Application Directions

Welcome to the application process for the Molecular Medicine PhD Program. Please follow these directions carefully. Each year, the deadline for enrollment is January 5th. Early Review deadline is December 1st. Early Review is a process where the Admissions Committee reviews complete applications and invites applicants to interview prior to the January 5th application deadline. Application review begins immediately after the application deadlines.

The student application for the Molecular Medicine PhD Program is an on-line process through Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies managed by Hobsons.

We have a diverse student body and welcome applications from underrepresented and disabled candidates.
Students with disabilities who need assistance with applications or interviews are encouraged to contact The Molecular Medicine Admissions Team (molmedphd@ccf.org). Cleveland Clinic does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities, on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic determination, ethnicity, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Cleveland Clinic administers all programs and services without regard to disability, and provides reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

Course Requirements

All applicants are required to complete the following undergraduate college courses, receiving a grade of C- or better, prior to starting the Molecular Medicine PhD Program. On your application, you must indicate the name of the course and the level, the date taken or when it will be completed. If the course has a different name than listed here, indicate that on the application.

• General Biology
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry

It is also highly recommended, but not required, that students complete a course in Molecular and/or Cellular Biology. Please note that if you are taking a requirement after you submit your application and/or request your transcripts, you must indicate this on your application to be considered.

Research Requirements

Applicants must have taken part in laboratory research at the collegiate level or above.

GRE and TOEFL Requirements

As of November 2018, the GRE is not required for admission. If an application has been submitted with a GRE score, the committee will not take the score into consideration.

International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), minimum test scores are determined by The School of Graduate Studies at Case Western Reserve University. Currently the minimum score for the TOEFL is 577 if paper-based, or 85 if Internet-based.

All official standardized test scores must be the most recent scores (TOEFL is valid for 2 years) and are to be reported directly to Case Graduate Studies. Select the institutional code 1105 as listed on the Case Graduate Studies website. Department codes are not necessary.

All testing must be completed before the application deadline.

Letters of Recommendation

On your application, you will be required to provide valid email addresses for three separate references. At least one of your references must be from your current research mentor. Once you submit your application, your references will be notified directly via email from the on-line application system, Hobsons, and asked to submit a recommendation letter online. You will not be able to view the reference letters, but you will be able to check the status of each letter's submission by logging into Case Western Reserve University's application website.

Your recommenders will receive an email from Case Western Reserve University [support@hobsons.com]. This email will contain instructions on how they will complete their letter of reference through the application system. Please advise your recommenders of this process and let them know about the Hobsons system and to check their spam filters if they do not receive this email.

Transcripts

You must upload an unofficial transcript (example: student copy) to the application for the Molecular Medicine Admissions Committee review process. Your application will not be considered without your unofficial transcript uploaded to the application. In addition, the School of Graduate Studies requires official transcripts* from all institutions you have previously attended before your official acceptance. SEND THEM DIRECTLY TO Case Western Reserve University at the address below:

• School of Graduate Studies
• Tomlinson 203
• Case Western Reserve University
• 10850 Euclid Ave
• Cleveland OH 44106-7027

Electronic transcripts must be sent to gradadmit@case.edu

*Official transcripts are prepared by your degree granting institution and are signed by a designated school official. These documents must arrive at the School of Graduate Studies in a sealed envelope from your academic institution(s). We will not accept copies of transcripts or transcripts directly from the student.

Application Tips

Here are a few tips for a successful application:

• Complete/plan to complete all prerequisite courses
• Start early - although the application won't be reviewed until after the deadline, this gives your references sufficient time to submit your letters
• Give yourself plenty of time to complete the application - the Admissions Committee can tell if an application is rushed
• Proof Read
• Site all your sources properly - essays are run through plagiarism software and a plagiarized application essay will NOT be considered for admission
• When necessary, ask good questions
• Submit all official scores (TOEFL) using the correct Institution code (1105)
• Highlight research experiences and relate to them whenever possible