Complete an online application
A $50 application fee is required for all applications submitted. Application fee waivers are available to those who within the last three (3) years have:
- Participated in a MCW research-based program (i.e. SPUR, PURE, DSHREP, etc.)
- Received, or can provide proof of eligibility for, a GRE Fee Reduction Certificate
- Attended a MCW open house (Expo) event
- Participated in a local, state or national program that supports underrepresented student populations (i.e. McNair Scholars, WisCAMP, etc.)
- Attended and presented at a regional or national conference/meeting (i.e. ABRCMS, SACNAS, etc.)
Supporting documentation may be required to verify fee waiver eligibility.
Transcripts
Arrange for your official transcript to be sent to the MCW Graduate School from your current or any previously attended college/university. Official transcripts must be in an original, sealed envelope or sent electronically from a certified service provider. Electronic transcripts may be accepted from institutions that subscribe to the following services:
Test Score
Most of our programs no longer require the submission of a national standardized test score as an application requirement. However, those that do prefer the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) using Institution Code 1519, except for Medical Physiology which prefers the Medical School Admissions Test (MCAT). The following programs do not require the submission of a test score:
- Bioethics
- Clinical & Translational Science
- Genetic Counseling
- Global Health Equity
- Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Physiology
- Public & Community Health (PhD)
- Public Health (MPH)
An official score report must be requested by the applicant and sent to the MCW Graduate School. Any test offered through Educational Testing Services (ETS), such as the GRE, can be sent directly to MCW using institution code 1519. Applicants submitting MCAT scores can send their report via email as an attachment to gradschool@mcw.edu and must include the verification code and account number.
GRE and MCAT scores will be accepted as far back as five (5) years from the date that you took the test, IELTS/TOEFL score will be accepted as far back as two (2) years. GRE scores in the 50th percentile or higher in all sections of the test are recommended for competitive consideration. Applicants who have earned a terminal degree may request an exemption to the GRE test score requirement by submitting a written request via email to gradschool@mcw.edu.
Applicants are encouraged to explore whether they may be eligible to receive a GRE Fee Reduction Certificate.
IELTS/TOEFL
An official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test score is required of all applicants who did not receive a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a U.S.-based, non-online degree granting program. Please arrange for your IELTS/TOEFL scores to be sent directly to the MCW Graduate School from their respective service. For TOELF, use institution code 1519. A score of 100 or higher on the internet-based version of the TOEFL or a score of 6.0 or higher on the IELTS is recommended for competitive consideration.
Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation letters can be submitted electronically through our online application system (preferred), as an attachment via email to gradschool@mcw.edu, or in the mail. Applicants should refrain from having family members and those that they receive healthcare services from submit letters, even if those individuals happen to also to be one of the types of recommenders that we will accept letters from.
There is no order in which application materials need to be submitted/received. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all their application and required materials have been submitted prior to their program’s priority application deadline date.