Application Instructions

Chemistry Ph.D. applications are evaluated by the Chemistry Graduate Admissions Committee, comprised of faculty from each division within the Chemistry Dept. Individual faculty can make suggestions to the Admissions Committee but cannot admit applicants directly.

Application Requirements

1. Chemistry Interest Selection: on the application, you will be asked to select a specific chemistry division and one or more prospective faculty advisors from the list of chemistry faculty. Your responses to these questions are important for the admissions committee to evaluate your specific chemistry interests.

   Please note that accepted Ph.D. students may join any professor's research group regardless of division/department.

    

2. Statement of Intent: an essay of no more than 1,000 words describing why you would succeed in the Chemistry Ph.D. Discuss how your past experiences, goals, and strengths make you uniquely qualified for graduate study. The Statement of Intent may be called the Personal Statement in the application.

    

3. Unofficial Transcripts: you must upload or mail one transcript from every college/university ever attended. community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs.  While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed.  Failure to list and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended is considered to be a violation of academic ethics and may result in the cancellation of your admission or dismissal from the university.

   Instructions for Uploading Unofficial Transcripts to your Application  

    

4. Letters of Recommendation: arrange to have three letters of recommendation, on official letterhead, submitted by mail or through the online application system on your behalf.

   • Recommenders do not receive the online link to the recommendation form until after your application has been submitted. It is therefore recommended applications be submitted at least three weeks prior to the posted deadline so recommendation letters can be received by the application deadline.

    

5. GRE Scores (Optional): scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test are no longer required, but applicants my submit their scores.

   • CU Boulder's Institution Code is 4841.
   • The department code for GRE scores is no longer required by CU Boulder, however, if you need to input a code when you take the test, please use one of the following department codes for Chemistry: 0202, 0301, 0302, 0304, 0603, or 0399.

    

6. English Proficiency (International Applicants Only): all prospective international students must meet a minimum standard of English Proficiency and are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills.

    

7. Application Fee: an application fee or valid fee waiver is required for a complete application and can be paid online via credit card during application submission.
   • Domestic Applicants: $60
   • International Applicants: $80

Fee Waivers

The Graduate School is not currently offering application fee waivers for international applicants.

Domestic Applicant Fee Waivers: The Graduate School offers fee waivers for participants of the following programs. Please send proof of your affiliation to gradadm@colorado.eduafter you have started an application, but before you submit.

Domestic applicants who have served or are serving in the U.S. military (active duty, veteran, previously served, and active reserve) receive an automatic fee waiver as a thank you for their service.

Mailing Addresses

Send any print materials, such as transcripts or letters of recommendation, to the appropriate address for your applicant type: