# Applying to BIG ## expand\_more [### Application Deadline ](https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply)BMI applications for Fall 2027 will open in Fall 2026. [### Apply Here ](https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply)Access the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application by clicking the red apply button on the right side of the [Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions website](https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply). In addition to the information below, please review the [Completing Your Application](https://live-gsas-9.pantheonsite.io/apply/applying-degree-programs/completing-your-application) page prior to starting your application. ## BIG Admissions Information Open all sections Close all sections ### Recommended background expand\_more Applicants to the BIG program typically have majored in a quantitative field (e.g., computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, bioengineering) with a demonstrated interest in biological sciences OR have majored in a biological science but with considerable aptitude in computer programming and quantitative methods. ### Holistic Admissions Process expand\_more Applicants are evaluated holistically, assessing the person’s accomplishments and potential based on all information provided (transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc). There are no cut-offs for GPA or GRE scores, no required set of courses, and no specific undergraduate majors. GRE scores are optional. After the initial review, a group of students are invited for interviews. ### Program Selection expand\_more Students apply to a PhD program and once admitted, perform at least two lab rotations in order to select a dissertation advisor. Students do not need to secure a dissertation advisor prior to applying. Most applicants apply to one HILS PhD program, and we strongly recommend this targeted approach. While prospective students are encouraged to choose the program that best fits their academic goals carefully, interested applicants may apply to more than one within a cycle. Harvard Griffin GSAS will accept up to three applications to different programs in a single year. Each application must be unique, containing a separate statement of purpose, transcripts, recommendations, and test scores; each application also requires a separate application fee. Please note that each submitted application counts toward the lifetime maximum of three applications per person. To apply to BIG or AIM, you should select "**Biomedical Informatics**" as your degree program. Then, on the *Biomedical Informatics* tab, select either "**Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics (BIG)**" or "**Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM)**" in the *Area of Interest* box. ### How to Apply expand\_more For detailed information about the application, please visit the [**Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions website**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply) and click on "Required Application Materials" and "Completing Your Online Application" half-way down the page. A complete application consists of: - Online application form - Application fee payment ($105) - Transcripts uploaded to the application - Letters of recommendation - Statement of purpose - Personal statement - Demonstration of English proficiency ### Application Fees & Deadline The cost to apply online is $105.00 U.S. (subject to change) The online application fee must be paid by credit card; no other form of payment is accepted. Your application will not be processed unless payment is submitted and received. ### Graduate Record Examination (GRE) GRE scores are optional for BIG and AIM. ### Demonstrate English Proficiency Please review the [**English Proficiency Requirement**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply/applying-degree-programs/english-proficiency) carefully! **Note that BMI’s minimum scores are 100 for the TOEFL and 7 for the IELTS.** Official score reports must be sent to Harvard Griffin GSAS by the application deadline. Demonstration of English proficiency is a requirement of the application. Any additional questions about the English Proficiency Requirement should be sent to . ### Financial Aid Applicants to the our programs should NOT­ complete the Statement of Financial Resources for Graduate Study. HMS OGE PhD students receive full tuition and stipend support while they are enrolled. ### Letters of Recommendation We do not accept any paper letters of recommendation. Be sure to register your recommenders’ information in your application, as all recommendation letters must be submitted online. Paper letters of recommendation will NOT be included as part of your application. ### Fee Waiver expand\_more We are committed to ensuring that our application fee does not create a financial obstacle for prospective applicants. Application fee waivers are available to those for whom payment of the application fee would be financially challenging. A fee waiver can be requested in the "Applicant Fee" section of the application. ### Funding for Admitted Students expand\_more Successful applicants are fully funded while making satisfactory progress. The funding covers tuition, health insurance, and fees, as well as a monthly stipend. For the first two years, the program provides the funding; starting in the third year, the thesis advisor takes over. Thesis advisors are required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover a student’s expenses throughout their entire thesis research period before taking on a student; thus, no student has ever left a laboratory for financial reasons. ### FAQ expand\_more For AIM-specific FAQs please see the [AIM FAQs](//bmiphd.hms.harvard.edu/applying-aim). ***Q: Can I apply or be considered for both the BIG PhD track and the AIM PhD track?*** A: No, you may only apply and be considered for one of the tracks within the same application cycle. Please note that you may only apply a maximum of three times to HILS programs, including two OGE PhD programs. ***Q: Should I apply to BIG or BBS (Biological and Biomedical Science)?*** A: The two programs share many features, including some course requirements. The biggest difference perhaps is who your peers will be. If you are in BIG, you will spend most of your time with those with a strong quantitative background. If you are strongly inclined toward a computational thesis, BIG may be a better fit. ***Q: Could I defer after getting admitted?*** A: Deferrals are granted only in exceptional circumstances, e.g., winning a prestigious fellowship for study abroad. If you will perform research at a university or work in a company, for instance, you will have to reapply. ***Q: I have a master’s degree. Could some required courses be waived?*** A: If your master’s degree was in a related field, once admitted, you can petition to have one or two courses waived. Approval is at the discretion of the program director(s). ***Q: Could I get feedback on my application, parts of my application or general fit for the program?*** A: Given our holistic admissions process, it is not possible to provide feedback on any application for admission prior to review by the Admission Committee(s). ***Q: Does the application require official transcripts to be uploaded?*** A: You can upload unofficial transcripts with your application. If you are accepted, you will need to provide official transcripts at a later date. ***Q: Do you accept international students?*** A: Yes. ***Q: Can the TOEFL or IELTS score be submitted after the application deadline?*** A: No. These scores are requirements of the application. For more details on the English Proficiency, please review the [GSAS English Proficiency Requirement](https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply/applying-degree-programs/english-proficiency). **Note that BMI’s minimum scores are 100 for the TOEFL and 7 for the IELTS.** ***Q: How much does previous research experience weigh in the application?*** A: We have a holistic admission process and do not have pre-defined weights for different parts of the applications. In general, the student’s performance in a previous research experience is an important indicator of aptitude in graduate studies, assuming that opportunities are available. We encourage potential applicants to engage in research opportunities during the academic year and/or summer(s). ### Video FAQ with BIG students expand\_more ***Q: What is the biggest benefit of completing your PhD in the Harvard BIG track?*** ***Q: What's your advice for those considering a computational PhD?*** ***Q: Can you speak about the research opportunities in the Harvard BIG PhD track?*** ***Q: What attracted you to apply to the Harvard BIG PhD track?*** ***Q: Can you speak about advising and mentorship in the Harvard BIG PhD track?*** ***Q: What would you say to applicants that think Harvard has an exclusive culture?*** ***Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered as a PhD student?*** co\_present [### Attend our Virtual Information Sessions! ](https://bmiphd.hms.harvard.edu/find-us-following-recruitment-events)