FAQ: Applying to the Physics Graduate Program

ANNUAL APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 1, 2009 for ALL STUDENTS, International and Domestic.

Please note: This deadline supercedes the one on the University admissions page—January 1 is indeed our deadline.

I do not have web access. Will you send me a paper application?
We are no longer accepting paper applications. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause, but neither have paper applications on hand, nor will process any that we receive. Our entire process is now conducted in via an electronic submission format.

What is the application deadline?
The deadline is January 1, 2009 for ALL STUDENTS, International and Domestic.
Please note: This deadline supercedes the one on the University admissions page—January 1, 2009 is indeed our deadline.

Can I send photocopies of my ETS (e.g., GRE or TOEFL) scores? Will you accept photocopies?
Originals are preferred. While we will consider your application with a photocopied score report, no one will be formally admitted to the program until we have received an official score report from ETS.

What should the personal statement contain?
While we have no set guidelines for the personal statement, here are some pointers for some of the content that our graduate committee will look for within your statement

Your previous research experience
Current research interests
Other experience that may be relevant to your experience in physics
Your career goals (why do you wish to study physics?)

You should also provide an explanation for any low grades in the sciences or mathematics, should any appear on your transcripts. Do your best to ensure that your spelling, punctuation, and grammar are excellent.

Do you require the subject GRE in Physics? Can this requirement be waived?
All students entering the program must take the subject GRE in Physics as well as the general GRE. This test is part of the application process—it is in place of the “qualifying” examination given by some programs to students being considered for admission. Therefore, it will not under any circumstances be waived.

Can a waiver of the application fee be requested?
Fee waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis. We take the application process very seriously, and waivers are not automatically granted without sufficient reason. For consideration, please send a letter by surface mail or fax (the number is 303-492-3352) with details of your family's income, or, if you are an independent student, document how you supported yourself for the past year and why you do not have sufficient funds to pay the $70 application fee. Letters may be sent to:

Graduate Desk
University of Colorado
Physics
390 UCB - 2000 Colorado Avenue
Boulder, CO  80309-0390

Please include your e-mail address in your letter. We will consider your request, and, if your request was accepted, you will be able to see this decision on the application portal.

How do I know whether I will be considered as an international or domestic student?
If you have completed a year or more of study at a US institution of higher learning, you will not need to take the TOEFL. However, in making the decision of which application form to use, here are the guidelines:

International students are those who already have, or will be applying for, a temporary U.S. visa (most commonly the F-1 and J-1 visas).

United States citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees of the U.S. should use the domestic graduate materials.

Will you admit students for the spring semester?
Our admissions occur only for the fall semester of any year. There are a few exceptions, but they only occur at the request of a faculty member here in our department that will guarantee your support and academic credentials. This is a rare occurrence.

My university does not use the 4.0 scale that yours does. How should I make the conversion?
Here are some examples:
Juan Carlos is a student at a university that uses a point system to calculate grades, with 100 points being the maximum one can receive. In his Quantum Physics course, he received 88 points out of 100. In order to convert his grade to a 4.0 scale, this is what he must do:

First, divide the score received (88) by the maximum possible (100). The dividend is .88 . Multiply this by 4.0 (the scale). The product is the converted grade: in this case, Juan Carlos’ grade would translate to 3.52 out of 4.0 .

Gina has received her undergraduate degree at a university that uses a 4.3 scale. To adjust her grade-point average to conform to our 4.0 scale, she will have to do the following:

Gina’s final GPA was 4.2. In order to convert this, she must divide her GPA (4.2) by our maximum scale (4.0). Then, she will multiply the dividend by the product of her last calculation. So, Gina will multiply ~.95 by 4.0 to get ~3.81 as her converted GPA.

The overarching principle is: Divide our maximum of 4.0 by your numerical grade.. (If you are on the point system, you must first divide your points obtained by the maximum offered at your university to obtain a number that you can multiply for the rest of this formula). Multiply the dividend by 4.0 to obtain your final answer.

About transcripts: How many must I send in? May I send in the copies myself? If not, how should it be done?

We require two transcripts. For domestic students, we need official copies for final admission. Official copies may not have “Issued to student” stamped upon them (for US universities). The applicant should request that the transcripts be sent directly from the registrar of the university or college they have attended to the department of Physics at CU. The address is:

Graduate Desk
University of Colorado
Physics
390 UCB - 2000 Colorado Avenue
Boulder, CO  80309-0390