Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements for GPA and standardized test scores for your graduate program?

Students should have GRE scores in the 40th percentile or above in the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE, which correspond to numerical scores of about 470 for the verbal, and 530 for the quantitative. The GPA for the most recent 60 semester credits (or 90 quarter credits) should be 3.0 or above. International students must have a TOEFL score of 570 (or 230 if the computer-based version of the test is taken). We sometimes admit students who are deficient in one of these categories if the rest of their application is very strong.

What financial aid is available?

All students who are accepted into our graduate program automatically receive a full assistantship, usually a teaching assistantship. This is true for MS students as well as Ph.D. students. In addition, tuition is waived as long as the student remains in good academic standing.

How long does it take to complete a Ph. D. at USU?

This depends in large part on how hard a student works. The typical time length for a Ph. D. is between four and a half to five years.

What areas does your department offer degrees in?

Our department offers M.S. and Ph. D. programs in organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry.

How long are standardized test scores valid?

Our university will accept TOEFL scores for up to two years after the test was taken. GRE scores are valid for five years after the test was taken.

Can I do anything to prepare for the GRE exams?

Yes, many bookstores sell GRE preparation workbooks that can be of help in improving scores on this test. Some of these contain CD-ROMs with practice tests. Good scores on the GRE tests depends on good test-taking skills, and the workbooks can help.

Can I retake the GRE to try to improve my score?

Yes. If you retake the GRE only your most recent score will be considered when evaluating your application.

What is the deadline for application?

We have no strict deadline for applications, but we recommend that students have their application file complete by April 15.

Can my application be evaluated with photocopies instead of original test scores and transcripts?

Your official test scores will need to be received eventually, but we can evaluate your application without the official score report from ETS, if you can send us photocopies of your GRE (and TOEFL for international students). The original scores must be received before you can begin your graduate program.

Can I have letters of recommendation sent by email?

Recommendation letters cannot be emailed, but you may ask your recommenders to fax us their letters before they post them. This can speed the evaluation process.

What is the application fee? Can I have it waived?

The application fee is $55. Our department will waive your fee for you if you meet our criteria of having a GPA of 3.0 or better, and GRE verbal and quantitative scores in the 40th percentile or better. If you are an international student, the department will waive your fee if English is your native language, or your language of instruction for your undergraduate degree, and your TOEFL score is 570 or better.

Can the TOEFL score substitute for the verbal portion of the GRE?

The TOEFL test cannot substitute for the Verbal portion of the GRE.