biomedical science phd personal statement

Writing an Effective Personal Statement for PhD Graduate Programs

Personal statements should be a reflection of your academic skills, success, and goals.

By Kaela Singleton Doctoral Candidate in Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience

A personal statement is one of the most important components of any doctoral graduate school application. This post will guide you with some general steps to get you started with generating a personal statement that is concise, reflects your academic success, and emphasizes your goals for graduate school. The individual graduate programs will provide writing prompts that detail exactly what you should address in your statement, so be sure you touch on everything that they want you to cover!

Before you start writing

• Update your CV:  Having a complete list of your accomplishments will make it easier to include and exclude information from your personal statement. Your CV can be used as a timeline of your achievements, and therefore an outline to how your past experiences have prepared you for graduate school. For guidance on CV writing, see  7 Tips for Writing a Successful CV.
• Research Graduate Schools of Interest:  Gain insight into the coursework, faculty, and student life for each program you are considering. Using the program website, generate a list of qualities that appeal to you about each school you’re applying to. Emphasize how and why these qualities contribute to your decision to apply to this program. This list should include research and faculty members that interest you as well as any other pros (i.e. location, cohort size, post-graduate jobs etc.)
• Create a team of editors:  Your personal statement will be read by faculty members and graduate students studying different topics within the program. Therefore, your personal statement should be compelling to a broad audience. Ask peers, mentors and advisors from various disciplines well in advance to edit and provide feedback on your statement.

Now start writing

Introduction.

The goal is to engage your reader with a quick synopsis of who you are, what you want out of graduate school, and your qualifications to join this specific program.

• Introduce yourself and identify your academic interests:  Provide a brief introduction of yourself and your academic interests. If you have a personal anecdote that explains how you became interested in science and research, start there. These “narrative hook” anecdotes engage the reader and set up a great platform to describe the motivation behind your experiences. Then go into your academic interests, which can be a couple of sentences broadly stating your research interests.  
• Emphasize your skills and overall goals:  Use both your research on the program and CV to highlight how your skill set will complement and grow from participation in this program. Speak in broad terms, showcasing how your goals align with the overall mission of the program.

THE BODY PARAGRAPHS

The goal is to expand on the points you mentioned within the introduction. Provide concrete examples of how past and present experiences led you to writing this application.

• Explain how you became interested in your particular scientific field:  Highlight key moments that encouraged you to apply to graduate school. This can be the very start of your interests in the field or from skills and knowledge that you gained from internships, research experiences, or coursework and class discussions.
• Describe your prior research experiences and importantly what you learned from each experience:  Provide a past experience where you used and developed a new skill that is pertinent to your ability to conduct research. Be sure to explain how this skill will be useful for your future in graduate school. It is critical to discuss what you learned from experience and to be as specific and concise as possible.  For example: I worked with Dr. A at institution B. My work focused on C. The project entailed D, E and F techniques. From this experience, I learned G. This taught me F about my decision to attend graduate school. 

In the conclusion paragraph, you should discuss what you learned about the graduate school program that you are applying for. Highlight specific faculty members or courses listed that excite you, and re-emphasize your goals.

• Summarize your qualifications and experiences:  Bring everything together here. Emphasize the skills you currently have and how joining this program will aide in continuing your success. 
• Personalize:  In this final paragraph, include specific faculty and program qualities that appeal to you as an applicant. Show that you have researched specific faculty or courses that will aide in your future training. Also be sure to discuss your career goals. 
• Edit:  Proofread and edit. Send your statement out to friends, faculty advisors, and people outside of your discipline. 

Personal statements should tell your story and be compelling across fields. Remember that a PhD program trains you to build and utilize scientific skills to advance research. You won’t want to try to convince the reader that you’ll cure cancer or discover the flu vaccine. Instead, focus on persuading readers that graduate training is right for you, and that the accompanying enrichment of your research skillset will help you reach your academic and professional goals.

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Graduate School Personal Statement

Criteria for success.

• Your personal statement convinces a faculty committee that you are qualified for their program.
• It convinces them that you are a good fit for their program’s focus and goals.
• You show a select group of skills and experiences that convey your scientific accomplishments and interests.
• Your experiences are concrete and quantitative.
• Your personal statement is no more than 2 pages.

Structure Diagram

The graduate school personal statement tells your story and demonstrates that you are a good match for a particular department or program. Matching goes both ways: they should be interested in you, and you should be interested in them. Your personal statement should make this match clear.

Analyze Your Audience

Your personal statement will be read by a graduate committee, a handful of faculty from your program. They’re trying to determine if you will be a successful graduate student in their department, a positive force in the department’s intellectual life, and a successful scientist after you graduate. They are therefore interested in your qualifications as a researcher, your career goals, and how your personality matches their labs and department.

The graduate committee probably reads hundreds of applications a year. To make it easy for them to figure out that you are a good fit, make direct, concrete statements about your accomplishments and qualifications. To make it easy for them to remember you, create a narrative that “brands” you.

Create a personal narrative

PhD programs invest in the professional and scientific growth of their students. Get the committee excited about investing in you by opening your essay with a brief portrait of what drives you as a scientist. What research directions are you passionate about, and why? What do you picture yourself doing in 10 years?

Close your essay with a 2-3 sentence discussion of your career interests. No one will hold you to this; this just helps your committee visualize your potential trajectory.

Describe your experiences

Experiences are the “what” of your essay. What experiences led you to develop your skill set and passions? Where have you demonstrated accomplishment, leadership, and collaboration? Include research, teaching, and relevant extracurriculars. State concrete achievements and outcomes like awards, discoveries, or publications.

Quantify your experiences to show concrete impact. How many people were on your team? How many protocols did you develop? How many people were in competition for an award? As a TA, how often did you meet with your students?

Describe actions, not just changes in your internal mental or emotional state. A personal statement is a way to make a narrative out of your CV. It is not a diary entry.

Explain the meaning of your experiences

Meaning is the “why” or “so what” of the document. Why was this experience important to your growth as a scientist? What does it say about your abilities and potential? It feels obvious to you, but you need to be explicit with your audience. Your descriptions of meaning should also act as transition statements between experiences: try to “wrap” meaning around your experiences.

Demonstrate match to your target program

Demonstrate an understanding of the program to which you’re applying and about how you will be successful in that program. To do this:

• Read the program’s website. See what language they use to describe themselves, and echo that language in your essay. For example, MIT Biological Engineering’s website lists the department’s three objectives.
• Get in contact with faculty (or students) in your target program. If you have had a positive discussion with someone at the department, describe how those interactions made you think that you and the department may be well-matched.
• State which professors in the program you would plan to work with. Show how their research areas align with your background and your goals. You can even describe potential research directions or projects.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1.

These are selected sections from the personal statement that an MIT BE graduate student wrote in their successful application to MIT BE. 675 KB

Annotated Example 2

This is the personal statement from an MIT BE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT BE program. 11 MB

Personal Statement for PhD Applicants

New section.

Your personal statement is your chance to shine, to stand out from among the hundreds of other PhD applicants.

The personal statement (or statement of purpose) is your introduction of yourself to the application reviewers. This brief statement (generally one to two pages) should communicate your abilities, accomplishments and goals. It must also show us your writing skills, including your ability to present yourself and your ideas concisely. It should show your commitment to and motivation for graduate school based on your history. It should have a positive tone, be honest, and professional.

This is your chance to shine, to stand out from among the hundreds of statements that the reviewer is reading.

It is crucial that you get some honest critiques on your statement before you submit it to the school. However, the voice of the statement should be yours. Remember, if you are invited for an interview, the school will expect to meet the person who wrote the statement. Although you should not have to rewrite your entire essay for each school/program you are applying to, it should be tailored for each program.

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Admission requirements for the Ph.D. Program include a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, a strong background in the basic sciences, and prior research experience.

Prerequisites

All Ph.D. Program candidates must fulfill the following requirements for eligibility:

• A baccalaureate degree, preferably in the biological or physical sciences, must be obtained from an accredited institution
• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is necessary
• Conferral of the degree is required prior to starting the program

Suggested undergraduate coursework:

• It is strongly suggested that applicants have completed one year of coursework with demonstrated competence (B average or above) in biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus
• Additional coursework in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and physiology is encouraged
• Applicants for the Biomedical Engineering and Physiology Track are encouraged to have courses in quantitative science and engineering (such as signal processing, computer science, and instrumentation)

Note that undergraduate courses are not available at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

International applicants should see the International Applicant Information page.

Admissions requirements

How to apply.

Your application and all supporting documentation must be received between Sept. 1 through Dec. 4, including letters of recommendation.

The admissions application is free. There is no application fee for applying to our Ph.D. program.

Applicants can only apply to one research track of interest for each admission cycle. Applicants selected for the program may have the opportunity to do research in any Mayo Clinic research lab regardless of track choice.

When you apply to the program you need to select a location where you plan to study: Jacksonville, Florida; Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona; or Rochester, Minnesota. Please note if you are appointed to the program, a campus change is allowed if the research lab you ultimately select after the required lab rotations is on a different campus. 

Application instructions

Complete all of the following steps to apply:

• Select - Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
• Select - PhD
• Complete each section of the application and submit
• Upload each required item in the Supplemental Items section
• Complete the Recommendation Request section

Required application documents

The following items, including all Letters of Recommendation, must be received by the application deadline of Dec. 4  within the Supplemental Items and Documents area of the application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Within the Supplemental Items and Documents area of the application, in the Recommendation Requests section, you will provide contact information for each letter writer. Each of your recommenders will receive an email with a link to complete a rating form and upload their letter of recommendation. 
• List your prior research experience in chronological order, indicating the role you played in each project.
• Indicate which has been your most satisfying research project and why it was satisfying to you.
• Summarize your current scientific interests and career goals.
• Specifically answer the question: "Why do you want to be a biomedical scientist?"
• Your personal statement should be two to four pages if single-spaced, or three to five pages if double-spaced.
• Publications: The first two pages of each publication (which should contain the abstract and introduction sections. Be sure the name of the publication and your name are listed).
• Poster presentation award certificate information if received for any of your publications. 
• International transcript requirements
• English language proficiency documents for non-native English speakers (see international applicant information ).

The most qualified applicants are invited to interview. Mayo Clinic welcomes applications from diverse learners.

"So many different kinds of opportunities"

Welcoming and inclusive

Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is recognized as a center of excellence in training a diverse biomedical research workforce.

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Personal statement example biomedical sciences personal statement.

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Biomedical Sciences Personal Statement

My goal in studying Biomedical Science is to achieve a deeper knowledge of the human body. I respect people who dedicate their lives to help others in need and using their knowledge for the greater good. Since I was born and raised in the Philippines, I understand the need for Biomedical Science especially in lower economically developed countries where health issues such as malaria and tuberculosis have affected the country. Having an awareness of this issue at a young age has led to my curiosity in Biomedical Science.

I believe independence is a key attitude for university. Studying Biology and Chemistry required me to think logically and learning mechanisms in chemistry often involved critical thinking. I try to consolidate my understanding by further research such as studying the mechanism for diazotisation. Likewise, practical work such as dissections and ester synthesis has taught me to be patient. I have learnt to work in a standardised manner whilst being structured in collecting and recording data. Similarly I have learnt to be efficient in my studies and research when I was completing my EPQ on the ethics of drug trials. Whilst researching, I have learnt to work within deadlines and manage my workload in a productive manner which I believe is a key necessity for studying science.

I was also fortunate to do work shadowing in my local hospital focusing on endoscopy, surgery and A&E. I shadowed several medical professionals and I learnt how important it is for them to work together harmoniously especially in diagnosis and prognosis. This experience has helped me understand the responsibilities that a healthcare professional must adhere to ranging from providing a good standard of care and being honest and open whilst acting with integrity.

In addition, I am currently completing my DofE Gold award which allowed me to develop my skills in decision making. This involved both teamwork and individual tasks which required me to be patient and resilient in duties such as cook work and map reading. Similarly, I travelled to Ecuador in the summer of 2014 where I undertook voluntary work. This gave my additional insight to problems that other poorer countries face. During my time there, I gained confidence in speaking and socialising with other people whilst working as a team to achieve a task such as making cement. I try my best and seize hold of every opportunity given to me. In Ecuador, I realised I have a privileged life and I have grown to become more grateful for the things we take for granted.

Whilst in secondary school, when I was a prefect, I was responsible for helping younger students. I enjoyed mentoring and assisting the lower years as it helped with my development of leadership and communication skills. I also have a passion for photography . It is a way to express feelings and provides a way to develop my creativity and relieve stress. Moreover, I am learning to play the ukulele and the demand for time and effort has made me develop a sense of persistence and commitment to learn new skills.

I hope to continue my development and aim to understand the spectrum of knowledge that Biomedical Science offers. I am a self-motivated, determined individual and I look forward to the academic and social challenges of university. I am aware of the demands and difficulties of a science based career but my aspiration to learn Biomedical Science has only been strengthened by my paramount desire to help others.

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Academic Catalog

2023-2024 graduate & professional catalog.

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Admission Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

• Baccalaureate Field    No restrictions. However, applicants must  have a satisfactory record of courses in biology, inorganic and  organic chemistry, and at least one year of physics and of  mathematics.
• Grade Point Average  At least 2.75/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate study. Preference is given to applicants with a GPA of greater than 3.00/4.00.
• Tests Required  None.
• TOEFL  80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Test); 60, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Writing 21 (revised Paper-Delivered Test),  OR,
• IELTS  6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores,  OR ,
• PTE-Academic  54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
• Letters of Recommendation  Three required.
• Personal Statement  Required. Personal statement must include a description of past research experience and motivation for obtaining a doctorate degree in Biomedical Sciences.
• Other Requirements Preference is given to applicants with a documented record of research accomplishments.

Degree Requirements

In additional to Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements: 

MS in Biomedical Sciences

There will be no direct admission to the MS. Doctoral students who fail to progress beyond year 2 (including failing the preliminary exam) or who choose to discontinue research upon passing the preliminary exam will be allowed to petition for the MS.

• Minimum Semester Hours Required 36-38
• Course Work
• Comprehensive Examination: None 
• Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options: Course work  only. MS students are not required to produce a thesis from their  mentored research or research rotation. Although mentored  research is not required, it is expected that most MS students will  participate in mentored research.
• Other Requirements: Seminar Series (4 hours in total). Students may register for any one of the following courses: PATH 595 , PCOL 595 , PHYB 595 , MIM 595 , BCMG 595 , or ANAT 595 .

PhD in Biomedical Sciences 

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 96 from the baccalaureate
• Course Work: ​
• Preliminary Examination: Required. D uring the second year of graduate study, students must pass a  preliminary examination in a format specified by the GEMS Program. This exam has three components. First, students will prepare a preproposal (a three-page description of research project), followed by  submission of a research proposal (following the NIH F31 proposal guidelines), and an oral defense of the proposal. The written proposal will be reviewed by a preliminary exam committee consisting of five GEMS faculty. Students will be required to present and defend the proposal during oral examination.

Dissertation : Required. Students must earn at least 52 hours in one of  the following research courses: ANAT 599 , BCMG 599 , GEMS 599 , MIM 599 ,  PATH 599 , PCOL 599 , or  PHYB 599 .

Other Requirements: Seminar Series (6 hours in total). Students may register for any one of the following courses:  ANAT 595 ,  BCMG 595 ,  MIM 595 ,  PATH 595 ,  PCOL 595 , or  PHYB 595 .

Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP):  Students with an MD earned in the United States or who are working  toward one at UIC may use medical science courses to fulfill the Year 1  course work requirements ( GEMS 504 ,  GEMS 505 ,  GEMS 506 ,  GEMS 521 , and  GEMS 522 ).  MSTP students will complete all other degree requirements: the  concentration core, seminar series, electives, preliminary examination,  and dissertation.

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Prospective Students

Biomedical Physics - an Emerging Interdisciplinary Field

• PhD Program

Why Apply Here?

• Writing Your Personal Statement
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The PhD Degree in Biomedical Physics

The Biomedical Physics Program (BMP) is joint effort under the Stanford School of Medicine Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology and offers instruction and research opportunities leading to a PhD degree in Biomedical Physics. The goal is to train students in research focused on technology translatable to clinical medicine, including radiation therapy, image-guided therapy, diagnostic, interventional, and molecular imaging, and other forms of disease detection and characterization with molecular diagnostics. These students will be prepared for a variety of career paths, including faculty positions at academic institutions, clinical physics roles in radiology and radiation oncology departments, industry, and roles at government and other private sector organizations focusing on medical- and bio-technology. Given the evolution of modern medicine towards technologically sophisticated treatments and diagnostics, particularly in the areas of imaging, molecular biomarkers, and radiation therapy, there is a need for well-trained leaders with this educational background and the skills to conduct meaningful and significant research in this field. Stanford University has a rich tradition of innovation and education within these disciplines, with advances ranging from the development and application of the medical linear accelerator towards radiation treatment of cancer to the engineering of non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging having been pioneered here. Accordingly, Stanford is home to a breadth of faculty with outstanding achievements. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the close proximity and frequent interactions among the Stanford Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences provide an ideal environment to offer students outstanding training in both the clinical and scientific aspects of this discipline.

The program can provide flexibility and can complement other opportunities in applied medical research at Stanford. Special arrangements may be made for those with unusual needs or those simultaneously enrolled in other degree programs within the University. Similarly, students with prior relevant training may have the curriculum adjusted to eliminate requirements met as part of prior training.

Prerequisites

As Biomedical Physics is a highly multidisciplinary area of study, we are seeking students from a variety of scientific backgrounds.  Undergraduates with strong quantitative skills majoring in physics, engineering, or the biological sciences are encouraged to apply.  No GRE exams are required for admissions.

Degree Requirements

The doctoral program is a full-time, residential, research-oriented program, with student typically starting in the fall quarter and spending an average of about 5-6 years at Stanford.

Candidates are encouraged to explore the various research interests of the biomedical physics core and affiliated faculty, with lab rotations during the first year expose students to different laboratories. Prior to being formally admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree at the end of the second year of study, each student must demonstrate knowledge of biomedical physics fundamentals and a potential for succeeding in research by passing a qualifying examination. Students later complete and defend a doctoral dissertation.

Details of the curriculum and specific degree requirements are described on Stanford Bulletin .

All BMP PhD students who maintain satisfactory academic progress receive full financial support (tuition and a living stipend) for the duration of their doctoral program. However, the number of admitted students is limited by funding, hence applicants are encouraged, but not required, to apply for external fellowship support (e.g., NSF or Stanford's Knight-Hennessy Scholars program ) on their own.

Application Instructions and Deadlines

Applications are due late November/early December each year. See details on the Graduate Admissions webpage .

There is a $125 application fee . Applicants who need assistance with the application fee are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver . Preference is given to low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The Application Deadline: December 1, 2023 (11:59:59 pm PST).

• Complete the Biomedical Physics PhD application online. Note that only one Stanford PhD application per academic year is allowed, and that Biosciences, Bioengineering, and Electrical Engineering are not part of the Biomedical Physics Program.
• Submit scanned (unofficial) transcripts as part of the Biomedical Physics application. Graduate Admissions only requires admitted applicants who accept the offer of admission to submit official transcripts that shows their degree conferral. Please do not send or have sent any official transcripts to us at this time.
• See our page about the Personal Statement.
• Please include an up-to-date version of your CV.
• The GRE General Test score is not required and will not be considered if submitted. We do not require any GRE Subject Test scores.
• Application materials, including letters of recommendation, should be received by the deadline. We do review all applications, including incomplete ones.
• For materials that are mailed, please use our Contact Address.
• Please do NOT upload supporting materials, such as published papers, unpublished manuscripts, BS or MS theses, writing samples, posters, or class projects, with your application.
• Check the status of your application can be tracked through the Biomedical Physics status webpage . Interview invitations go out in early January, and interviews are in late February or early March. Offers of admission are made on a rolling basis starting in March. Finals decisions from admitted candidates are due by April 15.
• The selection of PhD students admitted to BMP is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including the applicant’s academic record, the letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, personal qualities and characteristics, and past accomplishments.
• Deferral of admission: BMP generally does not allow deferral of admission to the PhD program, and it is better for you to apply when you are ready to begin your graduate study following the normal timeline. However, sometimes one's circumstances change; please contact us if that happens to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is highly recommended that you review our Frequently Asked Questions page.

The Biomedical Physics Program recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

The Biomedical Physics Program welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review process is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, prior research experience, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field and how they might enrich the learning community at Stanford.

Students are expected to enter with a series of core competencies in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics or engineering, and computing. Students entering the program are assessed by the examination of their undergraduate transcripts and research experiences. Specifically, the department requires that students have completed mathematics through multivariable calculus and linear algebra, and must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree in engineering or physical science from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association. Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. See minimum level of study required of international applicants .

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for predoctoral national competitive fellowships, especially those from the National Science Foundation. Applicants to the Ph.D. program should consult with their financial aid officers for information and applications.

The deadline for receiving applications is December 1, 2023. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program in Biomedical Physics.

Further information and application instructions for all graduate degree programs may be obtained from Graduate Admissions .

Application Fee and Fee Waivers

The  application fee is $125  and is non-refundable. You will be prompted to pay the application fee at the time you submit your application. The acceptable form of payment is via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club) or bank transfer from a U.S. checking account. If you do not have a credit card then you should make arrangements with a family member or friend to use theirs. Checks by mail are not accepted.

Fee Waivers

Applicants who need assistance with the application fee are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver. Priority for fee waivers is given to applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International applicants who need assistance with the application fee are eligible to apply for the School-Based fee waiver. For a complete list of fee waiver options and eligibility requirements, please visit the Graduate Admissions  website .

Please note that fee waiver requests are required to be submitted 10 business days prior to the application deadline (December 1 at 11:59:59 pm PST); so please plan accordingly.

• Reputation and Environment . Amplified by the astounding intellectual and technological capital of Silicon Valley, Stanford University, one of the world's leading academic institutions, is dedicated to finding solutions to big challenges and to preparing students for leadership in a complex world. Integrating a premier medical school with world-class adult and children’s hospitals, Stanford Medicine fosters an unrivaled atmosphere of interdisciplinary exploration and collaboration that has produced many of the innovations that sparked a biomedical revolution. The Biomedical Physics program is an essential component of Stanford Medicine’s commitment to excellence in education, scientific discovery, bench-to-bedside research, and clinical innovation.

• Curriculum . Our core courses span a wide array of topics, including radiation physics and therapy, imaging sciences, molecular imaging and diagnostics, with much of the material based on cutting-edge research conducted here at Stanford.

• Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities . BMP in a new PhD program housed within the Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology. Leveraging research and clinical expertise at Stanford Hospital, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, and Stanford Clinics, the BMP program also includes faculty from the Stanford Biosciences , Bio-X , ChEM-H , Wu Tsai Neurosciences , Bioengineering , Electrical Engineering , and Computer Science programs, all of which are in close physical proximity on Stanford's main campus.

• Related Stanford PhD Programs . As the scope of medical physics has expanded, students pursuing careers in this field have been distributed throughout a number of training programs ranging from physics to engineering to bioengineering to biology. Situated within the clinical departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, the BMP program integrates novel technical developments in radiation therapy, imaging, and molecular diagnostics with the unique challenges of clinical medicine.

• Location . Situated in the heart of entrepreneurial Silicon Valley, Stanford University's campus occupies over 8000 acres, bordering Palo Alto, CA and provides easy access to the amenities of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Instructions for Writing Your Personal Statement

You are required to submit a Personal Statement as part of the Graduate Application for the BMP PhD degree.

The BMP program is designed for students interested in the application of physics and engineering principles to problems in clinical medicine, with an emphasis on translational science. The Admissions Committee will read your Personal Statement carefully to determine how well your aspirations align with the mission of the BMP PhD Program.

In your Personal Statement, please tell us how your schooling, work, research, and life experiences prepare you for study at BMP, describe your passion for research, current research interests, and career goals, and explain how our training program will enable you to achieve them.

The Personal Statement should be 1-2 pages. Please do not append class projects, research proposals, draft manuscripts, published papers, posters, or other ancillary materials.

Questions about the Program

Where can I find the details about the program?

Please review this website, and our program listing in Stanford University Bulletin .

What is the best way to see if my interests align with the program?

Review the details of our curriculum and summary descriptions of core and affiliated faculty . You should also do web searches to find the faculty websites and check out their most recent publications on PubMed . 

What is the difference between Stanford's BMP program and medical physics programs in other universities?

Students pursuing careers at the intersection of technology and medicine can enroll in a variety of related Stanford programs ranging from physics to engineering to biology. Situated within the clinical departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, the BMP program uniquely integrates novel technical developments in radiation therapy, imaging, and molecular diagnostics with the unique challenges of clinical medicine.

How do BMP graduate students pick a lab and faculty research supervisor?

Students do up to 3 rotations the first year in labs chosen through mutual agreement by the student and the faculty member.

How long does it take to get a degree?

Is the Stanford BMP PhD program CAMPEP accredited?

This is a new Biomedical Physics PhD program and is not yet accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP). 

What kind of jobs are available for Stanford BMP graduates?

Students who successfully complete  the BMP PhD program will be capable of pursuing careers in academia, clinical medicine, and industry.  Graduates will be competitive for faculty positions in nationwide medical physics programs, as well as in related university departments including Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Radiology, and Radiation Oncology. In addition, a variety of industrial positions at companies developing medical and imaging technologies would be available to graduating doctoral students. They may, for example, work for a Fortune 500 company like General Electric , a large-cap company like Varian Medical Systems , or a publicly traded company like ViewRay . All of these companies have a substantial need for Ph.D. scientists in biomedical physics as they provide unique expertise in translational medical imaging and medical therapy that is distinct form their engineering colleagues. Medical companies developing imaging, radiation therapy, and molecular diagnostics, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and non-medical companies with a focus on technology development could each exploit the unique skill set of BMP graduates. Examples include Siemens Healthcare , Philips Healthcare , Canon Medical Systems , Bruker , Accuray , Elekta , IBA Worldwide , Bayer , Guerbet , Hologic , Genentech , Agilent , and Google Health . Trainees may also find professional opportunities in the federal government working at either the NIH or FDA , both of which seek scientists with the precise training provided by our program. Additional career opportunities would be available at the intersection of tech and medicine by way of local start-up companies and consulting firms.

Questions about Applying

Should I apply to the Stanford BMP Program?

Only you know enough about your circumstances to make this decision. We encourage all applicants to consider their personal and career goals, their background and abilities, financial constraints, and reasonable alternatives, before applying.

What is "Biomedical Physics"?

I'm interested in several departments in Stanford. Which one should I apply to?

This is a very important decision, so it is worth your time to explore and consider your options carefully. Stanford Biomedical Physics is very interdisciplinary; if admitted, you will be able to pick research supervisors from among multiple faculty having a wide range of research interests. You should select a PhD program on the basis of your background, your interest in a particular curriculum, your fit with the program's research, and your career plans. In general, we recommend apply to BMP if you are primarily interested in the application of novel developments in radiation physics, imaging science, and molecular imaging to solve clinical problems. See also the next few FAQs.

What is the difference between Stanford Biomedical Physics, Biosciences, and Bioengineering?

Can I apply to both BMP and other Stanford PhD programs at the same time?

No. You are limited to one PhD application per academic year.  The Biomedical Physics PhD program is distinct from degrees offered by other Stanford programs such as Biosciences , Bioengineering , and Electrical Engineering . Therefore, it is important to decide which program best fits your background and career goals. Note that if you are accepted into another program, you are welcome to take BMP courses.

How do I apply?

Review our website to see if our program is a good fit with your goals. The specifics depend on the degree program to which you are applying. You can find instructions for each degree under  Prospective Students .

When can I apply? What is the application deadline?

Applications to the PhD program are accepted each autumn from (roughly) mid-September to late November/early December for admission the following Autumn. For details of timing for the other degree programs, see their respective webpages. All PhD applications are reviewed together, so there is no competitive advantage in applying early; however, we very strongly recommend that you not wait until the last minute (or day).

I missed the deadline. Can I apply late (or early) to the PhD program?

No. We do not accept applications to the PhD program out of the normal cycle, as it causes problems both for admission’s process which is coordinated with the other Stanford programs and for arranging funding.

Does Stanford BMP offer conditional admission?

Is my application good enough?

We are unable to answer that question for specific applicants. The BMP admissions committee considers many factors, including grades, letters of recommendation, the personal statement, prior research experience, life circumstances, and fit with our program. The decision is based on a composite of these elements in the context of all the applications we receive each cycle. You should also note that admission to our program, especially for the PhD, is  very  competitive, so it is to your advantage to make sure your application is as strong as you can make it in all of the listed dimensions.

Stanford requires a TOEFL score (if needed) of greater than or equal to 100. If your score is below 100 and you are accepted, Stanford requires that you retake the exam to achieve that threshold. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to this rule. See  here .

How many people apply?

This is a new PhD program, so we do not yet have reliable statistics regarding the number of applicants.  However, we anticipate the PhD application process will be highly competitive.

Is it okay if some of my application materials arrive late?

You need to submit the main application before the deadline.

Unofficial test scores (TOEFL) and unofficial transcripts should arrive before the deadline. Your unofficial transcripts and test scores will be validated when your official ones are received by the University, which can occur after the admissions deadline.

Outside of that, we strongly recommend against late applications, including letters of recommendation. We start reviewing applications immediately after the deadline closes. Incomplete applications will be reviewed, but incomplete applications are unlikely to be as strong as the complete ones, placing you at considerable disadvantage in an already very competitive application process.

What is the status of my application?

We realize that the application process is anxiety provoking, and it is natural to be concerned about the possibility of information missing from your application or wondering where you are in the application ranking. After the formal deadline, if something has changed, you may email the updated information to us. We ask, though, that you refrain from contacting us to request routine updates about your status. If your application is deficient in some way, we will contact you. However, you will have to wait for interview invitations and the final admission decisions on schedule.

Oops. I forgot to upload some of the supplemental materials for my application and now the system won't let me add them. What should I do?

Just email the additional materials to our  Contact Address .

What is the general timeline for admissions?

Applications are due late November or early December. Invitations for interviews (PhD only) go out in early January. Interviews are early March. Offers of admission are sent starting early March. Your final admission decisions are due April 15. Most students start in the Autumn (late Sept, Stanford is on quarter system).

I have been out of school for a while. Do you accept older students?

Yes. We anticipate some of our students will have gotten other degrees, worked in industry, or had other relevant experiences before entering the BMP program.

I was not admitted. Can I meet with someone to tell me why?

While we understand that situation is disappointing, we are not able to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Can I meet with BMP faculty before applying? Can I request an interview?

Due to time constraints, we are not able to accommodate all requests to meet one-on-one with our faculty prior to submitting an application, give individual tours, or meet to provide guidance about applications, the admissions process, and career planning.

We only interview a limited number of applicants. Top candidates for our PhD program will be invited out to visit us during the application process. We will contact you by mid-January if we want you to come for an interview. Note that the interview process is quite extensive; you will interview with multiple faculty and students, tour our campus, and meet with many of our current students in social settings.

I have contacted one of the BMP faculty about admissions. Will I receive a response?

Our faculty members receive many emails and requests for information. Unfortunately, they are unable to respond to all such contacts. Please email specific questions about the admissions process to us at our  Contact Address .

Should I contact faculty to get a research assistantship before I am admitted?

Generally, we only admit PhD students whose funding is pre-arranged by the BMP program or outside scholarship. There is more information about funding here . As part of the admission process, we will bring your application to the attention of the appropriate faculty. Just to be clear, you apply to the BMP program; you do not apply to individual faculty labs.

I have taken some coursework at Stanford before. Can I count those units towards another degree if I am admitted?

Generally, yes. However, you can't count the same course towards two different degrees. If you have extra units from a prior degree or a currently active degree program, then those units can count towards a BMP PhD if you are admitted. The total number of units required for the relevant BMP degree does not change.

Do I need any particular undergraduate major in order to apply?

No. We anticipate accepting students from diverse backgrounds, including those with undergraduate training in physics, engineering, biomedical sciences, and computer science.

If I'm accepted into the BMP program, can I work with a particular professor?

If you have already identified a possible research mentor, then you are one step ahead. However, be advised that even if admitted, there is no guarantee that that professor would have space in their lab, have appropriate funding, or be a good interpersonal match with you. In general, we recommend that you apply to Stanford BMP because your interests align well with our overall program philosophy and emphasis.

Does BMP offer a master's degree?

We currently only offer a PhD program.

Is there a part-time PhD degree program? Is there a distance learning PhD?

No. Our faculty believe that the PhD must be obtained on-campus, with full-time involvement.

I applied before. Do you need official copies of my transcripts again?

Can I transfer credit?

Transferring credit means using credit for courses taken  outside of  Stanford to reduce the number of credits taken  at  Stanford.

For the PhD degree: Yes. The PhD requires 135 units, of which 90 units must be taken at Stanford during the PhD program. Thus, you could transfer credits taken elsewhere or taken at Stanford in another graduate program. More information is  here .

Are the GREs required?

No. The GRE General Test score is not required and will not be considered if submitted. We do not require any GRE Subject Test scores.

Do I have to take the TOEFL?

TOEFL scores are required by Stanford University of all applicants whose first language is not English. There are some complications and exceptions. See the  official Stanford policy  for details. If you take the test near our application deadline, email the unofficial scores to us as soon as possible; the official scores can arrive after the deadline. Stanford requires a TOEFL score (if needed) of greater than or equal to 100. If your score is below 100 and you are accepted, Stanford requires that you retake the exam to achieve that threshold. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to this rule. See here .

Can I take another language exam in place of the TOEFL?

No. Stanford only accepts the TOEFL.

Can international students apply to the program?

We welcome applications from international applicants. International applicants follow the same application process as other applicants, with additional rules and requirements listed here. 1)  You need to hold a four-year bachelor’s degree in order to apply. The exact requirements vary by country and are listed on the Office of Graduate Admissions International Applicants page . 2) Applicants whose first language is not English must submit an official test score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Stanford accepts only ETS (Educational Testing Service) scores. We accept MyBest scores but at this time we are not accepting TOEFL Essentials test scores (see Stanford Graduate Admission Required Exams webpage). 3) We do not advise applicants about visas. The Bechtel International Center has information about how to maintain visas for international students. The US State Department has information about student and exchange visitor visas.

Do I need to have a master’s degree before applying to the PhD program?

Questions about Tuition, Fees, Program Costs, Funding, and Financial Aid

How much does it cost to get a PhD?

Tuition and other fees for Academic PhD programs are set by Stanford University. The most up-to-date listing is on the Stanford Registrar's  website .

What financial aid does BMP provide?

All BMP PhD students who maintain satisfactory academic progress receive full financial support (tuition and a living stipend) for the duration of their doctoral program.

Is there a fee for applying for admission?

The fee for applying for admission to any graduate program at Stanford is $125. However, the Biomedical Physics graduate program is committed to increasing the diversity of biomedical research and Stanford University. We will offer application fee waivers to a limited number of candidates. Preference is given to low-income, first generation and underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Can I request an application fee waiver?

The Biomedical Physics graduate program is committed to increasing the diversity of biomedical research and Stanford University. We will provide application fee waivers to a limited number of candidates. Preference is given to low-income, first generation and underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

• You should only request a BMP-based waiver if you do not qualify for the GRE or Diversity Program Participation fee waivers.
• Given the limited availability of fee waivers, only request one if you are sure you will be applying for admission this application season.
• Applications for fee waivers will be reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Acceptance or denial of your application for a fee waiver does not affect your likelihood of admission into a graduate program. 
• If the application fee waiver request is approved, the applicant will be sent a code to enter in the payment section of the online graduate admissions application.
• No refund will be given if you apply for a fee waiver and pay the application fee instead of using your application fee waiver code.  If we deny your request for a waiver, we will instruct you to pay the fee.

Waiver Application Form:

• In 250-500 words, describe your research experiences.
• In 250 words or less, describe how your research interests and background (in terms of race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, socioeconomic status, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, disability/ability, veteran status, work, and life experiences) would contribute to the diversity (broadly defined) of students pursuing a PhD at Stanford.
• In 250 words or less describe why you believe you are eligible for and should receive a fee waiver.  Priority is given to students from communities that may be systemically minoritized in biomedical research, experiencing financial hardship, qualified for federal financial aid, are first in their family to pursue an advanced degree, or are from environments with limited access to university research programs. 
• List any research, honors, and diversity-related programs in which you have participated.
• Send the materials in items 1-4 above along with your name, mailing address, phone, and email address to [email protected] with the subject “Fee Waiver Request”.

All fee waiver requests must be submitted no later than November 10th. 

Other Questions

How much does it cost to live close to Stanford University or in the SF Bay Area? How can I find out about my housing options?

The SF Bay Area is expensive. Many graduate students choose to live on campus for convenience and to minimize costs. Please refer to Stanford's  Housing Office  for more information.

What do I do if I still have questions?

Send us email ( Contact Us ). We are busy keeping all the machinery behind the scenes running smoothly, but we try to respond to every inquiry within one to two business days. It is much better to email us questions directly rather than asking us if you can call.

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Biomedical sciences personal statement example 30.

The human body is a miraculous creation; it is a complex organism made of many diverse systems each working to maintain the life that we too often take for granted. Furthermore everyday life relies solely upon the biomedical sciences; it is an area of expertise that is constantly advancing out of necessity and as a result has shaped the lives of countless individuals. It is no exaggeration to say that the life expectancy and longevity of humans now far exceeds even the wildest dreams of those living even in our most recent history. Therefore the desire to contribute to such a specialty has long since fuelled my urge to study a biomedical science course at a higher level.

Acting on this desire to further understand my subject of choice, I was fortunate enough to land a work experience placement at my local hospital shadowing a vascular consultant. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to deepen my understanding of the subject and what it entailed.

I was astounded by the consultant's ability to diagnose the patients' illnesses with a high degree of accuracy simply by examining the patient's physical body. The surreal atmosphere of the problems faced by the patients, the challenges that tasked the consultant and also the heavy emotional impact I obtained from observing the surgeries and consultations, has all helped to strengthen my empathetic sensibility towards the career and solidify a desire to study biomedicine at University.

My fascination for Biology and the sciences are clearly shown by my A-level choices, where an understanding of self-motivation and a desire to succeed is highlighted. Biology and Chemistry have helped provide an insight to the analytical aspect of learning as well as to consolidate a deeper knowledge of the subject, while both Maths and Computing have led to the development of my problem solving skills and the ability to focus on a single point of error in order to fix a problem. My dedication to the subject is not limited to the classroom environment; I have read various articles on topics such as antibiotic resistance and genetics to further expand upon my passion for the subject and develop a higher level of understanding on current issues within the discipline.

At 6th Form I am an active member of the student council, often lending my time to help and assist in the various events scheduled by the school's staff and other members of the council.

Recently, I have also been asked to help the Year 12s that appear to be struggling in AS Maths. Tutoring the students has allowed me to obtain key interpersonal communication ability and valuable leadership skills. In addition being able to balance council work, prefect duty and my studies as well as hobbies has hopefully proved to show my adept ability in time keeping and a determination to not only do well in school but also to help others and inspire them to reach out to others in the same way.

I often play chess and this not only allows me to develop vital critical thinking under a logical setting but also build key communicative skills that are a must when considering a career in any scientific profession. The time constraint that is applied when playing at a competitive level has helped to build upon an ability to quickly adapt to any given situation in an effective manner. It is also a hobby of mine to sketch and while this is primarily a form of stress relief, I believe it also contributes to my innovative thinking which I find is an invaluable asset when ordinary methods do not appear to be applicable.

In conclusion it is my belief that science is a fragile balance between the facts developed from what we know and the hypotheses that form from what we have yet to discover, and that it's the duty of a biomedical specialist to work on this balance and turn the favour towards the facts. The ability to combine Biology based sciences to a medical field does nothing but give me another reason to pursue a career in this well-regarded profession.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by #Asian for application in 2014.

#Asian's university choices Northumbria University University of Newcastle Upon Tyne The University of Edinburgh University of Leeds

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

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• Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
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Application Instructions

The PPBS application for Fall 2024 is now closed. The Fall 2025 application will open during the summer.

Your application must be completed and supporting documentation must be received by December 15.

How to Apply

• Use the Apply Now button below and sign in using your existing account information or create a new account to start a new application.
• Fill out the application in full and submit it when complete. Once submitted, you will be emailed a link to the Status Portal. 
• In your portal, you will be able to submit your application fee payment and supporting documents (personal statement, CV, etc.). 
• Use the checklist on the Status Portal to make sure your supporting documents are submitted by the deadline for your application. All supporting documents must be received by the application deadline for you to be reviewed. 
• Once all application materials are received, your application will be sent for review. If additional materials are needed, you will be notified.

Requirements

Transcripts.

You must submit transcripts for every college or university you have attended. At the point of application, please only submit unofficial transcripts. If admitted, official transcripts will be required in order to matriculate. 

Application Fee

Once you submit your application, you will have access to your status portal, which will include a link to pay your $85 application fee.

Application Fee Waiver Policy

Participants in the following programs only will be approved for a fee waiver once there is confirmation of your participation. Participants in the following programs must submit verification of program participation, such as a letter bearing the original signature of the program director or adviser, or a copy of the current contract.

• McNair Scholars (LSAMP, SSS, TRIO, CSTEP)
• EOP, HEOP or SEEK program
• Veteran or military status (including spouses)
• Received a GRE fee waiver
• Project 1000

You can submit verification to  [email protected] .

We cannot grant fee waivers for any other reasons, including for international applicants.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. You will enter contact information for letter writers when you fill out the application, and they will be notified automatically and will be sent a link to submit their letter. In your portal, you can check the status of your letters, send reminders, or edit recommenders.

As a medical school focused on scientific discovery, our admission committees would like to understand applicants' prior research experiences. Note that this experience is not required for admission but is helpful information as we consider your application. 

If you have previous research experience, please make sure to list all prior experiences on your Resume or CV. Please list specific details, such as institution or company, duration of experience, PI or lab supervisor name, average hours you worked per week, and a brief description of your role. If you have presented or published, please also list all of these experiences, even local or small conferences are helpful information! All experiences should also be listed in chronological order.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement should include the following three sections. You may provide additional information that you believe would help the committee get to know you, but please cover these topics at a minimum.

• Why I want a PhD degree and why UB would be a good place to pursue this degree. (500 word limit)
• An example of a time where I showed initiative and perseverance in meeting a goal and/or overcoming an obstacle. (500 word limit)
• A brief description of my prior research experiences (for applicants who have had more than one research experience, you may choose one to describe). If you do not have prior research experience, you may describe a class presentation, essay, lab, or assignment relevant to biological sciences. (750 word limit)

If applicable, it is also recommended that you use your statement to address any stumbles or obstacles that have affected your academic performance thus far.

• The GRE is no longer required.
• Strong consideration is given to students who majored in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, pharmacy or psychology. Recommended undergraduate courses include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physiology, physics and mathematics, including calculus and statistics.        

International Applicants

Special note for international students.

If you are applying from outside the United States, apply as early as possible to ensure time for application and visa processing.

Regardless of your program’s deadline, it is recommended that you apply at least 6-9 months prior to the term start date (depending on your country of origin). Check with your program’s application coordinator for specific guidelines.

UB is an International University

As one of the United States’ most global universities, the University at Buffalo is home to more than 4,500 students from 110 countries.

We value international students as members of our community and will provide outstanding support services for you and your dependent family members, if they accompany you to Buffalo.

Resources to Help You Succeed at UB:

• One of the best and most thorough international student orientation programs offered by any U.S. university.
• A mentoring program for new international students.
• World-class learning and research opportunities.
• Many opportunities to be involved in campus life, including international and local clubs and activities.

In addition to being an affordable, friendly and fun city , Buffalo welcomes and respects international students.

English Proficiency Requirement

International applicants must present a valid English Language Proficiency test score. It is university policy that test dates be no older than two years when students enter a program. We recommend uploading scanned copies of your results at the time of application in order to expedite the review process.

• Institution code: R2925 (SUNY-University at Buffalo)

Financial information

You do  not  need to fill out the financial section of the online application. All accepted students receive a full-tuition scholarship and stipend.

Financial Support

Because your goal is to be a research scientist, we provide the financial support that sets you on the path to the career of your choice.

Tuition and Stipend

We provide you with the financial freedom to focus on your research. As a doctoral candidate, you will receive:

• A full-tuition scholarship.
• A $31,000 stipend. 
• Medical/dental insurance.
• Broad-based fees scholarship via UB's PhD Excellence Initiative .

Our doctoral students often also successfully apply for awards, fellowships and other supplemental funding from organizations such as the American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.

Admissions Timeline

Strong applicants will be invited to interview. The interview serves two purposes:

• To conduct faculty interviews as part of our evaluation of your application.
• To showcase the facilities, faculty and students of the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences so that you can evaluate us.

Not sure where to start?

How to apply to grad school.

Are you looking for a fulfilling career, but know you'll need more training? That next step can be intimidating, so we guide you through the process. With our faculty experts by your side, you'll master current concepts and research skills, empowering you with the confidence to launch a successful career in the biomedical sciences.

Download our workbook today, and we'll walk you through our 5 tips to prepare you for success!

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