TO APPLY TO THE GST PROGRAM, PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKET AND MAIL TO THE ADDRESS BELOW BEFORE FEBRUARY 1ST:

1. The University of Tennessee Graduate School application (pdf format) or apply online. Since GST is a graduate school within the Life Sciences Division, enter 'Life Sciences' in the 'Major' field. In the 'Degree' field, you should enter 'Masters' or 'Ph.D.' Important: Include $35.00 non-refundable application fee (Check made out to The University of Tennessee).



2. Graduate School of Genome Science & Technology (GST) application in pdf format.



3. Transcripts of official academic records. Official or attested copies of transcripts must be sent directly to the University of Tennessee from each college or university attended beyond the secondary level. Notarized photocopies are not accepted. Records should show each year of schooling, individual courses completed with grades received, rank, grading system, and awarded degree(s). Because of the large number of international applicants, the MINIMUM requirement for admission of an international student is a 4-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent (3-year B.Sc. degrees are not acceptable) with at least a B average on undergraduate course work and B+ on all previous graduate work. On various grading scales this would indicate a) 3.0 and 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, b) 14 and 15 on a 20-point scale, c) 80% from Taiwanese institutions, d) first class or division from Indian institutions, e) upper second class honors in British-type systems. Other grading systems will be evaluated upon receipt of official translated copies of the transcripts.



4. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores from each of the three sections (verbal, quantitative and analytical writing). Scores must be less than 2 years old. Have scores sent directly from the Graduate Records Examination Educational Testing Service to The University of Tennessee, Institution #1843. Be advised that it may take 6-8 weeks from the date of your GRE examination for the scores to arrive from the Educational Testing Service. Notarized photocopies of scores are not acceptable.



5. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score on paper-based test is 550. The minimum acceptable score of computer-based test is 213. Scores must be less than 2 years old. Class instruction is given in English, therefore the TOEFL is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Have official report of scores sent directly from the TOEFL Educational Testing Service to The University of Tennessee, Institution #1843. Test dates more than 2 years old or photocopies of scores are not acceptable. Applicants who have received a degree from a U.S. institution in the past 2 years are exempt from the TOEFL requirements. Information on testing sites and dates can be obtained from the Education Testing Service.



6. A Personal Statement identifying your background, professional interests and goals (1-2 typewritten pages)



7. Three references. References are to be from professionals qualified to evaluate your scientific and academic background. Please use the reference forms enclosed in your GST information packet or download them here (pdf format). Please print your name legibly and sign these forms on the Applicant Signature line.



8. Immigration document. Students meeting all admission requirements and wishing to enter or remain in the United States on an F-1 student visa will be mailed a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). This form is used to obtain a visa from a United States Consulate. Students coming on the University's Exchange Visitor Program will be mailed a Form IAP-66 to be used in obtaining a J-1 visa. Those applicants already in the United States on J-1 status should notify the admissions office as soon as possible if an IAP-66 is required. A student may not be issued both an I-20 and an IAP-66.



9. Documentation of Financial Support. Before admission can be completed, an applicant must document sufficient funds for the first twelve month of enrollment. Part or all of this amount may be provided in the form a scholarship or graduate assistantship. The amount required for the 2003-2004 year is estimated to be $24,410 for a single student. Students from the following countries are required to make a $6,000 deposit before I-20/IAP-66 will be issued: Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Syria, and Venezuela. Note: The University of Tennessee cannot assume financial responsibility for international students.
   
   2003-2004 Estimate of Expenses: University fees:
   Tuition (possibility of waiver) $13,380
   Program fees $330
   Technology fee $200
   Facilities fees $300
   
   Other necessary expenses (estimated):
   Books & Supplies $1,350
   Housing $3280
   Meals $2,900
   Clothing $600
   Recreation $500
   Miscellaneous 1,000
   
   Total for 12 months: $24,410
   Add extra expense for spouse 6,000
   Add extra expense for each child 4,000
   
   Note: This is a relatively conservative budget for a student who manages carefully and is willing to share living quarters with another student. While some students may need less money, others find that they spend more than this amount. This estimate does not include the cost of international travel or operation of an automobile.



10. Please enclose all applicable materials together in a suitable envelope and mail to following address on or before February 1st (or January 15th to be considered for early decision):
    
    Director
    Graduate School of Genome Science & Technology
    University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    1060 Commerce Park
    Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830-8026
    Phone: (865) 574-1227
    Fax: (865) 574-4812

YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED BY THE GST ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE UNTIL IT IS COMPLETE. Although there is no deadline for US citizens (Re: UT general graduate application), GST requests that all application materials are submitted by February 1st in order to evaluate and invite promising students to the GST Retreat / Interview Weekend, which takes place in early March. After the committee reviews your file, they may request that you come to Oak Ridge to be interviewed by several of the faculty members. If you are accepted, your forms will be submitted to The University of Tennessee Graduate School with a recommendation for approval. After acceptance by the UT Graduate School, forms will be submitted to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to arrange your security clearance in order that you may enter the ORNL's Life Sciences Division.