Strengthening Your Application to
the Penn State Physics Ph.D. Program
Here's a list
of suggestions that will strengthen your application
in the competitive field of graduate admissions to the Department of Physics at
Penn State. (Based on a
guide for students from historically underrepresented groups
written by Dr. Carla
Trujillo, UC Berkeley College of Engineering. This
advice is valuable to all applicants)
- General Tips
Plan ahead and be organized. Find out which faculty are doing research
in an area which interests you. Everything you need to apply is
online- the application, brochure, recommendation forms, etc. You can
also email, call, or write us and we will mail you application
materials and a departmental brochure. The earlier you apply, the
better the chance to be admitted with financial aid.
- Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are very important. Letters from faculty
are best, as they can usually best ascertain your true intellectual
and graduate student potential. Try to get all three from faculty
with whom you've taken a class or done research. Choose these people
with care- the letters are most helpful when the writer has a detailed
knowledge of your skills and abilities. Provide the recommender with
additional information such as your transcript, your statement of
purpose, and a few notes (if necessary) about any pertinent personal
history.
- GRE
It is highly recommended to take the GRE General AND Subject Physics
test early in the fall so that your scores can reach the department as
soon as possible (we begin reviewing applications in December or
January). The test may be taken more than once, and all scores will
be reported to the admissions committee. It helps to familiarize
yourself with the format and timing of the test, for example by trying
practice tests in a GRE study guide. Check that you have taken all the
requisite coursework before taking the subject test. The Subject test
is the most important part of the GRE. If possible, try not to take
the subject test on the same day as the general test, as it can be
tiring.
- The College GPA
The college GPA (in physics, mathematics and related courses such as
chemistry etc.) is very important as well; upwards trends in GPA are
also taken into account.
- Research/Work Experience
Part-time or summer undergraduate research experience can be a very
valuable part of your application. You will gain some insight into
your own future research interests and also improve your research
skills. The admissions committee strongly values a serious display of
commitment to research.
- Statement of Purpose
See the separate page on
the statement of purpose.
- Application Fee
We do not charge an initial application fee (if you are admitted and matriculate,
then there is a fee required by the graduate school).
- Financial Support
You can find lots of information on financial
support from the following links:
If you are a historically underrepresented students of color and do
not yet have financial support, then you should apply to the GEM
fellowship program. (Deadline for application is December
1. U.S. citizenship is required.) This program provides tuition, a
stipend, and a summer job in industry. Also make sure you apply for
graduate admission by mid February, the deadline for the Penn State
minority fellowships. Go to your graduate fellowship offices to find
other fellowships which you might qualify for.
Good Luck!
