1. “What is the admission deadline for UT?”

2. “What are minimum score expectations for my GRE and TOEFL tests?”

3. “What is the University of Tennessee's institutional code for the standardized tests?”

4. “Are there actions I can take to increase my chances for acceptance into the Plant Sciences Department’s graduate program?”

5. “Do the UT Graduate School and the Plant Sciences Department require different application materials? What Information is shared between your offices?”

6. “What is the status of my application materials?”

7. “How will I learn about the Plant Sciences Graduate Committee decision?”

Specific information about graduate studies with the Department of Plant Sciences [http://plantsciences.utk.edu/] can be found at [http://plantsciences.utk.edu/graduate.htm].

2. “What are minimum score expectations for my GRE and TOEFL tests?”
Successful applicants usually score above the 50th percentile on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the GRE. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum required scores are noted in the section on English Certification in the Graduate Catalog.

3. “What is the University of Tennessee's institutional code for the standardized tests?”
Reports of GRE and TOEFL scores must be sent directly from the testing agencies to the Office of Graduate and International Admissions (Institutional Code #1843).  Review of your application may be facilitated if you ALSO send unofficial copies to the Graduate Admissions Committee of the department.

4.“Are there actions I can take to increase my chances for acceptance into the Plant Sciences Department’s graduate program?”
Assistantship and fellowship opportunities are limited and competitive.  To increase the likelihood that your application will be considered, we recommend that you identify Plant Sciences faculty members who are working in your area of academic or career interest. You should give significant consideration about the type or research that interests you and how your interests might be a match with work that our faculty have undertaken and published in the past [http://plantsciences.utk.edu/faculty.htm].  Once you have done your own review, you should contact them concerning your specific interests and career goals. http://plantsciences.utk.edu/faculty.htm

5. “Do the UT Graduate School and the Plant Sciences Department require different application materials? What Information is shared between your offices?”
YES! These two entities require different submission materials for an application to be considered complete.  The UT Graduate School should be receiving your initial Graduate School application form, your GRE scores, TOEFL scores (if required), and transcripts from all undergraduate institutions that you have attended.  These forms are shared with the Plant Sciences Department.

In addition, the Plant Sciences Department requires that you send, under separate cover:

A current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV);

A detailed statement of academic interest, which includes your future career goals;

Your interest letter should indicate if you have already contacted one of our faculty who has expressed an interest in reviewing your packet, perhaps with an interest in serving as your major advisor

And, three (3) reference ratings forms filled out by different individuals who are willing to write on your behalf [http://admissions.utk.edu/graduate/forms/ratingform.pdf]. 

  Your references may be send these forms directly to the Graduate Coordinator

   Comments are not restricted in length and forms can include a separate, attached letter of    reference

   References are typically former or current teachers, employers, and industry    representatives/community leaders with whom you have previously worked or studied


6. “What is the status of my application materials?”
You may call our office at (865) 974-7324 or email kitts@utk.edu to inquire about receipt of your application materials and application status.  Understand that the Plant Sciences Graduate Admissions Committee cannot evaluate your application until all required materials have been submitted BOTH to our department, as well as the UT Graduate School.

7. “How will I learn about the Plant Sciences Graduate Committee decision?”
You will be notified in writing after the departmental committee has reviewed your application materials and made a decision.  This process can take 2 to 3 weeks and can only begin after all application materials have been received by BOTH the UT Graduate School and the Plant Sciences Department.