When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for early consideration is January 31.  We will continue accepting applications beyond this point until all available spots are filled. In order to ensure enough time for visa processing, international students should submit all of their application materials submitted by May 31st.

What is the cost of tuition?
The projected tuition for the 2008-09 academic year is $11,716 per quarter.  In the past, the tuition has typically increased 4-5% annually.

Are scholarships or grants available?
The MBP does not offer any fellowships or teaching assistantships, and there is little chance of obtaining financial assistance from other sources.  However, Northwestern University’s Financial Aid Office will help secure loans for domestic students, as well as international students with a US guarantor. 

Can I obtain an outside part-time job while in the MBP?
Obtaining a part-time job (up to 15 hr/week) is acceptable starting in the winter quarter if a student demonstrates good academic performance during the fall quarter.  Limited assistance in finding part-time jobs will be provided by the MBP industrial liaison.

Do I have to take the GRE and TOEFL?
All prospective MBP students must take the GRE “general” test; in some cases the GRE can be substituted with the MCAT or GMAT. (When taking the GRE, please use institution code 1011.)  For non-native English speakers, TOEFL scores are waived only if their undergraduate work was completed at a US institution or at a location abroad where English is the official language and also the official language of the institution (When taking the TOEFL, please use institution code 5937.)

My GPA is less than 3.1.  Can I still apply, and do I stand a chance to be admitted to the MBP?
Yes, you can still apply.  When making admission decisions, the MBP takes a holistic approach, considering all factors including GRE scores, GPA’s, research experience, letters of recommendation and performance during the interview.  Students may be accepted if shortcomings in some requirements are compensated for by strength in other credentials. 

My education lacks some admission requirements (e.g., college level calculus or research experience).  Am I still eligible for admission to the MBP?
Yes, you can receive a conditional admission which will stipulate that you will need to complete the missing requirement(s) at an institution of your choice (including Northwestern University) before starting the MBP.

What undergraduate degrees are eligible for admission to the MBP?
We accept students with a variety of degrees/majors that include but not limited to biochemistry, biological sciences, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, chemical engineering, and chemistry.

What are the minimum required GRE and TOEFL scores?
There are no fixed minimum required GRE or TOEFL scores.  When making admissions decisions, the MBP takes a holistic approach, considering all factors including GRE scores, GPA’s, research experience, letters of recommendation and performance during the interview.  However, as a guideline, the MBP uses the following acceptable scores: 480/420 (domestic/international) for verbal GRE and 600/680 (domestic/international) for quantitative GRE; 600 (PBT)/250 (CBT)/100 (IBT) for TOEFL.

Is there a online payment method for the application fee?
Unfortunately there is no online payment available at this time. We can only accept a check or money order made payable to "Northwestern University".

I have a 3 year undergraduate degree (e.g., BSc in Biotechnology).  Am I qualified for admission to the MBP?
Yes, as long as the degree is from an accredited institution and you satisfy all of the admission requirements.

Is a campus visit mandatory for admission to the MBP?
No, but the MBP strongly encourages you to schedule a brief (half-day) campus visit. This visit will allow you to meet with the MBP faculty and staff, tour some research facilities, and interact with our current students.  If you are unable to visit campus, you must instead schedule a phone interview with the Associate Director.

Do I have to start the MBP in the fall quarter?
The large majority of MBP students enter the program in the fall and take the same courses at the same time.  Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Is a part-time option available for the MBP?
The MBP is predominately a full-time program.  However, a part-time option is available provided that a candidate is able to complete all of the coursework and research requirements in less than three academic years (12 quarters).  In order to maintain educational loan requirements while in a part-time program, you must take at least 2 course units per quarter.