Application Information

No application fee for 2008!

Please follow the steps below to apply to VAI Graduate School. The deadline for applications was January 5, 2008. We will continue to accept applications until positions in our class have been filled. Potential applicants should contact the Graduate School office at gradschool@vai.org for further information and instructions or call 616-234-5708.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us. Begin your transition from student to scientist in the field of biomedical research.

1. Review the Requirements page to find out if you are eligible
2. Fill out an Application Form: 
   
   Online form
   Word version 
   Pdf version
   
   
3. Send completed Application Form and the following items to:

• A cover letter stating your interest in VAI Graduate School
• Three letters of reference, typically from faculty members who know you and your academic work and, if applicable, who supervised independent study or research
• Official transcripts of your academic record
• TOEFL scores, if applicable
• GRE scores from the General Test and one Subject Test (biochemistry, cell and molecular biology; biology; chemistry; physics; or mathematics). If you are presently enrolled in medical school, you may substitute MCAT scores for the GRE scores.
• A sample of your writing, such as a research report or an essay describing your research experiences and interests

Review Process

January
Applications will be reviewed by a team of VAI Graduate School faculty members.

February
Selected candidates will be invited to visit Van Andel Institute for interviews. Visitors will meet with the admissions team, with faculty members who might serve as future research mentors and with current students and/or postdoctoral associates. In some cases, students may be interviewed by telephone instead.

March
The admissions team will recommend admission for selected students; offers of admission will be issued by the Graduate School Dean.

April
Students receiving offers will respond with their decision by April 15.