Letters of Recommendation
Please submit two or three letters of recommendation from STEM faculty that are familiar with your academic work. If you have done a research project, your supervisor's letter is especially useful. When you enter the referees' name and email address in the preliminary application and submit the application, the referees will receive a request to write a reference for you.
GRE Scores
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for admission but are welcomed as supporting information and for additional award opportunities.
If you took the GRE please ask the ETS testing agency to send your scores to the following address:
The Graduate School
University of South Carolina
1705 College Street, Suite 552
Close-Hipp Building
Columbia, SC 29208
The code for having scores sent to USC is 5818.
If you are submitting copies of your GRE scores, please upload them in the preliminary application.
For further information about the GRE such as test dates, practice tests, score reporting, and so forth, see www.ets.org/gre.
Transcripts
You may upload copies of transcripts from each university or college that you have attended.
If you are admitted to the graduate program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, you will be asked to provide a final transcript indicating degree completion. That transcript is to be sent to The Graduate School.
Preliminary Application
For all students to be considered for admissions and financial support, please fill out our preliminary application. International students continue below.
International Applicants
If you are an international applicant from a country whose primary language is not English, you must take the TOEFL. The minimum, acceptable score is an 88 IBT. The admissions committee likes to see a total score of 100 and above, and a speaking sub score of 24 and above. If you have a degree from an American college or university, the TOEFL is not required. The department will also accept the IELTS, with a minimum score of 7. We will accept either official scores sent to us by the testing agency or copies of the scores that you received. Copies are appreciated and will speed the application process. If you are accepted into the department, the Graduate School will require official TOEFL scores sent directly from ETS.
COVID-19 Update: Some testing centers have suspended their services and this may impede your ability to demonstrate English language proficiency, or, to have test scores forwarded with your application. Please consider taking the Duolingo English Test in lieu of alternatives. This test is administered completely online. A minimum score of 115 will be required for your application to be considered further.
If you ask the testing agency to send your scores, please have them sent to:
The Graduate School
University of South Carolina
1705 College Street, Suite 552
Close-Hipp Building
Columbia, SC 29208
The code for having scores sent to USC is 5818.
If you are submitting copies of your TOEFL scores, please send those to our department. For further information about the TOEFL, see www.ets.org/toefl.
What's Next?
Once you have applied for admission to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, nothing more is required of you. Decisions on completed applications will begin on January 15 and will continue until the incoming class is full. The graduate admissions committee will inform you of their decision via email as soon as they are made. Early applicants will have a greater chance of receiving fellowships or scholarships. If you have any questions regarding the status of your application contact chemgrad@mailbox.sc.edu or 800-868-7588.