DBBS

Short Term Housing

If you do not have the opportunity to find an apartment prior to your arrival in St. Louis, you may need to find short term housing for the first few days or month(s). Please visit Washington University Apartment Referral Service (http://ars.wustl.edu) for a list of short-term accommodations. After accessing the site, select “Non-University Housing" then under Housing Options, select "short-term." All distances are from the Washington University Danforth Campus near the corner of Skinker and Forest Park Parkway referred to as "Main Campus".

Sometimes the Core Apartment Residence at the Washington University School of Medicine is able to provide temporary accommodations on a space available basis. For information, email thecore@wustl.edu or call 314-362-3230.

Hotels located near the Medical Campus:

The Parkway Hotel (on the Medical Campus)
4550 Forest Park Blvd.
St. Louis , MO 63110
1-866-314-7700
(314) 256-7777

Drury Inn & Suites – St. Louis Forest Park
2111 Sulphur Avenue
1-44 & Hampton Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63139
1-800-DRURYINN
(314) 646-0770

Cheshire Inn & Lodge
6300 Clayton Rd.
St. Louis , MO 63117
1-800-325-7378
(314) 647-7300

Hampton Inn & Suites – St. Louis at Forest Park
5650 Oakland Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
1-800-HAMPTON
(314) 655-3993

Hotels near the Danforth Campus:

The Knight Center
(on the Washington University Danforth Campus)
Forest Park Parkway & Throop Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
(866) 933-9400
(314) 933-9400

Sheraton Clayton Plaza
7730 Bonhomme
Clayton, MO 63105
(800) 325-3535
(314) 863-0400

Crowne Plaza St. Louis-Clayton Hotel
7750 Carondelet
Clayton, MO 63105
(800) 227-6963
(314) 726-5400

Ritz-Carlton-St. Louis
100 Carondelet Plaza
Clayton, MO 63105
(800) 241-3333
(314) 863-6300

Washington University does not investigate or endorse specific properties or landlords. Tenants are responsible to inspect a rental address and negotiate the lease terms with any landlord.

Relocating Resources

Yes

Housing

Washington University's Off-Campus Housing Office provides apartment listings and renting information. The Apartment Referral Service (ARS) (http://ars.wustl.edu) provides comprehensive information on renting an apartment and also maintains lists of off-campus housing options. ARS maintains lists of non-University owned housing options and works with Quadrangle Housing (http://www.offcampushousing.wustl.edu/Pages/default.aspx), the management company for all University-owned properties, many of which are on the MetroBus line.

Most people choose to live within a few miles of either campus in neighborhoods such as the Central West End, Clayton, Richmond Heights, Dogtown or the Loop. There are many safe areas around the campuses, but some areas do vary from street to street. We encourage you to check out your neighborhood before signing a lease, and if you are in doubt ask a co-worker or contact Washington University’s Apartment Referral Service for more information.

On the ARS site, you may search under "Non-University Housing" for short-term rentals and to look for roommates.

Additional rental resources:
Student Renter's Guide - Best Colleges
St. Louis Post-Dispatch On-line Classified Ads
The Riverfront Times Classified Ads (St. Louis’ alternative newsweekly)
Apartment Finder
ApartmentList.com
RENTCafé

Before You Rent…....
Renting is a business. It is governed by law and it is to your advantage to know how the law protects you and how it protects your landlord. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office explains the general obligations of Tenant-Landlord Law including the rights of the tenant and the landlord, the lease process, security deposits and repairs. and the rental process. We encourage you to read this information and to consult a lawyer if you have specific concerns or questions. Landlords cannot refuse to sell, rent, sublease or otherwise make housing available based on a renter's race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.

Because of the low cost of living in St. Louis and the availability of affordable housing, many people choose to buy property rather than rent. If you are interested in purchasing a house, the St. Louis Association of Realtors is a good place to start as well as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Washington University does not investigate or endorse specific properties or landlords. Tenants are responsible to inspect a rental address and negotiate the lease terms with any landlord.

Relocating Resources

Yes

Continuing Program Membership in DBBS

Program membership in the DBBS will be reviewed periodically:

The first-phase of review will be conducted by the Program Director/Steering Committees. The review process will address the following areas of participation in DBBS:

The member’s record of training and mentoring students, along with current and pending funding.
Committee service to the DBBS and related basic science entities including university, regional, and national organizations that support and promote graduate and medical education. Local service on advisory, planning, and oversight committees related to the mission of the DBBS.
Regular involvement in DBBS program activities, including seminars, journal clubs, student recruiting, and retreats.
Teaching contributions to graduate and/or medical education

Based upon the criteria noted above and the recommendation of the Program Director/Steering Committees, the Faculty Membership Committee will decide whether to renew the Program membership in DBBS, recommend an offer of General membership, or deny membership. If admission is denied, there is a period of one year before a new request will be considered.

FacultyPolicyApplication

Application, Procedures and Criteria for GENERAL Membership in the DBBS

Faculty on the Clinical, Research or Investigator track from any Department of Washington University may be nominated for DBBS General membership by their Department Head/Chair or Division Chief.

Candidates for new General membership in the DBBS will be evaluated using the following criteria, reflecting the importance of continued excellence in postgraduate training and mentoring. It is expected that DBBS faculty members will have strong credentials in many/most of the following areas:

A good record of student engagement within the Medical School and/or University at large.
Committee service to science/medical entities including university, regional, and national organizations that support and promote graduate and medical education.
Past and ongoing teaching contributions to graduate and/or medical education. A list should be provided of course titles with a brief summary of the subject matter taught and the number of contact hours in the classroom.
For recently appointed junior faculty who have not had the opportunity to meet these criteria, the basis for a positive prognosis should be addressed in the nomination letter from the Department Head/Chair.

The Faculty Membership Committee will decide whether to admit the candidate to General membership in DBBS. If admission is declined, there is a period of one year before a new request will be considered.

Completed applications must include the four components described below and must be attached to the DBBS membership application form, which can be downloaded below.

Applications are limited to 6 pages.Recommendation Letter or Supporting Statement from Applicant’s Department Head/Chair or Division Chief (1-2 pages)

Biographical Sketch or CV of Applicant (1-2 pages)

Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages), detailing the applicant’s area of expertise and enumerating how they will contribute to the mission of DBBS

Completed Application Form – Click here to download DBBS General Membership Application

FacultyPolicyApplication

Application, Procedures and Criteria for PROGRAM Membership in the DBBS

Faculty on the Investigator (tenure) track from any Department of Washington University may be nominated for DBBS Program membership by their Department Head/Chair. Research Track faculty are eligible only in exceptional cases.

Elements to be considered in determining if “exceptional” circumstances exist are: scientific environment and opportunities for training; evidence of commitment to education and mentoring, long-term commitment by Dept./Division; and evidence of independence in space and funding. If the applicant is granted membership, it would be for a 3-year approval with specific expectations to be met at the end of the 3-years (funding, publications, participation in DBBS activities).

Candidates for new Program membership in the DBBS will be evaluated using the following criteria, reflecting the importance of continued excellence in postgraduate training and mentoring. It is expected that DBBS faculty members will have strong credentials in many/most of the following areas:

A high quality, independent research program in an area of biological or biomedical research that is congruent with existing DBBS programs, and evidence of sustainable research funding or (in the case of new investigators) a strong prognosis for securing funding.
A strong record of training and mentoring students (graduate, medical, and/or undergraduate) and/or postdoctoral fellows, or (for new investigators) a clear interest and potential to do so. Examples include a record of past trainees and their current professional status and achievements, a list of publications authored by trainees, formal recognition/awards for teaching or mentoring, and any other evidence of a positive impact on the professional development of mentees.
Past and ongoing teaching contributions to graduate and/or medical education. A list should be provided of course titles with a brief summary of the subject matter taught and the number of contact hours in the classroom.
For recently appointed junior faculty who have not had the opportunity to meet these criteria, the basis for a positive prognosis should be addressed in the nomination letter from the Department Head/Chair.

The process for evaluating candidates will include the following steps.

The nomination will first be reviewed by the Program Director/Steering Committee of the Program that the candidate wishes to join. The Program Director will convey their recommendations to the DBBS Faculty Membership Committee along with a brief evaluation of the candidate’s qualifications with respect to the criteria outlined in 2) above.
The Faculty Membership Committee will decide whether to admit the candidate to Program membership in DBBS or recommend a re-evaluation for General membership. If admission is thoroughly declined, there is a period of one year before a new request will be considered.

Completed applications must include the six components described below and must be attached to the DBBS membership application form, which can be downloaded below. Applications are limited to 12 pages and must provide evidence of mentoring experience and skills as well as evidence of ability to cover graduate student stipend support. The following documents are required when a faculty member applies for membership to the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences:

Recommendation Letter or Supporting Statement from Applicant’s Department Head/Chair or Division Chief, whoever is financially responsible in the event of a lapse of funding by the faculty member (1-2 pages)

Biographical Sketch of Applicant (1-2 pages)

Current and Pending Support (include information regarding start-up funds, if applicable (1-2 pages)

Research Statement (1-3 pages)Research Statement (1-3 pages)

List of Current and Past Trainees, if applicable, and other evidence of mentoring experience and skills (Past 5 Years – 1-2 pages)

Completed Application Form - Click here to download DBBS Program Membership Application.

FacultyPolicyApplication

Admissions- What Makes An App Strong?

Test Scores

GRE:
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General test is required by some DBBS Programs. Please refer to the individual program web page (http://www.dbbs.wustl.edu/divprograms/Pages/Division-Programs.aspx) to see if you need to submit GRE scores. If so, scores must be from tests taken in the last five years. The Subject test is not required. Applicants who need to submit scores are strongly encouraged to schedule the exam early so the official scores will reach DBBS before the December 1^st deadline.

ETS Institution Code - 6929

TOEFL or IELTS:
Proficiency in English is required of all applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency and are required to provide an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Only scores from tests taken within the last two years will be accepted. To be eligible for an automatic (no request needed) TOEFL/IELTS waiver the applicant must have completed a full-time bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. The entire program of study must have been completed at the institution and be of 3 years duration, at minimum.

ETS Institution Code - 6929

Outstanding recommendations and higher quality research experience may make up for lower test scores, so do not let lower scores discourage you from applying.

Yes

I am an international student, how do I know if I am exempt from the TOEFL or IELTS test?

To be eligible for an automatic (no request needed) TOEFL/IELTS waiver the applicant must have completed a full-time bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. The entire program of study must have been completed at the institution and be of 3 years duration, at minimum.

Yes

Admissions- FAQ APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

What are the minimum requirements for applying to DBBS?

All applicants must have a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General test is required for only some programs. Scores must be from tests taken in the last five years. The Subject test is not required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule the exam early so the official scores will reach DBBS before the December 1^st deadline. See “Test Scores” below for additional information.

Proficiency in English is required of all applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency and are required to provide an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Only scores from tests taken within the last two years will be accepted. To be eligible for an automatic (no request needed) TOEFL/IELTS waiver the applicant must have completed a full-time bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. The entire program of study must have been completed at the institution and be of 3 years duration, at minimum.

Some programs have specific course requirements and some do not require the GRE. Please refer to the programs' website for additional information.

Yes

Admissions- FAQ APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

What test scores are required and when do I need to take them?

Yes

PhD Application Instructions

Test Scores

Yes

PhD Application Instructions

Prerequisites

DBBS welcomes applicants with outstanding baccalaureate training in natural, physical or engineering sciences that are committed to a career in research. The strongest applicants will have had significant research experience and have a strong undergraduate record not only in their area of concentration, but also in related disciplines. For example, some of our programs will give preference to applicants who have strong training not only in biology, but also 4 to 6 semesters of chemistry (including biochemistry) as well as appropriate course work in calculus and physics (1 to 2 semesters each). Other programs, depending on their emphasis, will consider individuals with less extensive backgrounds in chemistry, physics, psychology or mathematics but with related training in biology. For example, Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology gives preference to applicants that have completed one semester of physical chemistry or an equivalent course.

Minimum Requirements:

All applicants must have a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General test is required by some, but not all DBBS Programs. Scores must be from tests taken in the last five years. The Subject test is not required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule the exam early so the official scores will reach DBBS before the December 1 deadline. See “Test Scores” below for additional information.
Proficiency in English is required of all applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency and are required to provide an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Only scores from tests taken within the last two years will be accepted. To be eligible for an automatic (no request needed) TOEFL/IELTS waiver the applicant must have completed a full-time bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. The entire program of study must have been completed at the institution and be of 3 years duration, at minimum.

Yes

PhD Application Instructions

Application Review Process

Early submission of the Ph.D. application is recommended. This allows each application to receive the greatest consideration for admission.

The length of time it takes for review of an application depends on each Program's process. Programs review applications on a rolling basis as application files become complete. Most applicants are notified prior to February 20th regarding the decision to interview the applicant.

Yes

Admissions- What Makes An App Strong?

Coursework/ GPA

Choosing Courses

General requirements include several courses in biology, general and organic chemistry (4-6 semesters), calculus, and physics (1 to 2 semesters each). Some programs require specific course work. The Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology program give preference to applicants that have completed one semester of physical chemistry or an equivalent course. The program in Computational & Systems Biology prefers that applicants have taken courses in algorithms and statistics as well as programming (i.e. C++). See program websites for additional information.

Students earning degrees in fields such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering and who have an interest in the intersection of their own discipline and biology are encouraged to apply to our programs. In programs such as Computational & Molecular Biophysics or Computational & Systems Biology, a background in physics or computer science is extremely useful.

GPA

The Division does not set minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements. We ask that GPAs be reported for each school attended on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are also required to submit an unofficial transcript from each college/university attended. The committee reviews these transcripts, taking into consideration the range of courses taken, overall course load, and grades in specific courses. Successful applicants usually have GPAs in both science and non-science courses in the range of 3.2 – 4.0.

Yes

Admissions- What Makes An App Strong?

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Letters from research mentors are most important. If an applicant has had multiple research experiences, it is important to get letters from more than one mentor, including the current mentor.

Occasionally, students begin their latest research experience in August or September before completing an application a few months later. In this instance, the faculty member may not feel he/she has had enough time to assess the student's ability. The student can make note of this on the application form. The admissions committee may request a letter from that mentor in the spring.

Letters of recommendation should focus on the student's ability to reason scientifically. Examples of initiative, motivation, and determination are helpful to the committee.

When students ask for letters of recommendation, it is helpful for the student to provide the faculty member with a copy of the student's resume, a transcript, and a description of why the student is interested in pursuing a career in scientific research.

Yes

Admissions- FAQ STIPEND, FELLOWSHIP AND VISA ASSISTANCE

I am an international student residing outside the US. Do you assist with obtaining Visas so that I may come to St. Louis for a personal Interview?

The procedures you must follow to apply for your visa and the length of time required to process the application vary from Consulate to Consulate. You should contact the nearest U.S. Consulate as soon as possible to request information about visa application procedures and requirements. Applicants are required to pay for travel costs but may receive reimbursement for portion of costs if you have the appropriate Visa. You will need to bring your original passport, visa (You will need a business visa (B1) or a waiver of visa for business (WB)) and I-94 for documentation for reimbursement. You will NOT be reimbursed for your airfare if you have a different type of visa per the United States Tax Department.

Yes

Admissions- FAQ INTERVIEWS AND DECISIONS

Can I defer my admission to DBBS?

An applicant admitted to the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences may request to defer admission for one year. Admitted candidates should submit a letter or e-mail to request the deferral. The letter should provide a general statement regarding the reason for the deferral (i.e. year in Peace Corps, personal reasons, etc.). Deferred applicants are expected to contact the Division in early January to confirm their admittance for the following fall.

DBBS has also partnered with Teach for America. Those who are admitted to DBBS and choose to join Teach For America are granted a two-year deferral.

Yes

Admissions- FAQ APPLICATION STATUS

How will I know if you have received all my supporting documents?

You may verify the status of all supporting materials on-line within your application by logging back into your ApplyWeb account and clicking on your "Activity Log". The status of supporting documents is generally updated on a daily basis.

Yes

My recommender does not have any email service. What do I do?

If your recommender does not have access to any email system, please have your recommender call us toll free at 1-800-852-9074 (or locally at 314-362-3365).

How do I resend the recommendation email to my recommender?

Infomration regarding resending the recommendation letter request can be found by logging into your ApplyWeb account.

Yes

How do I change or substitute one of my recommenders?

You may make changes to your recommenders by logging into your ApplyWeb account.

Yes

May my recommenders send their letters by email or fax?

We do not accept letters of recommendation that are sent to us via Fax, Email or any attachment within the email. If your recommender is having problems with the on-line system, please have your recommender contact the CollegeNet Applyweb group.

Yes

Where do I or my recommenders send letters of recommendation that cannot be submitted on-line?

We strongly encourage all applicants to ask their recommenders to submit their letters of recommendation on-line, as it expedites the review process. If your recommenders are unable to do so the recommender needs to contact us at DBBSPhDAdmissions@email.wustl.edu.

Yes

Can I submit my application before the recommendation letters have been received?

Please submit as soon as you finish the application. The Recommendation letters can be received after the application has been submitted.

Yes

Can you send me the recommendation form?

The recommendation forms are electronic and sent directly to your recommenders email address through our on-line application system. After you have entered your recommenders information, they will receive an email inviting them to submit their letter of recommendation.

Yes

What are the minimum test scores required?

When required the most successful applicants typically score at or above the 75th percentile in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test. Successful international applicants tend to score 100 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Examination or 7.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). However, outstanding recommendations and higher quality research experience may make up for lower test scores, so do not let lower scores discourage you from applying.

Yes

Can I get a waiver for my TOEFL test?

We do not issue any waivers for a TOEFL test score report.

Are there any test substitution such as MCAT, IELTS?

We do not substitute any other tests for the required GRE general and TOEFL (if applicable) tests.

When do I take the tests?

It is strongly recommended that you complete all testing (if applicable) within four to six weeks before you begin your application. It takes approximately 15 days to receive the test scores on the computer based tests, and about six weeks to receive scores on the paper based testing.

Yes

What are the GRE or TOEFL Institution and Department codes for reporting test scores to be sent to DBBS?

GRE General - if applicable
Institution Code - 6929

GRE-ETS
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000
Website: www.gre.org
Phone: 1-866-473-4373

TOEFL - if applicable
Institution Code - 6929

Educational Testing Services
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
Website : www.toefl.org
Phone: 1-800-468-6335