Applying
Thank you for your interest in applying to our graduate program. The priority deadline for submitting the online application is December 1.
Applicants can apply to the chemistry PhD program with a bachelor’s degree. The department does not offer a terminal master’s degree in chemistry.
The entire application can be completed online. There is no need to send or forward hard copies of any required document.
Below is information on the following:
- Virtual open house
- Application deadline
- Application fee waivers
- Financial aid
- Standardized tests
- English proficiency waiver information
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Non-discrimination policy
For further information on applying to our graduate program, please contact the graduate studies coordinator.
Virtual Open House
Our virtual open houses for prospective students applying for fall 2025 entry are now complete. We encourage students to contact our graduate studies coordinator with questions about our program.
For students applying for fall 2026 entry, we will be holding virtual information sessions in October 2025. Specific details and registration links will be posted closer to that date.
Application Deadline
Applicants seeking priority review are encouraged to have all materials submitted by December 1. Applications received after the deadline will still be accepted and processed but will be given consideration according to the availability of positions in the program. Applications are accepted for the fall entry term only.
Decisions are released to candidates as soon as the committee determines eligibility. Notification may be staggered over several weeks. Please be patient as your application is being reviewed by multiple committee members.
The English language proficiency of international students is also evaluated through 30-minute interviews held over Zoom. In these interviews, students are asked questions regarding their academic and research preparation, motivation for pursuing graduate studies at the University of Rochester, and future goals. The interviews also provide a means to check whether the student's research interests align with those of faculty in the department.
Application Fee Waivers
If you earned a 3.0/4.0 GPA* or higher at all the institutions you have attended previously, then an application fee waiver will automatically be applied to your application. If you did not earn a 3.0/4.0 GPA* or higher at all prior institutions, then you will need to pay the $30 application fee.
*GPAs calculated on other scales (e.g. out of 5.0, 10.0, or 100) will automatically be converted to the 4.0 scale to determine fee-waiver eligibility. If you do not qualify for the automatic fee waiver, you can complete the form below by November 15, 2024 to be considered for a limited number of non-automatic fee waivers. To qualify for a non-automatic fee waiver you must:
- Identify relevant extenuating circumstances (for example: your undergraduate institution does not assign a GPA, or you earned a 3.0/4.0 GPA or higher at your most recent institution but not prior institutions)
- Attest that the $30 application fee would cause you financial hardship
- Complete (but not submit) your online application prior to November 15, 2024
If you are selected for a non-automatic fee waiver, the admissions committee will notify you prior to the December 1, 2024 priority deadline. At that time, you will be able to submit your online application without paying the $30 fee. We will be unable to retroactively refund any paid application fees.
Financial Aid
Full tuition scholarships are awarded to all chemistry graduate students, and they receive a living stipend ($33,475 for the 2024-2025 academic year) and health insurance. Graduate student funding is guaranteed for the duration of the graduate career, provided the student is meeting the standards of PhD work in the department.
Each graduate student will serve as a teaching assistant (TA). Students are responsible for a total of six units of teaching during their PhD, where a unit represents three hours of contact time, one office hour per week, TA meetings, and grading. This typically entails three semesters of TA responsibilities, within the student’s first two years in the PhD program.
In addition, the department provides entering students with a professional development and travel allowance to present their research at a scientific meeting.
The University also has several merit fellowships for which students become eligible at various times throughout their studies. Students may be eligible to receive one or more of the fellowships, depending on academic and research performance. These fellowships will typically provide an additional bonus to the student’s annual stipend.
The criteria for the fellowships differ:
- Fellowship selection early in graduate school is based on excellence in courses and exams.
- Fellowship selection later in graduate school is based on research accomplishments.
Currently available fellowships are:
- Sherman-Clarke Fellowships: Eligible in first and second years, based on coursework and TA performance.
- Ewart Fellowships: Eligible in third year, based on coursework, teaching, initial research, and performance on qualifying examination.
- Weissberger, DeRight, and Lattimore Fellowships: Eligible in fourth and fifth years, based on research accomplishment.
- Moses Passer Fellowship: Awarded annually to a deserving doctoral student on the basis of his/her academic scholarship.
- Hooker and Messersmith Fellowships: Eligible after completing qualifying examination; University fellowships based on overall accomplishments.
- Sproull, Provost and University Fellowships: University fellowships based on special promise in graduate work.
Standardized Tests
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is NOT required to apply to the graduate program in chemistry at the University of Rochester.
English Proficiency Test Information
All international students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency through the submission of official test scores from one of the following exams. Scores more than two years old from the application deadline are not valid.
To send in IELTS scores please use the following address:
University of Rochester
Graduate Studies-AS&E
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd
P.O. Box 270401
Rochester NY 14627
TOEFL scores can be submitted using the code 2928 (A department code is not necessary).
Duolingo scores can be sent directly to the University of Rochester at no cost.
Students choosing to submit TOEFL scores may submit results from the TOEFL iBT or Paper-Delivered Test administered at proctored test locations. Due to COVID-19, we will also accept the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test.
| EXAM | RECOMMENDED SCORE |
|---|---|
| Duolingo English Test | 120 |
| IELTS | 7.5 |
| TOEFL iBT or Paper-Delivered Test | 100 Writing=25 Speaking=24 Reading=26 Listening=25 |
English Proficiency Waiver Information
The English proficiency test requirement is waived for citizens of the following countries whose native language is English:
- Australia
- Canada
- Commonwealth Caribbean Nations
- Ghana
- Ireland
- Kenya
- Liberia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- Virgin Islands
The requirement may also be waived if a student has completed at least three years of full time and in-person postsecondary study in one of the countries listed above or the United States. We reserve the right to require further demonstration of English proficiency, even if you have received your degree from one of the above-mentioned countries.
If you would like to be granted a waiver for these exams, please email graduate.admissions@rochester.edu.
Statement of Purpose
The required Statement of Purpose explains why you are applying to the University of Rochester for graduate study. Your statement of purpose should address the following micro-prompts. You are encouraged to separate each component with a clear subheading. An optional template is provided for your convenience.
Scientific Goals
Describe your motivation to pursue a PhD in chemistry, including your future research interests and career goals. Elaborate on specific personal experiences and/or values that have shaped your goals and interests. Identify at least three potential research supervisors (faculty) at the University of Rochester and describe how their research aligns with your goals. (Up to 500 words)
Research Preparation
Describe your prior research experience(s) where applicable. Briefly state the aim(s) of your project(s). Elaborate on why the project was interesting, what you learned from that experience, and how it helped inform your decision to pursue graduate studies and/or prepare you for graduate research. If you are an author on one or more publications, describe your specific contributions to the publication(s). (Up to 750 words)
Non-Technical Skills
Describe situations in which you have demonstrated leadership, resilience, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, self-advocacy, advocacy for others, mentorship, and/or other non-technical skills. You may include examples related to your academics and research or you may choose to highlight other activities. Either way, the most effective statements will include specific details and demonstrate a sustained pattern of engagement. (Up to 500 words)
Extenuating Considerations
[Optional] Describe any barriers or obstacles you faced that may have negatively impacted your access to and/or your performance in your academics or research. Describe what steps you have taken to manage these challenges to pursue your chemistry training. (Up to 500 words)
Transcripts
For the application process, please upload all transcripts through the application portal. Unofficial transcripts are accepted during the application process. If you are admitted and decide to attend the University of Rochester, you will be required to submit official transcripts to verify your degree(s).
Letters of Recommendation
While completing the online application, you will be asked to provide the names and contact information for the three people that you are asking to recommend you for graduate school. These individuals will receive an email directly from the application system with a link and instructions on how to upload their letter of recommendation. The most effective letters will come from individuals who know you well from professional or academic settings and can provide detailed examples highlighting your strengths and skills relevant to pursuing a PhD in chemistry. Letter writers are encouraged to focus on information and context beyond that provided in an academic transcript or curriculum vitae (CV).
Non-discrimination Policy
The University of Rochester values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. Further, the University complies with all applicable non-discrimination laws in the administration of its policies, admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs and activities.
Questions on compliance should be directed to the particular school or department and/or to the University's Equal Opportunity Coordinator, University of Rochester, P.O. Box 270039, Rochester, NY 14627-0039. Phone: (585) 275-9125.