Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I apply to the Graduate Program at the Stony Brook University Department of Chemistry?

  Please see the Stony Brook Graduate School Requirements for Admission.
  All applications are submitted online. You must supply three letters of recommendation and provide two official transcripts. If you are an international student, two official transcripts in your native language and two official transcripts translated into English must be mailed to:
  Stony Brook University
  Department of Chemistry
  Graduate Admissions
  Stony Brook University
  Stony Brook, NY 11794-3400
  USA
  Phone: (631-632-7926)

  Once complete, your application will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee.

• What is the deadline for submitting an application?
  Although we will consider an application file at any time and we do not have a deadline, it can be to your advantage to apply by January 15 (January 1 for international applicants) if you wish to begin your studies in the fall. Earlier applications are encouraged, particularly for those wishing to be considered in the campus-wide competition for Graduate Council Fellowships. 
• What is the required GPA?
  The minimum required GPA is 3.0. 
• Do I need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
  As an international student, for  admission  with financial support to the Ph.D. program, you must demonstrate English proficiency prior to matriculation.  Please see the Graduate School’s requirements here.  To be considered for  admission , you must present a passing total score and speaking section score for either the TOEFL or IELTS tests.
• What is the required minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score?
  Please see the Graduate School’s English Proficiency Requirements web page for the most up-to-date requirements. To be admitted to the PhD program with financial support, a minimum overall score of 90 on the TOEFL iBT, with a minimum score of 18 on the speaking section, or a minimum overall score of 6.5 on the IELTS, with a minimum speaking sub-section score of 6. The Graduate School will not make exceptions to these requirements. To be admitted to the MS program, a minimum overall TOEFL iBT score of 80 is required.
• How many international students are accepted to Chemistry each year?
  We offer admission to international students every year. The percentage of international students varies from year to year. 
• How can I get more information about the admission process or program?
  For further information about our Graduate Program, email us at chemgrad@stonybrook.edu or call us at 631-632-7926. 
• Are letters of recommendation required?
  Three letters of recommendation are required with your application. If the letters are submitted by post, each recommender must seal the two (2) copies in separate envelopes and put their signature on the seal of the envelope. 
• Where can I find the recommendation form?

  The recommendation form is optional and can be downloaded from the "recommendations" section of the online application. If you have a problem downloading the form, then have the letters sent without the form. 

• Why do you require two (2) official transcripts?
  One copy is sent to the Graduate School, while the other copy is kept in our records. 
• Can I submit an unofficial copy of my TOEFL scores with the application?
  International students may submit photocopies of their TOEFL IBT scores for review. However, any offer of admission is dependent upon your submission of official scores. 
• Can I get a fee waiver?
  The application fee ($100) is required by the University and cannot be waived or deferred. We cannot review your application without the fee.