Application Overview

Undergrad prep

Well-qualified applicants will have a strong foundation in both the biological or health sciences, and the mathematical or statistical sciences, as well as significant programming experience. We welcome students from across a range of possible majors, including those who have developed foundational skills via non-traditional academic paths. While specific course or major requirements are contrary to the program’s core vision, applicants should illustrate their experience and strength in three core areas:

1. Mathematics, and fundamentals of statistics and probability;
2. Programming in a procedural language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, R)
3. Basic and human biology

Students who have demonstrated excellence in two of the three areas above may demonstrate preparation in the third area through enrollment in core coursework at the time of application, or commitment to complete introductory coursework from approved “bootcamps”, online courses, or summer session courses following admission and before matriculation.

Note that a qualification for all UC Berkeley graduate program applications is a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution, completed with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Standardized Test

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required and, if submitted, may not be seen by the review committee.

Evidence of English Language Proficiency

All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. Full details are available on the UC Berkeley Graduate Admissions website [link to https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions]

Students who have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work, in residence at a recognized U.S. institution, and who have attained an average grade of B or better do not need to provide proof of a standardized test of English proficiency. Instead, please provide an unofficial transcript from the recognized U.S. institution.

 

Materials Required

1. Resume / C.V.

2. Statements

   1. Statement of Purpose & Objectives (2 pages max)
      Please describe your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in your area of specialization, including your preparation for this field of study and any research experience, your academic plans and research interests, and your future career goals. Please be specific about why UC Berkeley/UCSF would be a good intellectual fit for you.
   2. Personal History Statement (2 pages max)
      Please describe how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. In this section, you may also include any relevant information on the following:
      • How you have overcome barriers to access higher education
      • How you have come to understand the barriers faced by others
      • Your academic service to advance equitable access to higher education for women, racial minorities and individuals from other groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education
      • Your research focusing on historically excluded populations or related issues of inequality
      • Your leadership among such groups. Please note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose
   3. Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing Skills
      Please indicate the areas of your application that highlight your verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills that prepare you for the specific program to which you are applying. This can be completed coursework, such as undergraduate or post-baccalaureate math/statistics or epidemiology/biostatistics courses, quantitative research, data analysis, or evaluation experience, verbal/writing strengths such as professional publications and/or presentations, etc. (250 words max)Note: you may also submit a writing sample or other documents that demonstrate the above skills in the “Supporting Materials” section of the application.

• Three Letters of Recommendation

• Academic Transcripts

• Relevant Coursework

• Research Experience (optional)

• Writing Sample (optional)

• Application Fee ($135 for U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents; $155 for all others)

Info Sessions & Contact

Please contact Bianca Victorica, Graduate Student Affairs Officer, to schedule an information session: biancav@berkeley.edu