How we review applications to our program:

Application review is performed by an Admissions Committee composed of both MGG faculty members and current graduate students elected by the Microbiology Graduate Student Association. The committee evaluates applicants using holistic review, which is an evidence-based approach to identify individuals that are likely to be successful in graduate education and microbiology research. Applications are reviewed and ranked by the Admissions committee based on a demonstrated interest in microbiology, prior research experience, undergraduate GPA (including microbiology grades), contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion, previous presentations and publications, and letters of recommendation. Based on the application review, this committee determines which of the strongest applicants will be invited to interview at our recruitment event.

Tips for submitting a strong and competitive application:

You can increase your likelihood of being invited to interview by addressing the following points in your application and essays:

• Your interest in microbiology research: what kinds of research questions interest you and why? Are there specific faculty research programs in MGG that interest you?
• Have you taken advantage of research opportunities available to you at your undergraduate institution or after graduation? If so, what research question did you and your team tackle, and what was your role in the research? What did you learn from that experience, and how does that inform your future goals? We would like to know if your research experience has prepared you for graduate education by giving you a realistic perspective on how to conduct and/or complete research projects. We are also looking for individuals who through their previous research experience have gained a strong ability to work independently and solve problems.
• Has your research resulted in any publications, presentations (at local or national conferences) or awards? For publications, be sure to list this under ‘publications’ in the application.
• The committee will consider your undergraduate GPA, particularly grades in microbiology or other related science courses, as this informs them as to whether you have a suitable knowledge foundation to build on in your graduate studies. If you have poor grades in these courses, even with a good GPA, you are less likely to be invited for interview. The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission to UC Davis for graduate study is 3.0.
• Your leadership and/or motivation to making science accessible to and inclusive of communities within and outside the University; your desire to help others and benefit society.
• A demonstrated ability and motivation to work hard and steadily towards long-term goals.
• Your potential to contribute to diversity in higher education/microbiology research as evidenced by your life experiences, educational background (e.g. non-traditional paths) and/or the ability to articulate barriers facing underrepresented communities in science.

Letters of Recommendation:

• We value letters of recommendations. Allow your letter writers at least six weeks’ notice that you need a letter and follow up 3, 2 and 1 week before the application deadline as needed, especially if your letter writers are writing a letter for you for the first time. Writing a thoughtful and supportive letter takes time and effort, so your letter writers will need this advance notice. Your letter writers should be academically familiar with you, such as a professor and/or research mentor, and should be able to speak to your ability to complete a Ph.D. Your letters of recommendation can speak to your potential for research excellence or indicate if the research you’ve already been involved with may lead to a publication.

Instructions for completing essay components of the application:

• Statement of Purpose statement: Describe your motivation, academic preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UC Davis in the Microbiology Graduate Group. You should highlight your academic preparation and motivations, plans and research interests, your specialization within your academic field, your research experiences and your career goals. You may include your academic and research experiences that prepared you for admission to this program.
• Personal History and Diversity statement: The purpose of this essay is to get to know you as an individual and potential graduate student. Describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Please include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual, or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree. We value personal statements that reveal motivation and purpose. This essay should complement but not duplicate content in the Statement of Purpose.