Physics Grad School: Senior-Year Application Guide

Senior Year — Preparing for Graduate School

You have now reached your final undergraduate year. By this point you have completed core courses in the pillars of physics — classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and electromagnetism — and most students will also have taken thermodynamics and statistical physics. Academically this is the time to begin taking more advanced or graduate-level courses. Depending on your school and department size, options may include solid-state physics, particle physics, advanced laboratory courses, and more.

If you already have clear research interests, enroll in classes that align with those areas. If you are still undecided (as many students are), it’s still valuable to take one or two specialized courses: they expand your knowledge, expose you to different subfields, and can help clarify your long-term direction.

Applying to Graduate School — Key Steps

The start of your senior year is when you should seriously plan what to do after graduation. Most physics majors pursue graduate school and ultimately a doctorate. If that is your plan, prepare in the following ways:

1. Prepare for the GRE tests. Take both the GRE General Test and the Physics GRE Subject Test (when required). Some graduate programs no longer require GRE scores for admission, but many still require them for assistantships and funding decisions. Aim to complete testing well before application deadlines so scores are available when you submit.
2. Apply early. If you plan to start in the fall, submit all applications by December of the previous year, especially if you want an assistantship. Highly competitive programs may have even earlier internal deadlines. When in doubt, earlier is better.
3. Build a balanced list of schools. Unless you have exceptional credentials, admissions are uncertain. Group target programs into three categories: (a) reach/top-tier schools that are difficult to get into, (b) match/mid-tier schools where you have a reasonable chance, and (c) safety/lower-tier schools you expect to gain admission to. These tiers are about admission likelihood, not program quality or fit.
4. Research each program thoroughly. Look for specific research groups, recent publications, and faculty whose work matches your interests. Your application will usually require a statement of purpose — be specific about why you want to study at that school and mention faculty, research groups, or facilities that attract you. If you have prior coursework or projects related to that area, reference them. Being specific shows admissions committees that you’ve done your homework and are a good fit. Note: expressing an interest in a particular area does not irrevocably commit you to it.
5. Consider selective faculty contact. In some cases, contacting a faculty member directly can help — especially if a faculty member is actively recruiting students or if you have prior interactions or recommendations that support the contact. If you choose this route, get an introduction if possible (for example, via a mentor or faculty at your undergraduate institution), explain your interests briefly, and mention any relevant experience or coursework. Use discretion: unsolicited contact can help, but it can also backfire if done poorly.

In the next installment I will describe what you can expect from graduate school before you get there.

Next Chapter: What to Expect from Graduate School Before You Get There