Each program within the Graduate School uses slightly different rules.  Information on the various sites is sometimes outdated, out of sync, or not relvant to you; I have done my best here to collect the current information relevant specifically to you. Please be aware that the application process is competitive, and you will be evaluated by our admissions committee along with all students wishing to work in the Chemistry Department.

The general Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is mandatory for application (can be waived through June 2022), as is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for applicants that are not native English speakers or whose instruction was not primarily in English.  The subject-based (chemistry) GRE is optional.  These tests are administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which reports scores directly to the institutions you request.  Our ETS codes for this purpose are GRE: 2447, TOEFL: B886.

There are two opportunities each year to enter the Ph.D. program, Fall (August) and Spring (January).  The deadlines are set well in advance to allow sufficient time for visa application by international students.

• Deadline for August start (Fall semester):   February 1 (of the same year)
• Deadline for January start (Spring semester):  October 1 (of the preceding year)

By the time you enter the Chemistry Ph.D. program at Pacific, you must have earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from an accredited U.S. institution, or equivalent foreign degree, with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B average) or above in all upper-division coursework.  Foreign degrees must be translated/certified, with the GPA converted. Please request a course-by-course evaluation that includes a GPA and have an official copy sent directly to the Graduate School (as of 2019, this costs $205 through WES, and we also now accept translations by ECE).

• Scores not older than 5 years
• Verbal + Quantitative ≥ 303
• Analytical/Writing ≥ 3.0

This is required unless you are a native English speaker or your primary language of instruction was English (and this can be documented/certified).  These scores are higher than the PCSP baseline, because you will be a teaching assistant (see [Ph.D. Program] tab), but they are lower than what the Graduate School generally requires for teaching assistants. 

• Scores not older than 2 years
• TOEFL (paper):    575
• TOEFL (online):    90
• In lieu of a TOEFL score, an IELTS score of 7.0 is sufficient.

Three letters of recommendation are required, which cannot be older than one year.  They should be from instructors or supervisors who are familiar with your learning and research abilities.

A personal statement is required in which you describe your interest in the PCSP Ph.D. program at Pacific relative to your objectives in a teaching or research career.  Since clear communication is an essential part of science, note that your writing skills in this statement are evaluated; however, many students without English as their native language craft perfectly acceptable statements.  It is unlikely to be the determining factor in your admission, unless it is terrible or brilliant.  Make sure to state your desired research focus (mention "Bioanalytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Biochemistry" track) within the PCSP, as well as your intention to work with Anthony Dutoi in the Chemistry Department!

International students are generally required to submit some information on their finances to ensure they have adequate funds for their own well-being while here.  This is a rule of the U.S. government, and we have no ability to waive it.  Since Chemistry Ph.D.s are always employed as teaching assistants, the less stringent requirement of showing a $X000 bank balance within the last 6 months before travel is required.  This information may be submitted after you are accepted to the program. (In 2014, $X000 was $6500. I have not been able to accurately update it since, but this gives an order of magnitude.)