FAQ Graduate Admissions, Dept. Botany & Plant Pathology
Q. Is the GRE required for admission into the Botany and Plant Pathology graduate program?
A. We no longer require GRE test scores for admission into our graduate program, nor do we use GRE scores as a criterion for admission decisions. Please do not include GRE scores in your application materials.
Q. If I am admitted, I will require funding through an assistantship. Is there a separate application I need to complete in order to be considered for that? Or is it enough to just complete my general admission application?
A. We generally assume that everyone who is applying wants an assistantship, unless they have arranged a fellowship, but please do check the appropriate box on your application that indicate you would like to be considered for an assistantship.
Q. On the website that there is no maximum length for the Statement of Objectives. I am wondering if there is a typical length for this portion of the application?
A. You should be able to make your points in the equivalent of a page or less. Some people go on at more length, but that does not necessarily helps their case (we value concise, clear writing!), unless something complicated needs to be explained.
Q. What are the funding opportunities in Botany and Plant Pathology program?
A. We offer teaching assistantships and research assistantships. The latter usually happen as a result of interactions between prospective students and specific professors, depending on the area of interest. Please see this page if you haven’t already: https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/bpp/graduate-programs/admissions
Q. Is it required for a prospective student to find a potential advisor before applying or can the prospective student find an advisor after getting admitted?
A. It is important that you to contact those professors in our department with whom you share research interests and start a conversation with them. Our admissions for graduate school often rely on students identifying a faculty member and working with them to discuss opportunities that exist in their labs. Although we do occasionally accept students who have not identified a supervisor, that is the exception. So we suggest that you study the departmental web site and faculty, then contact potential advisors to let them know of your interest and inquire about possible graduate student positions for the coming year.