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PULSe Admissions

Thank you for your interest in the Interdisciplinary Life Science Ph.D. Program (PULSe). All applications must be submitted electronically through the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars. Completed submissions will be reviewed by the PULSe Admissions Committee, which includes representatives from each of the PULSe Training Groups.

Please note that admission to the PULSe program is offered for the fall semester only.

The application deadline is December 1 each year, however we begin reviewing applications in November. Selected applicants residing within the United States may be invited to visit campus to explore the program further and meet with faculty and current students.

We look forward to reviewing your application!

An electronic application
PULSe application supplement
- Found within the electronic application.
Academic Statement of Purpose
- The academic statement of purpose should contain no more than 500 words. You may wish to discuss your research experience, awards, achievements, and/or scholarly publications. Additional questions to consider may include the following:
  - What makes you tick, what motivates you?
  - What hurdles have you faced and what does resiliency mean to you?
  - Why do you want to pursue a PhD?
  - What areas of research are you interested in and why?
  - Why are you interested in the PULSe Program?
  - What are your career goals?
Personal History Statement
- The personal history statement helps reviewers learn more about you as a whole person and as a potential graduate student. This may include relevant details on community service, leadership roles, participation in diverse teams, and significant barriers that you overcame to attend graduate school.
Three letters of recommendation
- A letter from your research adviser is strongly recommended as the research experience is of particular importance in showcasing your strengths in the field.
Transcripts from every institution of higher education attended must be included with your electronic application.
- If personal identifying information (student identification number or social security number) appear on the document REMOVE THIS INFORMATION from your electronic version or paper copy before scanning your document.
- If you are admitted and choose to enroll you must submit official transcripts and/or academic documents directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Here are some tips for uploading your transcripts into the Education Background section of your application.
International degree-seeking applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test scores.
- Additional information is provided by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars regarding TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo.
Select applicants will be interviewed in person or virtually.
International degree-seeking applicants are required to submit a copy of their earned degrees in both English and their native language.
C.V. or resume are encouraged, but not required.

PULSe is a Life Sciences graduate program. Thus, we expect that successful applicants have the necessary background in mathematics, biology, and chemistry including organic chemistry and ideally biochemistry. Certain Training Groups such as Biomolecular Structure and Biophysics and Integrative Neuroscience also suggest that students have a background in basic physics. Exceptions may be made, however, for students who are changing fields, for example, when moving from computer science or engineering into the life sciences. Use your personal statement to explain your reasons for wanting to do interdisciplinary life science research and provide details of your experiences.

Completed applications must be received by December 1st; however, applications will be reviewed beginning in November. A number of qualified applicants living in the United States will be invited to campus to learn more about the program.

Please note that admission to the PULSe program is offered for the fall semester only.

We look forward to reviewing your application!

Apply now

Official test scores (TOEFL, and IELTS) must be sent to institution code 1631; no department code is necessary. Photocopied test scores are NOT accepted.
While publications are not a requirement for admission to PULSe, if you have publications, be sure to provide a full citation for each one.

PULSe ADMISSION FAQ

What is the application submission deadline?

The application deadline in December 1st of each year. PULSe is Fall only in-take.

What is the application fee?

Purdue University requires an application fee: $60 for domestic applicants and $75 for international applicants. When you have submitted your electronic application, you must pay this nonrefundable application fee via credit card online. Credit card payments are required.

Should I mail my application material directly to your department or the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars?

Please send application materials to:
PULSe
Purdue University
Young Hall, Room 829
155 South Grant
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2114

Is the GRE required for admission?

Beginning July 1, 2020, the GRE is not required for admission to PULSe.

Does it matter that my personal statement is more than 500 words?

It is best if you keep your personal statement to a maximum of 500 words.

Who will evaluate my application?

The PULSe Admissions Committee, which consists of representatives from all PULSe Training Groups, evaluates all applications.

What is the Admissions Committee looking for in a successful application?

A successful application comes from an academically strong student with previous research experience documented by letters of recommendation. We are looking for motivated students who are eager to solve problems and work well in teams.

Do you offer enrollment deferments?

Requests for deferment are made on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. If you choose to delay your entry to Purdue for one year, you will be required to reapply and pay a new application fee.

Does PULSe offer a Master’s program?

No, PULSe only offers Doctoral study.

Do you consider extra-curricular activities in the evaluation process?

We consider all required application materials when making admissions decisions.

How many seats are available in PULSe each year?

Each fall, we enroll approximately 20 students.

When filling out the electronic application, I am unable to find the name of my institution on the list. What do I do?

Use the number “0000” and spell out the name of your college/university, the state, and/or country.

Can I mail my application materials separately?

Yes, you can mail your application materials separately.

When will your department begin to review applications?

We begin reviewing applications in November.

When will the final decisions be made?

The Admissions decisions are completed in March.

How do I check the status of my application?

Once your electronic application is completed online, you can check the status of your application, as we are continually informing applicants of our admissions decisions. On this site, select Application for Admission. Note that you will be required to provide your user pin and password.

FINANCIAL

Does the department offer financial support?

All students admitted to PULSe, both U.S. and international students, receive paid tuition and an assistantship for the entire first year of study to allow them to complete core requirements and participate in laboratory rotations. The PULSe Stipend is $33,000.

What happens after my first year?

Additional support for students in subsequent years will be from training grants, research grants secured by the major professor, or research and/or teaching assistantships. The level of support in subsequent years will meet or exceed the level of support provided in the student’s first year.

What is the cost of living for a student?

The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars provides a Cost of Living for Purdue University with a comparison to other Universities. You may also visit Apartment Guide and search West Lafayette, Indiana.

HOUSING

What information do you have about off-campus housing?

Information regarding off-campus housing can be located at Boiler Apartments, Apartments, or Apartment Guide.

Do you recruit international students? If so, how many per year?

We encourage international students to apply to PULSe. We do not have a set number of international students that we accept each year.

Can the application fee be waived for international applicants?

No, the application fee cannot be waived at this time.

Do you have an interview requirement for international students?

Select international applicants will be interviewed.

How can I learn more about Purdue’s International Students and Scholars?

Visit the International Student Scholars site.

Where can I find up-to-date information on U.S. visa and new SEVIS regulations?

Information may be found at the U.S. Department of State, Student and Exchange Visitor Program, and Study in the States.

Do I need to have ETS send my official TOEFL score to PULSe or are photocopies acceptable?

Official scores for the TOEFL must be sent by ETS. We do not accept photocopied scores.

What institution code should be used when mailing test scores to Purdue University from ETS?

The Purdue University institution code is 1631.

What department code should be used when mailing test scores to PULSe from ETS?

You do not need a department code.

My TOEFL scores have expired, do I need to retake them?

If your TOEFL scores have expired, you must retake them. However, if you are currently a Purdue graduate student or you have graduated from a U.S. institution within the last 36 months, then there is no need to retake the TOEFL.

My TOEFL scores will not arrive until after the December 1st deadline. Will I still be considered for admission to PULSe?

If the Admissions Committee is still reviewing files, when your scores arrive your application may be reviewed. However, if your scores are not received by the December 1st deadline, all slots may be filled before your file is reviewed.

Do you have the minimal criteria for TOEFL scores?

Currently, the TOEFL minimum is 213 computer-based, 550 paper based. The minimum TOEFL Internet-based test scores required for admission are the following: Writing 18, Speaking 18, Listening 14, Reading 19, and a Total Score of 80. Refer to OGSPS’ Admissions’ site for additional test score requirements.