test-scores.html.
Minimum TOEFL scores required for admittance: 80 (internet based), 213 (computer based), 550 (paper based)
Minimum IELTS score required for admittance: 7
Application Process
MS-RSM applicants are required to use the TGS online application. Information about the online application process and how to apply can be found here: http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu/admission/index.html. Application submission requires a non-refundable fee of $95. Applicants should follow all directions in the online application, especially for sending transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. Prospective students are encouraged to contact program leadership with questions about the application process.
The MS-RSM program requires the following for a complete application and acceptance into the MS-RSM program:
1) Previous academic transcripts. Please upload copies of your previous academic transcripts. These are considered unofficial and are used for application purposes only. Admitted students are required to provide official copies of transcripts during their first quarter of study. DO NOT send official transcripts to Northwestern for the application.
2) Personal statement. Please tell us about your interest in reproductive science and medicine, why you want to join the MS-RSM, what you hope to gain from the program, and also what you hope to give to the program.
3) CV or resume. Please submit a current CV or resume. This information helps the program learn more about your extra-curricular activities and professional experiences that are not included in your transcript.
4) Letters of recommendation (2). The MS-RSM program requires 2 letters of recommendation. Letters are electronically submitted through the application system. Letters of recommendation are due on the application deadline and applicants are responsible for contacting recommenders and ensuring that deadlines are met.
Interviews and Acceptance
The MS-RSM Director and Director of Graduate Studies will review complete applications and invite qualified applicants to virtual (Skype) or in-person interviews. Acceptance decisions are delivered within the online application portal and by correspondence from the Director and Director of Graduate Studies. Applicants are required to provide enrollment decisions by the date listed in the acceptance letter.