Admissions FAQs

The Online application includes the following mandatory items:

• Statement of Purpose
• Personal History Statement
• 3 letters of recommendation submitted online
• TOEFL or IELTS scores - International applications only
• Transcripts from each institution you have listed in your application (you will scan and upload them yourself)
• $105 fee for U.S. Applicants and $125 USD fee for International Applicants

General Questions

• How many applications do you receive?
  • We receive about 400 applications each year.
  • How many students are in an entering class?
    • We aim for 25-30 PhD students. We typically have 2 entering Master's students each year as well.
    • Approximately 6 years: two years of coursework and 4 years to complete the dissertation.
    • About 150.

    Application

    • When are applications due?
      • Applications completed by January 15th will receive full review. We begin to read applications and admit students after this date. All applications received by January 15th will receive full review. All application materials (letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores) must be received by the deadline. We cannot admit students with incomplete applications. Applications can be submitted until June 1, 2023, but after January 15th they will be reviewed only if space remains available in the program.
      • How can I check my application status online?
        • You can track the status of your application through the application website. It takes up to 72 hours to update new information.
        • $105 for domestic applicants, $125 for international applicants. See the application for payment details.
        • Fee waivers are only available to US citizens and Permanent Residents.
        • UC Davis Graduate Studies offers application fee waivers only to applicants who have participated in or are affiliated with one or more of the following programs: https://grad.ucdavis.edu/prospective-students/admissions-application/steps-applying#GradPrepProgs Applicants who are affiliated with these programs are required to indicate their participation AND must provide a name and contact information for their program coordinator in the relevant section of the online application system to receive an application fee waiver
        • Applications are considered for Fall quarter only.
        • The main round of acceptance letters will be sent in mid-February. All admissions decisions will be made by June 30, 2023.

        Transcripts

        • Do I need to submit multiple transcripts?
          • You must submit one transcript for each university or college you have listed in your on-line application.
          • Where do I submit transcripts?
            • You will be instructed to upload scanned copies of your transcripts after you have submitted your online application. For more details visit https://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/submit-transcripts.
            • What if my transcripts are missing my final grades?
              • Many students apply before while still in school, so many transcripts are incomplete. Please submit the transcript as is. If you are admitted, then before beginning studies at UC Davis you will be required to submit final official transcripts, including proof that you received your bachelor's degree.

              Letters of Recommendation

              • How do I submit letters of recommendation?
                • Letters of Recommendation must be submitted electronically by your recommender through the online application.
                • No, hard copies of letters of recommendation will NOT be accepted.
                • Yes, the online application will automatically notify the recommender and provide instructions on how to submit their letter.

                GPA

                • What are the GPA requirements?
                  • UC Davis requires that all applicants have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
                  • The average GPA for admitted students is about 3.7.

                  TOEFL

                  • What are the minimum TOEFL scores required?
                    • UC Davis requires a minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL, 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, or 7 on the IELTS.
                    • Yes, if your native language is not English and you graduated from an institution in which the language of instruction was not English, then you are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.
                    • No, if you received a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree from an accredited school where the primary language of instruction was English, then you do not need a TOEFL or IELTS score.
                    • No, if English is your first language, then you do note need a TOEFL or IELTS score.
                    • Submit all TOEFL scores electronically through ETS.
                    • Institution code 4834
                    • Department code 76
                    • TOEFL scores may be submitted up to 2 years from the date of examination.