FAQ's

Required documents must be received by January 3, 2008. However, if you miss the deadline, you should submit any remaining documents immediately to the department. Please note that we will accept electronic copies or photocopies of documents during the review process, but the original documents must be received before students can be offered admission to the program.

I need to have my recommenders send letters as soon as possible. Should I have them submit PAPER letters?

Please note that your recommenders will receive an email request for letter of recommendation through the online application as soon as the recommendation page is completed and saved. If you've missed the deadline, we encourage you to contact your recommender(s) and request the letter be e-mailed immediately or find an alternate recommender.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography has 3 major codes. How do I figure out which one I should choose on the application?

The 3 major codes represent how the degree will read if you are admitted and complete the program. You may choose:

• SI76 Earth Sciences
• SI77 Marine Biology
• SI78 Oceanography

• Applied Ocean Science
  
• Biological Oceanography
• Climate Sciences
• Geosciences
• Geophysics
• Marine Biology
• Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry
• Physical Oceanography

For more information about the 8 specializations at Scripps please see Curricular Groups.

How many applicants do you accept to the program each year?

We usually offer admission to about 20% of the applicants

Is a GRE subject test required?

Marine Biology applicants are required to submit scores for the Biology Subject test or the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Subject test.

What are the appropriate ETS codes to use for the GRE and TOEFL?

GRE - Institution Code 4836 (UC San Diego) and Department Code 0211, 0508 or 0599 (all three will come to Scripps).

TOEFL Institution Code 4836 (UC San Diego) and Department Code 75.

How long are GRE and TOEFL scores valid?

GRE scores are valid for 5 years after the date the test was taken. The TOEFL score is valid for 2 years. The TOEFL is only required for students whose native language is not English and whose undergraduate education was conducted in a language other than English.

What is the minimum GRE score requirement?

The Department does not have a minimum score requirement, but most admitted applicants score approximately 80% or better.

What is the minimum TOEFL score requirement?

Paper-based test - 550
Computer-based test - 213
Internet-based test - 80  

What type of financial support is available to Scripps graduate students?

Students admitted into the program are typically offered 5 years of support (provisional on adequate progress each year). Financial support comes in the form of research assistantships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and other funding sources.

I have already applied to the program and am waiting to hear back. When will I know if I am accepted?

You will be notified as soon as possible (via automatic email) regarding documents we have received and when your file is complete. In February, some applicants will be contacted to visit our department. Most admissions decisions will be made by the end of March.

Will visiting Scripps help my chances of being accepted?

A personal visit is one way for faculty and students to meet and interact. Faculty are usually interested in meeting prospective students as a way to supplement the application. We encourage students who are invited to Open House to attend during that time. If you're not invited to visit (see #9), you can be proactive and arrange your own visit.

If I am not invited to Open House, does it mean that I am not a competitive applicant?

We only have a limited number of Open House invitation slots and therefore, we are unable to invite all the promising applicants. If you are not invited to Open House, this does not necessarily mean that your application is less competitive than students who have been invited. As in #10 above, you can be proactive and arrange your own visit.

Are all of the applicants that are invited to Open House already admitted to Scripps?

The various curricular groups adopt different strategies for admission based on previous experience. It is quite likely that some of your colleagues who attend Open House have already been admitted to the program while several others have not. If you are confused about the status of your application during Open House, please feel free to contact the faculty admissions chair for your specific curricular group.

Admissions chairs: