Heliophysics/astrophysics Grad School

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the considerations for applying to graduate schools in heliophysics and astrophysics, particularly focusing on solar physics. Participants explore the competitiveness of various institutions, the importance of academic credentials, and the relevance of extracurricular activities in the application process.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in solar physics and general astrophysics, mentioning a preference for East Coast schools and providing their academic background, including GPA and research experience.
  • Another participant lists top schools for solar physics, suggesting that some of the mentioned schools may not have strong programs in astrophysics and emphasizes the importance of research experience and strong letters of recommendation.
  • A different participant advises that the applicant should aim for high scores on the PGRE and consider applying to lower-tier schools as a backup, noting that many applicants may have higher GPAs.
  • A participant defends the relevance of their extracurricular activities, arguing that involvement in national councils could be significant, while acknowledging the lack of publications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of extracurricular activities and the competitiveness of the applicant's profile. There is no consensus on the impact of gender and disability on admission chances, nor on the specific strengths of the schools mentioned.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the significance of various factors in graduate school admissions, including GPA, PGRE scores, research experience, and extracurricular activities, but do not resolve the relative importance of these elements or the specific admissions landscape for each school.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective graduate students interested in heliophysics, astrophysics, or related fields, particularly those considering applications to schools on the East Coast or those with similar academic profiles.

cosmojo
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I've started to look at graduate schools and I am really interested in doing solar physics, although I am very interested in more general astrophysics as well.
Of course we all want to go to a great school but I want to be realistic about where I can get in ect. Location is a big deal to me as well. I'd like to go out to the East coast somewhere but I don't have to of course.
I've been looking into Boston University, Yale, Pitt, UC-San Diego?,University New Hampshire, possibly MIT.

How hard is it to get into schools like this? I know I'm all over the spectrum here but I want to get a feel for it.
background- GPA around 3.6 or 3.7, havn't taken PGRE yet, amazing list of extra-currics, and have research experience.

Also I hope this doesn't sound bad but do I have a better chance because I'm a female and I have a disability? I have heard people say that before..
 
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Top schools for solar physics are Harvard, Berkeley, Montana State, and U Colorado (Boulder). UNH has a smaller program. I don't remember anyone at MIT doing solar physics, and they're not big on astro either. Neither is Montana State; they only have a couple astrophysicists.

Activities don't matter for grad schools unless they're directly related to your field. Research experience is great, but everyone applying to the top schools has that, so you'll need great letters and hopefully publications or at least conference presentations.
 
The schools you list are pretty top notch and a decent amount of people will have you beat with your GPA. I think you need to do really, really well on the PGRE. I would focus on that and raise your GPA as much as possible. I would also apply to some lower level schools to fall back on. Better to have something than nothing.
 
By Activities I meant I sit on national councils that advice congressmen on health legislation, I feel like that counts for something. I mean obviously I could be wrong, and yes I do have physics related stuff as well. No publications as of yet.
 

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