Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about applying to Scripps Research's doctoral program are addressed below.

If you have a question or concern that is not addressed below, please send us an email, include as much detail about your question as you can, and we'll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.

Is there an application fee?
No, there is no application fee.

Is there a difference in the admissions process for the La Jolla and Jupiter locations?
No, the admissions process and standards are the same. Each application will be reviewed by both admission committees and as a result, applicants may receive an offer of admission from one or both locations.

How many applications do you receive, and what are the acceptance and enrollment rates?
Entry into Scripps Research’s doctoral program is highly competitive, as evidenced by a 13 percent acceptance rate in the 2024 application cycle. Of the 1,376 applicants to the 2024 program, 76 accepted offers and joined the ranks of Scripps Research's graduate students, bringing the total student body to more than 400 students. Click here to visit the admissions data page, which contains charts showing current and historical statistical trends, including disaggregated enrollment data pertaining to gender, ethnicity, research interests and other criteria.

Are there minimum GPA, GRE, TOEFL or IELTS requirements to apply?
No, there are no minimum requirements to apply.

What are the most heavily weighted factors in selecting students for Scripps Research's doctoral program?
Although transcripts are important, applications are considered overwhelmingly based on a student’s scientific interests, previous research experience, recommendations from research advisor(s) and a statement of purpose that demonstrates a developed sense of professional direction, persistence and motivation. For useful tips and guidance as to the recommended focus of the statement of purpose, please visit the Written Narratives page.

Should I list faculty that I am interested in within my statement of purpose? If so, does that mean I can only work with those faculty if I am accepted?
If you are particularly interested in the research of one or more Scripps Research faculty members, please mention them in your personal statement and elaborate. If you are invited to interview, and are accepted to the program, you are not limited to only those faculty that you listed in your application and personal statement.

How do I know which Scripps Research faculty are a part of the Graduate program? What are Scripps Fellows and do they accept graduate students?
A complete list of faculty who are active in the graduate program can be found on our Faculty Directory page. In addition to faculty with traditional academic titles (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor), Scripps Research also has a program to develop promising young scientists on the path to becoming a full faculty member. These “Scripps Research Fellows” have full Principal Investigator status, have privileges to apply for external grants to expand their research program, and can (and do!) accept graduate students into their labs. For purposes of selecting faculty with whom you are interested on your application, feel free to include any who are listed as “Scripps Fellow” in the directory.

Are GRE exam scores (general and subject) required?
As of 2020, the program has decided to make the submission of GRE scores for both the general and subject-specific exams optional. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a GRE score is omitted from an application. However, we will still consider GRE scores if they are submitted, and such scores may be helpful in the context of the applicant’s entire portfolio.

What department code should I use for GREs?
A department code is not necessary.

What is Scripps Research's institution code?
It is 4651.

Who should I ask to submit letters of recommendation?
You should request three letters of recommendation from faculty or employers who can assess your research intensity and drive, your perseverance and independence in the lab, your creative contributions to the design and progress on a research project, and how quickly you assimilate new ideas and embrace alternate approaches to a problem. Of particular interest to Scripps Research's doctoral program are letters from research advisors or research supervisors with direct knowledge of your previous laboratory research experience. Additional letters of recommendation beyond the required three will not be accepted.

Do I need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if I am an international student but have, or will receive, my degree from a university in an English-speaking country?

The TOEFL or IELTS requirement may be waived if the applicant meets at least one of these criteria:

1. You are a native citizen and studied in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or Canada (except Quebec). If you are a citizen of any other English-speaking country not listed above, you are not exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
2. You studied full time for at least two academic years within the last five years in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or Canada (except Quebec). You must submit a transcript that shows you attended college or graduate school in one of these approved locations.
3. You earned a degree from a university outside of the U.S. with instruction fully in English (official English as language of instruction statement from school required).
    

Do I need to submit official transcripts?
For the purpose of applying, official transcripts are not required and an electronic copy of a transcript or scanned (PDF) copy of an unofficial transcript is preferred (must be official records from the university or college attended). Hand-typed listings of courses prepared by the applicant will not be considered. Official transcripts documenting the degree awarded at each college and/or university will be required prior to enrollment.

Do transcripts need to be in English?
Yes, transcripts from international institutions must be in English or be accompanied by a certified English translation. All translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records. A World Education Services (WES) Course-by-Course ICAP Evaluation is highly recommended for all applicants who have earned a degree(s) from an institution(s) outside of the United States.

I am interested in the Skaggs Oxford program. Do I need to submit a separate application?
No. There is only one application for all programs. In the Program of Study section of the application, please select Skaggs Oxford. All required application materials are the same for both programs, however, an additional statement of purpose tailored to the Skaggs Oxford program is also required. All of which are submitted through the one online application.

If I am not selected for the Skaggs Oxford program, will I still be considered for admission to the Scripps Research Doctoral Program?
The application will be considered by Scripps Research and the Oxford Department of Biochemistry. If you are not selected for the Skaggs Oxford program, your application will still be considered by the Scripps Research committee.

How are international interviews conducted?
International applicants who are already in the United States or will be visiting the United States, if selected for an interview, may visit either the Florida or California locations during the scheduled recruitment weekends. Otherwise, interviews will be conducted via Zoom.

Is financial aid available to students?
All graduate students are paid a stipend to cover living expenses. Additionally, all graduate students’ tuition and benefits are completely paid by Scripps Research. For these reasons, financial aid is not necessary.

Are students required to attend the Skaggs Graduate School full-time?
The Scripps Research doctoral program is a full-time commitment requiring full-time enrollment in the fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters. To be considered full time, students must register for a minimum of 9 credits in the fall, winter, and spring quarters and 6 credits in the summer quarter. Loss of full-time status may endanger a student’s eligibility to defer educational loans and if on a visa, may result in the student being out of status.

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is December 1 every year. The admissions committee begins reviewing applications in early December, and incomplete applications may not be reviewed. 

When is the latest I can submit collateral documents including transcripts, GRE scores, or letters of recommendation?
As long as the application form is submitted by the deadline of December 1, collateral documents (transcripts, scores, letters of recommendation, etc.) will be accepted through December 15. In the case of GRE scores, scores are received from ETS electronically and automatically matched, but it is very helpful to the admissions committee if you can self-report your scores, if available, on the application form.

Can I contact Scripps Research faculty directly?
Applicants should feel free to contact any Scripps Research faculty member whose research areas are of interest. The admissions process, however, is managed entirely by the Office of Graduate Studies and all admissions-related questions should be directed to this office. Please do not contact faculty members with questions about the admissions process.

What is Scripps Research's policy with regard to students transferring from another institution?
Students who are interested in transferring into Scripps Research's doctoral program must submit transcripts, course syllabi for classes completed at other institutions, and relevant personal statements through Scripps Research's Online Admissions System. Transfer credit is reviewed and awarded by the deans. While the final decision is up to the deans, a course that was not applied toward another degree generally receives transfer credit if it was completed at an accredited institution and a grade of B- or better was earned. Grades earned at another institution will transfer in for credit only and are not included in the calculation of the GPA. If accepted, the student must complete at least two core courses at Scripps Research prior to being eligible for the candidacy examination.

Does Scripps Research have rolling admission?
No.

When will I hear about my application?
Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted in December and January. All applicants will be notified by April 1.

Other questions?
If you have a question or concern that is not addressed above, please contact us! Send us an email at admissions@scripps.edu, include as much detail about your question as you can, and we'll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.