FAQs for Prospective Students

Admissions Related Questions

What makes a competitive applicant?

• We look for applicants who have training (e.g., coursework) in both mathematics/computation and biology; however, such “dual” background is not a requirement.
• The research experience and future potential to become a scientist, as described in the application essay, is a very important part of the PhD application. Although not required, an application may be strengthened by a significant amount of prior research experience.
• Strong letters of recommendation from faculty who know the student’s research experience and potential. Ideally, letters of recommendation will be obtained from individuals at more than one institution.
• Publications are not required.

What are my chances of getting accepted into the program?

• Each year, we receive over 400 applications and interview 45-50 applicants. More than half of all of those who are interviewed receive an offer of admission. It is not possible to speculate on the chances of any particular applicant prior to the meeting of the CBM Admissions Committee.
• The CBM program enthusiastically considers students from any undergraduate institution, department, or degree program.

Can non-U.S. citizens apply?

• Yes. We welcome applications from international students and they receive full funding regardless of citizenship status.

Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?

• No. GRE scores are optional for CBM. GRE scores are valid for five years after the test date and official scores are required if you choose to submit them. To submit your GRE score report through ETS, please enter institution code 2119 for Weill Cornell.

Do you accept letters of recommendation from Interfolio?

• No. CBM does not accept letters of recommendation from Interfolio.

Can my application be reviewed without a foreign transcript evaluation?

• We cannot guarantee consideration of your application without a foreign transcript evaluation. Please plan ahead and request your official evaluation for receipt by the December 1 deadline.
• Transcripts from institutions outside of the U.S., including Canada, must be transcribed and evaluated by World Education Services (WES), The Evaluation Company (TEC), IEE or a similar member evaluation service (electronic submission preferred).
• If using WES, please select the WES Basic Course-by-Course evaluation and choose “Cornell University – Manhattan NY” as the recipient with “Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences” as the School/Division and “Graduate School Admissions” as the Department/Office name.
• Evaluations are accepted only from current members of the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES). Official course-by-course evaluations are required for application review.

What is the English language proficiency exam requirement?

• International applicants must submit current scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge English exam directly through the testing site via e-delivery to “Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences”.
• Tests scores for TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test are valid for two years after the test date. To submit your TOEFL score report through ETS, please enter institution code 2119 for Weill Cornell.

How do you qualify for an English language proficiency exam exemption?

• • Citizenship/Permanent Residency

If the applicant is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or its territories (e.g., Puerto Rico), or a citizen of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, they are exempt.

Applicants who are citizens of all other countries, including India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc. are not exempt and must submit English language proficiency exam scores.

• • English-Language Instruction

Applicants who, at the time of enrollment, have studied in full-time status for at least two academic years within the last five years in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, or with English language instruction in Canada or South Africa, are exempt.

Applicants must submit a transcript that shows they studied in one of the approved locations, and that the academic program was at least two years in length.

Even if English was the language of instruction of the course or institution, it must have been in one of the eligible locations, otherwise the applicant is not exempt from the requirement.

Can I apply to the individual graduate programs at Cornell University, The Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering or Weill Cornell Medicine in addition to CBM?

• Yes. There is no restriction on applying to all of these graduate programs concurrently. Each program requires submission of a separate application according to their own requirements.

Can my application fee be waived?

• Yes. CBM application fee waivers are available to applicants who have demonstrated financial hardship. Financial hardship must be established via documentation of need.

How do I request a fee waiver?

• • Applicants who wish to request a fee waiver must start their application. You are welcome to upload support documentation for financial hardship within the Fee Waiver Request Form located in the other information section of the application.
  • Make sure all sensitive data (e.g., Social Security Numbers) are redacted from supporting documentation before submitting. Allow up to seven business days for your request to be processed. You will receive an email after your request has been reviewed and a decision has been made. If your request is approved, a fee waiver will automatically be applied to your application. A fee waiver will not be retroactively applied to an application that has already been paid for and submitted.

Please email cbm@triiprograms.org with any questions or concerns.

Can I submit admissions materials after the application deadline?

• No. CBM’s admissions review will begin immediately after the December 1 deadline so all admissions materials need to be received by the deadline. CBM’s admissions committee will not review applications with missing materials.
• To check which materials may be missing from your application, please login to the application portal to track your status. If you need assistance with your admissions materials, please email cbm@triiprograms.org.

Program-Related Questions

What are the curricular and academic requirements of CBM and timeline to degree?

• In year 1, students are expected to complete program specific required courses and complete 3 laboratory rotations. By Year 2 students have selected their thesis laboratory and are preparing for the admission to candidacy exam (ACE). Doctoral research commences full time from year 3 until the dissertation defense. Please visit our timeline and requirements page for details. On average, students complete their Ph.D. training in under 5.5 years.

In which labs can I do research?

• Students conduct research with CBM Program faculty. The full list of participating faculty is here. Students are permitted to rotate in labs outside of CBM with permission from the CBM Chair.

What is the financial support package for CBM students?

• A generous annual stipend intended to support basic living expenses; the stipend is $54,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Each student is awarded a full-tuition scholarship, which includes all tuition, fees, and health insurance.
• A $2,500 research allowance in Year 1 and an additional $1,500 in each Year 2–5, subject to budgetary approval each fiscal year. Research allowance funds may be used for relocation expenses, a computer, books, software, and other activities related to a student’s academic training.
• CBM has no teaching requirements and student funding is not tied to teaching expectations. There are Teacher Assistant (TA) opportunities for select courses for those interested in that experience.
• Incoming single CBM students are guaranteed subsidized housing on campus. Subsidized family housing is offered to students with partners and/or dependents, subject to availability.

Where can I find more information?

https://compbio.triiprograms.org/; email: cbm@triiprograms.org

Updated August 2025