MARB IDP FAQs
What are the application deadlines for Fall or Spring semester entrance?
The priority deadline for completed applications is December 15th for fall entrance, and May 15thfor spring entrance. Most students are accepted for the Fall semester. Applications are accepted year-round. However, the priority deadlines are related to funding opportunities. Applicants are able to apply after these dates, but must realize that funding opportunities diminish throughout the following semester.
What is the deadline to take the GRE?
Applicants are urged to submit their GRE scores prior to the dates listed above.
For those applying to Texas A&M University at Galveston, use 6835 for the GRE code.
For those applying to Texas A&M University (College Station), use 6003 for the GRE code.
For those applying to Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, use 6849 for the GRE code.
What is the minimum GRE score that I need in order to apply?
Neither the MARB IDP nor the other graduate program, the Master’s in Marine Resources Management (MARM), have a set minimum GRE score. Admissions committees for both programs conduct a holistic review of an application.
The average GRE score for accepted MARB IDP applicants was 1089 for Fall 2009 entrance (1207 for the Ph.D. program and 1060 for the M.S. program) and 1156 for Fall 2010 entrance (1160 for the Ph.D. program and 1153 for the M.S. program). For the MARM program, the average GRE score was 1048 for Fall 2009 entrance and 988 for Fall 2010 entrance.
I have located an advisor. What do I do next?
After you have located an advisor, please proceed to the next step of the admissions process: “Apply Texas” (http://www.applytexas.org) Application. To learn more details about the admissions process, please visit Prospective Graduate Students
How do I submit my letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation may be submitted electronically or by mail. Electronic submissions must come from the recommender signed in pdf format to richardh@tamug.edu. Mailed letters of recommendation should be sent to:
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Research and Graduate Studies Office
Attn: Graduate Admissions
PO Box 1675
Galveston, TX 77553
Letters from academic community are preferred. To learn more details about the admissions process, please visit Prospective Graduate Students
Have you received my GRE, transcripts, TOEFL, etc?
To determine the status of your application, please email richardh@tamug.edu.
What are the prerequisite courses for entering into the MARB IDP?
In addition to a good grade point average and GRE test scores, an applicant for the MARB IDP program should have a solid biology, chemistry and math/statistics course background. This background should include courses in general biology (2 courses), vertebrates, cell, invertebrates, genetics, general chemistry (2 courses), organic chemistry (2 courses) as well as calculus and statistics. Please look at the undergraduate Marine Biology curriculum listed in the TAMUG.edu website as an example.
What is the process of locating an advisor?
In the admissions process, the most critical and time consuming step is finding an advisor. To search for a potential advisor, 1) select a faculty member(s) whose area of interest aligns with your interest and 2) contact them to arrange a meeting to discuss your background and interests. For a list of faculty and their interests, please visit Participating Faculty.
How early should I start looking for an advisor?
Start searching for a faculty advisor 9 to 12 months before applying.
If I submit my application without an advisor, will I be considered for the program?
Applications without an approved advisor will not be considered. We advise to locate an advisor first before starting other steps in the admissions process.
Do I have to apply on the same campus as my advisor?
The location of your advisor determines where you will apply. Every student in the MARB IDP has a home campus, which is defined by the location of their advisor. For example if a student is working with an advisor in Galveston, then the student’s home campus is in Galveston even though the student can take classes at either the College Station and/or Corpus Christi campus.
What funding opportunities are available for applicants?
Non-thesis master’s degree students are self-funded typically. Master’s thesis degree and doctoral students are supported on assistantships by their faculty advisor.
Where can I find more information about admissions requirements for international applicants?
To learn more about the admissions process for international applicants, please visit the TAMU’s Office of Admissions web site.
What is your contact information?
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Research and Graduate Studies Office
PO Box 1675
Galveston, TX 77553