Frequently Asked Questions

You may apply to QCB and find more information about the admission timeline at this link . The application cycle will begin on August 1 for admission into the class beginning the next fall semester.  Admission to the QCB is granted for the fall semester only. No students will be admitted to start in the spring.

We have a priority deadline of November 15. The final application deadline is December 1, at midnight CST. You may apply to QCB and find more information about the admission timeline by clicking here. Applications are reviewed over several weeks after the application deadline. 

No. The QCB only accepts students for Fall Admission.

No. There are no minimum GPA requirements. When reviewing applications, we consider the entire application package, including previous research experience.

All materials are submitted electronically. We do NOT need copies of your official transcripts at the time of your application. You can upload an unofficial transcript at the time of application.  Should you choose to enroll at Vanderbilt, an official transcript for each school listed on your application will be required before matriculation. This is also true for GRE scores, should you elect to include them, and language test scores.

Your application status will not change online. You will be notified if you have been invited to interview for QCB. Otherwise, we will contact you regarding your application status when all interview invitations have been extended.

No, you do not need a faculty sponsor to apply to QCB. All students rotate through 4 labs before joining what will be their research thesis lab.

Unfortunately, this cannot be changed for your submitted names, even administratively. The only way to change this is to delete your recommender(s) and add them back in. You can do this before or after you submit your application.

Yes! This waiver does not depend on citizenship status.

Wonderful! Yes, we imagine that a majority of our applicants will qualify for the waiver. All you have to do is to check “yes” on the question regarding funded research on the “Application Fee and Waivers” page and you will not be asked to pay a fee. There is no code and no documentation needed.

No, We accept unofficial transcripts in evaluating your application. If you are offered admission and you accept the offer, you will then submit official transcripts.

NO! Neither the general GRE exam, which includes the Verbal, Quantitative and Analytic sections, nor the subject tests are required for admission. If you have taken the GRE and would like to include it in your application, you may do so and the admissions committee will consider it in their holistic review. The GRE Institution Code is 1871. The GRE Department Code is 0202 (No department code is necessary, but you may use 0202 if you are required to enter one).

There are no minimum GPA requirements. There are minimum scores for English proficiency exams that you can find here. When reviewing applications, we consider the entire application package, including previous research experience

Yes, a CV is required as part of the application. Please still complete the “Experiences” page of the application, even if you upload a CV or resume.

We accept any document that shows you have received a Pell grant, and any communication from the financial aid office at your institution that indicates your status is accepted. Do not share financial statements or tax statements. You do NOT have to write a statement.

We ask that your statement be 1-2 pages in length. There is no specific word count or font size. Remember to be mindful that reviewers will be reading your application on a screen, so do not make the font too small.