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Application FAQs
I am interested in the SBES graduate program. Where do I apply, Virginia Tech or Wake Forest?
All applications are submitted via a single on-line form administered through the Virginia Tech Graduate School regardless of the choice of “home” campus. The a application can be found here. Applicants are strongly urged to read the Graduate School application instructions as well as the specific SBES application instructions.
What are my chances of being accepted if I apply?
Our graduate program is very competitive. GPAs of accepted students are usually on the order of 3.5 and above. GRE scores of accepted students are typically 1200 (Verbal + Quantitative) or higher. For international students, TOEFL minimum score requirements are 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer based) and 100 (Internet based). Recommendations are weighed heavily as are previous research experience, and program needs.
Can I defer my admission?
If you are accepted into the program with the intention of entering in the Fall, but something happens which prevents this, you may request a deferral on your admission to another semester. Be aware that deferrals are not automatic, and they are granted only for exceptional circumstances which must be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. To make a request you must email the Graduate Coordinator at VT (tsentell@vt.edu), explain why you need a deferral, and specify the term to which you would like to be deferred. Note that if you defer for only one semester (from Fall to Spring), you will not have to pay a fee, but if you defer for 2 or more semesters (from Fall to the next Fall), the Graduate School will require another application fee. Financial aid offers made for Fall semester will NOT be held over to Spring on deferrals.
Does SBES reconsider declined applications?
Reconsiderations of declined applications are not the norm at SBES. However, you may re-apply for the next year. If you decide to reapply, you must pay the application fee again and start the process over. You should submit new (and/or updated) materials with the application in order to increase your chances of admission.
My email address has changed since I applied. Who should I notify?
If you change your email address during the application process, be sure to inform both the Graduate School and SBES through the Graduate Coordinator at VT (tsentell@vt.edu) or the Registrar at Wake Forest (spierce@wfubmc.edu). Normally all communications that go out to students applying are sent to the email address that is given on the CollegeNet application.
Do you accept the IELTS language test in place of the TOEFL?
Yes, The SBES desired minimum score for this test is the IELTS band 7.0.
Does SBES require the GREs?
Yes. All SBES applicants must submit GRE scores, including those applying for the 5yr. BS/MS program. Detailed information about test score requirements is provided here.
Where should I send my supplemental application materials?
You will send supplemental materials to two different places. The SBES applications instructions provides complete information about “what to send where” along with pertinent address information. Transcripts and test scores go to both places. All other materials should be sent directly to the Graduate Coordinator at SBES in Blacksburg.
Do you accept paper applications?
The online application is the preferred method for applying since it is fast, editable, and efficient. Under certain circumstances paper applications can be requested from gradrecr@vt.edu or from the Graduate Admission Office at Wake Forest, but we discourage this because paper applications entail a much slower and more cumbersome process. Online applications will be processed first.
How do I designate my choice of campus on the application form?
At the beginning of the online application you will be asked to designate a campus choice using a drop-down menu. All SBES applicants must choose “Blacksburg (Main)” as an answer for this question since Wake Forest is not listed as a campus choice. HOWEVER, on page 6 of the application which is the Biomedical Supplemental Form you will be asked about your campus choice again. Here you may indicate “Blacksburg (VT)”, “Winston-Salem (WFU)”, or “Either”. This ‘second entry’ of campus choice is the one we will be processing.
Do you accept applications for Spring semesters?
No. We only process applications for Fall semesters – we do not start new students in the spring.
Does SBES do “pre-reviews” of applications?
No. We do not do “pre-reviews” of applications or of partial applicant information. We are only able to evaluate your materials in the form of an official application made to the Graduate School.
Can I get a waiver on the application fee under special circumstances?
SBES is not involved in making decisions regarding waivers of application fees. This is handled solely by the Graduate School. Contact them (gradappl@vt.edu) if you have questions.
What's the best way to check my application status?
You will be able to view the status of your application at the Virginia Tech Information System’s website. For your protection, information on application status cannot be released by telephone. Official notification will be sent by postal mail. Estimated dates for decisions to be posted is April 1 through April 15th for complete applications received by Jan. 1st. Please be aware that the on-line status only indicates if the application is complete at the VT Graduate School, not necessarily with the School of Biomedical Engineering & Sciences.
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> FAQ's on the Applications
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