How do I get official transcripts submitted?

You need to contact the registrar at each University or College you have attended and request an official transcript be sent to the University of Utah Graduate Admissions Office (201 South 1460 East, room 250S, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9057). Probably the quickest way is to go to the internet/web site for each school and select the registrar page. You may be able to order the transcript right then over the internet using a credit card. Otherwise, there should be instruction about ordering a transcript over the phone or by mail. Get this in-process as soon as possible.

Who should I select to provide my professional references?

There is a specific form that each of the three individuals providing a reference fills out. It comes to you as part of the application packet. You select who you want to provide a reference, ask them if they are willing and provide them the form and then they are responsible to complete it and mail it in. You want to select individuals who know you professionally and can speak to your potential for academic achievement in doctoral study and your potential for development as a biobehavioral scientist and cancer researcher. For this reason, individuals with doctoral degrees and those who are actively involved in research are the ideal individuals to provide references.

The people who know my professional skills best don't have PhD's, should I have them complete the reference forms?

Yes, you should select people who know you well enough to provide a true reference. If possible, select one person with a PhD and the other two who know your professional skills and past accomplishments best.

I don't have any publications, what should I do about the writing sample?

It is all right if you don't have publications, consider what else you do have that is an example of your writing ability. It is essential that whatever you submit should be your original work, not primarily the work of others. Perhaps you have a work-related paper or report. You may also submit your thesis or project from your master's or bachelor's program.

I have several publications which one should I submit as the writing sample?

You may submit up to two papers or book chapters. If you have research-based publications, choose among them. If not, choose those samples that reflect scholarly, well referenced work. If you have multiple-authored publications, select those where you carried the primary responsibility for the writing.

I took the Graduate Record Examination 8 years ago when I entered my Master's program, do I really have to take it again?

No one is pleased about taking the GRE and they are especially unhappy about taking it a second time! However, having GRE scores within the past five years is a standing requirement. So yes, you really do have to take the GRE again. Don't let this discourage you from applying. It is a bump in the road on the way to getting your PhD. You need to take the General Test, no Subject Tests are required. The General Test is composed of three sections: verbal, quantitative and analytical writing. We look for a minimum score of 500 in both the verbal and quantitative sections and a 4.0 in the analytical writing part of the exam. We also add the verbal and quantitative together and hope to see a composite score of 1000. If your scores aren't that high, you should still apply. We look at all your achievements together with the fit of your career goals in making admission decisions. Stop worrying about taking the GRE and get it done!

How do I register for the GRE and where can I take it?

The GRE can be taken in most major cities. Usually you can go take it any weekday. It does not have specific test dates. In most locations, you take it electronically by yourself sitting at a computer station at the testing site. Remember you only need to take the General Test. Go to the GRE web site at www.gre.org for more information and to register on-line at your preferred location. You do not have to take any Subject Tests just the General Test.

Can you give me more details about what should go into the written statement of research goals, interests and plans post graduation?

You should provide an original written statement which includes a brief discussion of your clinical and/or research background; then succinctly describe your reasons for seeking a doctoral degree and your reasons for seeking study in this particular program, include your experience with computers and the use of technology; next detail your research interests, possible dissertation area if you have one, and identify any fit between your research interests and those of the program faculty; and finally discuss your career goals and objectives post-graduation, i.e. how will you put to use your research skills. The personal statement should not be longer than one page.

What should I include on my resume?

You want to include in your resume a succinct summary of your professional history and accomplishments. Below are categories and details to include. Note that we do not expect that applicants will necessarily have achievements in all categories. Categories should include:

1. Your educational history post high school, including degrees awarded, date, major, school name and location.
2. Your employment history, including dates, institution and your job title.
3. Any professional publications with full reference.
4. Any professional presentations with date, presentation title, conference title and location. If you are a frequent speaker, you can limit the list to the last five years.
5. Any awards or honors including award title, organization making the award and date.
6. Any research projects that you have been involved with including title, dates, your role and any funding source.
7. Any grants you have been involved with including dates, your role and funding source.
8. Professional or public organizations you are involved with including the name of the organization, your role and dates. Be sure to identify leadership roles.
9. Other professional accomplishments or experiences not included above that you think are important for the selection committee to know.

How do I show evidence of licensure as a registered nurse?

Send a photocopy of your current license.

Does everything get mailed to the same address?

No, the application to the University of Utah Graduate School, the $45 application fee and all official transcripts are sent to the University of Utah Admissions Office, 201 S. 1460 East, Room 250S, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9057. Note that you can complete the Graduate School application online and pay the $45 fee with a credit card if you prefer. Access the University of Utah web site and select the link to Apply Online under the Future Students section on the website. The official transcripts still need to be mailed directly from your previous schools to the Admissions Office address given above. The College of Nursing application and all related items are submitted on-line.

If I have a question or run into a problem as I am getting everything submitted who should I talk to?

If I have a question about faculty research expertise or planning a research career in nursing, whom should I talk to?

Revised: 02.12.2008