How do I apply to the Chemistry and Chemical Biology program?
Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) facilitates our application process. Information about GSAS graduate programs and policies, including the Chemistry PhD and the Chemical Physics PhD, can be found on the GSAS website.
I would like to work in a particular faculty member’s lab group; may I apply to the Professor directly?
In order to be considered to work in a faculty member lab group, you must first apply to the Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB) graduate program. Our admissions committee reviews all applications; students do not apply to faculty directly. Once admitted and with the faculty members approval, you may join a lab group after the first semester of graduate school.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for Fall 2025 applications will be December 1, 2024 at 5PM.
May I visit the labs in the Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department?
If admitted to our program, you will have the opportunity to meet with our faculty and visit their labs. The visit date for our admitted students will be March 13 & 14, 2025.
Do I have to submit GRE scores with my application?
No, GRE scores are optional/not required.
I am an international student; do I have to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score?
Anyone who did not graduate from a 4 year undergraduate institution where English is the first language, must submit either the TOEFL or IELTS. Scores must be from no earlier than January 5, 2022. Please send TOEFL/IELTS scores to institutional code 3451, The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. No department code is needed.
What is the minimum acceptable TOEFL/IELTS score?
Applicants must receive a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS.
The online application has a section where a writing sample can be uploaded, is this a requirement?
No, we do not require a separate writing sample outside of your personal statement and research accomplishments. These two sections can be uploaded as one document.
The directions in the essay section of the application are confusing, which set of directions should be followed?
Applicants to Chemical Physics and Chemistry and Chemical Biology should follow these instructions: For the Statement of Purpose, please provide a brief statement, not exceeding 300 words, of your scientific and professional interests and objectives. For Research Accomplishments, please provide a statement, not exceeding 500 words, of your research accomplishments or current projects. In the event that undergraduate research opportunities have not been available to you, please discuss other science projects, reading projects, etc., that you have undertaken. Please clearly delineate the two components of this section, the "statement of purpose" and "research accomplishments." You are welcome to combine both, one after the other on the same document, or to upload each essay as separate documents
Please NOTE: A Personal Statement has been added to the application for all applicants. A core part of the Harvard Griffin GSAS mission is to identify and attract the most promising students to form a dynamic and diverse community. We are committed to educating individuals who reflect the growing diversity of perspectives and life experiences represented in society today and who will contribute to our commitment to sustain a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment. Please share how your experiences or activities will advance our mission and commitment. (No longer than 500 words)
Does the Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department provide financial support?
CCB meets the financial needs (tuition and stipend) of its graduate students through department scholarships, department fellowships, teaching fellowships, research assistantships, and independent outside fellowships. Financial support is awarded on a 12-month basis, enabling students to pursue their research throughout the year. Tuition and stipend is guaranteed to all graduate students whose academic standing and research work is satisfactory.
How can I apply for an application fee waiver?
Application fee waivers are available to those for whom payment of the application fee would be financially challenging. Instructions for requesting a fee waiver can be found on the Completing Your Application page as well as in the application itself. Once you complete the application fee section of the application you will get an immediate response letting you know if the fee will be waived.
If I apply and am accepted, may I defer my admission for one year?
Requests to defer admission must be approved by the admissions committee. Generally, deferrals will only be approved for "notable" Fellowship Awards (e.g. Marshall, Fulbright, etc.), medical, and military reasons.