Application Information

APPLICATION REVIEW

The BMEGG evaluates applicants using holistic review, which is an evidence-based approach to identify people that are likely to be successful in graduate education and biomedical engineering research. You can increase your likelihood of being admitted by specifically addressing the following criteria in your application essays. Criteria considered include:

  • Creativity and innovation. Applicant demonstrates use of varied experiences and background to formulate and answer scientific questions.
  • Long-term goals and commitment. Applicant demonstrates ability and willingness to work hard and steadily towards long-term goals.
  • Contributions to diversity. Applicant has the potential to contribute to diversity in higher education/biomedical engineering as evidenced by life experiences, educational background (e.g. non-traditional paths) and/or ability to articulate the barriers facing underrepresented communities in higher education/science.
  • Outreach, inclusion, and service. Applicant shows leadership and/or motivation to making science accessible and inclusive of communities both within and outside the University. Demonstrates strong desire to help others.
  • Academic preparedness. Applicant demonstrates academic preparation for success in graduate coursework.
  • Resilience and adaptability. Applicant demonstrates ability to push past obstacles and/or to take in new information/events and adjust accordingly. Has clear understanding of uncertainty in a way that will equip them to weather the ups and downs of research and graduate school.
  • Research experience. Applicant has taken advantage of relevant research opportunities available to them, given socioeconomic background and previous schools attended. Has a realistic perspective on how to conduct and/or complete research projects; strong ability to work independently and problem solve.
  • Leadership and work experience. Applicant demonstrates maturity through clear communication, ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team, strong organizational skills, and/or ability to juggle multiple tasks at once.


APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The application deadline for Fall 2025 admission is December 1, 2024.  Your application is not complete until all of the items listed below are received. Application review will begin on December 15th.  ALL parts (letters of recommendation and test scores) must be received by December 15th in order to be reviewed. NO EXCEPTIONS.

1. Application

Your application to Graduate Studies must be completed online; go to Graduate Admissions for instructions.  The application includes both a Statement of Purpose and a Personal History and Diversity Statement.  Additional and supplemental information will not be accepted.  Please include all pertinent information in online Graduate Application.

2. Three Letters of Recommendation

Select recommenders who will enthusiastically support your application to graduate school and can provide examples of your academic and research capabilities. Recommendations are typically submitted by university faculty, although employers may also be relevant. Letters of Recommendation must be submitted electronically through the online application. Recommendations will not be accepted by mail or e-mail.

3. CV (Curriculum Vitae)

Resources for formatting your CV are available from the UC Davis Internship and Career Center. Your CV must be submitted electronically through the online application. CVs will not be accepted by mail or e-mail.

4. Transcripts

UC Davis requires academic records from every college-level institution you have attended. You will be instructed to upload scanned copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application.

5. Application Fee

The fee to apply for admission is $135 (U.S. residents) or $155 (all other applicants). Please note that the application fee is nonrefundable.  UC Davis offers application fee waivers to applicants who have participated in specific graduate preparation programs (for a full list see Graduate Preparation Program Participants on the Graduate Studies Application Overview page). Applicants who are affiliated with these programs must indicate their participation AND must provide the name and contact information for their program coordinator in the relevant section of the online application system to receive a fee waiver. The College of Engineering also provides application fee fellowships for domestic Ph.D. applicants applying to the COE Equity Program.

6. English Language Requirement

Applicants whose native language or language of instruction is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS. Official score reports must be sent from ETS electronically to UC Davis (our Institution Code is 4834).  The minimum TOEFL score required for admission to Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis is 100 for the Internet-based test and 550 for the paper test.  The minimum IELTS band score required for admission to Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis is 8 on a 9-point scale.


COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

We are actively recruiting graduate students with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance.  The admissions committee considers applications on a holistic review basis and focuses on demonstrated scientific skills, research experience, academic achievement, resourcefulness, and commitment to outreach, leadership and service. We are committed to providing financial support and mentoring to underrepresented minority students beginning their doctoral studies.


INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Additional information for international applicants is available from Graduate Studies.


ADMISSION DECISIONS

The BMEGG Admissions Committee will review all applications submitted by the general deadline, December 1st.  Ph.D. applicants admitted by February 10th will be invited to the BMEGG Recruitment Event in early March.  Official notification of acceptance or denial will be made via e-mail from Graduate Studies after review of the BMEGG Admission Committee’s recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies.  Applications submitted after the December 1st general deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis only.