We aim to recruit students from a variety of backgrounds including biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and mathematics, who will work together to forge a new approach to biology that combines theoretical and experimental approaches. The typical student has a strong background in one of the disciplines relevant to Systems Biology and an interest in interdisciplinary research.
Please refer to the GSAS Admissions page for further information on applying. Some of the most important details are noted here for your convenience. The deadline to apply is December 1.
Application Fee Waivers
Applicants will be eligible for a fee waiver if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Applicants who have self-identified as having participated in diversity pipeline programs (as defined by the GSAS Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging)
- Applicants who are experiencing financial hardship, as demonstrated via responses to a small number of financial questions embedded within the fee payment section of the application.
If your situation does not warrant a waiver based on these criteria, you will have the opportunity to provide an explanation of any extenuating circumstances and request an additional review by the admissions staff in the application. You may request a fee waiver form by emailing the GSAS Office of Admissions at admiss@fas.harvard.edu or the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at minrec@fas.harvard.edu.
Application Assistance Program
We understand that depending on their current position and institution, applicants to SSQBio may have differing levels of support available when applying to graduate school. During Fall 2024, current SSQBio students are running an Application Assistance Program (AAP). The goal of the AAP is to ensure all applicants to SSQBio have sufficient resources and guidance while applying to the grad program.
If you are applying to SSQBio and are interested in participating in the AAP, please submit an interest form. Applicants will be matched to mentors at the beginning of October.
Requirements
We require online submission of the application. Applicants should submit a scanned copy of their transcript(s) online. Official hard copy transcripts will be requested when the applicant is admitted and accepts the offer of admission. TOEFL scores should be sent to Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences code R-3451. GRE scores are not required.
Applicants must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from an institution of recognized standing (either a three- or four-year undergraduate degree).
Applying to more than one HILS Program
The Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology Program is one of the programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences, which facilitates collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. HILS will accommodate the submission up to three applications to its member programs under a single $105.00 application fee (a reminder this fee must be paid by credit card). You may request a fee waiver form by emailing the GSAS Office of Admissions at admiss@fas.harvard.edu or the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at minrec@fas.harvard.edu.
All online candidates submitting multiple applications should follow the instructions on the online system. Each application must be unique, containing a separate Statement of Purpose for each program applied to as well as separate copies of transcripts, recommendations, and test scores.
Faculty Contact/Interests
Please be sure to list faculty that interest you as part of the online application. Students are not required to contact any faculty in advance.
Interview and Campus Visit
Applicants selected for interview are notified in mid-late December. On-campus visits will be held in late Jan/early Feb 2025. Applicants invited for an interview who cannot visit the Harvard campus may interview via Zoom or telephone.
Before admissions, we would be thrilled to meet you! Please find our Fall 2024 visits below:
October 31-November 2: SACNAS Conference in Phoenix, AZ
November 14-16: ABRCMS Conference in Pittsburgh, PA
Harvard Griffin GSAS does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.