Applying to the Physics Graduate Program

ANNUAL APPLICATION DEADLINE:
January 1, 2010 for Domestic STUDENTS,
December 1, 2009 for International STUDENTS.

Please note: This deadline supercedes any other
dates regarding University admissions.

Dear Prospective Graduate Student,

Thank you for your interest in the Physics Department of the University of Colorado, Boulder. To apply for entry into the graduate program in Fall 2010, please follow the instructions below. Please note, due to the large number of applications we receive, we cannot respond to individual requests concerning the status of your application. However, once your application has been submitted online, we will check to make sure your application is complete. If it is not, you will be notified in a timely manner. The most important point is to submit your online application by the January 1, 2010 deadline (for Domestic Students) or the December 1, 2009 deadline (for International Students).

STEP 1) Review the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

STEP 2) APPLICATION-Parts 1 and 2
    a. All applications must be submitted electronically through ApplyYourself. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
    b. The "major department" code for physics is GR-PHYS.
    c. Your “Intended Degree” should be a PhD. The Physics Department does not offer a terminal Master’s Program.
    d. Please fill in the “Specialty” field below “Intended Degree” using the pulldown menu. This should be your primary field of interest.

STEP 3) LETTERS of RECOMMENDATION
    a. We strongly urge you to have your recommenders submit their letters electronically. This may be done through ApplyYourself. The “Letter of Recommendation” forms can be found on the ApplyYourself website. Recommenders may also send paper letters directly to the address below.
    b. Physics requires three (3) letters of recommendation for each student.

STEP 4) STANDARDIZED TESTS
    a. GREs: All students are required to take the general GRE test.
    b. GRE Physics Subject Test: All students are required to take the physics subject test except for students who are entering the GeoPhysics Program.
    c. GRE Codes: The institutional code is 4841. The Physics Department major code is 0808.
    d. TOEFL-International students only. US citizens and permanent residents do not need this test. Any international student who has completed an academic year at an American university does not need to submit TOEFL scores.

STEP 5) TRANSCRIPTS
    a. All students must submit 2 original copies of each transcript.
    b. For colleges/universities in the United States, request that transcripts be sent directly to the address below.
    c. We will accept transcripts from international universities sent in by the applicant IF they meet the following criteria:
        1. They must be in the original, sealed envelope from the issuing institution.
        2. They must have a signature or seal across the back flap.

STEP 6) SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
    Fill it out and email it or print and mail it to the address below. Supplemental Application Form

STEP 7) PLEASE DO NOT SEND:
   a. Paper copy of your application
   b. Paper copy of your personal statement or resume
   c. Student papers or publications
The University of Colorado has made a commitment to use as little paper as possible. Your application and personal statement are online. Additional materials will not be considered in the application process. We appreciate your cooperation.

STEP 8) APPLICATION FEE
    a. $50 for domestic students or permanent residents of the US
    b. $70 for international students

MAILING ADDRESS for Transcripts and other application materials:
Graduate Program Assistant
Department of Physics
2000 Colorado Ave.
390 UCB
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80309-0390 USA

Further Information:
Research being conducted by the CU faculty
Coursework and Exams

Additional Contact Information:
Department Contact List
Graduate Desk Email