Prospective Students: Application FAQs
TESTS
What departmental code should I use for the GRE and TOEFL reports?
Biostatistics does not have its own code; for the GRE you should use 5199 ("all other departments"). The institution code for both GRE and TOEFL reports is 4854.
Are there minimum test score requirements?
No, our department does not have minimum score requirements for either the GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS.
For Teaching Assistantships for non-native English speakers, the TOEFL requirement is 26 on the Speaking portion, but we rarely appoint first-year students to TA positions.
Am I exempt from the TOEFL if I do not yet have my degree from an English-language institution but will have it before the admission quarter?
Yes, applicants who have or WILL RECEIVE a degree from an English-language institution before enrollment in our program are EXEMPT from the TOEFL.
I put the wrong department code on my test score request. Will it still reach you?
Yes. Scores are matched at the Graduate Admissions Office by name, social security number and/or birthdate.
I have a doctorate/M.D./J.D. degree. Do I still need to submit GRE scores?
Yes. GRE scores are required for all applicants regardless of prior degrees, including doctoral-level degrees. This requirement cannot be waived. GRE scores must be taken within five years.
My test score(s) won't be reported until after your deadline. Will you still consider my application?
Applications completed after the deadline will be considered late and will not be reviewed unless there is still space available in the program. (NOTE: Applications with 2 out of 3 reference letters are considered complete.)
My education was in English. Do I still need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS?
Such applicants should provide documentation verifying that the applicant’s undergraduate degree is from an institution (in a country other than those listed in #12 above) where all instruction is in English.
APPLICANT BACKGROUND/CHANCES OF ADMISSION
Do all applicants have a math/stat background/degree? Can I apply if I have a degree in another field?
While most applicants come from Math/Stat undergraduate degrees, we do accept applicants from any degree background provided they have fulfilled the prerequisites (approximately 30 quarter credits of math/stat coursework which must include multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and probability). We often have applicants from biological sciences, engineering, psychology, or financial/business backgrounds. Strong applicants will have solid quantitative skills as evidenced by their course work and GRE quantitative score.
I have not taken all of the prerequisites. Do I have a chance of being admitted?
While applicants may still be completing the prerequisites, they should already have taken the majority of the courses by the time of application.
I want to apply for the PhD program but if I am not admitted, will I still be considered for the MS program?
No. Applicants cannot apply for both the MS and the PhD programs at the same time; however, they may apply for the MS program and may possibly be considered for the PhD program by filling out the application as follows:
Select the program you are applying to as "Biostatistics - MS". You will be asked two additional questions; the first is "degree sought" and the second is "ultimate degree goal." For the "degree sought" question, you should answer "MS." For the "ultimate degree goal", you should select "PhD." You may then be considered for both programs. Please note that if you choose to do this, you will be considered *primarily* for admission to the MS program, not the PhD program.
If your primary goal is to be admitted to the PhD program, you should select that program for all questions.
Do you accept graduate-level transfer credits from other U.S. institutions?
No. However, we do offer a placement exam for students who believe they can pass the first-year theory coursework (Statistical Inference, taught at the UW as Statistics 512 and 513), and a few other required courses may be waived at the discretion of the Graduate Program Coordinator.
May I apply for a concurrent degree in your program?
Current graduate students wishing to pursue an informal concurrent degree program must go to https://www.grad.washington.edu/applForAdmiss/ and submit an application and fee for the second program. Applicants must meet our prerequisites and our annual deadline (December 1 for the following Autumn quarter admission). We admit only in Autumn.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Is there a separate form/application for departmental support (RA, TA, Traineeships)?
No, there is no separate form. Applicants who submit a resume/CV will automatically be considered for support.
Do you support both PhD and Master's students?
We do make every effort to offer financial support to both PhD and MS students and we have an excellent record of support.
Should I contact faculty about RA opportunities?
No. All applications are reviewed by our admission committee and students do not need to (nor can they) try to find their own mentors prior to admissions. Having an interested faculty member in no way influences the admission process, which is based on an evaluation of your application only.
Do I need to submit a Financial Ability Statement (international applicants only)?
You do not need to submit this form until you are offered admission.
MISCELLANEOUS
Can I get the application fee waived?
U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents may request a fee waiver during the Graduate School online application process. Unfortunately there are no waivers available for international applicants.
How strict is your deadline?
Very strict. Complete applications must be received by the deadline to be considered. While we make every effort to notify applicants of missing items in time for them to complete their applications, it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all materials are submitted by the deadline. NOTE: applications with 2 out of 3 recommendation letters will be considered to be complete but it is to your advantage to have all three letters.
Can I apply for Winter, Spring, or Summer quarter?
No, we accept applications only for Autumn quarter.
You accept unofficial transcripts, but there is a note on my application that "official transcripts have not been received". Why? Do I need to send them?
No. This is a campus-wide notification because some departments do require official transcripts. We do not. You may ignore it. If you are admitted, the Graduate School will ask you for an official transcript from your most recent degree-granting institution only.
How accurate does the GPA calculation need to be?
We are not that concerned about the accuracy of the GPA you list on the application -- you may estimate your GPA if you wish. We look more closely at your actual course grades and the GPA listed on your transcript(s) than on the one you report.
When are admission decisions made?
Most decisions are made by the end of January.
The Biostatistics Admission Committee does not discriminate against individuals because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or status as a Disabled Veteran or Vietnam Era Veteran. This policy, applies to all University Programs and facilities including but not limited to, admission, educational programs and employment. Such discrimination is prohibited by Titles IV and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title XI of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Sections 503 and 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Acts of 1974 and 1965, Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and other Federal and State statutes and regulations.