Please read first before starting the application process.

1. How do I apply?
   All students must apply using the Department of Chemistry on-line application system. Hard-copy applications are no longer accepted. If you use the Texas Common Application system, your application will be delayed. You are required to also complete the Department of Chemistry on-line application.

2. Is there a minimum GRE score?
   Yes – a minimum general GRE, quantitative (Q) + verbal (V), of 1100 is required. Also, analytical scores of at least 2.5 should be attained. Students with scores below the minimum are at a distinct disadvantage. Also, scores above the minimum do not guarantee admission.

3. Is there a minimum TOEFL score?
   Yes – the minimum scores are as follows.
   213 – Computer Based Test
   550 – Paper Based Test
     79 – Internet Based Test
    6.5 – IELTS
   These minimum scores are set by the University. Applicants with scores below these minimums will not be admitted.

4. Is there a minimum GPA?
   Yes – for domestic applicants your Overall and Chemistry GPA should be at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (B average).

5. What is the deadline for application?
   The admissions committee usually meets 3 – 4 times, mid-January, mid-February, mid-March, and early April, and makes admission offers soon after each meeting. At each meeting we examine complete files. The earlier we receive your application, the sooner we can evaluate your application. Applications received after March 1st are at a distinct disadvantage.

6. What about financial assistance?
   ALL students who are admitted into the Graduate Program in the Department of Chemistry are AUTOMATICALLY given a teaching assistantship. The monthly stipend for this assistantship is ~ $1900. There is no need to apply for financial aid once you are admitted to the graduate program in the Department of Chemistry.

7. How many students are admitted each year into the Graduate Program in the Department of Chemistry?
   This number varies from year to year, but typically the Department of Chemistry makes ~ 40-50 offers. Typically 25-35 students accept our offer. We usually receive 150 – 200 applications per year.

8. What are my chances of being accepted into the Graduate Program in the Department of Chemistry?
   Each application is examined individually with respect to the other applicants.

9. I have not taken / do not have my GRE and/or TOEFL scores yet. Can I still apply?
   Yes, but you must arrange for ETS (Educational Testing Service) to send us the scores directly. The ETS code for the Department of Chemistry at the University of Houston is 06870 - University Park Campus. We will not, however, be able to decide on your application until we receive your scores.

10. What about the application fee?
    The application fee is $75 for international applicants. There is no application fee for domestic applicants. This fee cannot be paid on-line or by credit card. You must send a check or a money order payable to the Department of Chemistry.

11. What criteria are used to admit students?
    The Graduate Committee looks at a student’s grades, recommendation letters, and GRE and TOEFL scores. The student’s personal statement is also read.

12. Is the TSE, Test of Spoken English, required?
    No. The TSE is not required.

13. Is the Chemistry subject GRE required?
    No. The Chemistry subject GRE is recommended, but not required.

14. Can I apply for the Spring semester?
    No. The Department of Chemistry no longer admits students in the Spring semester. All graduate students must start in the Fall semester (mid-August).

15. Will contacting individual faculty members help me get admitted?
    No. ALL admission decisions are made by committee and not individual faculty.

16. What about choosing a research advisor?
    If you are admitted, you have until the beginning of your second semester (end of January) to find a research advisor. Thus, you will have nearly five (5) months after arriving at the University of Houston to find a research advisor.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE VOLUME OF
APPLICATIONS, WE ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC
ANSWERS REGARDING UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS.

Recommendation letters need to be e-mailed to rec_letter_2009@nsm.uh.edu with the subject line "Recommendation Letter – 'Your Name'".

Additional Questions? Please e-mail grad_chem@nsm.uh.edu.

Applications for the Fall 2009 semester will be accepted starting September 1, 2008.