TOEFL International applicants must have a minimum overall TOEFL score of 550 for the paper-based test or 79 for the internet-based test. Scores below these thresholds will be considered in the context of the overall application package. GRE Graduate Record Examination scores – are required for admission consideration to the Department of Marine Sciences. High GRE scores can compensate for modest grades. However, a poor result on the GRE does not necessarily jeopardize your chances if the rest of your file is strong. Individuals reviewing the file realize that everyone can ‘have a bad day’. Applicants with a combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 315+ with a writing score of 4.5+ tend to be most competitive for department-supported teaching and research assistantships.

PS Personal statement of purpose – is a very important component of the application. The essay (2 pages) should clearly identify your interests, explain why you are pursuing a graduate degree, and why you feel UConn’s Oceanography field of study is best suited for pursuit of your career goals. Make certain you target your essay to appropriate faculty members with whom you are interested in working. Your essay should also highlight your motivation for doing graduate work, any relevant training or professional and research experiences you have had, and academic honors, scholarships, etc. The objective is to provide as complete a picture of you as an individual as possible, including and stressing information that goes beyond just numbers and scores. Detailed and well thought-out comments are much more valuable than vague generalizations. GPA A minimum 3.0 GPA in the combined science courses. Admission is very competitive and successful applicants to Marine Sciences typically have GPAs considerably higher than the minimum, usually greater than 3.5 in the last four academic semesters. CV Give them a short history of your education, research interests, and career goals. You may also wish to attach transcripts or a resume or CV in an email. Fee Complete and submit your online application. You will be asked to provide a valid credit card for payment of the application fee ($75) when you submit your application. RL Three letters of recommendation – recommenders should be selected carefully. When possible, have at least one letter from someone who has seen you work in a field or laboratory research atmosphere (e.g., an advisor for an undergraduate research project). Individuals providing a letter of reference should provide candid evaluations of your scientific aptitude, training, motivation, teaching talent, and ability to express yourself orally and in technical writing. Transcript Give them a short history of your education, research interests, and career goals. You may also wish to attach transcripts or a resume or CV in an email.Upload into your application an unofficial transcript from the school where you received your bachelor’s degree and any courses taken beyond that degree, regardless of whether or not a degree was received. You can upload your unofficial transcripts using the “Upload All Documents here” link on the online application. (International students see below for more specific requirements).The most common reason for delayed consideration of graduate school applications is missing transcripts. Be sure to include all transcripts with your admissions materials; failure to provide transcripts from all educational institutions, regardless of whether or not a degree was received, may be grounds for cancellation of admission. AFTER you complete your application, request official transcripts from each college or university that you have attended. Official transcripts are issued by the college/university attended and bear the impressed or colored seal of that institution. Do not open the sealed transcripts you send to us.Unofficial, scanned, faxed, or notarized copies will not be accepted as official transcripts.If your University sends official transcripts electronically, they should be sent directly to the following email address only: GradAdmissions@uconn.edu (Do NOT send them to the BiomedSci email address)Transcripts become the property of the University. Official transcripts/degree certificates only should be sent directly to the main campus at Storrs: The Whetten Graduate Center Second Floor University of Connecticut 438 Whitney Road Extension, Unit 1152 Storrs, CT 06269-1152 If you are selected for admission, all official transcripts, mark sheets, or degree certificates/diplomas (international) are required to finalize your admission to the program.