PHD ADMISSION
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Basis of Medicine
What to Expect on Interview Day
The interview is where your application becomes a conversation. It’s our chance to learn what drives you, and your chance to picture yourself as part of our community. Here’s how the day unfolds, and what we’re looking for as we get to know you.
The Interview Day
Interviews take place over Zoom, but the warmth of the day comes through every screen.
Ahead of your interview, you’ll receive an email from the program coordinator with your full itinerary, start time, and Zoom details. Add the coordinator’s address to your safe sender list so nothing slips into spam.
The day begins with a group meeting led by the director of the training program, where you’ll hear directly about the program’s mission, structure, and the kind of researchers we’re working to develop. From there, you’ll move into individual interviews with faculty, followed by time with current students who can speak honestly about life inside the program.
Every interview invitation and confirmation comes from the program coordinator. If you have questions about logistics before the day, that’s the person to ask.
Selection Criteria
When the admissions committee reviews each applicant, several factors shape the picture we build:
- Academic credentials that demonstrate readiness for rigorous, disease-focused research
- Character traits including honesty, integrity, leadership, teamwork, maturity, creativity, and self-direction
- Research experience in the health sciences, whether at the bench, in the clinic, or in the field
- Career objectives that align with the kind of work our program is built to support
- Capacity to contribute to society, to the profession, to the discipline, and to the Zucker School of Medicine community
Beyond the Application
Non-Academic Standards
Our PhD students are held to standards that reach past the classroom and the lab.
For a full understanding of the non-academic standards that guide matriculation, advancement, and graduation, review our Policy on Essential Capacities for Matriculation, Advancement, and Graduation for PhD Students.
Show us how you think, solve problems, and connect with others. Take the next step in your application journey.