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Department of Chemistry

Celebrating Our 125th Anniversary


Graduate Program   Frequently Asked Questions

 

Deadlines


Test Scores


Finances


Documentation


Research


Visas


General Information





What are the deadlines for Fall and Spring Semester admission?

We have "Rolling" Deadlines. We prefer, but do not require, that applications be submitted before the following times:

  Domestic Students or International Students now attending College in the U.S.
    Fall Semester: May 1
    Spring Semester: November 1
   
  International Students
    Fall Semester: April 1
    Spring Semester: October 1

We encourage you to send us documentation as soon as possible since the review process for admissions is continually ongoing. Usually early registration increases your opportunities to get into an area you desire.

Application Process - http://chem.unl.edu/grad/apply.shtml

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Are late applications acceptable?

In general, we accept late applications.  We have "Rolling" Deadlines and prefer, but do not require, that applications be submitted before the “deadlines”. (See above)

International students now attending college outside the U.S. are encouraged to apply by the “Rolling Deadlines”. This would allow enough time (generally from 4 to 12 weeks) to obtain the U.S. student visas.

Teaching chemistry is an important part of learning chemistry. International students must pass the International Teaching Institute offered beginning in July for them to qualify to become a full teaching assistant. Thus, applications by the “Rolling Deadlines” are preferred.

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What are the minimum requirements of GRE scores?

The GRE (recommended) is an important exam score to submit with applications (include raw scores, percentiles, and exam dates). If these scores are very high, often they will be enough for us to act on an application. We generally look for very strong GRE quantitative and analytical scores, a GRE verbal score at or above the 35th percentile. These scores are not required but are used as part of the overall decision-making process along with other criteria.

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What are the minimum requirements of TOEFL scores?

TOEFL scores above 550 (paper), 213 (computer based), 79-80 (internet based), or IELTS scores above 6.5 are desirable. These scores are used as part of the overall decision-making process along with other criteria.

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What is the minimum GPA required for admission?

There is no minimum GPA score required but scores are considered as one part of the information needed to make decisions concerning applicants.

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Do I have to take the Subject GRE?

To strengthen applications, we especially recommend taking the GRE chemistry subject exam in addition to the standard tests. Our better applicants usually have quite high percentile scores in the subject test as well as the others.

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How do I order official GRE or TOEFL reports?

You may request additional reports of GRE and TOEFL Scores from ETS online:  GRE Scores  TOEFL Scores

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What is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institutional Code for ordering official GRE and TOEFL reports?

Our Institution Code is 6877.

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What opportunities are there for financial assistance during the graduate program?

Applicants may request financial support to pursue graduate study in Chemistry. Financial assistance includes both full tuition payment and a yearly stipend through a Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantship. In addition, particularly well-qualified applicants will be considered for available Graduate Fellowships and Scholarships. For additional informations, please see:

Financial Support Opportunities - http://chem.unl.edu/grad/finance.shtml

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How do I fill out the Financial Resource Form if I am an international student?

Complete only Section 1 of the Form, sign, and send to us. This will indicate that you need a teaching or research assistantship from the Chemistry Department in order to be admitted to UNL.

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How do the living expenses in Lincoln compare with graduate student stipends offered for international students?

UNL Graduate Studies estimates that the typical international graduate student requires a stipend of approximately $16,237 ($1353/month) for living expenses in Lincoln. Further information is available on the Financial Resources Form at http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/prospective/financial_resource.pdf. This form needs to be completed online as part of the application process.

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What application documentation material is needed to apply for the Ph.D. graduate program?

Please see Application Process - http://chem.unl.edu/grad/apply.shtml

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Who should I ask to complete letters of recommendation?

The most useful letters of recommendation are those from professionals able to comment specifically on your academic and technical ability in chemistry.

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What type of research is being done and who are the professors involved?

Research is ongoing in Analytical, Physical, Biochemistry, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. Please see our website at http://chem.unl.edu/faculty/ for specific information about individual professor's research work.

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How do I apply for a United States Visa?

An official source of information about United States visa policies and procedures can be found at http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html.

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Is a Chemistry Masters Graduate Program offered at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

We offer Masters degree in our graduate program but we specialize in Doctoral degree studies. As a result we rarely admit students who are seeking a masters degree level.

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Where do I find more information about the UNL health and dental student insurance?

Answers to frequently asked questions regarding health insurance can be found on the Graduate College Website and Chickering Student Insurance.

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Where do I find more information about entertainment, housing, climate, etc., in Lincoln?

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, but we hope these resources will help make the process a little less stressful. The following links are from the Graduate Studies main page:
  Relocation to Lincoln
  Introduction to Lincoln
  International Applicants
  Student Organizations

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