Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: GRE General or Subject Test Scores are not required for application or admission to any of the tracks.
Letters of recommendation: Three letters in electronic format only
Previous research/work experience: While not required, most successful candidates have acquired some laboratory or research experience, either during their undergraduate career or while working in industry.
Research interests: Research interests, as put forth in the applicant's personal statement, are evaluated for their relevance to the PBSE program and selected training track.
Personal Interviews: Based on the above criteria, applicants will be invited to visit UCSC for personal interviews with faculty members and current graduate students. Transportation and other costs of the interview process are covered by the program. The MCD Biology graduate program places a high value on the presence of scholars from diverse nations and cultures, and actively solicits applications from foreign applicants. However, due to limited financial resources, we can only make a small number of offers to non-U.S. residents. Foreign applicants from countries where English is not the primary language MUST take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimal score of 550 (on the paper-based test), 220 (on the computer-based test) or 83 (on the internet-based test) is required. TOEFL scores are good for two years from the test date. Any international students who wish to be considered for Teaching Assistant opportunities must score a 26 or higher on the Spoken Word portion of the internet-based test.

For those choosing to take the IELTS, a minimum overall score of 7 from the IELTS test is required for admission. A speaking portion score of 8 from the IELTS test is required for all new international students who may serve as a Teaching Assistant at any time during their graduate career. The minimum GPA requirement for UC graduate admissions is 3.0. International applicants need not convert their international GPA to the U.S. GPA scale.