Applying to ( Astr /Ptys) Graduate School in the US

1. Applying to (Astr/Ptys) Graduate School in the US Johanna’s Unofficial Opinions and Advice with help from Astrobites, Astrobetter, Jane Rigby’s Guide, other grads, and various other websites

2. Step 1Decide if You Really Want It • Grad school is hard and long, like a marathon • BUT you get to work on super cool stuff (I think) • “I don’t know if I have what it takes” type thoughts are common, but are only an obstacle if you allow them to be • Work ethic, not brain power, is a skill most graduates have • IT IS FREE AND THEY WILL PAY YOU

3. Step 2Decide Where You Want to Apply • Depends on… • Own personal goals • Abilities • Research interests • Type of community you like/thrive in • Environment (do you like it hot/cold/near water/near mnts?) • Family/relationship situation • It’s okay to not have EVERYTHING figured out, part of grad school is finding your passion along the way

4. Step 2Decide Where You Want to Apply • Identify faculty who perform type of research in which you’re interested • Go to departmental websites • Email people! • Ask around at meetings • Ask your undergraduate advisor, other grads, postdocs • Look at the AAS Annual Reports of Astronomical Observatories and Departments • Check out Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy website for information about diversity in (big) departments • Remember that applying is expensive – pay for tests, pay to send scores (after 4), pay to send transcripts, pay application fees…applying for ~10 schools can cost over $1000!

5. Step 3The Application: GREs • General GRE – verbal, quantitative, writing • At AAS, one presentation suggested that VERBAL scores are best predictor of good grades • Study vocab cards – easy, do it on the bus or before bed • Practice practice practice, the more the better • It is more about studying for the TEST than studying the material, per se (learn how to take the test before going in!) • Physics GRE – November before you graduate (at least) • Awful BUT not the end of the world • Also important to know how to TAKE THE TEST – you will need to strategize and learn how to answer problems without doing the calculations/reasoning you normally would • Answers to 4 Physics GRE test are online, and www.grephysics.net has the solutions explained • Best way to learn may be to teach physics • You can always take the test again!

6. Step 4The Application: Personal Statement • Be creative, but not too informal or cliché • I talked about challenges I faced in research and how I overcame them • Why should these people invest >$200K in you? Why will you be successful? Give them a reason to want you there! • Demonstrate you are familiar with the department and why you want to work there; tailor it to each department • E.g., have a paragraph that you change for each school • Demonstrate you have an idea (or a few) of what you want to study (make sure it’s feasible!) and why it is important • Rely on your past research experience, use concrete examples • BUT don’t just list what you did, the programs you used, etc. • HAVE OTHERS READ IT!

7. Step 4The Application: Letters of Rec. • Most schools require 3 from people who know you in a professional setting (ideallyresearchadvisors) • Choose people who can cite specific evidence of your strengths, and also explain any “weaknesses” of your application • Be organized, give writers plenty of time, give them your CV • Have a conversation with writers about your goals and what you have in your personal statement • Good letters outweigh weaker parts of your application • Send thank-you letters to your writers!

8. Step 4The Application: Misc. • Transcripts – get them in early, don’t let this hold up your application, check to make sure you send the right number • Check each department for additional requirements for international students • Each department will also have other specific forms or questionnaires your must complete – take your time and do a good job on these, too! • Applications are due as early as December and as late as February, pay attention to deadlines!

9. Next Steps • Follow-up with each department to make sure they received your materials • If you go to meetings in Nov-Feb, especially the AAS… • Go to undergraduate events/reception • Try to meet with people you want to work with – putting a name with a face can make a difference! • Talk to current graduate students in the departments – get an insider’s perspective • Apply for whatever outside funding you can – your attractiveness goes up if you bring your own money! • Acceptances usually start in Feb. and continue through March • VISIT if you can! Most schools will pay for you to come • Ask questions – funding, student life, class/research balance, exams, advising • Try to picture yourself there

10. More Resources • Google “UT Austin applying to astronomy grad school” • Astrobites • Astrobetter • Library • Me! jteske@as.arizona.edu