Grad school with no Physics GRE but research experience?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenges of applying to graduate school in astrophysics without taking the Physics GRE, particularly due to financial constraints. Participants explore the implications of the GRE's optional status in light of the pandemic and share insights on application strategies and school recommendations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the cost of taking the Physics GRE, citing a total expense of around $350 due to travel and accommodation.
  • Another participant points out that the GRE offers fee reduction options, suggesting the original poster (OP) look into this.
  • Some participants note that many graduate programs have made GRE scores optional or are not accepting them at all this year due to the pandemic.
  • There is a discussion about the potential impact of eliminating the PGRE on students from smaller liberal arts colleges compared to those from larger research institutions.
  • The OP mentions a goal of submitting at least five graduate applications while managing a part-time job.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach for the OP, with differing views on the importance of the GRE and the implications of its optional status. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best strategies for applying to graduate programs without the Physics GRE.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various financial and logistical challenges related to taking the GRE, as well as differing policies among graduate programs regarding GRE requirements. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and perspectives on graduate school applications.

Vitani1
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Due to not having any money after financial aid this semester (also covid, no job, etc.) I don't have money to afford to take the physics GRE. I do however work in a lab as a research assistant and have research experience. I'd like to get into a school for astrophysics potentially. Any recommendations? I'm thinking of noting my financial constraints on my graduate application in regards to the GRE. I found that in order to take this it would be upwards of $350. By recommendations I mean in specific schools that have a good ranking for astrophysics/physics but do not require the physics GRE. Of course I have taken the general GRE. (P.S. Note to admin... sorry, this will look similar to another post.)
 
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Vitani1 said:
I found that in order to take this it would be upwards of $350.
Where did you get this price from?

From the GRE website:

https://www.ets.org/gre/subject/faq/

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The test itself is a modest $150 but travelling/hotel cost for the weekend (I can not take this in my home town) will put me at this price.
 
First, the GRE offers fee reduction. You should look into this.

Next, if you would rather have $350 in your pocket than go to the best possible school for you, I question whether you have you priorities straight.

Furthermore, in your last thread on "where should I go to grad school" you bailed on the people who were trying to help you. Now you're starting a new thread. People might wonder how serious you are about grad school.
 
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I don't necessarily mind what people think but I don't have enough money to live etc. if I do this so I'm trying to be frugal this upcoming semester and utilize resources available to me for a lower cost. I will look into free reduction as I didn't know about this feature. Thank you!
 
Many programs have made all GRE scores optional or are not accepting scores at all this year due to the pandemic.
 
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In addition many astronomy programs have ditched the PGRE all together.

 
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There are pros and cons of ditching the PGRE. Who does this hurt? Students from small LAC's (and HBCUs) where it's not easy to match grades with attainment. An admissions committee knows what an A at MIT means, and what an A at Brown means. They may not know what an A at Transylvania University (a real place!) means. Who does this help? Students from large programs at R1's.

It does not sound like the OP is an a place where this will help him very much.

Furthermore, the average application for grad school is somewhere around $85. 350/85 is about 4. I would say that is on the low end of the number of applications needed, and in some circumstances, the very low end.
 
Last edited:
I'm trying to swing at least 5 graduate applications in Fall and a part time job. Thank you for the information!
 

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