Apply to the QSB Program

apply online laptop

Admission applications for the QSB program will be accepted from December 1 until July 16.  Interview and rolling admissions will begin on February 1.  Any relevant documents received after the deadline will be marked "Late Applicant," which means applicants who submitted on time will be given first priority by the admissions committee, and late applications may be reviewed as time permits.

Review the application procedures provided by The Graduate School (TGS) and the information below before submitting your application.  

 

THE ONLINE APPLICATION 

CREATING AN ACCOUNT 

  • Visit TGS's application portal, APPLYWEB, to set up your account.  Applicants will submit required and (optional) supplemental materials using this platform.  
  • Applicants will receive a PIN and User ID via ApplyWeb and will be able to access the online portal at any time before submission.  This is where applicants will also be able to view their admission status and accept an offer of admission to the QSB program.  

ENTERING PROGRAM INFORMATION

  • On the Program Choice Page, choose the QSB program by entering “Quantitative” in the “Search for a Program" box
  • The correct school is “Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences”
  • The name of the program is “Quantitative and Systems Biology: MS Program code 10PM”    
  • The entry quarter for the QSB program is always the Fall of the application year
  • Attendance = Full Time

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS

PROVIDING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

  • Supplemental materials such as letters of recommendation, transcripts, statement of purpose, and research experience(s) are essential for the application.  The admissions committee relies on this information when making decisions and offers.
  • The materials submitted in support of an application become the property of TGS and cannot be released for other purposes or returned.
    • Letters of Recommendation: The admissions committee is most interested in recommendation letters from individuals who are best able to assess your academic and research abilities in areas related to your field of study.
    • Official Transcripts: While completing your online application, you will be required to submit one scanned copy of your transcript(s) or academic record(s) from each school you have attended.  For more details on transcript requirements, visit TGS'S Transcripts webpage.
    • Statement of Purpose: All applicants are required to upload a Statement of Purpose while completing the online application.  It should describe the applicant's purpose and objective for undertaking graduate study, any special research interests or qualifications the applicant possesses, and reasons for applying to Northwestern University. 

TEST SCORES

TOEFL OR IELTS SCORES

  • Applicants whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS examination unless the applicant has received a bachelor's degree from certified institutions where the primary language is English.
  • To submit your score, ETS must send TOEFL scores to TGS using our ETS institution code of 1565.
  • Copies of your IELTS scores must be sent directly from IELTS to the QSB program.
  • To ensure that test scores are received in a timely manner, you are encouraged to take the test at least three months before the department's Jun 15 application deadline.