Can I apply to The David Rockefeller Graduate Program via fax or mail?

The Rockefeller University accepts electronic applications for The David Rockefeller Graduate Program submitted through the Online Application System (OAS). If you are unable to submit your application electronically, please contact the Graduate School Administrator at:

Office of Graduate Studies
The Rockefeller University
1230 York Avenue, Box 177
New York, NY 10065
phd@rockefeller.edu
(212) 327-8086

How do I submit an application using the Online Application System?

To begin the application process, you will need to enter the required information for each section of the application form. Once you have completed the data entry in a particular section, click "Save and Continue". Once all sections of the application form are completed, you will be asked to review your application and provide payment information. After payment is made, you will need to click on the Submit Application button to submit your final application.

What application materials must I provide?

All documents listed below must be submitted in order to complete your application:

• The completed Online Application Form, including a Statement of Purpose comprised of the following three components:
• • Describe your most meaningful research experience(s) to date. We are interested in what the big picture question was, how you designed experiments to answer it, and what your results told you about the scientific problem. Please include a brief discussion of what you would have done next if you were to continue working on this question. Applications are evaluated by faculty working in a wide range of fields, so be sure to focus on the high level scientific concepts and not only the specific techniques you used. (Limited to 750 words)
  • Indicate what scientific area(s) you would like to study in graduate school and how your interests would fit within the Rockefeller Ph.D. program and the research of the Rockefeller faculty. Please specify the Rockefeller faculty whose research is of interest to you. (Limited to 250 words)
  • The Rockefeller University’s mission, “Science for the benefit of humanity,” is central to our university culture and community. In keeping with this mission, we seek a student body that embodies the wide range of human experience. Describe how your background and experiences would contribute to the Rockefeller community, including any adversity you had to overcome in your academic pursuits. (Limited to 250 words)
• An Official transcript from each college or university you attended and listed in the Educational Information section of your application. You must scan and upload a copy of each official transcript as part of the online application.
• Recommendations from three or four sponsors who can assess your potential for research.
• The Application Fee of $50 is payable by check or credit card (preferred payment method).

General and Advanced Subject Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and TOEFL scores are not required for admission. GRE and TOEFL scores are not requested on our application and will not be reviewed as part of the admissions process.

What type of transcripts must I provide and how should they be submitted?

You must upload a scanned copy of your official transcript from each college or university you attended and listed in the Educational Information section of your application. Transcripts should be uploaded as non-encrypted PDF files.  Uploading a transcript with any type of protection or encryption may prevent us from viewing the file, and will delay processing of your application.  Matriculating students will be required to provide an Official Transcript (sent directly from the institution) prior to entry into the graduate program.

Are GRE and TOEFL scores required?

Will I be able to start my online application and return to it later to complete the submission?

Yes. All of the information you enter and upload will be saved under your user name and password for submission at a later time. Prior to logging off, you must click "Save and Continue" on the page you are currently working on for the information to be saved.

How do I proceed if I forgot my password?

On the log-in page there is a link for applicants who forgot their password. Click this link and follow the instructions for resetting your password.

Can I make changes to my application once it has been submitted?

You cannot make changes to your application once it has been submitted. Prior to submission, you will have an opportunity to review and edit the information you have entered. If there is an urgent matter regarding your submission, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at phd@rockefeller.edu.

What file format is required for documents I upload?

All uploaded documents must be in PDF format. Make sure that your PDF documents do not contain any encryption or password protection. 

What if I do not have the tools to create PDF files?

If you do not have the software to create PDF files you may use our Word to PDF converter provided on the Upload Documents page of the application form. Simply upload the Word file you would like to convert and click "Convert." Once you have downloaded and saved the file locally please review it for accuracy. The file can then be uploaded with your application materials. There is no fee for the conversion service. 

What other formatting issues should I be aware of?

Special formatting such as bolding, italics, and underlining will not be accepted in the data entry fields. Also, special symbols including $, % and angle brackets (<,>) will not be accepted. However, both single and double quotation marks may be used.

How many letters of recommendation are required and what is the process for providing you with these letters?

You are required to submit names and contact information, including email addresses, for at least three people (maximum of four) who will write a recommendation on your behalf. We will contact your recommenders for recommendation letters, but we suggest that you inform those whose names you will be submitting.

What can my recommenders expect from the OAS?

The recommenders you list on your application form will receive individual e-mail requests that include instructions for uploading a letter in support of your application. We strongly suggest that you notify your recommenders that they will be receiving this e-mail request from The Rockefeller University so it is not filtered as junk mail. Please discuss your application with your recommenders ahead of time as The Rockefeller University will not provide your recommenders with a copy of your application. 

How do I know that the recommenders I listed have been contacted for a recommendation letter?

You will receive a confirmation email when each request for a letter of recommendation is sent on your behalf. 

What should I do if a recommender is having trouble uploading his/her letter?

If a recommender is having difficulty uploading a letter, please have him/her contact phd@rockefeller.edu. If a recommender cannot locate the link to upload a recommendation, please log in to your account and use the application feature under View Application Status to resend the link to the recommender.

How do I know which recommendation letters you have received for my application?

Once a letter has been received by The Rockefeller University, both you and the recommender will receive an e-mail confirmation. If the required three letters of recommendation have not been received by December 1, 2024, a reminder will be sent to the recommenders we have not heard from and you will be copied. You may also log-in and click View Application Status to see the status of the recommendation letters received for your application (see below).

How do I know when my application becomes complete?

When all materials are received, you will receive an email informing you that your application is complete. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it may take some time to verify and mark each application as complete.

How can I check the status of my application?

You may view your application status at any time after submission by logging in and clicking on View Application Status. You will be able to see the date of application submission and date of completion, as well as the status of your recommendation letters.