{"id":52126,"date":"2017-06-14T16:49:30","date_gmt":"2017-06-14T20:49:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/?page_id=52126"},"modified":"2026-03-18T14:39:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T18:39:26","slug":"how-to-apply","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/admissions\/how-to-apply\/","title":{"rendered":"Applying to GMS"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/admissions\/student-financial-services\/double-terrier-scholarship\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/gms\/files\/2026\/03\/Double-Terrier-Scholarship-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"999\" height=\"416\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-106913\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2026\/03\/Double-Terrier-Scholarship-2.png 2023w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2026\/03\/Double-Terrier-Scholarship-2-636x265.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2026\/03\/Double-Terrier-Scholarship-2-1024x426.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2026\/03\/Double-Terrier-Scholarship-2-768x320.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2026\/03\/Double-Terrier-Scholarship-2-1536x639.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2026\/03\/Double-Terrier-Scholarship-2-1200x500.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2026\/03\/Double-Terrier-Scholarship-2-992x413.png 992w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2026\/03\/Double-Terrier-Scholarship-2-1500x624.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2026\/03\/Double-Terrier-Scholarship-2-1984x826.png 1984w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #0066cc;\"><strong>What is GMS looking for in its applicants?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wdplWn1xr6Y\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bu-gms.liaisoncas.com\/applicant-ux\/#\/login\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Application Portal<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Application Process<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<div>To apply, you will need to create an account in the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bu-gms.liaisoncas.com\/applicant-ux\/#\/login\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=en&amp;q=https:\/\/bu-gms.liaisoncas.com\/applicant-ux\/%23\/login&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1496858160564000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEowI_XW1ID2VaN9AFPszFDtGcHXw\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boston University Centralized Application System<\/a> (BU-GMS CAS) and complete all personal, academic and supporting document sections. You will be able to select your graduate program(s) of choice within GMS, and may be prompted to submit additional materials that are related to your program of interest. <em><strong>While you are required to submit unofficial transcripts via the applicant portal at the time of submitting an application, please do not order OFFICIAL transcripts to be sent to the admissions office until you have been offered admission by GMS<\/strong><\/em>.<\/div>\n<div>If you are seeking financial aid, we advise you to complete the optional <strong>SSN section<\/strong> of your application to expedite the process. Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/osfs\/applying-for-aid\/gms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tuition and financial aid<\/a>.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><em>Please note: there is a separate process for the Physician Assistant Program. Please see the <\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/paprogram\/\">PA website<\/a><em> and apply for the PA program through<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/caspa.cas.myliaison.com\/applicant-ux\/#\/login\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CASPA.\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n<p><strong>There is a non-refundable application fee of $95.<\/strong> You can review your program status or pay for your program(s) by selecting the &#8220;Manage My Programs&#8221; tab when logged into BU-GMS CAS.\u00a0 You will also receive email updates as you move through the process regarding submission of materials,\u00a0 recommendation letters, application status and decisions.<\/p>\n<p>Once all of the required materials are received, your application will be thoroughly reviewed by the individual program, or a faculty committee, who will make a final recommendation to the GMS Admissions Office. Once this is completed, we will notify you of the final decision by mail and\/or email.<strong> Due to privacy regulations we cannot give decisions over the phone.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While many of our programs offer rolling admissions, be sure to review our\u00a0final <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/admissions\/application-deadlines\/\">application deadlines.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>More Information: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/student-resources\/health-insurance\/\">Health Insurance<\/a> | <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Housing<\/a><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Required Documents<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/y97kNxhaTcw\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All Applicants must submit:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An UNOFFICIAL, English transcript of each college or university attended at the time of application. This should be uploaded to complete your application\u00a0 in the section &#8220;Supporting Information &gt; Documents.&#8221; \u00a0If you have multiple unofficial transcripts from the same college or university, combine them into one upload.\n<ul>\n<li>GMS <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">DOES NOT<\/span> require official transcript (or WES evaluation) <em><strong>until you are admitted<\/strong>. <\/em>Once admitted, Official Transcripts need to be sent directly from the previous institution where you graduated to our transcript department address below or emailed to <a href=\"mailto:gmscrpt@bu.edu\"><span style=\"color: #0066cc;\">gmscrpt@bu.edu<\/span><\/a>. <em>We do not accept transcripts directly from students or from third parties.<br \/>\n<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Upon matriculation into the program, you must submit an <strong>official, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">final<\/span> transcript<\/strong> to:<br \/>\n<span>Graduate Medical Sciences ATTN: Admissions <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Boston University Chobanian &amp; Avedisian School of Medicine<\/span><br \/>\n<span>72 East Concord St., Suite L-317<\/span><br \/>\n<span>Boston, MA 02118<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Three letters of recommendation from faculty members, research advisors &#8211; or similar &#8211; in your proposed field. <strong>The software does not accept letter packets or Interfolio records.<\/strong> There is a section to provide the recommender&#8217;s name, email, personal note of request and deadline for submission which will be electronically sent to him\/her with further instructions. No paper letters accepted. You can submit your application with pending letter submissions.\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0066cc;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/admissions\/how-to-apply\/recommender\/\" style=\"color: #0066cc;\">Recommendation Letter Instructions<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>A Personal Statement, minimum 200 words, that describes your qualifications and the objectives of your intended educational program.<\/li>\n<li>CV\/Resume. Please note that the\u00a0&#8220;Experiences&#8221; section is optional, since it may be redundant to your resume.<\/li>\n<li>General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).\u00a0 We no longer require GREs for some doctoral and masters programs.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/admissions\/how-to-apply\/gre-program-requirements\/\">P<span style=\"color: #0066cc;\">lease check\u00a0 here and\/or your program&#8217;s website for specific admissions requirements pertaining to testing.<\/span><\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0066cc;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/admissions\/how-to-apply\/gre-program-requirements\/\" style=\"color: #0066cc;\">Testing Requirements<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li>If your program of interest does NOT require the GREs please check the box indicating \u201cI will not be submitting any standardized test scores\u201d in the testing section of your application.<\/li>\n<li>If your program requires the GREs please send the official results using\u00a0<strong>BU Institution Code: 3087<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>For Oral Health Sciences applicants, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.org\/en\/education-careers\/dental-admission-test\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #0066cc;\">DAT<\/span><\/a> is required (not the GRE)<\/li>\n<li>Note: Some program accept the MCATS. PiBS and PA programs do not accept English proficiency test Duolingo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Technical questions regarding your application<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nThe Help Desk is available between 9am-5pm EST . Their phone number is 1-857-304-2005.<\/p>\n<p>You may also access a live Help Desk agent via the chat bubble, between those same hours. When logging on to your application, click on the chat bubble, once the chat box opens, type in \u201clive help\u201d and the wait for the \u201ccontact support\u201d oval to appear click on that, and then another chat box will open, and that is where you can communicate with a live Help Desk agent. You must have your application ID ready.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">International<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/admissions\/international-applicants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">International Student Admissions<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/admissions\/how-to-apply\/international-faqs\/\">International Student Admissions FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tips to Prepare for a Virtual Interview with a GMS PhD Program<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You have only a short time during your interview to show us what makes you an exceptional candidate for a PhD program in\u00a0 Graduate Medical Sciences.\u00a0 Show us your passion for science, your personality and your commitment to a rigorous graduate program.\u00a0 \u00a0Here are some tips to get you started:<\/p>\n<p>1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Test your technology at least 15 minutes before the interview. \u00a0Tell your contact person if there are problems and you need to re-schedule.\u00a0 This will not impact your application review because we all know problems come up unexpectedly.<\/p>\n<p>2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Choose a quiet, well-lit place and minimize distractions.\u00a0 Let the contact person know well in advance if this will be a challenge.<\/p>\n<p>3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Be prepared; refer to notes and prepare questions in advance.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Review your research experience and be prepared to discuss it. \u00a0Be ready to answer questions about hypothesis, experimental design, what went wrong and how you dealt with it.<\/li>\n<li>Review your academic and leadership experience and be prepared to discuss them.<\/li>\n<li>Look up the faculty who will interview you and know the program. You might ask about their research interests, specific aspects of the program or university.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 How has Covid-19 impacted you?\u00a0 If you couldn\u2019t do research due to Covid-19, what did you do instead?<\/p>\n<p>5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Anticipate standard interview questions. This is where you show us your strengths and interest in the doctoral program.<\/p>\n<p>6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dress professionally.<\/p>\n<p>7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Practice.<\/p>\n<p>8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Be yourself, comfortable and confident.<\/p>\n<p>The different PhD programs in GMS will likely have different interview formats.\u00a0 Some may be one-on-one, in front of a panel, or a mixture of both approaches.\u00a0 If you\u2019ve been invited for an interview, that means the admissions committee considers you to be a potentially qualified PhD candidate.\u00a0 GMS doctoral programs use a holistic review approach, taking into account the many aspects of an applicant that could make for a successful scientist.\u00a0 This is your time to show your strengths, interests and why this program is a good fit for you.\u00a0 A doctoral program takes a considerable commitment from the student and a significant financial investment from the university.\u00a0\u00a0 So think about how you\u2019ll discuss your motivation for pursuing a PhD degree and how it will help you toward career goals.<\/p>\n<p>Best wishes and good luck!<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Program Contacts<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nTo speak with a program representative, please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/admissions\/program-contact-information\/\">contact him or her directly via email<\/a>. Alternatively, fill out the form on the righthand sidebar\u00a0to receive\u00a0a program brochure.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Contact Information<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\n<em>For admissions requirements, deadlines and policies:<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Graduate Medical Sciences<br \/>\nBoston University <span>Chobanian &amp; Avedisian <\/span>School of Medicine<br \/>\nGMS Admissions at <a href=\"mailto:gmsadmsn@bu.edu\">gmsadmsn@bu.edu<\/a><br \/>\nPhone: 617-358-9518<br \/>\nFax: 617-358-2913<\/p>\n<p><em>For application technical issues:<\/em><br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:gms-support.bu@liaisoncas.com\">gms-support.bu@liaisoncas.com<br \/>\n<\/a>Phone: 857-304-2005<\/p>\n<h4>For general GMS program questions please email<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:askgms@bu.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">askgms@bu.edu<\/a><\/h4>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bu-gms.liaisoncas.com\/applicant-ux\/#\/login\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/gms\/files\/2024\/10\/red-apply-now.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"280\" height=\"89\" class=\"wp-image-100112 aligncenter\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is GMS looking for in its applicants? Application Portal &nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11087,"featured_media":0,"parent":37,"menu_order":14,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52126"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11087"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52126"}],"version-history":[{"count":58,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52126\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":107058,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52126\/revisions\/107058"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/37"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}