I am a GradStud Rep on AdCom of a leading Canadian Biology dept.

[picasso]

Was just thinking I could be of help to prospective Biology graduate students in Canada and beyond. Ask me any admission-related questions. Would try to answer if and when I'm chanced. Cheers.

[neurominer]

What are the deliberations like when it gets down to the hard decisions? Who has the final say, and what factors matter most? Are there any parts of the application that you think most people underestimate the importance of?

[picasso]

Hi neurominer, decision-making by adcom is essentially a collective one. However, as most Biology programs don't require the GRE. Research experience is massive and number one criterion in our reckoning. For most PhD programs, Pubs are almost a requirement. Cheers.

[picasso]

Also, as most phd applicants enter with an MSc, we take Grad GPAs and thesis scores very seriously. For MSc applicants, a bachelors thesis is a reqn. Also uGPA grades especially in the last two years are looked at. Hence GPAs and research experience are the important in Canadian Biology graduate programs

[neurominer]

Thanks picasso, good to know! What are Thesis scores? I've never heard that term before. Is that a canadian thing in particular, or are you under the impression that master's programs in the US do that as well?

[picasso]

I meant thesis sample. Assessing the quality of the applicant's most recent thesis. Thanks neurominer.

[neurominer]

Oh okay, that makes more sense. Thank you!