There are many sub-fields and affiliated in physics: meteorology, nuclear physics, laser physics, surface physics, fractals, solid state physics, optics, chaos, atmospheric, plasma, relativity, vacuum, and fluids--to name a few. They all have complementary experimental and theoretical disciplines and are often closely allied with studies in other scientific disciplines. We have known many cases where physicists got very good graduate appointments in chemistry, engineering, medicine and other areas.

'Astronomy' historically dealt with the positions and apparent motions of stars, while 'astrophysics' was the term applied to the study of the nature of stars, primarily through spectroscopy and theoretical modeling. Both branches make use of the same kinds of mathematics that physicists and many engineers use. In current usage the terms are virtually interchangeable. Our Astrophysics BS is specifically designed to prepare students for rigorous technical jobs or graduate work. The Astronomy BA is more designed for the pre-college teacher, or the enthusiast. In general, the physics GRE will still be required for those students pursuing graduate work in astrophysics.

There are many graduate programs in education. Some are certification programs which will result in a teaching certificate, while others are professional enhancement programs.

We offer excellent, personalized opportunities for students aiming for medical school. We structure your program around the interests and needs of the medical school applicant, earning you a BA in physics with all of the other odds and ends (organic chemistry, etc.) needed to facilitate your acceptance into medical school. Our required senior research project can even be something relevant to your medical future.

Getting into graduate school is a straightforward process of selling yourself. For entry into Physics, Astronomy, or related graduate schools the process is essentially identical. One especially nice aspect of graduate school is that virtually any domestic program which accepts you will give you sufficient resources (in the form of teaching and research assistantships and tuition waivers) that you make a living wage during graduate school and don't have to worry about details like out-of-state tuition, or what kind of job to get to support yourself through school.

Your attractiveness to a potential graduate school relies primarily on three factors:

• Your undergraduate record (courses taken, grades, research experience)
• Letters of recommendation (from faculty who know you well)
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

No single factor is likely to make or break you.

Ordinarily the best time to send out the formal applications is in December, after final exams are over. It is OK to do it earlier, and it is possible to do it later, but remember, schools are giving away slots that you want.

So now you have taken the GRE and gathered information on a couple of dozen schools you are interested in you need to narrow things down a bit more. Ask yourself if your target schools are realistic given your qualifications. Faculty members will be helpful on this issue, which can be a little painful at times. Dr. Wragg, who in a previous incarnation was the recruiter for a graduate program, can be especially helpful.

If at all possible you should visit some schools, even if they aren't on your short list of potential graduate schools it is worth a visit. You get perspective that way. If you are serious about a school you should send a copy of your resume (see Dr. Wragg for details) to the director of graduate studies at the department of interest. A week or so later email or give the director a call and ask if you appear to be a good candidate for their program. If you hear good noises in response to that question then ask if they have any money to defray the cost of a visit. Very often strong candidates will get some financial help for a visit. Our students have even been flown to a school and hosted for a couple of days.

You need to get information about a department you are interested in. Some information isn't the kind that usually goes into their brochures. Ask the Director of Graduate Studies, other faculty, and especially other graduate students the following:

• When are qualifying exams administered, and what percentage of students pass?
• How much money do I get paid?
  • How much does the University take back for fees, etc.?
  • What is the cost of living?
• What do I have to do for my money?
  • How many hours a week do I have to teach or do research?
  • Do I have grading duties outside of my direct teaching duties?
• How long does it take to get a Ph.D. there?
• (To grad students) Are you pleased with your selection of graduate schools?
• Do I get an office? What is it like?
• (To grad students) Are there faculty members I should avoid doing research with?
• Can I get a summer research appointment for the summer prior to entering the program?
• How is summer support during the program?

What constitutes a "Good" school? Good for you, value added to you, success for you. It doesn't do you any good going to a school where you don't succeed.

Offers for acceptance and support can be made any time, even as early as December, although most of them come during March and April, with 15 April being the latest date for general offers. With any luck and some diligence it is likely that you will have more than one offer. Unfortunately, you may have an offer which specifies a response time before you get all your offers. life is tough. Some departments will grant extensions to the decision time deadline, but don't count on it. Sometimes you just have to make a choice.

You can also get offers after the first round of offers have been made. If a department hasn't yet filled its slots they may make offers well into the summer. Make your best decision, but don't agonize over it. If you are unhappy, then you can change schools without too much difficulty. Don't confuse unhappy with unsuccessful though. Your portability depends on your record.

updated: 13 Sep 07