Letter from the Graduate Advisor

The preferred method of applying to the Department is via the University's online application system, ApplyYourself.

Decisions on financial assistance and admission to the Graduate Physics Program are made by the Department Admissions Committee. The most important factors considered in the admissions process are: (1) performance in undergraduate course-work and research (if any) and performance in prior graduate work; (2) letters of recommendation; (3) scores on the Graduate Record Examination, with particular emphasis being given to the Subject (Physics) Test.

Performance in courses in physics, mathematics and related sciences is considered to be the most relevant; on the basis of A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, a Grade Point Average (GPA) in these (undergraduate) courses of 3.5 to 4.0 would be expected for an applicant to the Ph.D. program.

Those who intend to apply for admission to the physics graduate program must take the General and Subject (Physics) parts of the Graduate Record Examination. This examination is administered by the Educational Testing Service (Princeton, NJ 08541); it can be taken at various times of the year at numerous locations by registering and paying the ETS fee.