Do I need to find an advisor before submitting my application to the graduate office?

No. However, you must choose an advisor before the end of the first semester of study. You do this by looking at the Research Opportunities Page to find out what research members of the Biology faculty conduct. You must then contact any faculty member directly that you are interested in working with and find out whether he/she would be willing to serve as your advisor. Once a faculty member has agreed to serve as your advisor you simply fill out the supplemental application form and hand it to the graduate coordinator. You may download the Biology supplemental form from the link provided.