How to Apply for the PhD in Chemistry
The Chemistry Department welcomes and invites applications for admission to the Ph.D. program from all qualified candidates. We admit students who will begin their studies in the Fall term.
$90 Application Fee
Link to Application
We are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2023 entry.
We will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2023 for Fall 2024 admission. The application deadline for Fall 2024 admission is December 1, 2023. A complete application is one that includes all required materials, application review begins as early as December 2nd.
Application Materials
In addition to the completed online application, all applicants must submit the following:
• GRE scores are not required, but they are strongly recommended if you are applying to the physical chemistry division (and *especially* the theory division). If you have GRE scores, you are welcome to send them to us, the school code for all exams is: 2926. You will not be penalized if you apply without a GRE score. Please contact the Graduate Coordinator at chemgrad@sas.upenn.edu if you have questions regarding this matter.
• Uploaded UNOFFICIAL transcripts from all Universities and Colleges attended. Please note that you must upload your transcripts with your online application. Do not send any paper transcripts.
• 3-5 letters of recommendation. Please have your recommenders submit these letters online.
• A writing sample IS NOT REQUIRED however you may use this portion of the application to upload any optional written materials.
• A CV/resume.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Proficiency in spoken English is a requirement of our program and is used as an admissions criterion. Admitted students in this category also have to attend a two-month English Language Program and Teaching Assistantship Workshop (sponsored by the department) beginning the first week in July and to pass a University-administered spoken English test in order to qualify for a Teaching Fellowship. The institution code for all exams is 2926, no department code is necessary.
- We require TOEFL scores regardless of undergraduate and graduate work already completed in the United States or another English speaking country. See FAQ section for information on using old/expired TOEFL scores for application.
- We will accept IELTS scores in place of the TOEFL. IELTS scores will be converted to TOEFL equivalents. You must submit an unofficial IELTS score report under the "writing sample" section of our application, as we cannot receive official IELTS scores.
• Personal Statement (2 parts- 1 document) PLEASE FOLLOW THIS FORMAT, Part 1 and 2 combined no more than 2 pages double-spaced.
- Part 1
- In this section of your personal statement be as specific as you can about the area in which you plan to study and your reasons for wishing to study at this University. Please indicate and BOLD the names of 3-5 of our faculty whose research is of particular interest to you. Describe, succinctly, any relevant research experience that you have had. If you wish to provide additional information about your academic record, etc. please do so. The information you provide in this statement will help us assign you to a chemistry division that most closely matches your career goals. (Biological, Biophysical, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical) *Keep this concise, less than a half page double spaced is ideal.
- Part 2
- Encouraged (but not required) to describe your passion for chemistry graduate study and research, outlining career background and development, and any further insight that you think may help the reviewers understand your academic and scientific development.
For more information please contact the Graduate Coordinator at chemgrad@sas.upenn.edu.