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This is an archived page. This page is not up-to-date.For current information, click here.APS Graduate Program ~ Admissions
Sub-Links within our "Graduate Program" section: About Our Program | Course Information | Survival Information | Having a Life | Admissions Information| Current Courses | Current Course Webpages Important InformationWe generally receive over 150 applications to our graduate program, and we will make offers to approximately 30. Only students intending to earn their Ph.D. will be considered for admission. Admitted students are invited to visit Boulder for one of our "Prospective Weekends" held throughout the first half of March. Before applying, we encourage you to view our Program Information page, and you may be interested in our graduate student Alumni information of what our graduates do after receiving their degrees. International Application Deadline: December 1 Domestic Application Deadline: January 15* We do not offer Spring nor Summer admission. Click here for more information. *Note: Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are complete. You may receive a decision notice earlier if you complete and submit all your application materials before the deadline. Admissions RequirementsUndergraduate StudyA thorough undergraduate preparation in physics and mathematics is necessary for graduate study. Courses should include thermodynamics, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, atomic physics, and mathematics at least through complex variables and differential equations. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of planetary science, a broader range of undergraduate preparation is considered. ResearchMany applicants have completed undergraduate research (e.g., an REU program or in-depth senior thesis, publication or conference poster). Evidence of such successful research is highly regarded. Be sure to include a clear description of what part of the project you were responsible for. GREThe Graduate Record Examination general aptitude tests and advanced test in physics are required for application to our department. Foreign StudentsThe TOEFL exam is required for students whose native language is not English. For students whose undergraduate study was completed outside the US, information on your program (e.g. course descriptions or textbook titles) that allows a better comparison with the US system is appreciated. Bottom Line, or Most Basic QualificationsA high undergraduate GPA in a strong physics program, positive letters of recommendation, general GRE score above 70-90th percentile (native English speakers). If any of these are lacking, some other exceptional qualification is generally required. Admissions ProcessAll application materials from US citizens should be received by January 15. Foreign applicants please send all materials to the APS department by December 1. The admissions committee may review late applications at their discretion. Domestic ApplicationDomestic application and instructions You are also required to provide:
Foreign ApplicationInternational application and instructions You are also required to provide:
Additional InformationUnless submitted online, the above materials should be sent to CU Boulder Graduate Admissions at the following addresses: Domestic Applicants: Transcripts and other supporting materials required by your department should be sent directly to:
For overnight or express mail send to:
All International Applicants: Transcripts and other supporting materials required by your department should be sent directly to:
Questions and inquiries about the application and admissions process should be directed to . DecisionsApplication decisions will begin to be made as soon as applications are complete. Offers of admission are generally made within a few weeks and generally no later than mid-March. VisitMost admitted students choose to visit for one weekday and part of a weekend. We have two separate two-weekday visitations available in early March - a Monday-Tuesday and a Thursday-Friday. Prospective students usually stay with current graduate students. We arrange opportunities to talk with faculty in research areas of your interest and give a taste of life in Boulder. Even though formal APS department-planned events are scheduled for two week days, we encourage prospective students to plan to stay at least one additional day because the current graduate students plan extra activities and events, such as hiking, skiing, and exploring downtown Boulder (e.g., fly in on Saturday to stay Sunday-Wednesday, or fly out Saturday for your visit Thursday-Saturday). The visit dates for 2013 are Thursday, February 28 through Sunday, March 3 and Saturday, March 2 through Tuesday, March 5. Preliminary InterviewMatriculating students are given an oral preliminary interview prior to the beginning of the fall semester of their first year. Students review their background with their academic advisor and other faculty whose research is related to the student's interests. Courses and possible research advisors are suggested to the student. Additional InformationFor further information concerning graduate studies, contact:
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