University of Washington Biostatistics

Question 1: What departmental code should I use for the GRE report?

Answer 1: Biostatistics does not have its own code; you should use 5199 ("all other departments"). The institution code for the UW is 4854. The GRE must be taken within five years of application.

Questions 2: What code should I use to report TOEFL or IELTS scores?

Answer 2: Again, Biostatistics does not have its own code. Please use the code for "all other departments not listed" for these tests.

Question 3: Are there minimum test score requirements?

Answer 3: No, our department does not have minimum score requirements for either the GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS.

Question 4: Can I get the application fee waived?

Answer 4: 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.

Question 5: I put the wrong department code on my test score request. Will it still reach you?

Answer 5: Yes. Scores are matched at the Graduate Admissions Office by name, social security number and/or birthdate.

Question 6: Do you accept graduate-level transfer credits from other U.S. institutions?

Answer 6: 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.

Question 7: I have a doctorate/M.D./J.D. degree. Do I still need to submit GRE scores?

Answer 7: Yes. GRE scores are required for all applicants regardless of prior degrees, including doctoral-level degrees. This requirement cannot be waived.

Question 8: How strict is your deadline?

Answer 8: Very strict. Complete applications must be received by (not postmarked 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 reach us by the deadline.

Question 9: My test score(s) won't be reported until after your deadline. Will you still consider my application?

Answer 9: Applications received or completed after the deadline will be considered late and will not be reviewed unless there is still space available in the program. If there is no space available, late applications will be denied without review.

Question 10: Can I apply for Winter, Spring, or Summer quarter?

Answer 10: No, we accept applications only for Autumn quarter.

Question 11: May I apply to transfer from a current UW graduate program, or obtain a concurrent degree in your program?

Answer 11: Current University of Washington graduate student seeking either a transfer to our program or an informal concurrent degree from our program should not submit a Graduate School application. Submit your statement of focus, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts directly to the Biostatistics Department with a note explaining whether you are seeking a transfer or a concurrent degree. You must meet the same deadline as all other applicants (January 5, 2009 for Autumn 2009) admission consideration.

International/Permanent Residents/Immigrants Applicants

Question 12: Have the requirements for English language proficiency changed?

Answer 12: Yes. The Graduate School has changed the requirements for international applicants. A Master's degree from a U.S. (or other English-language) university will no longer exempt an applicant from the TOEFL (or IELTS). Applicants are only exempt from an English-language proficiency test if they hold a Bachelor's degree from such an institution. For complete details, please see the Graduate School's Memorandum No. 8 on language proficiency requirements.

Question 13: My TOEFL (or IELTS) score is over two years old. Can I still use it?

Answer 13: The TOEFL (or IELTS) score must be less than two years old (at the time of application), unless you have or will receive a Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution (within the U.S.) or from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, Trindidad and Tobago, or Great Britain by the time of enrollment in our program, in which case you are exempt from taking the TOEFL (or IELTS).

Question 14: My education was in English. Do I still need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS?

Answer 14: 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.

Question 15: Can I still apply after November 1?

Answer 15: Yes. The November 1 deadline is strongly recommended by the Graduate School for international applicants, but it is not strict and it has no effect on our Biostatistics program deadline, which is in early January. As long as you meet our department deadline, you will be considered for admission and for financial assistantships.

Question 16:Can I save money on postage by sending materials for the Graduate School and the Biostatistics Department in one envelope?

Answer 16:Yes, but the materials for each place must be in separate envelopes inside the main envelope, each clearly marked "Graduate School" and "Biostatistics Department". If you send your materials this way, we recommend mailing them to our Department and we will forward the Graduate School materials on to their office.

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.