correct email address is kcrice@ufl.edu :-)

1. What does a top applicant usually look like (resume-wise)? 2. How many students usually apply and how many usually get in? 3. Is there a great success rate for employment after students graduate with their PhD?

Do applicants get application fee waivers?

No Mina, there are no application fee waivers

How does the lab rotation work?

Do we need to mention 2-3 potential PIs name in the SoP whose research interests us?

Does the department accept Duolingo English Test?

Are PhD students allowed to work under a particular supervisor for how long before rotating?

Lab rotations last about 6 weeks and you can select three faculty you want to work with. You will do a short project in each of these faculty labs

Thank you Dr Foster

Lab rotations can be anywhere between four and six weeks

Yes, it can be advantageous to mention the faculty in your personal statement. It shows you have been thoughtful about what your research interest are

Here is a page for the English language requirements: https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/graduate/international

How does the Mentorship programme work? I am particularly interested in a series of research? Can prospective graduate choose research projects based on mentors assigned or research interests?

The GRE had been suspended for multiple graduate programs due to the pandemic. Is this the case for the program?

GREs are not required for this program

Thank you Dr. Foster.

The lab rotations are an opportunity for the students to select a faculty mentor. There will have to be a discussion between the student and the mentor on what their specific PhD research will be on

I am currently going through my Masters degree programme, Transcripts for my course are not fully available, can I apply using unofficial transcripts, or can I apply using only my undergraduate transcript?

Do references have to be academic or can they be professional?

References can come from professional and academic sources

You can send official transcripts even for degrees in progress

Lisa - yes you can send your official transcripts and if you are in the middle of another a program

If we did take the GRE already, should we still send it in?

No GREs will not be requested

i have not done any research related to microbiology but have worked on other fields, can i still apply?

Can TOEFL scores be sent after the deadline???

Mina - if you have conducted research in other fields then you might mention that in your personal statement - that shows you have training in critical thinking

do you need TOEFL if English is your native language?

Mina Yes you need the TOEFL socores

Does the word limit for personal statement is 500?

Yes the word limit for the personal statement is 500 words

If I have 530 words in my personal statement, is that a problem?

How many students usually apply?

If I don’t have much research experience but have work experience with validation studies in the hospital laboratory will this help?

I think you should describe your hospital laboratory experience and focus on describing your role in these studies.

Sure, anything that shows critical thinking and data analyses skills will help. Try to connect your previous experiences to the program

Thank you!

what is the admittance percentage

Lauren - roughly 15-20%

thank you!

try to answer this question: how has your previous experience prepared you to succeed in this PhD program?

Great presentation. Thank you

Thank you for the presentation. It was very informative!

thank you all for the information!

very impressive session

Thank you so much for the session

Thank you for the presentation and testimony. I have to log off. Appreciate your time

Thank you very much

Thank you!